Articles by: Tim Bartrop

Building cars and life in motion – Blowin’ Gaskets
The modified-car life is as much about creating memories and friendships as it is about building cars

Why your project car needs a well-engineered chassis
Dr Tim explains the importance of building torsional rigidity into your project car

What you need to know about torsion and beam testing for modified vehicles
When and how does an engineer perform a torsion and beaming test on your car?

How to choose the correct sparkplug leads for your car
The wrong sparkplug leads can prevent your street machine reaching its potential. Dr Tim explains how to choose the correct leads for your vehicle

Chassis and subframe construction basics
Dr Tim outlines best-practice methods for chassis and subframe construction

How to optimise your car’s cooling system
Dr Tim explains how to optimise your car's cooling system so you don't get hot under the collar

Depth of section explained
When engineers talk about depth of section, we are referring to the ‘cut-through’ view or section view of a particular shape or style of material being used in a construction; the depth of the section is the longest axis or side of that shape.

Guide to fasteners for automotive applications
Modified car builders will deal with three basic grades of carbon-steel bolts and screws in building the car of their dreams

Fabrication basics: How to maximise your vehicle’s strength
How to think smarter and not harder when fabricating

Engine swap tech basics
How to ensure the killer mill you've got lined up for your project car gets the tick of approval from the powers that be

How to work out the largest road-legal engine size for your street machine
Dr Tim shows you how to work out the largest engine size you're legally allowed to run in your pride and joy

Tim Bartrop’s early days of Aussie custom car culture
Dr Tim takes us back to South Australia in the early 1960s, when modified car culture was truly a world of pure imagination

Choosing the right wheels for your street machine
Dr Tim explains that there's a lot more to choosing the right rims for your street machine than just whether they look fully sick

Sorting out the finishing touches on your project car
A pep talk from Dr Tim about finishing off your project the right way

How to get the most out of your brake system
Dr Tim Bartrop offers some simple tips on how to get the most out of your brake system

How to avoid common mistakes when modifying a vehicle
Dr Tim examines the common mistakes made when modifying vehicles