Recommissioning Classic Cars
Bringing dormant classic cars back to life!
If there is one thing we do more than anything else at Classic Collective, it is recommissioning classics. Many arrive from long-term collections or estate sales, often having sat dormant for years.
Our expertise lies in mechanically refurbishing these vehicles with precision and care bringing them back to life so they are once again safe, reliable, and ready for the road.
Fault Finding and Repairs
Every recommission begins with a thorough, methodical inspection. Starting at one bumper and finishing at the other. This allows us to accurately assess not only the overall condition of the car, but also the health of around 90% of its components.
Using our Health Checklist as a foundation, we delve deeper into the detail to create a clear traffic light report showing:
- Red — Items that are dangerous and require immediate attention
- Amber — Issues that may cause reliability problems
- Yellow — Areas likely to cause issues in the medium term
- Green — Opportunities for simple improvements in condition or originality
With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about where to invest: whether it’s safety, reliability, preservation, or originality.
From Aston Martin DB4s to Volvo PV544s, we’ve recommissioned and repaired hundreds of classics. Whether before or after purchase, speak with us about recommissioning your classic, we’ll be delighted to offer insight into time frames, budgets and known issues to check before bringing the vehicle to us. We can even arrange transport of your vehicle if it is no long running under its own steam!.
- Lights checked
- Engine oil level and condition checked
- Engine compression check
- Engine leak down check
- Engine ran up to temperature, check if electric cooling fans cut in
- Wheels removed, tyres checked for condition, age, tread wear and pressures
- Remove spare tyre and checked for condition, age, tread wear and pressure
- Check wheel hubs/splines for wear and condition
- Check wheel condition, including wheel spokes where wire wheels are fitted
- Check oil breathers
- Inspect brakes for friction material, leaks and function
- Check all driveshaft joints, hubs and ball joints (front and rear)
- Inspect metal brake pipes and flexible pipes for condition/corrosion/leaks
- Check handbrake function
- Underbody corrosion inspection
- Exhaust system inspection, general condition and mounts
- Check gearbox oil for condition and level (suggested change every 5 years)
- Check differential oil for condition and level (suggested change every 5 years)
- Check and top up carburettor dash pots (if SU type fitted)
- Check and replace inline fuel filter
- Check idle/fuel mixture/balance carburettors
- Check air filter(s)
- Check/ spark plugs (suggest change at 2 years)
- Check condition/gap of points/condenser/rotor arm/cap and HT leads
- Check engine timing
- Check drive belt condition and tension
- Inspect coolant pipes & gland hole vent hole under water pump for leakage
- Inspect core plugs for leakage
- Pressure test cooling system
- Check coolant strength (suggested replacement every 2 years)
- Check brake/clutch fluid for level and condition (suggested replacement every 2 years)
- Check windscreen washer fluid, check operation of screen wash jets
- Inspect wiper blade condition and check operation.
- Start engine and check for leaks
- Road test
Get Your Car Booked in Today
With a dedicated service team we can provide a rapid response for servicing and MOT’s. Call us or click the button below to contact us and we can have your classic collected and on the ramp in just 24 hours!
CALL – 01869 221 870
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