Evan Ernst

Classic Automotive Expert

Evan Ernst is a classic automotive expert based in Spokane, Washington. Evan and his twin brother Nick are the founders of ClassicNation, an automotive enthusiast website. With over 36,000 YouTube subscribers, Evan and Nick share videos covering one of their many classic car restoration projects, an interesting 'featured ride', or helpful how-to repair videos.

wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Q&A Comments (10)

Can I use a blow dryer or a heat gun on classic steering wheel covers like Sheepskin?
You should avoid using a heat gun or hair dryer to fit lamb or sheepskin steering wheel covers in your car, as these natural materials are sensitive to high temperatures. Heating them can lead to brittleness, loss of softness, discoloration, and damage to the stitching or adhesive. This may compromise the cover's fit, shape, and overall quality, so it's advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommended installation methods to preserve the integrity of the material.
How much would it cost to rebuild a car engine?
Rebuilding a car engine costs vary depending on factors like the engine type and complexity. For instance, refurbishing a small block Ford engine (e.g., 289 or 302) for a classic car would cost around $1,000 in parts and approximately 10 to 15 hours of labor if done independently. If opting for professional services at an average shop rate of $100 per hour, a basic engine rebuild might cost between $2,000 and $2,300. However, more intricate or specialized engines, such as supercharged or race-ready ones, can escalate the cost significantly, reaching upwards of $5,000 to $7,000 for a comprehensive rebuild.
What is bench-bleeding, and how do I do it?
Bench-bleeding a master cylinder involves bleeding it outside the car rather than in the car. The process is straightforward. First, fill both sides of the master cylinder—whether it's dual or single chamber—with brake fluid. Next, pump the brakes to move fluid and air through the open valves at each wheel cylinder. Continue pumping the brakes until only fluid, and no air, is coming through. Finally, tighten all the valves, and you should have pressure on the brakes. This procedure is commonly referred to as a bench bleed.
See more comments

Co-authored Articles (15)

3 Effective Methods for Repairing a Cracked Car Dashboard

Fill in or cover a crack in your dashboard to restore your vehicle’s look If you notice a crack in your vehicle’s dashboard, fixing it quickly restores the look of your interior and prevents further damage. Whether ...

How to

Measure Cylinder Bore

The term “bore” refers to the diameter of a cylinder in a piston engine.. 09 January 2024. If you’re assembling or rebuilding an engine, knowing the bore of each cylinder will allow you to install pistons of an app...

How to Replace a Stud on a Wheel

Driving with a broken wheel stud (lug stud) on your vehicle can be dangerous, but you don’t have to head to the repair shop for a pricey fix. In fact, it’s a very DIY-friendly job, and we’re here to walk you throug...

How to

Change a Hubcap

You may need to replace a dinged or scraped hubcap, which can happen from parking too close to or hitting a curb. If you find yourself missing a hubcap, you will need to replace it. You may be able to find a replacement ...

How to

Install Fender Flares

Step-by-step instructions to properly set up fender flares in your vehicle Fender flares are unique extension accessories for trucks and SUVs—some snap directly onto the fender, while others require you to drill holes ...

How to

Rebuild an Engine

Rebuilding an engine is a big job, but planning smartly for a successful rebuild project can help eliminate the possibility of costly mistakes, saving you time, energy, and frustration. Learn to remove and reinstall your...

How to

Install a Car Alarm

Car alarms are an effective way to insure your investment and give you peace of mind. While many cars come standard with some kind of alarm system, some do not. It is no surprise that many people want to install an after...

How to Mix Single and Two-Stage Car Paints

A simple guide to picking an auto paint and mixing the right ratios Many auto body and repair shops can re-paint your vehicle, but will charge heavily for the service. If you want a smart new look for your car, but don't...

How to

Bleed a Master Cylinder

Bleeding a master cylinder is a very straightforward job, but is critical to make sure your brake system is safe and free of air. The problem with air is that it is compressible, while the fluid that goes in your braking...

How to Put on a Steering Wheel Cover: Stretch & Stitch-On Styles

Plus, how to measure your wheel & choose the right coverInstalling a steering wheel cover is a quick and easy way to protect your steering wheel from damage, keep your hands cool in the summer, and customize your car wit...

How to

Sand Blast

Sandblasting is a great way to remove rust or paint from a material. By using an abrasive medium and pressurized air, a sandblaster quickly cleans a surface and leaves it like new. Before beginning, you need to make sure...

How to

Repair Hail Damage

Certain parts of the world are more susceptible to hail than others. Hail can damage your car as well as your home. There is little you can do to prevent the damage, but there is plenty you can do to fix it. This type of...

How to

Paint Chrome Bumpers

Give your chrome bumper a makeover with a custom DIY paint jobMaybe your chrome bumper has rusted, or you’re just not a fan of that shiny silver color. Painting over chrome isn’t like painting over regular metals —...

How to

Add Custom Decals to a Car

Custom decals are a great way to make your car stand out, let your opinion be heard, or advertise your business. While many retailers can print and apply custom decals to your vehicle for you, doing the application your...

How to

Remove Paint From Auto Fiberglass

Removing paint from the fiberglass of your auto should be tackled with some care. The best way to remove paint from fiberglass is to have a commercial garage “soda blast” it. Soda blasting is the same process as san...