Should I buy a project car?
Discussion
I'll stick a post in website feedbackYes - I have done a few and have one still sitting on my drive - taught myself everything by reading manuals and getting help off t'internet. It is loads of fun (Imho) much less so if it was your only car. Great thing about projects is you can shut the garage door and go for a beer instead when it starts to piss you off.
It's important with any project to do your research first and decide what you want from the end product and how much you want to spend. When it comes to budget, think of a realistic number then double it!!
For beginners cars from the early to mid 90s are good because most of the rust issues are not always terminal and can be repaired with replaceable panels but also the electrics and control systems for the engine are only reasonably complex plus have the benefit of engine diagnostics ports.
For beginners cars from the early to mid 90s are good because most of the rust issues are not always terminal and can be repaired with replaceable panels but also the electrics and control systems for the engine are only reasonably complex plus have the benefit of engine diagnostics ports.
If it were me I would get something that is solid body wise but not mechanically. Engines can be swapped a lot easier than cutting out rust etc.
106 Rallye is the car you want. Only the bootfloor is a major rust area which would not be too hard to fix. The 1.3 or 1.6 engine is simple enough and they have a decent following.
106 Rallye is the car you want. Only the bootfloor is a major rust area which would not be too hard to fix. The 1.3 or 1.6 engine is simple enough and they have a decent following.
chrispwill said:
Was even looking at an old triumph spitfire, but decided parts would probably be difficult to source.
Not at all!Old Triumphs are well catered for Canleys, Moss Europe, Rimmer Bros etc. will supply anything you'd need for a full strip down and rebuild.
I bought a Spitfire as a project for my first car when I was only 16, took roughly a year to restore it and get it road worthy again. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, unfortunately it was sold on due to running costs being too much for my part time wage.
One of the first jobs I tackled was removing the gearbox for a rebuild as the seals had perished and were leaking oil. With a Haynes manual, forums and help from friends it wasn't difficult at all.
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