Another warm week in the UK and it makes a pleasant change to have a continued run of ‘summer’ and not just a few days. It has to be said that we have had a couple of people puggin’ (moaning) about the warmth when they have come to our offices. Perhaps it’s a coincidence that we have sold a few radiators this month. Of those orders a couple have been our upgraded radiators with improved cooling. We have a couple of little pointers on hot weather driving as well if it helps.

Park & Pic

A unique and bespoke colour called “Dragon’s Blood” on this ’69 which was mixed and painted by our very own Yogi. The colour brief was to be a unique colour, but also to look correct for the year. This car has appeared on a few fridge magnets and the odd postcard and many forums. The car is owned by a good friend of our Spence who brought her in for a service and once over.

Summer Driving Tips

• Check and top up your radiator to the correct levels using the correct antifreeze mixtures.
• Carry some ready mixed radiator coolant in your trunk. Try not to top up the radiator with plain water, only do this is an emergency to get you home.
• Believe it or not, most anti freeze products are also summer coolants.
• Check what type of antifreeze you have, green or orange etc. They can’t be mixed, a couple of products can be mixed with any colour such as Prestone.
• If your car starts to overheat, pull over as soon as you can and allow it to cool down naturally.
• Once you have pulled over and the engine has cooled down, look for signs of leaks, cracked radiator, leaking water pump, split hoses etc. This should determine if you have just had a random run hot episode or you have more significant problems.
• Don’t undo the radiator cap straight away. Due to the water pressure which keeps the water from boiling, releasing that pressure turns the coolant to ‘flash steam’ which will burn you.
• Never be tempted to top up a hot engine and coolant with cold water either; the sudden change in temperature could crack the engine block. You will be in deep for a new engine.
• Driving a very hot car continuously could cause a gasket to blow or even distort the cylinder heads. If you do the later, then you are in for a bundle of money to fix it.
• Check your oil level as it’s not just the water that keeps your engine cool.
• When in traffic make sure that your Mustang is not to close to the car in front. Sitting up close and personal to the car in front will draw the warm air in from the exhaust in front and can increase your temperatures. Sit at least half a car back to allow the air the circulate.
• Don’t constantly rev your engine stationary. It may sound great, but it increases the temperatures.
• When pulling away in traffic, this is not a cue for a standing quarter mile start, pull away gently.
• When you are driving and you notice the temperature rises, turn the car inside heaters on. It sounds counter intuitive, but the water is drawn away from the engine thus allowing it cool a little longer.
• If the temperature rises turn on the heaters as the water is drawn away from the engine, allowing it cool.

Customer Cars

We have a 65 fastback in with a for a couple of front strut rod bushes and some new rear brake cylinders. The bushes are perished and definitely need replacing.

The rear cylinders are straight forward enough to swap out. It’s also a good time to replace the brake fluid while you bleeding the system.

We finish with a great (genuine) little article in the press which is doing the rounds on social media.

Whoever wrote it, you have our respect! 👍

Stay Safe & Take Care!