What car to restore for 5-10K
Discussion
greggy50 said:
Mini
Could build a vtec for that just about
I had a feeling a mini would come up!Could build a vtec for that just about
To be honest ive always been into sports cars etc, Never owned one
Thought have had a Impreza Mitsubishi EVO 8 E46 M3 was looking at buying a 911Turbo, but found them a bit expensive so have settled on an RS$ (though yet to but) so have a bit of cash left over for a restore project, and to keep me busy when im not at work, I work on an oil rig on a 14on 21off rotation so loads of spare time!
smn159 said:
Elan Plus 2, with a bike engine if you're feeling adventurous - otherwise a Zetec.
That is such a cool car, and a cool idea although a well tuned car engine might be cheaper and easier to do?Beautiful car.
What about an Esprit like the one next to the Elan? Galvinised chassis and plastic body so not too much to worry about cosmetically? Stunning cars.
Duncan
MGB GT with S2000 engine and gearbox, and 4link rear suspension....
Look up Ginetta G40 for the general idea....
To be honest, a lot will depend on your skills/equipment.
Are you setup for welding? Body prep? Engine/gearbox rebuilding?
All would play a part, as there's no point going for a MGB unless your handy with a welder/very good with body prep. Equally, an Elan will be a challenge if there's any fibreglass issues.
Skills defecits like the above can be learnt, but if you end up having to pay a pro, then your budget ends up disappearing very quickly...
Look up Ginetta G40 for the general idea....
To be honest, a lot will depend on your skills/equipment.
Are you setup for welding? Body prep? Engine/gearbox rebuilding?
All would play a part, as there's no point going for a MGB unless your handy with a welder/very good with body prep. Equally, an Elan will be a challenge if there's any fibreglass issues.
Skills defecits like the above can be learnt, but if you end up having to pay a pro, then your budget ends up disappearing very quickly...
Working with fibreglass isn't really that difficult, and there are some good guides on the web. More time consuming than expensive, I'd say. When I rebuilt my Elan a few years ago it had the usual stress cracks to deal with and a bit of repair work underneath, which I just worked through methodically.
I painted the car myself as well, which was the first time I'd attempted spraying. Although it looks OK in the pictures, with hindsight I'd have done the prep and asked a pro to apply the top coats as I was never completely happy with the finish.
In terms of cost, I spent about £15k (including the cost of the car) and sold it for £15k, so not too bad financially either if you discount the labour!
Plenty of support on lotuselan.net too, if you can get past the harrumphing of those who think that your car should remain totally standard...
I painted the car myself as well, which was the first time I'd attempted spraying. Although it looks OK in the pictures, with hindsight I'd have done the prep and asked a pro to apply the top coats as I was never completely happy with the finish.
In terms of cost, I spent about £15k (including the cost of the car) and sold it for £15k, so not too bad financially either if you discount the labour!
Plenty of support on lotuselan.net too, if you can get past the harrumphing of those who think that your car should remain totally standard...
Alvis TE21 - then get yourself lessons in how to speak Terry Thomas, or Leslie Phillips "I say! Ding dong!"
Classy car that was quick for it's time.
Quite a few around in part restored form for around that kind of money. Worth a fair bit more when done.
Hang on, this is Piston Heads, hasn't anyone mentioned Masda MX5 yet?
Classy car that was quick for it's time.
Quite a few around in part restored form for around that kind of money. Worth a fair bit more when done.
Hang on, this is Piston Heads, hasn't anyone mentioned Masda MX5 yet?
Sway said:
MGB GT with S2000 engine and gearbox, and 4link rear suspension....
Look up Ginetta G40 for the general idea....
To be honest, a lot will depend on your skills/equipment.
Are you setup for welding? Body prep? Engine/gearbox rebuilding?
All would play a part, as there's no point going for a MGB unless your handy with a welder/very good with body prep. Equally, an Elan will be a challenge if there's any fibreglass issues.
Skills defecits like the above can be learnt, but if you end up having to pay a pro, then your budget ends up disappearing very quickly...
Im a mechanical Engineer, so am not to bad at the welding, but plenty of experence stripping and rebuilding engines and gearboxes!Look up Ginetta G40 for the general idea....
To be honest, a lot will depend on your skills/equipment.
Are you setup for welding? Body prep? Engine/gearbox rebuilding?
All would play a part, as there's no point going for a MGB unless your handy with a welder/very good with body prep. Equally, an Elan will be a challenge if there's any fibreglass issues.
Skills defecits like the above can be learnt, but if you end up having to pay a pro, then your budget ends up disappearing very quickly...
Fair enough, so I'm guessing that final body prep/painting is probably best avoided?
In that case I'd go for '70s Brit sports, MG, Triumph etc.
A straight body, needed minimum work as a good basis, for a few k with ropey running gear, then you've got a huge amount of possibilities when it comes to engines, suspension, brakes and interior...
For example, I know of at least a dozen engines fitted into MGBs, there's options of improved live axle, four link or independent suspension, and lots of different brake possibilities if you can knock up mounts.
Pick the one you like the look of best, find the right body, then start speaking to the multitude of parts suppliers!
Enjoy, I always planned the above idea with my MGB GT, unfortunately missus and kids came along and with them came the joys of C-Max!!
One day....
In that case I'd go for '70s Brit sports, MG, Triumph etc.
A straight body, needed minimum work as a good basis, for a few k with ropey running gear, then you've got a huge amount of possibilities when it comes to engines, suspension, brakes and interior...
For example, I know of at least a dozen engines fitted into MGBs, there's options of improved live axle, four link or independent suspension, and lots of different brake possibilities if you can knock up mounts.
Pick the one you like the look of best, find the right body, then start speaking to the multitude of parts suppliers!
Enjoy, I always planned the above idea with my MGB GT, unfortunately missus and kids came along and with them came the joys of C-Max!!
One day....
Series One RS turbo would be my choice. It should be within a 10K budget if you are able to do some of the work yourself. May even see a profit should you think about selling afterwards.
Following link will give you an estimate on costs.
http://www.rs-ford.co.uk/project-19.php
Following link will give you an estimate on costs.
http://www.rs-ford.co.uk/project-19.php
diddles said:
Series One RS turbo would be my choice. It should be within a 10K budget if you are able to do some of the work yourself. May even see a profit should you think about selling afterwards.
Following link will give you an estimate on costs.
http://www.rs-ford.co.uk/project-19.php
Now that is interesting! Also had a thing for the RS Turbo as a young lad!Following link will give you an estimate on costs.
http://www.rs-ford.co.uk/project-19.php
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