project car

[CJ Loves Ruf]

Hey guys, I need some advice. I am just about to leave School and head into a 14 month long gap year before I continue my studies at University. Now that I am free from the restrictions of School would it be possible to 'do up' a E30 BMW. I have seen some amazing builds and would love to make my own. However would this be realistic, How many of the jobs could I do by myself without the expense of professional outside help. What kind of budget should I be looking at. I understand that changing engines and gearboxes would be too expensive and complicated to do by myself but what about upgrading brakes, suspension, tyres and the steering rack etc. My Uncle has had past experience in restoring cars so with his help it may make things easier although I myself have none what so ever. This may seem like a silly question but I'd much rather being doing something a love than going out on the piss every single night. Anyway I understand this is a long and hard commitment to make.

Anyway if anyone has past experience in projects like this any advice as to weather or not this is a realistic idea please tell me.

Edited by CJ Loves Ruf on Friday 25th June 12:10

[TheEnd]

mechanics is far simpler than garages make out.
within a couple of weeks, you'd easily surpass any quickfit type place that just fiddles with the easy bits.

[john_p]

TheEnd said:

mechanics is far simpler than garages make out.
within a couple of weeks, you'd easily surpass any quickfit type place that just fiddles with the easy bits.

and bodywork is far harder!!

[Liquid Knight]

Anything is possible, but for a gap year project you need to think about one seriously important issue. Insurance. A straight forward restoration maybe even be insurable on a classic policy for an early E30 but when you start swapping engines and modifying the car expect a ball park figure to be at least five to ten times the value of or what you spend on the car.

If you buy and insure a tidy two door 316 and put a 535 six or 540 V8 in there, fit a Slovak body kit, roll cage, M3 brakes, coilovers and silly wheels then don't declare it you'll be in trouble if anything were to happen or if you were to be stopped. It would be a real shame to see all the time, money and effort you put into the car go through a crusher on a "Section 59" or an "IN10".

Follow the three rules.

Keep it within your abilities and declare everything as you go.
Do what you want to do and not follow trends.
Enjoy yourself both doing the car and driving the car.