Good, cheap car to learn spannering on

[funkyrobot]

bitwrx said:

Peugeot 106, an early carburated one. All the important bits generally stay working, and all the service items are easy to do. You can also build up confidence by replacing all the flimsy non-essential bits as they fall off!

My mechanic friend had one and used to do all of his own work on it. Could be a good place to start as he could help for some beer tokens.

[funkyrobot]

SuperHangOn said:

An old Volvo does sound a good idea. I don't have much experience of them but have a mate who runs an old 850 on a horrible M25 drive every day and can't praise it enough. He DIY's everything and buys parts from scrappies. A very solid, comfy thing.

Sounds good.

My grandparents used to own a high spec 960. It was a great big lump of a car (I was about 12 at the time).

[funkyrobot]

STW2010 said:

I find my e46 easy to work on. Perhaps pick up one of the first ones in saloon form? These are very cheap now.

Best way to get stuck in is to remove something, then put it (or the replacement) back on. Sounds simple, but start with the air box, then work up to removing the alternator (which means removing the belts first). Do an oil change. Change the brake pads (and discs, though these are a slight step up).

For all of the above you will need nothing more than a basic socket set, torx set and a jack/axle stands.

This is why I'd like another car that isn't my main one. You simply cannot do these things to your primary form of transport. As I have off road parking, I don't even need to bother with tax, insurance etc for now (I know the SORN rules).

[funkyrobot]

andy-xr said:

According to Google it's just a retaining clip, so in the absence of a socket set a screwdriver or lever will do. Depending on year, there looks to be a simple enough to follow video on YouTube, and to be sure, a fault code reader will tell you whether you're looking at fixing the right thing.

Often YouTube and forums are better than Haynes, which starts off at #1) Remove engine and ends with #3323) Refitting is the reverse of removal

Things I always have a need for

- Socket set, Halfords is fine
- Grips
- Terminal stripper
- Fault code reader
- selection of spanners from 10mm - 17mm
- few long sockets, 17mm / 19mm / 22mm
- trolley jack
- torque wrench
- hammer

With later cars you're probably better picking up something that has torx drivers in the socket set as well as standard sized sockets, I can never get enough grip from a torx screwdriver and find a ratchet easier.

Thanks. I've just been reading about how to use a trolley jock on surfaces like gravel. Apparently, someone has said they have a lot of success with thick gym mats.

Yes, Youtube seems a great resource. I've seen a few videos re the coolant sensor and they show pretty much 80% of the job. I think a combination of that and the Haynes will give me all I need to know.

Thanks for the list of tool requirements.

[funkyrobot]

bqf said:

Good man! I have done exactly the same thing - can't really do any spannering at all, nothing, zip, nada, decided that this, my 42nd year, was the time to change.

I bought an Alfa GTV 3.0 V6

It's going to be a hoot. It's Italian, so obviously every single fastener in the engine bay is rustier than a sunken ship. Even changing the air filter is a nightmare

Tools wise I use machine mart. The Clarke stuff is cheap and fairly good quality for the occasional spannerist.

You'll definitely need axle stands, a trolley jack, a good set of ratchet spanners (bendy heads help), sockets, and a breaker bar for the wheels. Torque wrench is a must also. Oil pan, oil filter wrench also useful. I've started with changing filters and oil and I have to say it's very satisfying.

It's good to hear from someone in exactly the same position as myself. I don't have an Alfa yet though.

Hope it goes well and you learn plenty. Thanks for the tool list.

[funkyrobot]

Blib said:

OP. I'm in the same position as you. To this end, I bought a 1970 Fiat 500 and I intend to restore it myself, as far as possible, as a birthday present for Mrs Blib, with the help and guidance of a very good friend of mine, who is a mechanic.

I received my first Haynes manual through the post last week. I was so proud!

Good luck !

I know how receipt of the first manual feels.

Good luck with the car.

[funkyrobot]

Emeye said:

See if you can get a fellow PHer to give you a car. your can have many an hour of fun like this guy:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Wow. Going to have a good read of that thread.

[funkyrobot]

AJS- said:

Old Vauxhalls are a good bet - tons of them around cheap, fairly simple and lots of bits available in scrap yards.

Good point. Owned an Astra a few years ago and because I didn't know what I was doing, ended up spending a bit on it. I'm determined for this to never happen again.

[funkyrobot]

andy-xr said:

NP

Whenever I jack the car up I always give it a sideways push when it's off the ground to make sure the jack is seated before I get underneath it.

I dont own axle stands so tend to make do with a spare wheel if I'm at the side of the car. 2 wheels on pavement and a little suspension push up from a jack mean I can use a creeper if I want to get underneath with the wheels still on.

Thanks for the sideways push note. Very good advice.

[funkyrobot]

Blib said:

funkyrobot said:

Blib said:

OP. I'm in the same position as you. To this end, I bought a 1970 Fiat 500 and I intend to restore it myself, as far as possible, as a birthday present for Mrs Blib, with the help and guidance of a very good friend of mine, who is a mechanic.

I received my first Haynes manual through the post last week. I was so proud!

Good luck !

I know how receipt of the first manual feels.

Good luck with the car.

Thanks.

I'm attaching the rear number plate this morning. I've got to measure up, fit the special spacers in the correct holes because of the curvature of the boot, then I must drill holes in the square, old style metal plate in the correct places! before screwing it onto the car.

I have 999 on speed dial.

I know there are some on here that may think we're daft, but I've been worrying about changing a bloody bulb on my Mazda 3. It's a tough one as the owner manual says send it to an approved Mazda dealer. I've managed to find out how to do it on t'internet (it's a parking light one that is in a very awkward position) and will have a go soon.

Trouble is though, as it's all new to me and I'm st scared of breaking something, you do worry.

The coolant temp sensor on my fiancee's Polo will be my first big job. Hopefully, after getting stuck in for a while a big job will be something like changing a belt, then a spring, then a pump etc.

Good luck with it.

[funkyrobot]

supersingle said:

Capri with a 1.3L engine, good access!

Yes. Very big bonnet.

[funkyrobot]

Blib said:

We should start a support group with Clarkson as our Patron. Failing that, I'll follow this thread with interest.

Could be an idea.

I'll update the thread when I get hold of something.

Funds for the purchase should be available in a few weeks. Can't wait.

[funkyrobot]

WoodsterT said:

Sorry to drag this back up OP, but any progress on this front? I've been in the same state of mind as you for the past two years waiting to take the plunge (with currently zero experience, the most I've done is replace tyres... terrible, I know!) but figured I was being silly minded and it wouldn't be possible, so it's nice to see a thread here with others as well in the same boat wanting to learn and has made me realise it's certainly a possible 'hobby' to look into!

Do let us know how you've got on if you can, call it inspiration!

No vehicle yet unfortunately. The budget I set aside is going to be used for some home improvements. However, I am slowly raising the required funds and should be able to commit to something in the summer. The desire to do this hasn't faded though.

[funkyrobot]

Oh yes. One thing that has happened though is I've been given backing to do this from my fiancee. She has agreed that it's a good idea and one extra car on the drive isn't a problem.

[funkyrobot]

jamieduff1981 said:

Buy something you're actually enthusiastic about and will be keen to drive, rather than just a knackered old Vauxhall.

A well cared for and structurally sound Midget, Mini, MGB, Spitfire or Chimaera maybe will be a pleasure to work on (inasmuch as the nuts and bolts tend to come apart much better than 1990s vintage things which I have lots of experience of). More modern cars tend to just be rusted together and you'll either just p155 yourself off rounding heads off or shearing heads off.

If the car is just a nail you're not enthusiastic about there's little impetus to actually fix and reassemble the thing. With a classic sports car you're actually proud of owning you've always got that drive to complete the work and get out in it.

That would be my slant on it at least

Makes sense. Thanks.

My fiancee clocked an MX5 for sale locally. Said she liked the look of it.

[funkyrobot]

p4cks said:

Corsa C 1.0?

I've got one as a shed and it's incredibly easy to work on. I've got an OBD reader too (£15) and can connect it to my laptop to read and reset faults etc. Getting an older car won't allow you this benefit.

A good starting point IMO.

Thanks.

As much as I'd love an older car, something cheap and mainstream may be the way to go.

[funkyrobot]

big_boz said:

I currently have 3 cars in my household and look after a friends, all except my '72 beetle should be available within your budget.

The easiest one to work on is a 2004 Volvo V40, very simple car to work on, parts are very cheap, and for the money its a very modern behaving car, for me its a workhorse and i can throw most anything in the back.

Second is a mates 2002 Astra, I have serviced it, changed coil packs, removed and cleaned throttle body, done the brakes, swapped some suspension parts, very simple car to work on.

The third is SWMBO's 2005 Megane, unfortunately it needs lost of attention, service wise, electrics wise, its just french but its an easy car to work on.

What i would say is the older the car you buy for this endeavor the more time will have passed for things to rust solid, and just generally be a pain...so that leaves the '72 beetle, on paper should be the easiest and most simple car in the world to work on, but factor in 40 years of time elapsed for things to cease, bolt heads to rust rounded, and unexpected tin worm, this will apply to mini's or anything from really more than a decade ago.

Thanks. I guess rust is the main challenge on any car? Have you had a lot of mechanical experience, or is it just something you do as a hobby?

I'm hoping that after a while, I'll have more confidence and be able to do things like you do.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks Boz. Lots of info to look at and take in there.

I've started collecting tools as I've begun working on my bicycles too. So far I have purchased:

Halfords Professional socket sets (not the big £100 one, but that may come)
A large breaker bar
Torque wrench
Screwdrivers
Allen keys
Spanner set
Grease etc.

Slowly getting there.

[funkyrobot]

big_boz said:

funkyrobot said:

Thanks Boz. Lots of info to look at and take in there.

I've started collecting tools as I've begun working on my bicycles too. So far I have purchased:

Halfords Professional socket sets (not the big £100 one, but that may come)
A large breaker bar
Torque wrench
Screwdrivers
Allen keys
Spanner set
Grease etc.

Slowly getting there.

Sounds like you are getting there, whatever you do get some axel stands though, NEVER under any circumstances go under a car that's only on a jack!!

I have been accumulating tools for that last 17 years and i still find my self at machine mart a few times a year for something obscure!

Im just about to buy a Volvo XC90 which will require a bigger trolley jack and bigger axel stands!

Wow.

Nope, I'm new to this, but like to think I'm not stupid. I'll be utilising axle stands and a proper jack.

The only problem I seem to have is that I have a gravel yard. I'm guessing I'll need some solid wooden boards or something to place the jack on.

[funkyrobot]

StoatInACoat said:

Buy a creeper from Halfords and one of those camping stools to sit on whilst doing brakes and suspension etc. A decent torch that will survive being dropped many, many times and a kneeling pad. Your back will thank you for it, I ignored my own advice and my back is destroyed after changing my radiator this weekend.

Ok, thanks. I'll need to get hold of some boarding or something to put down on the drive.

My back isn't the best so anything I can do to preserve it is most welcome.