Because of the problems that I have had with mechanics either not
realizing what they were doing or intentionally trying to take a short
cut (read: jacking on floor pans), I did a quick draft of a disclosure
form that an owner can give a mechanic before he or she starts working
on the car. It is meant to be informational and not scare the mechanic
into not working on the car. Any suggestions or changes? Kim
Congratulations, you are about to work on a Bricklin, one of less than
2,000 on the road today. Although somewhat unusual, it is a Canadian
made car with American engines and running gear. The main unique
features of the car are its gullwing doors and fiberglass/acrylic body.
Both of these features can present unusual issues for mechanics.
Doors:
The doors are air operated and should open and close easily by
pressing the switches. The doors can be left open if needed, but may
slowly close if left open for extended periods of time. Care must be
taken with the interior door switches to prevent accidental operation of
the door(s). If the lock switch is not activated, the door(s) will open
or close regardless of whether the car is moving. Since the doors open
up and out, there may be clearance problems with some hoists and other
shop equipment and toolboxes. Before opening, the mechanic must be sure
that there is sufficient clearance (especially if opening the passenger
door from the driver's position). If necessary to move the car with the
door(s) open, extreme care must be used to assure clearance. It is not
recommended that the car be driven with any door open.
Body:
The body is a fiberglass substrate with an acrylic overlay.
Care must be taken when working around the body panels and fender covers
should be used at all times. Panels must be protected if any welding or
painting is being done within the area of the car. Heavy objects should
not be placed on the car. There are specific techniques that must be
used when painting this car and it cannot be painted or repaired using
traditional "Corvette" or other fiberglass methods.
Jacking
The car is designed with a perimeter frame and a cross member
that spans under the doors. For tire or brake repair, it is advised to
jack the car at the cross member beneath the doors. To hoist the car,
it is recommended that the hoist attach to the frame directly behind the
front wheels and directly in front of the rear wheels. Care must be
taken to avoid contact with any of the fiberglass body panels, valances
or floor pans.
Repairs on the car should be done in a normal, professional way. An
expert on Bricklins claims that 50% of the repair work he does in his
shop is correcting work done by DIYers and mechanics who (with good
intentions) use improper methods to attempt repairs. Most repair is
straightforward and there are answers available for any repair issue
that you may run into. At no time is the car to be drilled, grinded,
welded, or modified in any way without informing the owner beforehand.
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