Classic Car Mechanical – Your 1 Stop Solution


We specialize in classic car mechanical work on both hot rods, vintage cars, and resto-mods, from the 30s up through the 80s.

  • frame modification and upgrades
  • engine and driveline upgrades
  • electrical and gauge work
  • interior and upholstry
  • custom paint and body work
  • custom wheels & chrome parts
  • plus much more!
Classic Car Mechanical Work being performed on an engine

Automotive maintenance is an essential aspect of car ownership as it helps to ensure the longevity, safety and performance of your vehicle. Regular maintenance can also prevent costly repairs down the road and help to maintain the value of your vehicle. Often, many will invest significant amounts into restoration work only to neglect their vehicle’s classic car mechanical work down the road.

Of course, one of the most important aspects of automotive maintenance is regular oil and filter changes. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and helps to lubricate, cool and clean the moving parts. Over time, oil can become dirty and lose its ability to lubricate and protect the engine. Changing the oil and filter at regular intervals is crucial to maintaining the health of your engine.

Another important aspect of automotive maintenance is regular tire rotations and balancing. Tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle and regular maintenance can help to prevent uneven wear and tear. Tires that are not properly balanced or rotated can lead to poor handling, increased fuel consumption and a higher risk of accidents.

Regular brake inspections and replacements are also important in automotive maintenance. The brakes are critical to the safety of your vehicle and regular maintenance can help to ensure they are working correctly and efficiently. Worn brakes can lead to longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents.

Regular checkups of the battery, air filter, lights, and belts are also important. A malfunctioning battery can leave you stranded, an air filter can cause poor performance and a malfunctioning belt can lead to engine damage.

In addition to regular maintenance, it is also important to address any unusual noises or warning lights that may appear on your vehicle. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious and costly repairs down the road. For classic cars, many issues may become known through odd noises or more thorough routine inspections of electrical areas, under the hood, etc.

Overall, classic car mechanical work and maintenance is an important aspect of car ownership that should not be overlooked. Regular maintenance can help to ensure the longevity, safety and performance of your vehicle and can prevent costly repairs in the future. By following the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle and addressing any unusual noises or warning lights, you can help to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come.

car broken down in need of a classic car mechanic

Common Failure Items

There are several common mechanical parts that can fail on cars, some of the most common are:

  1. Battery: Batteries can fail due to age, corrosion, or exposure to extreme temperatures. A failing battery can cause the car to not start or have electrical issues.
  2. Alternator or generator: These are responsible for charging the battery and providing power to the car’s electrical systems. Alternators can fail due to wear and tear, causing the car to stall or have electrical issues.
  3. Starter: The starter is responsible for turning the engine over when you turn the key in the ignition. Starters can fail due to wear and tear, causing the car not to start.
  4. Water pump: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine. A failing water pump can cause the engine to overheat.
  5. Timing chain: The timing chain is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the engine’s internal parts. A failing timing belt can cause the engine to stall or not start.
  6. Serpentine and v-belts: These belts are responsible for powering the car’s accessories such as the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and alternator. A failing belt can cause these accessories to stop working.
  7. Catalytic converter: Although uncommon on most of our older customer vehicles, the catalytic converter is responsible for reducing emissions from the car’s exhaust. A failing catalytic converter can cause the car to have poor performance and fail emissions tests.
  8. Fuel pump: The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. A failing fuel pump can cause the car to have poor performance or not start. Many cars we see have either mechanical or electrical boost pumps, though some have more modern high-pressure fuel injection pumps.
  9. Fuel filter: The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities from the fuel before it reaches the engine. A clogged fuel filter can cause the car to have poor performance or not start.
  10. Brake pads: The brake pads are responsible for stopping the car by pressing against the rotors. Worn brake pads can cause the car to have poor braking performance and may damage the rotors.

We believe it is VERY important to keep your car in good condition by performing regular classic car mechanical work and checkups, keeping an eye on the warning signals and following the schedule recommended by our technicians. By doing so, you can avoid many of these common mechanical failures and extend the life of your vehicle.

For more information on our classic car mechanical services, please contact us.

Note: HCHR has joined with Speedway Garage to bring you a premium classic car restoration experience.