Automotive How-To Tech Articles
The following articles were written for the mechanically inclined person who owns or has access to a fair amount of tools, has some automotive background, and is willing to learn new skills.
Although there are numerous ways to approach any given problem, these methods haven proven to be practical and reliable.
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Brake Line Fabrication
Steel brake lines are vulnerable to corrosion. The problem with the ones sold in auto parts stores is, they rarely have the correct fittings and the exact length that you need.
Read: How To Make Brake Lines
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Wheel Cylinder Rebuilding
Although it's usually faster to replace than rebuild, there are several advantages to rebuilding old and leaking wheel cylinders.
Read: Rebuild Wheel Cylinders
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Patch Panels
If a body panel has rust spots but no collision damage, replacing the whole panel may not be necessary. An alternative is to cut out the rusted area, make a template, trace it onto sheet metal, cut it out, and weld it in.
Read: How To Make A Patch Panel
MIG Weld Sheet Metal
You may have heard people say that it's easy to MIG weld. When trying to weld thin sheet metal metal, it's easy to MIG weld badly.
Read: MIG Welding Sheet Metal
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How To Cut Sheet Metal
From a $10 hacksaw to a horizontal band saw costing hundreds of dollars, there are many ways to cut sheet metal.
Read: Nine Ways To Cut Sheet Metal
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Starting A Car That Has Been Sitting A Long Time
Before you pour fresh fuel into that old car's gas tank and try to start the engine, there's several precautions you should take to avoid damaging the motor.
Read: Getting An Old Car Running
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Engine Valve Lapping
Lapping valves does not take the place of a valve job, but it does confirm whether or not one is needed. It actually takes longer to clean, prepare, and round up the supplies than to actually lap the valves.
Read: How To Lap Valves
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Steering Cylinder Rebuild
Rebuilding a power-steering cylinder is always less expensive than buying a replacement unit, plus it keeps your classic car as original as possible.
Read: How To Rebuild A Steering Cylinder
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EFI Conversion
Thinking of retrofitting a fuel injection system onto an old car or truck? This article explains why, how, and where to mount an O2 sensor.
Read: Add Oxygen Sensor To Old Car
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Paint A Car Yourself
If you're willing to put in the time and energy, painting a car yourself can be done. Just be sure to include a realistic time schedule in your plan, and keep it flexible. Things can and do go wrong.
Read: How To Paint A Car
Read: Best Spray Gun For Automotive Restoration
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How To Spray Paint An Engine
Applying a few coats of paint to a rebuilt engine provides protection as well as good looks. Here's some tips on how to spray paint an engine block and engine components from an aerosol can.
Read: Spray Painting An Engine
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How To Paint Brake Calipers
Painting calipers is all about surface preparation.
Read: Painting Brake Calipers
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Ripped Dust Boot Replacement
When a ball joint or tie rod boot gets damaged, grease ends up all over your car's undercarriage, but worse, the parts will wear out much faster.
Read: Replace Tie Rod Dust Boots
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Sway Bar Links and Bushings
If that squeaking sound from the front end is getting worse, and if there's a clunking noise when driving over bumps, it's time for an undercar inspection.
Read: Replace Sway Bar Links
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Floor Jack Repair
After 25 years of service, my old floor jack stopped holding pressure. Rather than buy a replacement, I decided to buy a rebuild kit and repair it.
Read: Repair An Old Floor Jack
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Ford F150 Corroded Battery Terminals
The dealer wants to sell you the whole cable harness, but there's a better way.
Read: Replace Battery Terminal Ford F150
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Replace Shift Interlock Solenoid 2006-2010 Explorer
Designed to fit 2006 through 2010 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, and 2007 through 2010 Sport-Trac pickups, the Dorman 924-707 module is a direct replacement for the original circuit board which has been known to fail.
Read: Replace Shift Interlock Module Ford Explorer
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Add Oil Filter To Old Jeep
Many early Jeeps left the factory with no oil filter. A common upgrade, then and now, is to add a remote oil filter.
Read: Willys Jeep Oil Filter Canister Installation
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