Electrical Assemblies

As well as offering a comprehensive repair or rebuild for the main components of a car – engines, gearboxes, and fuel induction systems, we also offer repair or replacement of ancillaries such as, alternators, starter motors, fuel pumps, pressure sensors, etc.

In modern times, thanks to the manufacturing power of China, it can be cheaper to replace a component rather than try to repair it. Western technical salaries are much higher than Chinese manufacturing wages. For specialised or valuable cars though it can still be cost effective to repair existing parts rather than replace with new parts that might be of lower quality or possibly not fully compatible with the vehicle. This way the integrity of the car is maintained – it still has its original primary components. This can assist to maintain the value of a classic car.

This decision can be correctly made after the costs of repair or replacement are assessed and compared. We are willing to help you in finding the most cost-effective solution for your technical problems.

We can assist you in resolving electrical issues such as blown fuses (caused by short circuits in faulty components) or intermittent problems caused by poor electrical contact. Corrosion (oxidation caused by damp) on the electrical contacts is the main cause of poor electrical contact. Car electrics operate in harsh environments. Diagnosing the source of the problem is often the most difficult part of resolving these issues.

Braking Systems

We can remake braking systems using copper-nickel (also called cupronickel or Kunifer) alloy tubing. This alloy has the best resistance to corrosion while remaining flexible and very strong. Steel, even when plastic coated, will eventually corrode and will probably need replacing after about 10 to 15 years of use in damp climates. Pure copper is not recommended for brake lines as it is relatively soft and can suffer from metal fatigue over time.

We can change master and slave cylinders, flexible brake lines, callipers, and wheel cylinders (on drum brake systems). We can also change the brake fluid on your car as part of a routine service.

Suspension & Steering Assemblies

If your suspension or steering system needs an overhaul, then we can help you. All moving parts wear and eventually bearings, bushes, or control arms require replacing. If there are unusual knocking sounds or the steering feels a little wayward then possibly some bushes or the track rod ends (ball joints) are worn-out and need to be changed. If these are not done then the tyres might wear out prematurely.

Cooling Issues

Heat is the main by-product of the internal combustion engine. Ensuring the engine does not overheat under all conditions can be a challenge. Over time radiators can silt up with hardwater residues and corrosion, temperature sensors, water pumps, drive belts, control thermostats, rubber hoses, and cooling fans can fail.

We can help you return your water or air-cooled engine back to optimal health. We can diagnose the cause of the overheating problem and change the failed component. If the engine is allowed to overheat for a prolonged period it can lead to premature failure (engine seizure) or maybe a warped cylinder head. It is best to address the problem in its early stages before the repair or replacement cost is prohibitive.

Technical Reports

As part of a comprehensive package, we also offer technical reports detailing the work done on select projects. Typically, the work report is done on large projects such as an engine rebuild to concours standard. The report is a photographic essay with technical details recording the work done. With this record the client is assured the work done complies with their expectation of the price paid. The report cost is included in the quoted price for large expensive projects.

For a price, smaller projects can also have a technical report. The price is variable and is dependent on the project.

We also offer a Failure Analysis service for insurance claims. If a client’s engine fails prematurely and out of any warranty conditions, then we can analyse the engine to endeavour to find the cause of the failure. A detailed photographic report will be offered as part of this service to assist the client with their insurance claim. This service is not cheap and is individually priced based on the complexity of the problem.

Technical Library

For more than thirty years CMT Europe has been collecting technical books and reference data relating to cars. Recently, with the widespread availability of data and information offered by the internet, the amount of information readily available to assist with fixing problems has increased enormously. Much of this information can be personal opinions and experiences of private people rather than research done by professional organisations, car journalists, and auto manufacturers. The experiences of private people can be useful but is no substitute for the data created by car companies and professional technical authors.

The following is a selection of some of the reference books directly available for use. The photos show the front cover or title pages of each book or document. The range of books reflect the primary cars bought and worked on by CMT Europe.