Did I do meself in .... or not
Discussion
Hi all,
So as all projects start, it was just a nice chat over a few beers, fast forward to a quiet Sunday when a mate texts me and takes advantage of my vodka martini state to inform me that a car I told him I always fancied just HAPPENS to be on the local auctions, in an "unknown" condition. Listed as "engine turns over" and with a last inspection of 2011 (which means it went off the road between 2011 and 2013), and having been stored sort of outside onwards... it most certainly didn't seem like a good idea, so of course I did my due diligence over another couple of VMs, and just went and bid on it, and to my great surprise, actually won it. Oh, dear. So now I seem to be a proud? mad? new owner of a Cerbera 4.2. Admittedly, a car I've wanted for a very, very long time, and in a colour I happen to like (though the blue would've been nicer).
Would you kind folks tell me if I'm an idiot and I should run as fast as I can from it? Pretend I died or something? Or should I take this on? I am somewhat mechanically inclined, and I do enjoy ferrying old car parts around, but seeing as I'm not in Europe, I don't know if this is a fool's errand or if I have some hope. I appreciate your honest feedback.
I can't post links, but this might work. Looks like _some_ rust, but not desperately bad, I think? Engine is missing the AC belt, I think, but otherwise in an .. existent state?
ameblo.jp/nosoninfo/entry-12891907189.html
ameblo.jp/nosoninfo/entry-12892814975.html
Welcome your criticisms and thoughts. If it's salvageable, I would definitely like to try.
Thanks!
So as all projects start, it was just a nice chat over a few beers, fast forward to a quiet Sunday when a mate texts me and takes advantage of my vodka martini state to inform me that a car I told him I always fancied just HAPPENS to be on the local auctions, in an "unknown" condition. Listed as "engine turns over" and with a last inspection of 2011 (which means it went off the road between 2011 and 2013), and having been stored sort of outside onwards... it most certainly didn't seem like a good idea, so of course I did my due diligence over another couple of VMs, and just went and bid on it, and to my great surprise, actually won it. Oh, dear. So now I seem to be a proud? mad? new owner of a Cerbera 4.2. Admittedly, a car I've wanted for a very, very long time, and in a colour I happen to like (though the blue would've been nicer).
Would you kind folks tell me if I'm an idiot and I should run as fast as I can from it? Pretend I died or something? Or should I take this on? I am somewhat mechanically inclined, and I do enjoy ferrying old car parts around, but seeing as I'm not in Europe, I don't know if this is a fool's errand or if I have some hope. I appreciate your honest feedback.
I can't post links, but this might work. Looks like _some_ rust, but not desperately bad, I think? Engine is missing the AC belt, I think, but otherwise in an .. existent state?
ameblo.jp/nosoninfo/entry-12891907189.html
ameblo.jp/nosoninfo/entry-12892814975.html
Welcome your criticisms and thoughts. If it's salvageable, I would definitely like to try.
Thanks!
Congrats on you new project. 
Definitely salvageable, but you might be in for a long haul. The body looks in good condition (except the lights - not a fan), but from what the pics show of the chassis - and the fact that it's been stored outside for over 10 years - I would lift the body and refurb the chassis first.
Then the rest. You're pretty much going to have to recommission every system on the car from brakes, clutch, suspension, electrics and then the engine. . .
It all depends how quickly and how much money you want to throw at it.
One thing's for certain - you'll learn a hell of a lot about your car if you tackle it all yourself, and you'll get a lot of satisfaction from it. Good luck!
My effort from a few years ago. . . http://flic.kr/s/aHsmLDRx9C
Definitely salvageable, but you might be in for a long haul. The body looks in good condition (except the lights - not a fan), but from what the pics show of the chassis - and the fact that it's been stored outside for over 10 years - I would lift the body and refurb the chassis first.
Then the rest. You're pretty much going to have to recommission every system on the car from brakes, clutch, suspension, electrics and then the engine. . .
It all depends how quickly and how much money you want to throw at it.
One thing's for certain - you'll learn a hell of a lot about your car if you tackle it all yourself, and you'll get a lot of satisfaction from it. Good luck!
My effort from a few years ago. . . http://flic.kr/s/aHsmLDRx9C
mrniceguy351 said:
Yep, lots of work ahead. Are you in Japan?
I am indeed. I went to look at the car and it was in a far sorrier state than the pictures showed - intentional, I suppose. So I chickened out and ran, lol. I guess I must let someone else have this roller in their garage. I am kind of sad, because I got REALLY excited about it, but it occurs to me I should buy one that I don't need to rent a tow truck for doing anything with (since self-towing is not a thing in Japan) - so rather than spending $5K on a roller and $15-20K on restoration, maybe I should keep an eye out for a $15K car that is drivable and just needs some love, which I can provide in oodles.Frankly, this car is perfect if you already HAVE a Cerbera and need spare parts... it's not beyond saving, but maybe a little much considering all parts have to be shipped from the UK. (Yeah yeah, I'm retro-justifying my perilously rapid escape).
I bought a basket case, and gradually fixed the defered mainenance, while using the car
But that looks too much to me, especially so far away from the parts suppliers
The front left underside with the unidentified red canister is the deal breaker
As was said before, that needs a body lift which would be a major undertaking, and that's before you consider the engine condition, after all there's a reason why it was parked up and left for years and it's unlikely to be trivial
But that looks too much to me, especially so far away from the parts suppliers
The front left underside with the unidentified red canister is the deal breaker
As was said before, that needs a body lift which would be a major undertaking, and that's before you consider the engine condition, after all there's a reason why it was parked up and left for years and it's unlikely to be trivial
Hi Jason,
You have given us practically no info, so advice is tough.
These cars are not rocket scince so all you need is an offroad area, preferably covered, to work on it and determination.
You already have the biggest asset in taking on the project, which is this forum.
I have been 'fixing' mine for 7 years, come June, and it has only been possible due to the help of This Madhouse.
If you really are that keen then start yesterday !
p.s. You cannot buy a car that you're gonna love for $15K
p.p.s. You've already started in the BEST direction by buying the correct colour
You have given us practically no info, so advice is tough.
These cars are not rocket scince so all you need is an offroad area, preferably covered, to work on it and determination.
You already have the biggest asset in taking on the project, which is this forum.
I have been 'fixing' mine for 7 years, come June, and it has only been possible due to the help of This Madhouse.
If you really are that keen then start yesterday !
p.s. You cannot buy a car that you're gonna love for $15K
p.p.s. You've already started in the BEST direction by buying the correct colour
Edited by Mr Cerbera on Saturday 26th April 14:30
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