Any thoughts on this...
Discussion
The 350i on e-bay. My favourite colour, but the car looks very much like it may be a bit of a project. In terms of D.I.Y on cars changing the oil is about the limit of my mechanical knowledge. So what Im trying to say in a roundabout sort of way is what would it cost (at a very rough guess of course)to get a car like that back on the road ??
Your opinions would be very much appreciated,
thanks,
Colin.
P.S. I have to add at this point that my obsession with wedges was spurred partly by a simple but very well written 2 page article for Motor magazine in which the author of said article drove 350i C 92 ULL.
Your opinions would be very much appreciated,
thanks,
Colin.
P.S. I have to add at this point that my obsession with wedges was spurred partly by a simple but very well written 2 page article for Motor magazine in which the author of said article drove 350i C 92 ULL.
I'm restoring a 350i at the moment. I bought mine for £1700, and was a similar proposition - been stood for ages and looking tatty.
One of the main reasons these cars get laid up I'm sure, is that the rear brakes are a pig to work on, being inboard and Jag based.
On an old car like this, you really need to renew the whole of the braking system, otherwise it'll never be right, and probably not even pass an MOT.
I reckon I'll have spent about a grand on the car at least to get it on the road, not to mention working on it on and off for the best part of 12 months.
I have a fair degree of mechanical knowledge, plus the back up of my Dad who has decades of experience with cars and engineering.
As a first restoration job, I'm not sure a wedge is a great idea. You have to be clued up on where to source parts from.
If you fancy a first resto project, get something like an MGB or a Spitfire.
Of course, if you're determined and highly motiviated, go for it. Just be aware that it can get very daunting once you have a car in bits in the garage (I'm speaking from experience!).
One of the main reasons these cars get laid up I'm sure, is that the rear brakes are a pig to work on, being inboard and Jag based.
On an old car like this, you really need to renew the whole of the braking system, otherwise it'll never be right, and probably not even pass an MOT.
I reckon I'll have spent about a grand on the car at least to get it on the road, not to mention working on it on and off for the best part of 12 months.
I have a fair degree of mechanical knowledge, plus the back up of my Dad who has decades of experience with cars and engineering.
As a first restoration job, I'm not sure a wedge is a great idea. You have to be clued up on where to source parts from.
If you fancy a first resto project, get something like an MGB or a Spitfire.
Of course, if you're determined and highly motiviated, go for it. Just be aware that it can get very daunting once you have a car in bits in the garage (I'm speaking from experience!).
Mine stood for eight years before i bought her, then another year in my ownership.
Rubber (in the form of hoses and bushes) deteriorated and needed replacing.
I got a mechanic (great guy right money) to do the bushes.
Despite beginning life in engineering as a fitter, and turning out to be a sparks for the last 30 years, i never really got involved in much mechanically on cars (batteries, alternators aside).
This was due to a lack of interest, and lack of self belief.
Its a long story, but i have taken on a lot with the wedge (i am older and perhaps a tad more patient) that i would normally have shyed away from. (mostly out of neccesity and cash purposes).
I rebuilt the rear fuel line set up from tanks to pump, fitting a new swirl pot and in-line pre-pump filter as well as all the hoses.
I have removed (bastado) the manifold on one side (taking out an engine mount in the process) to have it welded, and to fit new gaskets, and put it all back together.
I fitted a new rad, having to customise an entire new support system for it, otter swich, new hoses (murder to find) as well as rewiring the system which had been by passed to run permanently.
There are things i wont touch mind (idling/running etc) but on the whole have found that if you have a modicam of intelligence (mmm, maybe i don't) and some mechanical aptitude, coupled with the priceless help from the nut jobs and fruit cakes on this forum.....you would be surprised at what you can do.
And it is sooooo rewarding when it works.
When i ran my car up to temp, and the fans kicked in automatically and brought the temp down instantly......well, lets just say i needed the coat hanger removed from my mouth i was grinning so much.
If you got that car for the right money, throw a few quid at it to start in the way of a trusted mechanic and perhaps an mot....(as a diagnostic aid).
Trim and fancy bits are a waste of money if the drivetrain etc are no good.
Bushes and fuel lines perhaps, and then she's a rolling resto.
DO NOT make her your daily, as first problem will cost more than money.
Be patient, as there are days you will hate her, days you will ignore her......and days you will cry over her.
DO IT ANYWAY
Good luck C.Pryor
Gavin (so many jobs, so little money/time)
Rubber (in the form of hoses and bushes) deteriorated and needed replacing.
I got a mechanic (great guy right money) to do the bushes.
Despite beginning life in engineering as a fitter, and turning out to be a sparks for the last 30 years, i never really got involved in much mechanically on cars (batteries, alternators aside).
This was due to a lack of interest, and lack of self belief.
Its a long story, but i have taken on a lot with the wedge (i am older and perhaps a tad more patient) that i would normally have shyed away from. (mostly out of neccesity and cash purposes).
I rebuilt the rear fuel line set up from tanks to pump, fitting a new swirl pot and in-line pre-pump filter as well as all the hoses.
I have removed (bastado) the manifold on one side (taking out an engine mount in the process) to have it welded, and to fit new gaskets, and put it all back together.
I fitted a new rad, having to customise an entire new support system for it, otter swich, new hoses (murder to find) as well as rewiring the system which had been by passed to run permanently.
There are things i wont touch mind (idling/running etc) but on the whole have found that if you have a modicam of intelligence (mmm, maybe i don't) and some mechanical aptitude, coupled with the priceless help from the nut jobs and fruit cakes on this forum.....you would be surprised at what you can do.
And it is sooooo rewarding when it works.
When i ran my car up to temp, and the fans kicked in automatically and brought the temp down instantly......well, lets just say i needed the coat hanger removed from my mouth i was grinning so much.
If you got that car for the right money, throw a few quid at it to start in the way of a trusted mechanic and perhaps an mot....(as a diagnostic aid).
Trim and fancy bits are a waste of money if the drivetrain etc are no good.
Bushes and fuel lines perhaps, and then she's a rolling resto.
DO NOT make her your daily, as first problem will cost more than money.
Be patient, as there are days you will hate her, days you will ignore her......and days you will cry over her.
DO IT ANYWAY
Good luck C.Pryor
Gavin (so many jobs, so little money/time)
dixiebabes said:
Im sure that car was for sale a few years ago in Leeds me and Carob went to have a look at it. Is that right Robbie?
Good so you have seen it! We know you have had more than a few rusties since then 
but what is it like?I have a friend who's wants a project and as I know a bit about them it would be idea! Especally as its in Cambs!
Andy
Hi Mate...It all depends on your budget and the time you want to spend peeing around..Pulling your hair out..Hypnotically staring at the "Could be" list..Insomnia..High blood pressure..Low self esteem..And the most scariest of them all...Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)...However all this will be eliviated when you turn the key and that V8 rumble vibrates the blood from your feet to your head and into your smile glands bringing an inner peace to the whole of your body..
Ideally it would be best to find one that is in overall good condition and needs a little tidying..If you are someone who wants to learn and dont mind rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck in then go for it..And if you want one as much as it sounds like you do..Go for it..Good luck...Ziga
Ideally it would be best to find one that is in overall good condition and needs a little tidying..If you are someone who wants to learn and dont mind rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck in then go for it..And if you want one as much as it sounds like you do..Go for it..Good luck...Ziga
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