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Classic and Collector Inspection Form

The classic and collector pre-purchase checklist, ready to fill in at the car. Work through each section, and download the report when you are done.

Book a classic and collector inspectionCall 951-267-8500

Classic and Collector inspection form. A pre-purchase checklist written for cars: 81 points across 11 sections. Mark each item Pass, Attention or Fail, add notes and readings, then download the report.

At a glance

  • Restored, numbers-matching
  • Matching numbers, rust and body filler, originality against the build records.
  • Downloads as a PDF report or a CSV
  • Free, and nothing you type leaves your device
What the form covers
  • VIN, body tag and engine, transmission and axle codes for matching numbers
  • Rust in the floors, trunk, quarters and cowl, and filler found by magnet and paint gauge
  • Originality against the build sheet, window sticker or marque report
  • Engine compression and vacuum, the cooling system and the electrics
  • Brakes, steering and suspension, and a road test
  • Tire date codes, because classics age out their tires

Want it inspected by someone who does this every day? The classic & collector inspection page explains what we check and how to book. Need a different form? Every one is on the inspection forms page.

Progress0 / 81
0Pass
0Attention
0Fail
0N/A

Car and Inspection Details

Fill in what you know. Anything left blank prints as a dash on the report.

KeyPass, good conditionAttention, needs a closer look or a repair soonFail, needs repair before you rely on itN/A, not fitted or not tested
VIN, Tags and Matching Numbers0 / 11
  • VIN tag matches the title
  • Cowl, trim or body tag present and correct
  • Engine block stamping or partial VIN
  • Engine casting number and date code
  • Transmission ID and date
  • Rear axle code and ratio
  • Date codes come before the car's build date
  • Build sheet, window sticker, Marti report, PHS or Protect-O-Plate
  • Title history
  • Restoration records and photos
  • Odometer: actual, not actual or exempt

Readings

Rust and Body Filler0 / 10
  • Floor pans
  • Trunk pan and spare well
  • Lower quarters and wheel lips
  • Rocker panels
  • Door bottoms
  • Cowl and windshield channel
  • Rear window channel
  • Frame rails and torque boxes
  • Filler: magnet test and paint gauge
  • Replacement panels, seams and spot welds

Readings

Thick or uneven readings on one panel point to filler or a repair. Compare panels against each other, not a fixed number, since a full repaint reads thick everywhere.

Paint, Trim and Glass0 / 6
  • Paint quality: orange peel, sanding marks, overspray
  • Panel gaps and door fit
  • Chrome and stainless trim
  • Glass, date codes and original markings
  • Weatherstripping
  • Emblems and badges correct
Originality0 / 9
  • Options agree with the build records
  • Engine color and finish correct
  • Carburetor and intake correct for the year
  • Reproduction parts against NOS or original
  • Interior trim code matches
  • Wheels and hubcaps correct
  • Wiring harness original or replaced
  • Decals, tags and markings
  • Modifications or restomod parts noted
Engine0 / 10
  • Engine cold on arrival
  • Starts, choke works
  • Oil pressure on the gauge
  • Leaks
  • Smoke at start or on throttle
  • Ignition: points or electronic conversion
  • Carburetor, idle and off-idle
  • Cooling, radiator and fan
  • Fuel pump and lines
  • Belts and hoses

Readings

Leave cylinders blank on a six or a four. A steady vacuum needle at idle is good; a needle that drops regularly points to a valve.

Transmission and Rear Axle0 / 5
  • Transmission shifts
  • Clutch, linkage and engagement
  • Rear axle noise
  • U-joints
  • Leaks
Brakes, Steering and Suspension0 / 8
  • Brakes: drum or disc, pull
  • Master cylinder, single or dual circuit
  • Brake lines and hoses
  • Steering box play
  • Idler arm, tie rods and ball joints
  • Bushings
  • Leaf or coil springs
  • Shocks
Electrical and Gauges0 / 7
  • Gauges work
  • Headlights, tail and turn signals
  • Wipers
  • Generator or alternator charges
  • Horn
  • Clock and radio
  • Heater fan
Interior0 / 7
  • Upholstery and seat foam
  • Dash pad cracks
  • Headliner
  • Carpet and floor under it
  • Door panels
  • Steering wheel
  • Window cranks and vent windows
Road Test0 / 8 passed
Tires and DOT DatesAge from the DOT code

Classics often sit, so tires age out long before they wear out. The last four digits of the DOT code are the week and year it was made; tires older than about 6 years deserve caution at speed.

PositionDOT dateAgeTreadPSI
Left front–
Right front–
Left rear–
Right rear–
Spare–
Additional Comments
Inspector Sign-Off

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Download the Report

Every item, note and reading goes into the report. Download opens it ready to save as a PDF or print. Your answers stay on this device until you clear them.

Common questions
Is the classic and collector inspection form free?
Yes. Fill it in on a phone or a laptop and download the report as a PDF or a CSV. Nothing you type is sent anywhere; it stays on your device until you press Clear all.
What if an item does not apply?
Mark it N/A. N/A means the part is not fitted or could not be tested, and the report says so.
Can someone inspect the car for me?
Yes. Book a classic and collector inspection and a PPI Auto inspector checks it where it sits and gives you a written report. Call 951-267-8500 or send the request form on this page.
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