How to buy a car to restore without getting burned

Check the coolant for rust or oil.	Black, dirty oil could mean expensive maintenance is needed.

The engine room of an old car will tell you a lot too. First, check the coolant. If you find rusty muck, you'll have to go through the cooling system if you intend to go very far in the car.

If the oil is thick and black it means the car has been neglected. And if you find coolant in the oil, or oil in the coolant, it means you're probably facing a blown head gasket, or even a cracked block.

Of course, the best way to check the health of an engine is with a compression tester. Look up how to use one in your MoToRs Manual or shop manual. Or just follow the instructions that come with the gauge.

Next, take your prospect for a little drive. There should be no slop in the steering, and when you take your hand off the wheel the car should continue to go straight, providing the road is flat. If the steering is sloppy, you may be looking at a front end rebuild.

Try the brakes. The pedal should be firm, and the car shouldn't pull to one side when you try to stop. If the pedal is mushy, or the car pulls to either side, the brakes will probably need going through.

Glance in your rear view mirror. If you see a pall of light blue smoke as you pull away, the engine is burning oil. This could be due to leaky valve guides, bad rings or even a cracked block. Where there is blue smoke, an overhaul, or maybe even a new block is in your future if you buy the car.

Finally, look over the glass and upholstery. New interiors can be expensive, sometimes costing thousands, so if the upholstery is still good, you're in luck. Flat glass isn't much of a problem, but curved glass such as a windshield or rear window can be expensive.

There isn't much that can't be fixed on an old car if you have the skills, time and money. But as we said before, if a restoration candidate is seriously rusty, chances are it won't be a worth taking home even if the owner gives it to you. Take your time, be patient, know what you're looking for, and you won't go wrong.

Good luck with your restoration!