New TC Owner Checklist

[rstarkweather]

I suspect this question has been asked and answered before, but perhaps someone can redirect me to some previous posts (or other offline resources)?

Going to be picking up a 1949 TC in a couple of weeks, and I was wondering if there was a "checklist" of things to check before jumping in the car and driving too far? Things like lubrication, brake adjustment, etc.

PS: I did just find a copy of "The T Series Handbook" on my bookshelf, from the last time I had a T-type.

[Steve Simmons]

Congrats, Rick! A lot of things are no different than other cars - check (and preferably change) all fluids, brake and cooling hoses, tires (if old), grease all fittings, etc. Beyond that I would look carefully at the suspension and steering. Check the rubber bushings as well as the front spring pins that hold the front eye of the front springs to the car. If heavily worn, replace. Check the rear axle tower for cracks and make sure the bolts are tight. See this article for photos of what to look for:
http://www.tcmotoringguild.org/techinfo ... repair.pdf

Ensure the front axle isn't installed backwards - lettering goes to the rear. If you want to be really thorough, grease the front hub bearings and check the spindles for cracks. Ensure the axle is tight. The steering will always have a bit of play but with the wheels off the ground you should feel a slight drag at center if set correctly. If there is play in any of the ball joints, disassemble and inspect. Replace the balls if necessary, or the entire end(s) if the housings are worn. If it has the original BC steering box, inspect the pitman arm for cracks around where the clamp bolt is. If cracked, throw it away and buy a new one. Also make sure there is no play in the splines when the bolt is tight.

I'm sure I'm missing something but others will surely chime in here.

[Duncan M]

Be sure and remove the differential inspection cover behind the seat (after removing the two fasteners). It lifts out with the side curtain cargo door, attached together at hinges. Check the rear brake flex line condition and check the differential oil level. Much easier to do from above.

Low filling of the diff oil can conceal several maintenance issues. Likewise, maintenance issues with the diff can cause a lot of the oil to leak out. If you find the level is low, check carefully for oil leaks at axle ends and at pinion "seal" after you fill to correct level and go for a drive. Bad diff pinion bearings are a problem as old as the car, and often will reveal themselves with leaking at the pinion shaft "seal." Driving a TC with bad pinion bearings can destroy the diff. Very co$tly.