Blog

Carburetor Overhaul vs. Replacement: What’s Best for Your Classic Car?

If you own a classic car, you know how vital a well-functioning carburetor is for performance and reliability. But when your carburetor starts causing issues—hard starts, rough idling, or poor fuel economy—you’ll face a crucial decision: should you overhaul (rebuild) your carburetor or replace it with a new one? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best choice for your vintage ride.

Carburetor Overhaul: Restoring the Heart of Your Classic Car

What Is a Carburetor Overhaul?

A carburetor overhaul (or rebuild) involves disassembling, cleaning, and restoring your existing carburetor. This process includes:
✔ Cleaning internal passages and jets
✔ Replacing worn-out gaskets, seals, and floats
✔ Adjusting fuel-air mixture for optimal performance
✔ Ensuring smooth throttle response and fuel delivery

Benefits of Overhauling Your Carburetor

✅ Keeps Your Car Original – Many classic car enthusiasts prefer keeping the factory-installed carburetor to maintain authenticity and value.
✅ Cost-Effective – Rebuilding is usually cheaper than buying a new, high-quality replacement.
✅ Better Fit & Compatibility – A rebuilt carburetor ensures your engine retains its original tuning and setup.
✅ Ideal for Rare or Obsolete Models – Some carburetors, especially from vintage or limited-production vehicles, are no longer available as new replacements.

When Should You Overhaul?

  • If your carburetor is original to the car and can be restored
  • If you’re experiencing minor issues like rough idling, fuel leaks, or poor acceleration
  • If you want to preserve the car’s originality and authenticity

Carburetor Replacement: When a New Unit Is the Right Choice

What Is a Carburetor Replacement?

Replacing a carburetor involves removing the old one and installing a brand-new or remanufactured unit. New carburetors often come with modern features that enhance performance and reliability.

Benefits of Replacing Your Carburetor

✅ Reliability & Longevity – A new carburetor eliminates the risk of hidden wear and tear.
✅ Improved Performance – Modern replacement carburetors often have better fuel atomization and efficiency.
✅ Less Maintenance – Overhauled carburetors may require periodic adjustments, whereas new units tend to be more stable.
✅ Easier for DIY Enthusiasts – Swapping a carburetor can sometimes be easier than troubleshooting and rebuilding an old one.

When Should You Replace?

  • If your carburetor is severely corroded, cracked, or missing key components
  • If the cost of rebuilding is close to or exceeds the cost of a new unit
  • If you’re upgrading to a performance carburetor for better horsepower or fuel efficiency
  • If your car has a non-matching or incorrect carburetor from a past owner and needs a proper fit

Which Option Is Best for You?

FactorOverhaul (Rebuild)Replacement
CostMore affordable (if parts are available)More expensive upfront
OriginalityPreserves factory carburetorMay affect car’s authenticity
PerformanceRestores original performanceCan improve efficiency & power
Long-Term ReliabilityRequires occasional tuningMore consistent performance
AvailabilityBest for rare/obsolete modelsReadily available for common engines

The Verdict

  • If you value authenticity and originality, overhauling your carburetor is the best choice.
  • If your carburetor is beyond repair or you want a performance upgrade, replacement is a smarter option.
  • If you’re unsure, consulting a carburetor specialist (like Superstition Specialty Cars) can help determine the best solution for your classic car’s needs.

Need expert advice on your carburetor? Contact Superstition Specialty Cars today for professional rebuilds and upgrades! 🚗💨

Carburetor Overhaul Carburetor Repair Carburetor Rebuild Carburetor Replacement In-house Rebuilds

Driving Down Historic Old Highway 60

when does cactus league start 2023
Mechanically restored 1953 Chevrolet 3600 parked in front of East Mesa’s Buckhorn Mineral Baths vintage neon. Dee Santoro

Shaking down the freshly restored 1953 Chevrolet 3600 truck a few years back, I had Dave pull up to the corner of Main Street and Recker to grab a few pics of the patina green truck in front of the Buckhorn Baths neon sign. The colors were a pretty close match. I had no clue of the iconic history behind Ted and Alice Sliger’s rag to riches story, or that the hot mineral baths were a catalyst in building up the MLB Spring Training Cactus League in Arizona.

A Christmas Eve fire in 1936 destroyed the Desert Wells gas station, store and lunch counter on the Apache Trail with the exception of one piece of taxidermy, a buckhorn deer. Ted and Alice found a spot nearby to piece together a new home and business, building out a gas station and store to sell groceries, hunting and fishing licenses, fishing tackle, and Native American jewelry and rugs. In 1938 they expanded the store in order to display Ted’s taxidermy work eventually creating the Wildlife Museum.

While drilling a well for water, they found 112° water that was ideal for therapeutic hot baths. A new bathhouse, spa rooms, cottages, and eventually the motel all sprung up serving the tourists driving down the dusty highway 60 as automobile tourism became popular in a post-depression America.

In 1947 New York Giants team owner Horace Stoneham, who wintered in the Valley, tried the Buckhorn’s therapeutic waters. Buckhorn Baths Motel became a retreat for his star players like Willie Mays before training camp began each year and started a decades-long tradition of hosting baseball teams – first the Giants, then Chicago Cubs, and other clubs.

who plays in cactus league
Ted Sliger, owner of the Buckhorn Baths, and Willie Mays standing in front of the east Mesa landmark. Mesa Historical Museum

Over the years the Sligers filled the spa with Ted’s taxidermy eventually donated to ASU, artifacts and sports memorabilia. Hosting sports legends at large barbeques would attract thousands in the heyday.

Ted passed in 1987, and Alice closed the baths in 1999, and passed in 2010. The property is in the news while disagreements of what will happen to the historic buildings plays out between Aktar Verma of Paradise Valley and Mesa City Planners. I am hoping they can come to an agreement that visually blends the old with the new, honoring this historic landmark.

where to stay for cactus league spring training
Winter visitors flocked to the Buckhorn Baths. Mesa Preservation Foundation.

References:

The Story of the Buckhorn Baths – MrZip66

The Buckhorn Baths Motel: the root of the Cactus League | wfaa.com

https://news.asu.edu/20190221-arizona-impact-buckhorn-baths-baseball-and-bevy-critters

https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Navigation/Community/Arcadia-and-THP-Blog/November-2017/Author-Post-Buckhorn-Mineral-Baths-Wildlife-Mus

Developer-city battle hangs over Buckhorn Baths | News | themesatribune.com

Cactus League historical effort is one for the books | East Valley Local News | eastvalleytribune.com

Apache Dreams

Originally part of the GM Task Master series trucks the 1959 Chevrolet Apache offered maximum-economy options along with optional heater, ‘hydrovac’ power brake, or windshield washer. The laundry list for Monte’s 59 included all sorts of new options to take his 350 powered Apache to the next level.

Starting with an A/C system repair (fan module), motor and transmission mounts, a new 20-gallon fuel system, and oak plank bed, the team replaced door hinges, latches, window regulators, restoring all the windows and doors to better than new.

From GM’s original ‘Task Force 59’ brochure

To restyle the ride, the team had Matte Paint protection film applied to front and rear bumpers, bed rails, bed strips. Completing the look with chrome delete blacked out windshield molding and rear trim, powder coat satin black emblems, headlight bezels, parking lamp bezels, chrome grill and repair pits in hood emblem really creates a sinister ride.

Not sure about all that maximum economy that GM designed into this truck, but damn does it look sweet and better than ever!

Monte’s 1959 Chevrolet Apache. Road-ready and restyled.
New oak plank bed over a new fuel system

Restyled front end.

Supercoupe Shootout

Since 1988 this vehicle has spent time in the garage, next to the garage, back in the garage, then on a trailer for a 2600 mile trek to Dad’s retirement home in Arizona, and then, back in the garage. Well, I’m happy to say number 0198 is out of the garage and cruising the mean streets of the East Valley racking up some ‘break-in’ miles. It wasn’t an easy restoration (tell me that exists), finding parts that worked was one of many challenges, but he stuck to his guns and now has a great ride.

The Cosworth Vega has it’s own great story with a series of Chevrolet’s firsts, such as the electronic fuel injection, stainless exhaust headers, sixteen-valve twin-cam engine, but Dad always liked GM’s ‘special interest’ cars. He bought it from a friend, and I remember teasing him a little about it ‘just being a Vega’. Driving it though? This Vega handles well and is pretty zippy! I am looking forward to Dad being able to share is accomplishment with the CVOA (Cosworth Vega Owners Association) when they host their annual roundup in the fall of 2022. Until then, looks like we have some cruise ins to visit!

http://www.oldcaradvertising.com/Chevrolet/1975/1975%20Chevrolet%20Ad-06.html

Twenty Years Now, Where’d they go?

“Twenty years, I don’t know. I sit and I wonder sometimes… Where they’ve gone” -Bob Seger

Dave called me at work, a little nervous, but I could tell he was smiling. “I cut the back of the Suburban off…” That was twenty years ago in a small garage in HOA-ville East Mesa, but that was his first restoration after settling in Arizona. This was the family truckster that dragged a camper across the country with our then toddlers for a six week road trip of a lifetime.

After Dave put all the pieces together again, the 1988 Suburban was way better than before. The bubbles of New England carefully removed from around the side windows and fenders. He did away with the old school two tone look, running with a clean no molding look. Dave got rid of the old rusted side steps and added a sleeker looking matched step. With new gray carpeting, custom bow tie seat covers and floor mats the interior was completely refreshed. The exterior refinished to a blazing GM Victory Red, the customization was complete.

I can’t believe that was twenty years now. Although Dave was already well-versed in repair, fabrication, and restoration, this project served as the catalyst for opening Superstition Specialty Cars. Happy 20th Anniversary SSC!

Before in Massachusetts before the big move in 1997, and After on the 1988 Suburban Project, circa 2001 at the Salt River just South of Saguaro Lake…

It’s a Wrap!

It is time to kick 2020 to the curb. Although 2020 was quite a mess on many levels, there are some bright spots to celebrate our 19th year as we move forward into the next….

The team at Superstition Specialty Cars worked its typical mainstay of repairs, upgrades and restoration on some beautiful hot rods, classics and muslecars, however we added a lot of value-adds to the list this year.

Starting with the team, adding Mark as GM, he and Cinnimon have managed to streamline the customer-facing process with great success. Cinnimon has completely revamped our web presence on all platforms. Mike started this summer with our repair backlog and brought his mad engine skills and racing background to the floor. Billy started this fall on general repair and wiring, and Krystina rejoined to help with our big move, help organize the Pecos floor, and wrench on occasion.

Along with repair, upgrade and inspection services, Superstition Specialty Cars now offers many new services and products to enhance the value of your ride.

  • We can quickly change the look of your ride simply powder coating your wheels, bumpers and other pieces.
  • Superstition is now an authorized Inyati Spray In Bedliner dealer, offering superior protection for your truck bed and UV protection.
  • We are now a Raceline Wheel dealer offering a beautiful selection of wheels for your car, truck, SUV, UTV, ATV and trailers. Tires are also available.
  • Lighting? Superstition is now your source for KC Hilites!
  • Need to protect your sweet ride from all that killer UV? We offer tint, PPF-paint protection film, nano ceramic coatings, and more.

Superstition is adding new products and service constantly, so if you can dream it, we can add it. Lift it, lower it, bag it, deck it, cool it, boost it… Call us at 480-774-6809 and we’ll help you transform your ride into your dream ride. Here are some of the highlights from 2020’s projects… Cheers! and Happy New Year!!!

Superstition’s 2020 Project Highlights!

For Dad…

This goes way back to 2004… We often refer to the story as “Hold my beer, and watch this!” Happy Father’s Day Dad!!!

My husband bought a mini-bike for the boys a few years ago. Little 2HP thing, and I made sure the boys always wore a helmet, and they enjoyed doing laps around our back yard (insert Mom’s worried sigh here). The bike is used and old and after a few months it wouldn’t run right anymore.   Uncle Pete came to town for a visit and next thing you know, I’ve got a mini-monster garage going on out back (insert a Mom’s eye-roll here) – they proceeded to remove the 2 horse power motor and replaced it with a 6 horse power motor (Insert Uncle Pete’s famous quote “It’s for the Children….” here).

For the non-horse-power initiated, most go carts run off or 4 horse power motors – so yes, this mini-bike is hell bent for disaster (insert Mom shaking her head here, going to check that the health insurance is all set).   Dave and the boys have been riding this thing around for a few weeks now – with the helmet, and with the knowledge that this mini-bike can go really fast. Jeff is pretty cautious on it, but Eric loves spinning the rear tire in the dirt as he is running his laps – and giggles the whole time.  

Flash forward to last night. Dad just arrived in town with all of his belongings packed in a yellow rental truck. Dave shows Dad the new and improved toy, shows Dad how the tire spins (insert Male snickering here) and proceeds to hand the mini-bike over for a spin.   That is where this whole thing goes wrong.   (Insert Male Ego here) Dad takes a slow loop around the back yard, comes back and says “I think the clutch is slipping”. Dave says “It’s a centrifugal clutch” (whatever that means), then Dad takes off again – only this time I see him pull the throttle wide open – the rest occurs in slow motion…   The front wheel starts wavering, the handle bars start jerking wildly right and left and right – then I watch in complete horror as my Dear Old Dad goes flying over the handlebars and tumbles a few times into the grass.   He starts fumbling around for his glasses and notices a burn from the exhaust on his leg, but other than that he is fine (why didn’t I have a camera rolling?).  

What is it about men and the need to take themselves to the brink? I think my Dad has lost it for getting on that thing and cranking the throttle wide open, but then I think – DAVE! The last thing you want in your life is my Dad living on our couch for three months with his leg in a cast!!!!! I am thanking God for a happy ending to this one!!!!!!!!!!   What does Dave say about this? He now has a new respect for my Dad!?   What’s a lady to do?

Eric and the 6 horse mini-bike!

Keep Calm and Git’er Done!

Superstition Specialty Cars is open and working on your classics, muscle cars, and hot rods. We have taken precautions daily to clean and sanitize our facility to keep our employees safe. We do want you to please call ahead if you are planning on coming down to the shop as we are limiting contact with the public. We can also make arrangements to pick up and deliver your vehicle for service! We’re working to have you ready to roll when the cruise nights and car shows start up once again (we can’t wait!!!). Call Superstition Specialty Cars at 480-774-6809 to schedule your service today.

Why should you consider a classic car inspection?

With the latest trend of on-line bidding, buying on-line, buying at auction, buying out of state, or even if you are just new to the hobby, there are many stories of post-purchase regret. The on-line and auction book pictures can paint a beautiful story of shiny chrome, and nice paint, but in person, the car is much less than the pictures. Even if you are not in the highly collectible range and want a daily driver, a thorough inspection can save you a ton of headaches and money in the middle of a purchase.   


Truth is, all 60 year old cars have issues, even if they just came off the rotisserie from a complete restoration. Deciphering whether a problem is an easy fix, or requires a major overhaul can make the difference in your purchase. Knowing if a car presents as all original, or if various upgrades and customization can also figure in your negotiation. A complete inspection with consultation by a third party will help in your assessment on whether to negotiate down the price of the fix, or to move onto the next candidate. 


A complete report by a qualified technician that takes the time to consult with you is a crucial step, and money well spent to insure you are looking at the right car for you. It is always better to know than to guess! A sample of the inspection services that Superstition Specialty Cars provides and be found at this link: https://superstitionspecialtycars.com/welcome/inspection-services/

Get to Two Guns

All things change. Even the ruins of the Route 66 ghosts. Wandering through what is left of a roadside attraction leaves an impression of where we have come from. Our collective American history. Someone’s American dream…

The property is for sale now. Its future unknown, however I’m happy to have wandered away from the interstate, into the past while I could. The first article below details the sale. The second details my discovery of the ruins on a road trip along Route 66.

https://www.route66news.com/2020/01/29/two-guns-site-in-arizona-under-contract-fate-remains-unknown/

https://wanderingsol.blogspot.com/2014/07/two-guns-bunch-of-ruins-and-souvenir.html?m=1