What to maintain/repair on an original survivor?, I have a rare original condition 73 1.7L that ... Options

[Jamie]

...I bought from my original owner Dad in 2002 with 41K mi. and have been driving it since, now with 58K miles. It has been to 5 Okteenerfests among other events, and some members here have seen this very clean car. I'm wondering what remains of near 50 yr. old lubricants, and what should I be most concerned about replacing? I've replaced shocks/springs, injectors/ and other necessary items, but now am thinking about old lube in CVs, bearings, and other rolling parts. I can do most maintenance wrenching, but hate to disturb working systems, if it ain't broke should I fix it. What should be the priorities here? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[Superhawk996]

Keep fluids (engine oil & trans lube) changed on regular interval and keep valves adjusted.

Brake Fluid is you biggest contamination from time perspective. Brake fluid is constantly absorbing environmental moisture even through that tiny vent hole in the reservoir cap. I'd replace it with a complete flush every 3-4 years.

I wouldn't sweat the grease too much. Over time it tends to get hard/waxy and loses lubricity. If you haven't run into issues in the last 16K miles you're not likely to have failure now so not a high priority action item. Rear wheel bearings are sealed for life and when they begin to fail you'll know it and will get plenty of advance warning. Front wheel bearings are a regular maintenance item (adjust & lube).

For the rest of the components. . . deal with as needed. Drive & enjoy!