Photo: Roadside Pictures on Flickr

As a kid, one of my most vivid summer memories is playing in - and, once, taking a drive in - my uncle's vintage 1955 Chevy. The seats were hard and slippery and the thing looked like something out of a movie. My uncle would join in our games by saying fun things like "No ice cream in the car!" or "No popsicles in the car!" and we would laugh and laugh.

As an adult, my uncle's finicky-ness around his classic car makes a lot more sense - if I had a beautiful car like that, I would want to do everything I could to preserve it.

As the winter thaws and the roads clear, the time is ripe for vintage car buffs to start revving their engines for the season. If you're gearing up to get your classic car out of winter storage, here are some great resources around classic car restoration and maintenance for the fun season to come!

For some basic tips and ideas for getting your classic car purring, check out Five ways to keep your vintage car running smoothly, which includes this tip about electronic ignition:

Electronic ignition: There are several aftermarket companies which manufacture electronic ignition systems that replace the mechanically activated contact-points arrangement. […] Installing an electronic ignition system in a vintage car makes a world of difference; it runs better, starts easier, is easier to tune and delivers better fuel economy. And most of the time, it preserves the vintage character of the car.

The Hemmings Daily blog not only has amazing photos and write-ups about vintage cars, but they have have an extensive archive of tech and tool tips for the classic car enthusiast. Vintage windshield wipers, identifying and replacing automotive hardware and choosing the right brake friction materials are just some of the topics they cover.

Classic car restoration is a labour of love; whether you're rebuilding the suspension or restoring the upholstery. Old Cars Weekly has a great collection of articles on restoration topics, ranging from assembling doors to avoiding wire and hose chafing. Everything the vintage car buff needs to know!

Do you own a classic car? Have any vintage car care tips or sites you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments!

- Rose R.