Old Unrestored Muscle Cars

OldZ28Owner · #1 03-23-2005, 06:48 PM

Whenever I see an old unrestored muscle car or any other for that matter, one that is "a 1966 with only 6600 miles" for example, some are listed as completely original. I always have wondered how the rubber components - tires, hoses, belts, weatherstrippiong - could possibly have survived the years. I realize some have been stored in a climate controlled garage, and that the tires might not be safe to drive on. But wouldn't the rubber have deteriorated too badly to look acceptable and functional? I remember seeing the LS6 Chevelle sometime back that had been immediately stored, after purchase, and wondered. I will probably never see one of these jewels so someone help me!

Thanks

Supraman

**firstgenaddict** · #2 03-23-2005, 06:54 PM

The weatherstripping was not rubber per se it was foam with a latex covering which deteriorates as well.
Most of the cars you are talking about would probably not be safe to drive around in with out replacing the wear parts you listed.

But then if you are buying a 6000 original mile car ...you are probably going to set it in a display and not drive it.

ORIGLS6 · #3 03-23-2005, 07:11 PM

Jim,

My car still retains the original radiator and heater hoses, as well as the rubber hoses for the AIR system. All are in remarkable shape for being 35 years old. The weatherstripping is also holding up well, although I admit it received pretty good care all along; treated with ArmorAll and garaged since 1975 (not 'climate controlled' or even heated). The only pieces showing some deterioration are the rubber strips on the front of the rear quarter windows. They are beginning to crack, especially on the driver's side. The car has 32K miles on it and was a daily driver for the first three years of it's life, sitting out in all kinds of weather. The belts have been replaced a number of times, (they tend to depart around 6K RPM) and the bypass hose from the intake to the water pump has also been replaced, but all the others have held up....... so far!

As for the tires................ Well,................

!
They're still around but I SERIOUSLY doubt if they'd hold air!

Dennis

**Mr70** · #4 03-23-2005, 07:26 PM

Those tires are Crap.You won't need them..give them to me.
Dennis Cumby is a Rare breed.

LastOne · #5 03-23-2005, 08:40 PM

I have parted out some low mileage original "granny" cars that have suffered from the northern rust and have been amazed at the condition of some of the original hoses & door rubber. With the current price of NOS door weatherstrips I wish I had found a way to remove some of them for re-use! The passenger side always seems to be in better condition.

OldZ28Owner · #6 03-23-2005, 08:56 PM

Thanks for the info. One of those curious things in life, I guess.

Supraman

skierkaj · #7 03-23-2005, 09:01 PM

Armour All isn't a very good thing to use. It moistens the surface for a while, but then dries it out even more than before. Just a little tip I got from a very reputable paint and body man. He suggested Meguires, or some other product. I can't remember exactly what was in the Armour All that did this, but I could try to find out.

budnate · #8 03-23-2005, 11:08 PM

Armol all is bad stuff..

the stuff I was turned onto years ago but stopped using mainly cuzz it was spendy ....it is used in the Avation industry and is called "303 protectant" it is what they whip there stuff down with and UV's dont break it down..It had a nice satin look to it..I had a case but used it up years ago....I should probably look online bet we can find it reasonable now...

**Mr70** · #9 03-23-2005, 11:26 PM

I use it on My Hot Tub cover.
http://www.rhtubs.com/store/303protectant.htm

GMC_Typhoon · #10 03-24-2005, 08:15 AM

I've never used anything on my plastic but a damp cloth.Seems to work pretty good. Armor All=BAD