Index

A
Air-conditioning, 68, 7677, 80, 101, 182,
245, 293313, 392393
Chevrolet Suburban, 171
compressor clutch and seize test,
300301
compressor functionality test,
302303
compressor replacement, 297, 310
condenser, 294, 297, 302, 304305,
308, 310312, 351352
console trim, 312
cost, 293
evacuation of system, 305
evaporator, 294, 304, 306312
flushing and filling with oil,
303305
gross leak test, 301302
hose replacement, 299300, 312
overall approach to, 308310
pressure-holding test, 303
receiver/dryer replacement, 305
recharging system, 306
refrigerant change (R12 to R134a),
295297
refrigerant present test, 298299
refrigerant recovery, 307
small leak detection, 306308
visual inspection, 297298
wiring, 312
Air-cooled engines, 5960, 147148, 152,
172
Air tools, 3840, 217, 334, 339, 379
Alfa Spider, Series 1 to 4, 131135
Allan, Pat, 178

Allen keys and sockets, 33, 39, 216217

Alternator, 29, 7072, 121, 123, 143
As built cars, 243244
Aschwanden, Peter, 54
Auctions, buying from, 263264
AutoCheck, 262, 266

B
Back injury, 270273
Ball joints, 127128
Barn find cars, 232233, 316318
Battery, 69
disconnected, 69
drained, 69
jumping, 70
replacing, 70, 120121
voltmeter, checking with, 71
weak or run down, 6972
Belts, 122124
alternator, 7071
fuel injection pump, 124
serpentine, 71, 123
timing, 123124
Bimmer vs. Beemer, 62
BMW
handling, 52
history, 6265
logo (roundel), 62
BMW 3.0CS
air-conditioning, 307
body condition, 235236, 241
body design, 8586
buying, 99100
lift, positioning on, 43
trunk tool kit, 239240
BMW 3.0CSi, 19, 8586, 116, 118, 203
204, 241242, 288289, 291292, 406
air-conditioning, 182, 308313

412

Index

buying, 8689
cost of, 86, 88, 99
fuel system, 125, 182
restoration, 9192, 97102, 197, 408
suspension system, 359
BMW 3.0CSL, 85
BMW 318ti, 120, 260261
BMW 325i (E36), 118, 124, 126, 145146
BMW 325iX, 145
BMW 325Xi wagon (E46), 256, 350354
BMW 525i, 208
BMW 528e, 124
BMW 528iT wagon (E39), 43, 183185,
217, 257
BMW 533i, 83, 100
BMW 540i sport, 115
BMW 635CSi, 231, 288, 323324, 407
BMW 733i, 57, 114
BMW 1500, 85
BMW 1600, 177
BMW 1602, 63
BMW 2000CS, 7879, 86
BMW 2002, 12, 6267, 78, 108, 176,
290, 398
1970, 5
1971, 6567, 7677, 114, 193
1973, 19, 51, 53, 68, 7377, 80,
111112, 193, 221
1974, 8084, 116, 139, 161, 195
air-conditioning, 76, 297, 299300,
307
ball joints, 128
bumpers, 64
correct cars, 238239
electronic ignition module for, 127
emissions controls, 6465
fuel system, 6465
lift, positioning on, 4243
sound system, 234
transmission, 42, 6566
value of, 243
wheels, 234
BMW 2002tii, 6465
1972, 235, 252254, 316317, 385,
387395, 408

1973, 160, 200, 240, 248, 399400

buying, 251254, 387395
fuel system, 124126
Rachlins, 104105, 107, 198
sale of, 105, 253254, 385, 399400
value of, 243, 322, 385
BMW 2800CS, 71, 85
BMW E9 (body code), 8586
BMW E30 3 Series cars, engine in, 124
BMW E30 convertible, 135
BMW E36, 306
BMW E36 325i. See BMW 325i (E36)
BMW E36 M3, 234, 265269
BMW E39 528iT wagon. See BMW 528iT
wagon (E39)
BMW E39 540i sport, 115
BMW E46, 217
BMW E46 325Xi wagon. See BMW 325xi
wagon (E46)
BMW M3 (E36), 234, 265269
BMW M20 engine, 124
BMW Neue Klasse (New Class), 63
BMW Z1, 110111, 199
BMW Z3 M Coupe, 19, 52, 135, 203
brake system rattle, 366
buying, 210211
exhaust system, 329330, 340342
floor jacks, use of, 36
lift, positioning on, 43
suspension system, 359
Body condition. See Condition,
evaluating
Bolts, removing. See Stuck nuts and
bolts, removing
Book value, 261
Brake system, 180181, 274275
newer cars, repairs of, 52
rattles associated with, 366
Toyota Land Cruiser, 278279
Breaker bars, 33, 38, 332, 339
British cars, problems of, 78, 1112,
130131
Budget, car, 230231, 245
Build sheet, 243244
Bumpers, 49, 64, 80, 98, 130131, 149

Index
Burke, Charlie, 258
Bushings, 120, 217, 219220, 257,
359361
Buying a classic car, 7374, 7879,
228254, 387395
air-conditioning, 245
as built, 243244
BMW 3.0CS, 99100
BMW 3.0CSi, 8689, 9192
budget, 230231, 245
condition, 229230
correct cars, 238241, 245
cost, 228230, 246, 318
dead cars, 398
mileage, 235, 240
modified while restored, 242
negotiations, 316322, 393
original cars, 231236, 243
outside of comfort zone, 249250
restored cars, 236238, 241242,
245
third party evaluation of, 250
thrill of the chase, 251254
tightness, 245
transporting car home, 388390
value of car, 243, 244, 245, 322, 385
when to buy, 247
where to buy, 246248
Buying a daily driver, 255269
air-conditioning, 293
book value, 261
breakdown, risk of, 256
CARFAX and AutoCheck, 262, 266
cost, 256
high-mileage German cars,
256261
private parties vs. dealers, 263264
required maintenance, 262263
sales tax, 261
thrill of the chase, 265269
Buying a roadster, 129136

413

C
CARFAX, 262, 266
Carini, Wayne, 228
Carlson, Satch, 269
Catalytic converters, 49, 130131, 333
Celebrities, cars owned by, 401403
Check engine light (CEL), 50
Chevrolet Suburban, 144, 171, 307
Classic car insurance. See Insurance
Clothing, work, 3536
Clunks. See Tightness
Clutch, 150, 182, 318, 329
compressor, 295, 300302
driving without, 7374
failure, 120
fan, 351
Compressor
air (for tools), 3840
air conditioning (See Air
conditioning)
spring, 216, 218219
Condenser. See Air conditioning
Condition, evaluating, 229230,
235236, 241. See also Paint; Rust
Cooling system, 120123, 183, 257259,
350354
Correct cars, 238241, 245
Corrosion. See Rust
Corvette, 49, 51
Cotter, Tom, 232
Covey, Stephen, 285286
Craigslist, 246
Crankcase ventilation valve (CVV), 120,
183, 354355
Crawford, Matthew, 27

D
Daily driver car, 138, 145146, 398400.
See also Buying a daily driver
Davis, David E., 6364
Dead cars, 396404
Dealers, buying from, 261264
Dean, James, 402403

414

Index

Death cars, 401403

Dempsey, Wayne, 338
Diamond, Steve, 110111, 199
Digital volt meter (DVM), 35
Doors, noises from, 364365
Dremel tool, 37, 334336, 341
Drill, power, 37, 336338
Drive-on ramps, 37
Drivetrain mounts, 361362
Drivetrain rattles, 365
Driving schools, 115117
Dwell, setting, 178179

E
Easy Outs, 332
eBay, 247248
Electrical system, 123. See also Alternator; Battery
Electrical tools, 35
Electronics, 50, 52, 150, 178179
Emissions controls, 6465
Emissions standards, 49, 52, 130131,
149
Engine compartment
rattles, 366
restored car, 241
Engine mounts, 361
Engine speed, rattles and, 365
Engines
interference/noninterference,
123124
Porsche 911 engine drop, 155
rear-mounted (air-cooled), 5960,
147148, 152, 172
replacement, 100, 373383
Evaporator, 294, 304, 306312
Exhaust, 182. See also Stuck nuts and
bolts, removing
newer cars, repair of, 52, 145
noises associated with, 358
Toyota Land Cruiser, 278
Volkswagen bus, 162
EZ Lock quick-disconnect mandrel, 335

F
Fan, cooling, 122, 350354
Fan belt, 122123
Fan clutch, 351
Flood cars, 83, 100, 262
Floor jacks, 3637, 175176
Friends cars, work on, 4547, 162163,
274276, 373395
Front suspension, 213217, 359
Fuel filters, 125
Fuel pump, 124126
Fuel system, 69, 124126
Alfa Spider, 132134
BMW 2002, 6465
Bosch L-Jetronic, 101, 109, 134
Bosch Motronic, 150, 242
idle speed, 109
SPICA system, 132133

G
Garage, building, 157161, 200201
Geo Metro, 222223, 225226, 284287

H
Hack Mechanic, The column,
103105, 289290
Hagerty car insurance. See Insurance
Hammers, 34
Handling
BMW, 52
Porsche, 147148, 154
Head gasket, Alfa S3, 134
Hearses, 401402
Heating system, Volkswagen, 5960
Hoffman, Max, 63
Hofmeister kink, 85
Honda Fit, 184, 222, 398399
Hood, noises from, 362363
Hoses
air conditioning, 296297,
299300, 312
air tools, 38

Index
cooling system, 121122
fuel, 124125
How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A
Manual of Step-by-Step Procedures for
the Compleat Idiot, 5456, 283, 286

I
Ignition system, 6874, 126127, 150,
178179
Insurance, 146, 156, 231, 288, 395
Interior. See also Seats
condition of, 230
correct cars, 238239
original color, 243
replacement of, 99100
restored car, evaluation of, 238
seats, 234235
International Motor Press Association
(IMPA) Test Day, 117, 130

J
Jack stands, 37, 175
Jumper cables, 70

K
Karmann bodies, rusting of, 86
Kennedy, John F., 402
Kluge, 173174, 202

L
Langston, Mario, 288
Lennon, John, 401
Leno, Jay, 229
Lifts, post and mid-rise, 4043, 161, 273
Limits, knowing, 405408
Load balancer, 377378, 381

415

M
MacPherson struts, 213214
Maintenance, 120, 262263, 323325
Mazda Miata, 130, 135
Mazda MPV minivan, 143, 184185, 260,
403404
Mercedes, 131
Meyer, Brad, 269
MG, 49, 130
Miller, Mike, 228231, 258260, 269,
309310
Mitchell, Lance, 188
Muir, John, 5456, 283, 286

N
Nelson, Carl, 296
Noises. See Tightness
Nuts and bolts, stuck. See Stuck nuts
and bolts, removing

O
OBD-II, 50
Oil changes, 270271
Oil coolers, 154155, 172174, 202
Oil leaks, 154155, 172174, 202
Oil pressure, low, 324
Oil separator, 183, 354355
Oil thermostat, 172173
Older cars, lure of, 4853
Onboard Diagnostics (OBD), 50
Original cars, buying, 231236, 243
Original condition/original and ready
for restoration, 90, 232, 233
Oxy-acetylene torch, 329330, 338342

P
Paint, 230
color, 243244, 290, 291
enamel, 95
restored car, evaluating, 236238,
241

416

Index

Painting, 9298
cost of, 9295
preparation for, 93
process, 9495
Parts
buying, 181, 184, 381
cars used for, 78, 288, 319, 321, 396
for correct cars, 238
Patina, cars with, 96, 221, 232233
Penetrating oil, 333, 339
Pirsig, Robert, 56, 330331
Pliers, 34
Pontiac Firebird, 208209
Pop-starting a car, 7274
Porsche 356, 131
Porsche 911, 147152, 243
Porsche 911 Carrera, 150151
Porsche 911 Targa, 131, 150151
Porsche 911E, 243
Porsche 911S, 243
Porsche 911SC, 150151
Porsche 911SC Targa, 19, 135, 150156,
202, 385386
air conditioning, 297, 307
buying, 152153
engine drop, 155
floor jacks, use of, 36
lift, use of, 42
oil leaks, 154155, 172174
sale of, 369372
Porsche 914 Targa, 131, 386387
Porsche 964, 151152
Porsche 993, 151152
Power tools, 37, 334338, 341
Private party sale, 261264
Pyle, Gary, 244

R
Rachlin, Yale, 103107, 110, 111, 116, 198
Rambler Classic, 5758, 386387, 401
Ratchet sets, 32, 35, 38, 334
Rattles. See Tightness
Rear shocks, 214, 215, 236, 359
Refrigerant change, 295297

Repairs
Big Jobs, 182185
cost of, 2930
mission creep, 182185
perfection in, 186
pleasures of, 2630
process for, 180189
splitting with shop, 188
Restomods (modified while restored),
242
Restoration, 9098. See also Rust
BMW 3.0CSi, 9192, 97102, 197,
408
buying restored car, 236238,
241242, 245
cost-benefit analysis, 9192
driving restored car, 399400
engine replacement, 100
interior, 99100
painting, 9298
paradigms, 91
patina, cars with, 96
restomods, 242
rubber seals, 94, 9798
television versions of, 190192, 228
terminology, 90, 232234, 238239,
242
trim, 94, 95, 9798
windshields, 94, 9798
Rhythm of repair, 180189, 277283, 379
Roach, Mike, 269
Roadster, buying, 129136
Roundel, The Hack Mechanic column
for, 103105, 289290
Rubber seals, 94, 9798, 183, 237
Rust
BMW 3.0CS, susceptibility of, 86
buying car with, 234
eBay, cars listed on, 247248
inspecting car for, 230, 235236,
241, 252, 317, 319320, 387388,
391
newer cars, 145
Porsche 911s, susceptibility of,
149150

Index
restoration process and, 90, 9697,
253254
restored cars, 241
state inspection and, 231

S
Safety, 120, 175179
of SUVs, 144145
tools, use of, 335
working beneath car, 37, 175176
Sales tax, 261
Saws, 37, 40, 334335
Sayther, Terry, 66, 77, 269
Screwdrivers, 3435
Seats, 155, 230, 234235, 237239, 249,
357358
Selling cars, 77, 91, 139, 144, 229. See
also Buying a classic car; Buying a
daily driver
BMW 2002 tii, 105, 253254, 385,
399400
Porsche 911SC Targa, 369372
Siegels Seven-Car Rule, 137141, 146,
155, 221, 405, 408
Snorkel nose, 235, 392
Sockets, 32, 33, 35, 39, 333334, 379
Sound system, 5859, 66, 234, 238
Speed, 15, 114118
Spoilers, Porsche, 151
Spring compressor, 216, 218219
Starting problems, 6874
bad starter, 72
battery, 6972
clutch, driving without, 7374
dashboard lights, 69
pop-starting, 7274
sound with key in start position,
6970
Steering system, Porsche 911, 147148,
154
Stereo. See Sound system
Stethoscope, mechanics, 367
Storage of cars, 157161, 200201,
232233, 291

417

Stuck nuts and bolts, removing,

329339, 378379
cutting bolt in half, 334335
cutting off bolt head, 336
drilling bolt, 336338
snapping bolt, 334
soaking in penetrating oil, 333, 339
socket and wrench use, 333334,
379
Survivor, 233234
Suspension, 212220, 236
basics, 212213
bounce test, 214215, 359
bushings, 217, 219220, 359361
front, 213217, 359
newer cars, repairs of, 52
noises caused by, 359361
rear shocks, 214, 215, 359
springs, 184, 217219
SUVs, 144145
Sway bars, 148, 359360

T
Taillights, BMW, 63, 64
Tap and die set, 3738
Thermal reactors, 4950, 149
Thongsai, Ben, 224
Tightness, 245, 356368
clunks vs. rattles, 357
de-rattling, 365368
doors, 364365
drivetrain, 361362
emptying trunk, 357
exhaust, 358
hood and trunk lid, 362364
seats, 357358
suspension, 359361
Timing chain, 150
Tire inflator, 40
Tools, 3144. See also specific tools
Torres, Rob, 111
Torx screwdrivers/sockets, 35
Toyota Land Cruiser, 277283, 306308,
340, 342

418

Index

Toyota Previa, 29, 143, 260

Trade-in value, 261
Trailing throttle oversteer, 148
Transmission, 101, 120, 182
BMW 2002, 6566
Getrag G50, 150
mounts, 361362
pulling, using lift for, 4243
rebuilding, 6566
Transporting car home, 388390
Trim, 94, 95, 9798, 230, 288289
air-conditioned console, 312
correct cars, 238
painting, removal for, 237
rocker panel and, 236
Triumph GT6+, 79, 1113, 114,
129130, 193, 401
Trunk
emptying, 357
lid, noises from, 363364

Undercarriage, restored car, 90, 241242

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle

Maintenance, 56, 330331

V
Valve adjustment, 55
Vehicle history reports, 262, 266
Vice Grips, 34, 340
Vintage at the Vineyard, 288292
Vise Grips, 34, 340
Volkswagen, 5456, 131
air-cooled engines, 5960
heating system, 5960
windshield washer, 60
Volkswagen bus, 54, 5761, 162,
194195, 355, 401
Volkswagen camper, 75, 143, 196
Volkswagen Passat, 205, 373383
Volkswagen Vanagon, 143, 386387
Voltage regulator, 121
Voltmeter, 71, 72, 121
Volvo 245 turbo wagon, 71, 143
Volvo P1800ES, 210

Water pump, 121123

Websites, 2, 109, 239, 248, 256, 295, 306,
354, 366
book value, 261
cars advertised on, 246, 251
vehicle history reports, 262
Wheel bearings, replacing, 279280
Wheels, BMW, 234
Wilkinson, Stephan, 150
Wilson, Andrew, 248, 388
Windshield washer, 60
Windshield wipers, 176177
Windshields, 94, 9798
Work surface, 40
Wrenches, 3334, 333334
air impact, 3839, 217, 334, 339, 379
air ratchet, 3839
Wunderbox diagnostic tool, 178179

established 1950
Automotive Reference

BentleyPublishers
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Memoirs of a Hack Mechanic

(a memoir with actual useful stuff)

How Fixing Broken BMWs Helped

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by Rob Siegel
Price: $29.95
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For over 25 years Rob Siegel has written a monthly column

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Rob removing the engine from Maire

Annes 72 VW Bus in preparation
for rebuild and transplant into a 68
VW Camper.
(Photo by Maire Anne Diamond)

Putting the coupe to bed for the

winter. This photo, shot by Yale
Rachlin, so beautifully captures
the care and intimacy that men are
capable of feeling for their car.
(Photo by Yale Rachlin)

The 73 Malaga 2002 with camping

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(Photo by Rob Siegel)

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