Recently in part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some important considerations to keep in mind if you're purchasing a classic car with a race history and intend to continue racing it. What about if you're looking into purchasing a classic car with a racing history, however, when you don't plan to do any more racing in the future?

At Andersen Restoration Parts, we proudly offer the best selection of classic car restoration parts in the industry, helping clients with any kind of part or upgrade need they might require - from ball joint sets and center links to suspension rebuild kits and more. Today's part two of our series will look at some tips for classic car buyers looking into previously raced vehicles when they don't plan to do any future racing.

All The Same Basic Inspections

Certain elements of this kind of purchase won't change at all whether or not you plan to race the vehicle, and some of the most important considerations should remain the same across any classic car purchase. You'll still want to look into things like a full inspection, check all fluids and components, as well as research the car's racing history and pedigree.

For instance, be sure you move through and inspect all the car's major systems, including brakes, suspension, steering, engine and transmission. In addition to that, you'll want to do a full review of the vehicle's body for any rust or other damage.

Wiring is Especially Important

Because wiring is often tweaked or even changed entirely for racing purposes, it's especially important that you check out the wiring of a previously raced classic car. This is not only true if you plan to race the vehicle, but even if you don't, as this could have an effect on other aspects of your vehicle's operation.

It's also important to bear in mind that some parts may look fine from the outside but be in need of replacement or repair on the inside. As such, make sure you have an experienced mechanic take a look at the vehicle and help uncover any issues that may not be immediately apparent.

Look Into Who Has Worked On It Previously

If the car was raced before, it's important to find out who worked on it and how long they had ownership of the vehicle. This can tell you a lot about how well it was cared for and maintained, and give you an idea of what kind of condition it's actually in. See if you can track down old service records as this will help to ensure that all parts are in good working order and have been serviced recently.

Detuning

If you don't plan to race the vehicle, but do plan to drive it periodically, detuning a few elements can be valuable. Consider the clutch, for instance, which will often be uncomfortable for street use on previously raced vehicles - but if you make sure to get this serviced and adjusted, you'll be good to go for some enjoyable drives.

Other things that may have been tuned up for racing might include the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires. All of these can be set back down to better suit your needs if you're not looking to race the vehicle in the future.

Engine RPM

Another important tip is to keep an eye on the engine RPM, as this can be an indication of whether or not a vehicle was tuned for racing. If you're checking out a previously raced car but don't plan to race it anymore, you'll want to ensure that the engine doesn't exceed its limits - so make sure it's running at normal levels and isn't over-revving.

If the vehicle is not street-legal, you may have to swap cams or make other changes to the engine in order to reduce its top speed or RPM. This is something that a qualified mechanic should be able to help you do, so it's worth consulting one before making any final decisions about the car.

Storing

Finally, if you're not planning to drive this classic car at all and simply want to store and display it, it's worth keeping in mind that this may require some extra effort if the car was previously raced. For instance, you'll want to ensure that all parts are well lubricated and free from corrosion before the vehicle is stored away for any length of time.

Additionally, you might consider removing certain elements, such as the battery, to avoid any potential damage or corrosion. If you have the means, you might even consider storing it in a climate-controlled environment to ensure its parts are well-maintained and preserved for years to come.

No matter what your plans may be for this previously raced classic car, following these tips can help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your purchase. With the right information and due diligence, you can confidently move forward with your classic car purchase - whether it's for racing or just to enjoy as part of your collection.

At Andersen Restoration Parts, we're passionate about helping clients find the perfect classic car parts for their needs. Contact us today to learn more about our selection and services, or to get a free quote on your classic car restoration project. We look forward to hearing from you!