Starter Track Car (yes this is another what car thread)

[maurauth]

To all the MX5 comments, yeah it seemed like a no brainer at first as I've had the Mk3 as a DD before and loved it; I'd still be looking at some rollover protection, and agree with above I think the MX5 really only needs a roll bar, that was what I was thinking of.

How much rust would be considered too much for a Mk1 if we're gonna be keeping it for 2/3 years? From what I've seen so far if you want to pay less than £1k there's gonna be a fair bit of rust.

[V8RX7]

maurauth said:

How much rust would be considered too much for a Mk1 if we're gonna be keeping it for 2/3 years? .

Arches can be codged up if you aren't bothered about the looks but sills have to be welded which costs.

Always best to look around and travel to find the best one but yes under £1k you'll be lucky, best to find the latest import (fewer UK winters)

[maurauth]

V8RX7 said:

Arches can be codged up if you aren't bothered about the looks but sills have to be welded which costs.

Always best to look around and travel to find the best one but yes under £1k you'll be lucky, best to find the latest import (fewer UK winters)

Yeah I've been looking at new imports but they seem to be in the 2k-3k range rather than 1k-2k.

So if there's a bit of rust on the arches but sills are fine then it's probably a goer?

[T0MMY]

Not always that easy to see how badly the sills are rusted, mine looked pretty good but when you cut away the outer layer it was pretty horrific inside. That said, got both sides completely cut out with new metal welded in for £250 so it's not massively expensive.

[maurauth]

T0MMY said:

Not always that easy to see how badly the sills are rusted, mine looked pretty good but when you cut away the outer layer it was pretty horrific inside. That said, got both sides completely cut out with new metal welded in for £250 so it's not massively expensive.

Ah ok fair enough, what sort of money is it to repair the arches? Quick and dirty vs properly?

[V8RX7]

maurauth said:

Ah ok fair enough, what sort of money is it to repair the arches? Quick and dirty vs properly?

£10 for P40
£10 for paint

Could be hundreds to do them properly.

The sills price given was cheap £250 per side isn't uncommon (for a proper welded and painted job) which could be the price of the car !

[maurauth]

V8RX7 said:

£10 for P40
£10 for paint

Could be hundreds to do them properly.

The sills price given was cheap £250 per side isn't uncommon (for a proper welded and painted job) which could be the price of the car !

Fair enough, just thinking if I get a right corroded stter that's perfect in every other regard for less than £500 and budget another £500 for repairing it might be a good shout, not sure if that's biting off more than I can chew though.