Restoring cars.
Discussion
Hi all. I recently joined PistonHeads although I have been coming on the site for a few months now. I am constantly looking at restored and modified as well as just general projects. I've been really interested in cars for a few years now and I have always wanted to restore a car (or many) and just have a project in general (maybe a track car).
Basically the point that I'm getting at is does anyone here have any suggestions on what would be a good car to start out on?
All ideas will be much appreciated.
Basically the point that I'm getting at is does anyone here have any suggestions on what would be a good car to start out on?
All ideas will be much appreciated.
I got started with Lambretta motor scooters, then progressed onto a series of MGBs. The key thing is to pick something mainstream as your first project - that way you know that there are plantiful parts, loads of knowledge and if you decide it really isn't for you, then you won't find it too hard to move on.
Depending on what you're looking for in a car, how about MGB, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, TR7 for starters?
Depending on what you're looking for in a car, how about MGB, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, TR7 for starters?
perfect first tinkering car Yeah these are all cars that I do love. The only problem I may find though is the fact that afterwards I would like to be able to drive it on road/track and as I'm only 17 that may be a problem. Saying that I probably won't finish whichever car I choose for awhile.
Another thought, although I do know a bit about cars I don't know tremendous amounts so do you think it would be something I could pick up as I go along?
Another thought, although I do know a bit about cars I don't know tremendous amounts so do you think it would be something I could pick up as I go along?
Benjamin Shute said:
Another thought, although I do know a bit about cars I don't know tremendous amounts so do you think it would be something I could pick up as I go along?
Oh God, no. Everyone here was born with a deep and comprehensive knowledge of everything car related. If you're one of those 'pick it up as I go' guys, try Mumsnet. Well first thing have you any skills ?. Can you weld, do you have a garage, a understanding wife, partner?.
I have done five projects, there are welders and welders, the difference is a 1000 hours?.
All these things add up in time and money. Maybe do a course at college in welding/ Fab like I did. It give me a good base of knowledge.
Also go a few car shows talk to people that have done it.
I have done five projects, there are welders and welders, the difference is a 1000 hours?.
All these things add up in time and money. Maybe do a course at college in welding/ Fab like I did. It give me a good base of knowledge.
Also go a few car shows talk to people that have done it.
Benjamin Shute said:
Haha. Well thank you. I suppose if I get stuck I could always find help from somewhere anyway.
You can get plenty of help from here. 
Decide on your car, buy a workshop manual, check the internet for anything you don't know about, find a forum relevant to your car, and get any friends who are interested in cars involved, and get a cheapish car, so if you get it badly wrong, you can still afford to buy a beer to drown your sorrows.
It's how we all start out, I think.
I do have a garage to store the car in. Also I'm only young so I have far too much free time on my hands too be honest. I do plan on going to as many car shows and track days as possible really. Although I do know a few people who can weld. Initially I know it's going to cost a fair bit but I've always planned on doing it and I would just like to get started as soon as I can really.
You're 17, so that limits you to small engined things really. MGBs are out, as are Triumph Vitesses, and I believe that Land Rovers are surprisingly expensive to insure for young people.
I'd go with a Morris Minor. They're built very strongly so the rust isn't quite so galloping, and the mechanicals are incredibly basic. You'll also get insurance cheaply, be able to move your friends around easily, and most importantly of all, hang the tail out at 6 mph on greasy roundabouts.
I'd go with a Morris Minor. They're built very strongly so the rust isn't quite so galloping, and the mechanicals are incredibly basic. You'll also get insurance cheaply, be able to move your friends around easily, and most importantly of all, hang the tail out at 6 mph on greasy roundabouts.
Yeah. I figure it's going to take me a long time to do anyway. Although its more about restoring the car than actually driving it really. Although that's a major bonus. I have been thinking about a Minor as when I was younger my Grandad had one in his garage that he never used, always planned on that for my first car but he gave it away one year. A real shame too be honest.
As a personal preference i hate working on Minis! I am working on one at the minute and really can't say i am enjoying the experience.
I would vote Morris Minor. Better looking IMO and much easier to work on with better access and a proper chassis. they also seem to be cheaper than Minis as they are'nt the "in thing" at the moment
I would vote Morris Minor. Better looking IMO and much easier to work on with better access and a proper chassis. they also seem to be cheaper than Minis as they are'nt the "in thing" at the moment
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff