Overhaul of old car (Vitz 2002) + replacement number plates [Karachi, Sindh]

[zeeshhyder]

Hey folks! I was driving a old Vitz until I left Karachi some years ago . It hasn't been used much since.

My questions:

• REPLACEMENT NUMBER PLATE: Before leaving I applied for a replacement license plate after completing the required process (submission of ad in paper, FIR, etc). However, the plates weren't ready by the time left, and noone followed up. What can be done about it now? Should I now try to get the new ajrak plates? Will the plates have "Duplicate" written on them?

• CAR REPAIR & OVERHAUL: What are the most important things for me to get checked in the car? Any recommendations for mechanics, tyre shop, wrapping shop, etc? I would appreciate any and all advice.

This is my first post, please be kind.

[waqar747]

For number plates, best to visit Excise office with the file and find out the status. If you have not followed up or received the plates, chances are they will accept application for the new Ajrak plates which you can get in whatever lead time they are following these days.
For maintenance, visit Jamil Autos which is on Sharae Quaideen near Quaid's mazar. You can call Irshad over there 0300-2237538 for time and location help. Recommended by many PW's here and I have got some work done myself from him, and overall satisfied. He can check the car overall (engine, mechanical, electrical, etc.) and suggest maintenance steps. Besides getting any issues fixed, you should change the fluids since you say no good maintenance done for a long period. For tires, many different markets but better go for either general tires from authorized dealers, or depending on your budget go for brands you can afford, but from authorized dealers and with recent manufacturing. A couple of stores in front of Liaquat National Hospital are good, but you can also check Khalid bin Waleed rd, and other markets depending on your location.

[pwuser162557941033]

That sounds like a lovely little car to return to. As someone who owns a very old car that sat for a very long time, things to do are below, blurred are my personal recommendations.

Here's some technical information on the kinds of fluids required and the amount you need. Narrow it down by your car's engine and transmission.

• Check for damage caused by bugs, rodents, small animals, rust, etc.

• Check your belts. Power steering, alternator, serpentine belt, etc. Your belt(s) will probably need replacement, but they're inexpensive. Belt tensioner might also be noisy.

• Make sure your engine's intake and exhaust is clean. Replace your intake air filter if necessary, both for the engine and the cabin air conditioning. Check for animals, bugs, nests, spider webs, etc. Your engine will ingest anything in the intake (not good, it should get only filtered air) and cook anything in the exhaust.

• Check your tires. Rotten old tires feel terrible, and are not very safe. Inspect your tires for signs of bulging or damage, and check the manufacturing date to verify their age. You will probably need fresh tires after 6 years of sitting exposed to the elements.

• Check and replace your battery. Unless it's been maintained, it's probably long past dead. Buy a new battery that's the right size, has the right terminal orientation (L or R at the end of the model number, generally) and is of good quality. For flooded batteries, make sure they're prepared with decent acid and distilled water. For maintenance-free batteries, I'd recommend AGS. Credible members say Daewoo batteries are poorly constructed and have cells half the height of the battery.

• Change your engine oil and filter. Have the vehicle start for the first time with fresh engine oil that the manufacturer recommends. Don't listen to people's opinions on the type of oil to put in. I'd personally suggest doing an engine flush, too. Change the oil with some good-quality cheap, fresh oil, put in your engine flush, run the car for 15 minutes, drain the oil, then change the oil again for the final time. You might get rid of any deposits, condensation, contamination, whatever.

• Change your transmission fluid. Manual gear oil is cheap, your car doesn't need much, and it lasts for a good bit of time.

• Try and get rid of whatever contaminated fuel is in the tank. You might need to change your fuel filter, and the inside of the tank may be full of crud. Ask your mechanic how to do this.

Only after doing these things would I start the car up for the first time.

• Check your brakes and power steering. Brake fluid attracts water, so make sure your brake lines aren't rusted. Drain and fill the system with fresh brake fluid. Your power steering pump would also appreciate having it's fluid changed. Follow the manufacturer specs.

• Change your coolant. It has a finite life. If the car was running on water, now's a good opportunity to drain the system of water and put in the manufacturer recommended coolant. When the car is at operating temperature, make sure there are no leaks in the system and it's working correctly. The temperature gauge on the dash should indicate right in the middle.

• Drive it. Let the fresh fluids circulate through each system, burn whatever's left of the old petrol, bring the car up to operating temperature, and work all the moving parts. Let the radiator fan come on and the temp gauge come up, indicating the engine is at the correct temperature. Don't be afraid to rev it out a bit if it feels healthy, you'll burn off condensation in the engine.

• Check for leaks. Seals rot when they're sitting there dry for years, and they might be leaking fluid. They'll need to be changed once you notice them leaking.

• Inspect perishables. Rubber components will most likely have rotten away. Door trim, weaterstripping, bushings, mounts, etc. Those need to be replaced.

[consigliori]

If you have genuine duplicate number plates and apply for ajrak new ones, the new ones will not have duplicate written on them. Thanks

[zeeshhyder]

This is super useful info, I know where to go to start my repair journey. Cheers brother!

[zeeshhyder]

Ustaad this detailed list you've provided is immensely helpful. Sending good vibes your way my man!

[waqar747]

Best of luck. A very useful thing to do for yourself, would be to keep updating here on what is going on so experienced members can help you decide on the major decisions and steps.
Many people do it this way and benefit from the experience and expertise of this community.

[zeeshhyder]

Yes good call @waqar747, will keep you all posted.