Novice needs advice about possible project.

[Parrotface]

Dear fellow forumers,

Parrot here. First post from a middle aged father looking to get an inspiring project to sink my teeth into.

My late father was an able engineer and restored classic cars and I remember it well from my early childhood. I went into a different direction in life and never really got to learn about mechanics.

I have been thinking of late about creating something rather special. I'd like to get a British marque from the fifties, something like an old Austin, but completely 'modernise' the mechanical side of it to make it a daily driver that could do long distances on a fairly regularly basis (or 200/300 miles a week). I'd also like to add hot rod elements.

My question to the forum is: what could/would you do to bring say an old original up to modern standards?

When you air your thoughts, I'd be most grateful for your thoughts on price too.

thanks in advance,

Parrot

[Parrotface]

Let's take an Austin a125 sheerline. What parts would members advise replacing in order to get a reasonably modern running gear?

I'm concious that many parts also are hard to find now. I think it makes sense to install parts that won't take forever to find.

Does any one know of any threads/places/ sites that would offer advice relating to this?

[Parrotface]

Let's take an Austin a125 sheerline. What parts would members advise replacing in order to get a reasonably modern running gear?

I'm concious that many parts also are hard to find now. I think it makes sense to install parts that won't take forever to find.

Does any one know of any threads/places/ sites that would offer advice relating to this?

[Parrotface]

the Austin that I'm looking at is a big car - I think chassis wise the 130 Land Rover is comparable (I think this is why a lot of those old Austins ended up banger racing)

So, with that in mind, a Zetec is probably not meaty enough?

[Parrotface]

the Austin that I'm looking at is a big car - I think chassis wise the 130 Land Rover is comparable (I think this is why a lot of those old Austins ended up banger racing)

So, with that in mind, a Zetec is probably not meaty enough?

[Parrotface]

HustleRussell said:

There's modern and then there's modern. Transplanting a powertrain from a car made 20+ years ago is going to be much, much easier than a current one.

Your approach will depend on what classic you start with, it'll dictate what size and weight of drivetrain might be appropriate. Physically fitting the engine and gearbox is the easy bit, you'll have to find a rear axle which'll fit and provide a usable ratio... You'll probably end up with much of the modern car's wiring loom, the complicated bit being the instrumentation where you'll likely have to ditch the old period clocks etc. Depending on the drivetrain you choose you're going to need to upgrade the front brakes and maybe even fit servo assistance. Assuming your new powertrain will be fuel injected you're going to need to modify or change the fuel tank and pipes... Whatever remains of the original car will need to be in tiptop condition to hopefully work reliably.

Thanks for this very comprehensive reply. As explained, I'm a novice.. So translating the last paragraph "Whatever remains of the original car will need to be in tiptop condition to hopefully work reliably" what pieces of the original mechanics are you referring too which wil have to work reliably?

You also mention about instrumentation and the wiring loom. Do any members know if a successful transference of new wiring on a custom panel to an old British marque?

[Parrotface]

Yes it's definately a very detailed and expensive thing to do, however, if I design this the right way, with the right parts in place, I end up showcasing the best of the old school with the best of the new school and no car tax nor mot and a relatively cheap car insurance with a car that should hold value and will forever get admiration.... If it's done right.....

I've never been one for the easy road, and now I feel officially obliged to do it

Aside from EBay, what publications are good for trying to find older project cars?

[Parrotface]

Yes it's definately a very detailed and expensive thing to do, however, if I design this the right way, with the right parts in place, I end up showcasing the best of the old school with the best of the new school and no car tax nor mot and a relatively cheap car insurance with a car that should hold value and will forever get admiration.... If it's done right.....

I've never been one for the easy road, and now I feel officially obliged to do it

Aside from EBay, what publications are good for trying to find older project cars?

[Parrotface]

From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, I like the look of the sheerline - I bow to your knowledge of the marketing and manufacturing element.

If there is any body who has a view on for / against on the project, I'd love to hear your opinions

[Parrotface]

From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, I like the look of the sheerline - I bow to your knowledge of the marketing and manufacturing element.

If there is any body who has a view on for / against on the project, I'd love to hear your opinions