What a mobile mechanic can do on a classic
Much of classic car work is mechanical and hands on, and it does not need a large shop. A mobile mechanic can bring a car that has been parked back to life, keep a driver running well, and install upgrades one system at a time.
For project cars and restomods, see classic car restoration and custom builds and upgrades for more on what fits a mobile visit.
- Getting a car that has sat running again
- Carburetor cleaning, tuning and rebuilds
- Points, timing and electronic ignition conversions
- Brake repair and disc brake conversions
- Cooling system and hose replacement
- Wiring repairs, grounds and harness replacement
- Oil changes and fluid service with the right oil for older engines
- Pre-purchase inspections on classic cars
Working at home, in a garage or in a storage unit
Classics are often kept in a home garage, a shared garage or a storage unit. Check that the location allows repair work, and let the mechanic know how much room there is around the car, whether there is power and lighting, and whether the floor is level and solid.
A car that does not run cannot be moved into a better spot easily, so send photos of the space along with the car. That helps the mechanic plan what to bring and what can be done there.
Older VINs and finding parts
Cars built before the 1981 model year usually have shorter VINs that do not follow the modern 17 character format, so online decoders may not read them. The VIN plate, title, and data or trim tags on the car still help a mechanic identify the engine and options. Our guide on how to find your VIN shows where to look.
Many classic owners source their own parts. If you plan to, agree with the mechanic ahead of time on who buys what, and have the parts on hand and checked before the visit.
Finding the right mechanic and planning the work
Not every mechanic likes older cars. Ask whether they regularly work on carbureted engines, points ignition and cars from your era, and whether they have worked on your make or a similar one.
For a bigger project, break the work into stages, such as running, then stopping, then driving, and ask for a written quote for each stage. That keeps the budget clear and lets you decide what comes next.
- Do you work on cars from this era and on carbureted engines?
- Can this be done where the car is kept?
- Will you supply parts, or should I source them?
- Can you quote the project in stages?
- What parts of this job would need a shop?
Common jobs for classic, vintage and custom cars
Getting ready for the visit
- Note the year, make, model and engine, and whether it is original or modified
- Tell the mechanic how long the car has been parked and whether it runs
- Take photos of the car, the engine bay and the space around it
- Gather any parts, manuals and records you already have
- Check that your garage or storage unit allows repair work
- Write down the work you want done, in order of priority