Car Inspections at Your Convenience
Car Inspections at Your Convenience
At OnlineMechanic, we were approached by a customer who wanted to buy a Ford Falcon Ute from 1971 for restoration in Taree on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. Our expert was tasked with conducting a thorough inspection of the vehicle with restoration in mind. This Falcon had a 302 V8 carburetted engine and had undergone body repairs, making it a sound candidate for restoration. It was listed for $22,000. For the right buyer, these vehicles can fetch around $80,000 when fully restored, making them a potentially lucrative investment.
During the inspection, we found the vehicle had been modified with the wrong differential installed, which had been made into a locker diff. This can impact the vehicle’s value, so buyers need to be aware of these issues during the purchase process. Additionally, the car was modified with a manual transmission. The transmission would need to be changed back to automatic, and there was some visible corrosion that should be addressed.
A differential lock, also known as a locker, is a mechanism that locks the differential in a vehicle’s drivetrain. A differential is a mechanical component that allows the wheels of a vehicle to rotate at different speeds. To make a turn, the outside wheel needs to rotate faster than the inside wheel. Differential locks, on the other hand, lock differentials so that both wheels turn at the same rate.
Pros:
Cons:
Less Stability and Difficult Handling in Everyday Settings: Since differential locks are designed for off-road and race use cases, they fail to provide effective and valuable improvements to a vehicle in everyday driving conditions. When turning, there is an increased risk of losing control as power is applied uniformly to both wheels. This risk exponentially increases on wet and slippery surfaces.
Fuel Efficiency: Adding a differential lock increases the amount of stress applied to a vehicle’s drivetrain under load. This increases the power needed to move the vehicle and subsequent fuel usage. Classic cars are not known for having fantastic fuel economy, so it’s essential to weigh this factor when seeking to make any modifications to a classic vehicle.
Value Impact: Classic car enthusiasts often value originality and preservation of history over modern modifications. Any modifications or repairs should be done in a way that preserves the original condition of the vehicle. Installing a diff lock can be seen as a modification that alters the originality and authenticity of the vehicle, which can decrease its value. With both wheels turning uniformly at all times, tires wear quickly, increasing maintenance costs and increasing frequency at the petrol pump.
In addition, differential locks are not common modifications, nor are they suitable for on-road driving. Typically, it is used for off-roading and racing.
If you’re in the market for a classic car, condition and value are major concerns to address given the age of these vehicles. One of the best ways to do this is by getting a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic that provides comprehensive reporting, saving you money in the long term.
Choose a qualified inspector: Not all mechanics are familiar with vintage vehicles in the modern world. Choose an inspector who has experience working with, and at least a solid familiarity with vintage vehicles.
Have a list of specific questions and concerns: Make a list of specific questions and concerns you have about the car before the inspection. This will ensure that the inspector covers everything that is relevant to your decision and that you get the information you need to make that decision.
Check for authenticity: When buying a classic car, if authenticity is critical to you, let the inspector know before your scheduled inspection. This means checking for original parts and making sure that any repairs or modifications have been done in a way that preserves the original condition of the car. Keep in mind that if authenticity is not a concern, it can harm the resale value of a classic vehicle.
Look for rust and body damage: Classic cars are often prone to rust and body damage, so have the inspector check for these issues during the inspection. Make sure to ask about the structural condition of the vehicle and any areas of the car that may be prone to rust.
Check the car’s history: If the car’s history is an influencing factor in your purchase, make sure to ask the inspector to inquire about historical documentation during the inspection. This could include the original purchase paperwork, servicing history, and any other documentation that might be relevant.
Check for rarity: Classic cars can be rare, which can make it difficult to find original parts and affect the car’s value. Make sure to ask the inspector to confirm any vehicle details surrounding rarity, whether the car is a limited edition, one-of-a-kind, or is difficult to source original parts for if something requires replacement.
Check insurance requirements: Some insurance companies have specific conditions for insuring classic cars, so ask the inspector for any insurance requirements that might affect the car’s value.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you get a thorough and accurate inspection of your classic car. And with the Mobile Car Inspection service provided by OnlineMechanic, you can have a qualified inspector travel to the location of your choice, including Newcastle, Hunter Region and Central Coast, at a time that is convenient for you. We provide an in-depth analysis of the vehicle, including a road test, computer scanning, visual inspections and more.
For those looking to buy a car for sale on the Central Coast, we also offer same-day pre-purchase car inspections, providing a comprehensive report on the vehicle’s value, safety, integrity, and reliability. If you’re looking for a Redbook inspection, and wanting to save a little money without cut corners, visit our service page and learn more about our Mobile Car Inspection services today.
Robin Baldwin is the owner and operator of OnlineMechanic Pre Purchase Car Inspections. He is a qualified automotive technician with over 43 years of hands on experience in the motor trade.
If you wish to book an inspection please contact us now for same day inspections. Call Robin Baldwin on 0425 210 188 or follow our links.
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