Restoring an Old Collector Car That Could Contain Asbestos Materials
The collector car you are restoring in your garage could have hidden asbestos materials.
In every neighborhood there is that person who has a passion for vintage car restoration. To a collector they are a diamond in the ruff tucked away while slowly being transformed into a dream car. How many times have you seen a beautiful Chevelle, Ford Custom, gorgeous T-Bird or Dodge Roadrunner driving down the road. Those cars have hundreds of man hours of labor, turning them into the dream machines you see at shows. Many of these collector cars were restored and worked on in home garages.
Most people are unaware that old cars may contain dangerous asbestos parts and materials. You may have heard over the years that asbestos was common in brake-pads. Not only was it common in brake pads and linings but in clutch pads, various gaskets and heat protection materials.
It’s impossible to tell if a brake, engine part or material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Therefore, auto mechanics and do-it-yourself auto enthusiasts should proceed as if they do.
Other Automotive Parts and Materials That Could Contain Asbestos Included:
Brake Pads and Components – One of the most common parts that had asbestos was the old brake shoes, pads, and rotors. Asbestos was considered the perfect material due to the high amount of friction used while braking which released a great deal of heat.
Clutches – Clutches, like brakes, are built to withstand a great deal of friction and grinding. An ideal place to find asbestos which would protect the part against excessive wear.
Hood-liners – Located under your hood, asbestos was used in the material to keep the hood cool and to protect the outside paint from engine heat damage.
Gasket Material – Asbestos was used in gasket materials in automobile hoses (especially those connected to engine blocks), main engine gaskets, head gaskets, header gaskets and other engine parts designed to increase durability and prevent heat transfer.
Valve Rings – Each cylinder has the intake and exhaust valve seals; the cylinders and pistons contain the seal rings which prevent the engine from leaking oil and losing it’s performance could contain asbestos materials.
Heat Seals – Heat seals were common in engines and bodies to protect against heat transfer like those used in the catalysis converters to control pollution.
Packing – Asbestos packing was used in areas like piston rings which help reduce wear on the cylinders and engine components.
Other Engine Components – The older engine release a great deal of heat especially the high performance engines. Asbestos was used in various components to protect the parts from breakage or heat related issues.
Body Construction – Asbestos was used for durability purposes in fiberglass and plastic compounds like those found in air-conditioning housing unites.
Insulation Materials – Commonly used in the engine firewall between the engine compartment and interior to keep temperatures comfortable for the occupants.
Automobile Undercoating – Some car enthusiasts like to detail the undercarriage of the car, which may start with scraping the old undercoating off that could contain asbestos.
If you are not sure if the car part or material you are about to handle has asbestos play it safe and assume it does.
Related Asbestos Posts:
Asbestos in Exterior Building Products
Asbestos in Incandescent Light Fixtures
Asbestos Found In Main Living Areas
Regulations For Removal Of Asbestos
Electrical Switches and Panels Containing Asbestos
30 Potential Sources of Asbestos in Your Home
Asbestos in Stucco and Plaster
Hot Air Furnace Contain Asbestos
The Stutters team follows a strict procedure when working with asbestos and is an environmentally friendly company.
Step one: Stutters employees will set up a containment area by using poly to seal in the contaminants.
Step two: Our crews suit up and wear special breathing equipment to carry out the removal process.
Step three: We then purify the air with HEPA filters before it goes back into the environment.
We are on call 24 hours a day & 365 days a year to better serve you. Call Toll Free 1-877-763-1540