Piston Slap: Burn Noticed!

Holden writes: i'm looking into purchasing a 72 charger, its almost completely fixed up and I've been thinking about what things to have put in the car to make it more like a modern car and what i want to know is, is it possible to put a an after market remote starter/ locker? unlocker in the car? thanks Sajeev answers: If the Charger in question has power locks, any competent stereo shop can install a remote start-door opener alarm system.  If power locks aren't factory installed, get a street rod kit and make it work. While wiring a remote start in a manual transmission vehicle isn't the brightest idea, it is doable. So this was an easy answer so an easy question.  Except not.  When considering the tough follow up comments your letter forces me to consider: 1. Looking to buy an "almost completely fixed up" vehicle from 1972 is a vague enough statement that it might as well be a Pandora's box of problems just waiting to be opened. 2. Classic cars are awesome, but anything and everything will go wrong.  When you start modifying one, especially the electrics, your chances for a rolling clusterfuck just multiplies. 3. I hope you have a significant budget set aside for any and all fixes not addressed by the previous owner. 4. Start sourcing spare parts for every future restoration/repair/modification project on this car. I have several saved searches on eBay that I monitor during my lunch breaks at work.  Nothing reminds you of the stupidity of owning a classic car (never-driven museum pieces aside) than looking for the parts to make a project happen. Welcome to my world. 5. If you aren't very handy with cars, make sure you have friends that can save your bacon when you burn it. So consider this your burn notice, so to speak.** **Please don't sue me, Burn Notice TV show people!   Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you're in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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