Classic car DIY is boosting supplier opportunities
With many classic car owners fixing and maintaining their own cars, it’s big business for motor factors, believes Kalimex. For said owners, working on their car is part of the fun of owning it, and with clubs, forums and manuals encouraging DIY, it’s a trend set to continue.
According to Kalimex, classic car owners are increasingly taking a more considered approach to maintenance, with demand for specialist additives extending beyond modern daily drivers into the enthusiast segment.
While products, such as JLM Lubricants DPF treatments, remain popular for everyday diesel vehicles, classic owners are also turning to the wider JLM range to support long-term vehicle preservation. This includes fuel stabilisers, engine oil stop leak and stop smoke additives, as well as fuel system cleaners designed to help maintain performance in ageing engines.
Mike Schlup, the managing director of Kalimex – the UK distributor of the JLM Lubricants range, plus the pioneers of K-Seal Coolant Leak Repair – has decades of experience working with motor factors, helping to build lucrative product portfolios for classic car customers.
He said: “Modern fuels and classic cars are not natural bedfellows, so it’s important that classic car owners protect the components in the fuel system and maintain the quality of the fuel in the tank, especially for low mileage classics. Modern petrol in the UK contains 10% ethanol, which causes a variety of problems in older or classic vehicles.
“Using JLM Lubricants’ E10 Fuel Treatment helps to prevent corrosion in the fuel system, conditions the fuel and lubricates valves and valve seats. This all helps to maintain and prolong the life of crucial, sometimes rare components. The ethanol in modern fuel is hygroscopic (attracts moisture), which separates from the fuel, resulting in corrosion and damage. A fuel stabiliser prevents this and is essential for low mileage or long-term storage.”
Sourcing replacements a challenge
Kalimex argued another headache with classic vehicles is struggling to source replacement parts. When it comes to the cooling system, major components, such as blocks, heads and radiators, are either extremely expensive or in many cases, no longer available.
Kalimex believes K-Seal Permanent Coolant Leak Repair is a solution; in fact, K-Seal has been used on many classics, including a prewar Alfa Romeo GP car, a 110-year-old Bugatti and recently a 1928 Lagonda. The owner, Dick Slaugter, contacted K-Seal having successfully used the product to seal a leak from the aluminum water cover plate. He was naturally delighted to get his pride and joy back on the road with minimal fuss and cost.
Many classic vehicles run what is termed ‘waterless coolant’. These are 100% ethylene glycol-based; therefore, Kalimex says it is vital to select a coolant leak repair that is safe to use with such a high concentration of EG. K-Seal’s ceramic micro fibre formulation means it is compatible with all types of antifreeze concentration.
