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It is time to get back into the garage
It is about that time—the days are getting longer and the race tracks are starting to prepare for its 2008 season opener. Start making a checklist of the maintenance chores required in an attempt to get your Mustang back on track as quick as possible. Old man winter isn’t quite gone yet, but it will be before you know it. It is time to get back into the garage and start working on your hot rod..
I am taking up some Internet server space in order to provide suggestions to get your Pony ready for some hardcore driving. First and foremost, fresh oil and oil filter have to be on top of the list. I have always been a fan of synthetic oil rather than mineral-based oils. There are dozens of synthetic oil manufacturers on the market. Lately I have been using Royal Purple, Mobil 1, and Lucas Oil. Another must change/check are the spark plugs and fuel filter. While you are messing with the fuel filter, I always like to drain the fuel cell and fill it with fresh gasoline.
You need to check all of the heim joints in the front and rear suspension. I cannot tell you how many people come out of the winter with a suspension problem that is eventually sourced back to bad heim joints. All suspension components should be visually inspected and the nuts and bolts tightened. Ignition systems should be pulled out and annually checked. The constant up and down temperatures in garages cause condensation and there is a chance that it could affect the ignition box. Even if your box is okay, it is a good habit to inspect the wiring and make sure a mouse didn’t chew through the wires or they didn’t corrode.
Driver safety equipment is always neglected. Helmets and seat belts are perhaps the most overlooked pieces on racecars, even I forget to check the dates on my own stuff. A funny thing happened at our last track rental of 2007. I showed up with my ’07 Stang and planned on making a few runs down the track in between taking pictures for some stories we were doing for the magazine. My helmet was sitting on the roof of my car when someone asked me how long I had it. I thought long and hard and I replied, “for as long as I can remember.” Many years ago, I bought a Simpson Bandit helmet and the thing looks brand new (like most of my stuff). Well, I pulled back the liner and sure enough, my helmet was expired. I ended up having to wear a goofy helmet that was sitting in the track office. Lesson learned on my part, I should have known the thing expired. Six-point seat belts also carry an expiration date.
These are just a few tips and tricks to help you build a checklist of stuff that needs attention before you hit the drag strip or road course.
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