Have you ever tried to remove your wheel opening moldings and just ended up stripping those little screws out? Here are a couple solutions, before removing those chrome screws go get a small flat chisel and apply the chisel under the screw edge. ( between the screw and the molding) give the chisel a good hit with a hammer this will tilt the screw a little and it should come loose. ALSO, before loosening the screw go to a local engine builder and automotive store, buy a small tube of (VALVE LAPPING COMPOUND) apply a small amount onto the head of the screw. You will notice it is gritty, this will help hold your screwdriver into the screw and help prevent the stripped head. This will also work on step plates and any other small screws you may have problems with. TRY IT IT WORKS.
Tip #2
Ever get a car back from repair and there is paint over spray on the windshield? I have the solution!!! Buy some STAINLESS STEEL triple ought. Take this stainless steel and polish the over spray away that is on the GLASS ONLY. Gently rub the glass and the overspray will come off. May take a little more presure if there is alot of overspray. You can also use this to clean up and Brighten your chrome bumbers and handles. USE WITH CAUTION NEXT TO PAINT WILL SCRATCH PAINT, DO NOT USE ON MIRRORS EITHER, WILL DAMAGE MIRROR. ONLY GLASS & CHROME.
Tip #3
CHROME BUMPERS:
When installing new or re-chromed front and rear bumpers DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the bolts you install them with. When you overtighten the bolts this will suck in the outside of the bumper and leave sunkin in spots around the bolts. You will also take a chance on cracking the new chrome also. Both can lead to another re-chrome and/or buying a new bumper. When installing, watch the outside of the bumper were the bolt goes in, when you see it starting to pull stop. Tighten the bolts slowly. If you are worried about them vibrating loose, put a little lock tight on the bolts threads before installing the lock washer and nut.
Tip #4
BUYING A CLASSIC OR MUSCLECAR:
Ok, everyone gets excited when they go out and look for a new ride to bring home and restore. I've seen alot of people buy the first car they see or they bring one home that is very shiney and looks new. Once we begin to tear down and strip that nice shiney car we find body filler (bondo) and god knows what stuffed here and there. STOP!!!! One of the first things you should look for is the condition of the frame or frame rails underneath the car, then check the cowl and firewall areas behind the engine in the engine bay, and shock towers and so forth. Make sure this car has a solid and safe (I like to say foundation) before jumping onto a never ending project. Sure it is nice to see a car with decent paint before restoration, BUT don't let the good looks fool ya. I'm not saying most car's are this way, just be careful and take your time and INSPECT the above before jumping. You and your families SAFETY is very important DON'T TAKE A CHANCE.
