..not to sound like an idiot, but someone please explian to me what "tune up" is...It sounds like having someone check over everything to make sure the motor is running smooth and correctly...but what does that constitute? I think I need one....I've had the car for 6 years and have never touched the motor other than changing fluids and a dressup kit. I've been told I should have my timing checked...is that included in a tune up....plugs and wires? sorry for having a newb moment.

 

A tune up can be various components depending on who is doing it. To me when I buy an old car, currently my '67 Coupe 6mos. ago, is electronic and filters, then I do fluids seperately. My first tune up was:
Ignition - cap, rotor, points, condenser, wires, plugs (~$75 for quality parts)
Filters - air, pcv valve, fuel (carb. mounted and added inline filter that can be opened and checked/element replaced) ~$12

These at a minimum will give you many more years of good running, best gas mileage, etc. I would change the points more often depending on mileage or switch to an electronic conversion. If you have any mechanical ability you should be able to do most of these yourself, pick up a Chilton's for your car, it will explain how to do these. Having it tuned (timing set) will complete the tuneup. A timing light isn't expensive ($30) and easy to use, I use mine everytime I do an upgrade to make sure I'm still where I want to be.
HTH Jon

 

Thanks Jon....Welcome to the site!

 

Replace plugs and points. Check and set timing if needed. Check idle speeds and adjust carb if needed. Check Air filter, Cap, Rotor, Plug wires, and PCV valve. Only replace those parts if there needed. That is a basic tune-up.