Am I going mad? What shall I do with my mini?
Discussion
There's a long version and a short version.
The short version.
If I strip my mk1, get the bodywork done then build it back up with my old trim it's going to look rubbish isn't it?
So I'll feel like I should buy a load more bits. It could all end up very shiny and massively expensive.
Whereas getting someone to do the welding then keep the paint looking a bit ratty would mean having a very useable car at a lot less cost.
What would you do?
The very long version:
I have an early Mk1.
I work long hours and have made no progress whatsoever for literally years on the restoration.
The shell can definitely be saved - not a basket case but needs wings, front panels, A-panels, probably a heel board and boot floor. The usual.
Something is holding me back from just sending the car off to get restored.
Part of me really likes the idea of getting a lovely perfect shell back to then build up... but...
1. It's a 50+ year old car. Fresh paint on an old car feels a bit wrong to me
2. I want something usable. First scratch on new paint....
3. I can see the point of spending money on getting bodywork done. I can't see the point of spending a fortune on new trim, carpets etc. It just doesn't do it for me. But when I put my crappy old trim, carpets, seats, dash etc into a shiny shell it's going to look a bit crappy...
The short version.
If I strip my mk1, get the bodywork done then build it back up with my old trim it's going to look rubbish isn't it?
So I'll feel like I should buy a load more bits. It could all end up very shiny and massively expensive.
Whereas getting someone to do the welding then keep the paint looking a bit ratty would mean having a very useable car at a lot less cost.
What would you do?
The very long version:
I have an early Mk1.
I work long hours and have made no progress whatsoever for literally years on the restoration.
The shell can definitely be saved - not a basket case but needs wings, front panels, A-panels, probably a heel board and boot floor. The usual.
Something is holding me back from just sending the car off to get restored.
Part of me really likes the idea of getting a lovely perfect shell back to then build up... but...
1. It's a 50+ year old car. Fresh paint on an old car feels a bit wrong to me
2. I want something usable. First scratch on new paint....
3. I can see the point of spending money on getting bodywork done. I can't see the point of spending a fortune on new trim, carpets etc. It just doesn't do it for me. But when I put my crappy old trim, carpets, seats, dash etc into a shiny shell it's going to look a bit crappy...
I understand where you are coming from with over restored cars. The issue is very much surrounding modern paint and 2-pack finishes.
Mk1's that look original (faded paint, patina of age on the trim etc) are fanastic.
Could I make a suggestion - find somewhere that sprays cellulose and do the bodywork on your car, and rebuild the old bits into a structurally sound car that isn't glistening 2-pack shiny?
At the end of the day - b*ll*x to what people think as it is your car!
Mk1's that look original (faded paint, patina of age on the trim etc) are fanastic.
Could I make a suggestion - find somewhere that sprays cellulose and do the bodywork on your car, and rebuild the old bits into a structurally sound car that isn't glistening 2-pack shiny?
At the end of the day - b*ll*x to what people think as it is your car!
FWDRacer said:
I understand where you are coming from with over restored cars. The issue is very much surrounding modern paint and 2-pack finishes.
Mk1's that look original (faded paint, patina of age on the trim etc) are fanastic.
Could I make a suggestion - find somewhere that sprays cellulose and do the bodywork on your car, and rebuild the old bits into a structurally sound car that isn't glistening 2-pack shiny?
At the end of the day - b*ll*x to what people think as it is your car!
I guess that's likely toMk1's that look original (faded paint, patina of age on the trim etc) are fanastic.
Could I make a suggestion - find somewhere that sprays cellulose and do the bodywork on your car, and rebuild the old bits into a structurally sound car that isn't glistening 2-pack shiny?
At the end of the day - b*ll*x to what people think as it is your car!
- enhance the value (not that I want to sell, but nice to know it's not money down the drain)
- mean that in 20 years it's still in good order
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