Classic-Car Prep; How to make sure your vintage bling is ready for spring.(Revs)

Byline: John L. Stein

Six months after parking your new Mercedes-Benz E-Class to go on sabbatical, you twist the key to resume your normal driving routine without hesitation. But half a year after mothballing your Hillman Minx for its winter nap, should you have the same confidence? That depends. Waking up your vintage car mostly depends on how it was stored and how fresh the key systems are. Tires lose stickiness over time, hoses and seals harden, fluids turn gummy, and exhaust systems rust, even if rarely used. Thus, readying your cherished ride for spring means assessing the age of the components as well as their condition. Here's a general guide.

Fuel System We think one of the best car insurance policies is a sound fuel system. This means examining every hose, line and fitting from the fuel filler to the tank and carburetor. "Depending on how long the car has been stored, stale fuel can also be an issue," says Ed Wittwer, owner of Corvette Service Co. in Carpinteria, California. "It has a much different smell from fresh fuel, and if it's really stagnant, we pump the tank out and start with fresh fuel."

Cooling System Check the radiator hoses, along with smaller ancillary hoses for catch tanks and the heater core, for overall integrity. "For a spring start-up, we always check the coolant level, age and condition," advises Wittwer. "We normally change the coolant every two years or if it is contaminated and has ...