I’ve dropped the ball on updating this site, and after Brian Turner’s guest post, I figured I’d best stop slacking, and start writing. Problem is I have writers block!
So, tell me: what is the thing you want to know?
Do you want to know how to build a Triumph Bobber on a budget, or a howto article on shortening forks? Do you want more information on putting a Volare front clip in an F-100?
What’s the question that brought you to Henry’s Rod Shop to begin with? What haven’t you gotten an answer to, that I might be able to help with?
Email me: bcarlson@henrysrodshop.com or post a comment… I’m happy to help!
-Ben
A guest post by Brian Turner:
The nostalgia and romance of a vintage car are like nothing else. They speak of times that were simpler and more family oriented. They remind us of the Big Band era, highways that were not so crowded, and cleaner air.They take a person back to all that was good about living in a certain time and place.
Finding and restoring those treasured old cars can make a great hobby, or even a respectable income. But caution is advised. Much has been learned about the safety of substances since these old beauties were designed and produced. Some of the materials found hidden in their workings can prove deadly if not handled with sufficient care.
Chief among the hazardous materials is asbestos, which is known to cause mesothelioma, a highly aggressive form of cancer. The brake pads, drums and clutch plates of old cars were lined with this heat-resistant material. Normal use causes the asbestos to flake off and form dust found in the wheels and brake pads. Other parts that could contain asbestos include hood liners, gaskets, valve rings, and valve stem packing. Wear an appropriate filtration mask and handle any dust with care.
Another potentially lethal substance commonly found in older cars is lead. This was used on electrical connections and batteries, in soldered joints, and in bodywork repairs. Lead is associated with brain and kidney damage, nervous system problems, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and reproductive problems. Lead is released as dust when restorers sand the car body.
Older paints used on cars contained lead chromate and a variety of other toxic materials. Cadmium, which was used to produce yellow paint, can quickly prove fatal to a person who unsuspectingly inhales the substance when working on restoration projects.
Vintage cars with high mileage have also accumulated a highly toxic coating of grease, oil and dirt around the axles, drive shafts, engines and transmissions. Among the deadly substances to be found there are phenol residues, which are readily absorbed through the skin. For this reason, it is extremely important to wear latex gloves when working around old automobiles.
When restoring an old car, it is imperative to wear proper filters to protect the lungs from inhalation of asbestos and several other chemicals. A simple dust mask is not sufficient protection. Vinyl gloves will also help to prevent health consequences.
A classic vehicle is a grand old lady. Treat her with respect and care, and know how to protect your health while working with her. She’s well worth the trouble, and so are you.
Brian Turner is a staff contributor to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog where he posts about the cancer risks that toxins such as asbestos pose. He is a hot rod, and muscle car enthusiast, and researches and writes about the inherent toxic hazards in automobiles. You can read more from him here.
