5 Essential Classic Car Aftermarket Upgrades

While there are benefits to keeping a classic car as close to its original production as possible, there are also advantages to a few modern upgrades. Below, we explain some essential classic car aftermarket upgrades that every vintage car owner should consider.

Disc Brakes

Most classic cars made in the early ’70s or earlier have drum brakes instead of the modern disc brakes cars have today. While drum brakes are typically fine in individual instances, they’re notorious for wearing out quickly.

If you have an older car that still has drum brakes, you should consider upgrading to modern disc brakes. Disc brakes are affordable, easy to find, much safer long term, and require less maintenance than drum brakes.

Electronic Ignition

Most cars that are considered classics have what’s called a points ignition system. A points ignitions system is typically fine, but they generally require more maintenance because it’s completely analog and uses breaker points.

An electronic ignition uses a computer module instead, eliminating breaker points and their unreliability. Electronic ignition is more durable and can help give classic cars a sizable boost in performance.

Power Steering

Some drivers are proud that their classic cars don’t have power steering. While it may be fun to experience driving before the innovation, it’s not very safe and become a nuisance quickly. If you plan on driving your classic car regularly, one of the first upgrades you should consider is power steering.

Classic cars, especially vintage American ones, can be large and heavy, which is unusual for most modern drivers, especially without power steering. Upgrade to power steering to make driving your classic car easier and less taxing.

Electronic Fuel Injection

If your classic car still has a carburetor instead of an electronic fuel injection, it’d be wise to switch sooner rather than later. Electronic fuel injection is better because it uses real-time conditions like air and engine temperature to meter the ideal amount of fuel in the combustion chamber.

Conversely, a carburetor stores fuel in a bowl filled by a fuel pump and doesn’t adjust for any conditions. Anyone who has driven a car with an old carburetor knows there are some days when it doesn’t want to start, so switch to electronic fuel injection for better reliability.

Heating & Air Conditioning

While heating and air conditioning may not be the most essential classic car aftermarket upgrade, you still want to be comfortable driving your vintage vehicle. Most classic cars don’t have A/C or heat, or the system they do is ancient and can be a drag on the engine. Upgrade to a modern system and make your car more pleasant to drive.

If you’re in the market for a new vintage vehicle, stop by Ideal Classic Cars, one of the top classic car dealers in Florida. See our showroom in person or shop our wide selection of classic cars online.