New MOT!

[AdrianHewson]

Just got a New MOT on our Stag, having failed in a Bulb and Brake pipe! Not bad for a 37 Year old car.

Sigh of Relief!

We have only done 500 Miles in the last year, when it was last serviced, being an Amatuer in the classic car world - how important is it it have a service due to time (not miles)?

Also, anyone going to the Capel Classic Car Show this Saturday?

Thanks in advance, Adrian

[martin]

YEEEEE HAAAAA ! well done that man ! ! ! Martin.

[AdrianHewson]

Thanks Martin!
Sadly the Grapevine has failed me once again Having just checked the Capel Classic car show, it is infact August - Not July!
I am away, but may be of use to other members; http://www.capelcarshow.com/

Any views on servicing?
Thanks, Adrian



Adrian

[Ian Durrant]

Congrats on the MOT, hopefully I'll be doing the same next summer!

the last year, when it was last serviced, being an Amatuer in the classic car world - how important is it it have a service due to time (not miles)?

Thats a difficult question and you are likely to get different answers. Basically you can't change your oil too often, so a balance needs to be achieved, My view would be that if you are only doing 500 - 2000 miles a year, once a year is probably enough, however if you are doing 6000 miles a year you really need to change the oil twice (because of mileage not time). I would adjust it using these as reference point if you do any sort of mileage in between. If you are doing a low mileage and lay the car up for winter though, I doubt anyone will dispute that the oil change should happen just before you lay it up, though you should run the engine for a few minutes to get that fresh oil circulated. Basically acids build up in the oil when you run the engine, these are largely neutralised by additives in the oil but any acid in the oil sat in the bearings when its layed up continues to do damage.

[martin]

Pretty much agree with Ian, though I would add that putting the old girl away for winter is a bad idea, it will suffer ! of that there is no doubt ! If you can do more miles and keep it going all year round you'll be far better off.
Anyway, how can you have a Stag and not have a constant desire to drive it ? Martin.

[AdrianHewson]

Thank you both for your replies. As far as a low mileage service, is an oil change enough? That make complete sense - but is there anything else I should consider, or is a simple oil service enough?
As far as being laid up over winter, we spent alot of money re-commisioning it last year - but only taxed it for 6 months. So since January it has only had short drives once a month or so. Having said that, it has never failed to start up or had any issues.

[Ian Durrant]

Other aspects of servicing generally don't come into my method of classic car ownership, its constantly getting attention when its in use. I do check the gearbox and axle oil levels once or twice a year and in future I will be inspecting it for faults that lead to the dreaded tin worm much more often. I also grease the driveshaft rear splines at the first sign of any "stag twitch".

I guess if you don't tend to do that work yourself or it doesn't get much attention because its not stored near to you then I guess a full inspection and service once a year (if your mileage is low) is enough.

Hope that helps

[AdrianHewson]

Yes, rust is an issue - although the MOT tester did mention to me how solid it was to me unprompted. Although far from concourse! I shall get my mechanic to do a service an general check over. Am I right in thinking the radiator should be flushed yearlym or am I making that up?
Don't get me wrong, we love driving it, but just don't get much of a chance. But driving it over that last couple of days (to the MOT/Mechanics/MOT etc) I am back in love with it and promise myself that it will be used more!

[martin]

Yes, rust is an issue - although the MOT tester did mention to me how solid it was to me unprompted. Although far from concourse! I shall get my mechanic to do a service an general check over. Am I right in thinking the radiator should be flushed yearlym or am I making that up?
Don't get me wrong, we love driving it, but just don't get much of a chance. But driving it over that last couple of days (to the MOT/Mechanics/MOT etc) I am back in love with it and promise myself that it will be used more!

Hi Adrian, received knowledge suggests that the old girl gets a flush and new anti-freeze annually, 30% anti-freeze and 70% distilled / de-ionised water. This may seem a bit over cautious, but I'm a firm believer in belt and braces where these special cars are concerned. Enjoy, Martin.