Discussion
Just bought a classic Austin and got a report from a highly regarded guy. I'm gutted as I knew there were things to do, but this is a nightmare!
I'm not a mechanic, and didn't realise the gravity of what needed doing.
Any advice about doing this in sections (like the most important stuff first) and the cost implications etc would be hugely appreciated!!!
Here's the report;
"The car has been retro fitted with Jaguar running gear, with some additional modifications undertaken by the installer. The engine has a date mark on the oil filter of July 2007; we assume from this that the running gear has potentially not been used for some ten years.
The original Austin radiator is in place showing obvious signs of age and possible areas of leakage, therefore it will need to be refurbished or replaced as required. The general appearance of the engine bay is untidy, with cables, hoses and electrical connections randomly routed and attached to various components within the engine bay, firewall and frame. The vehicle as a whole will require a complete rewire. The engine has areas of corrosion and Aluminium oxidisation, particularly around the carburettors. The water connections between the engine and radiator are of poor installation and will restrict the flow of coolant around the cooling system, potentially leading to overheating.
The front suspension and steering has practically every item either heavily corroded, worn or leaking, along with bushings in the control arms split and perished. The angle of the front coil springs on both sides is such that it allows the coil spring to contact the shock absorbers. The rear suspension has also split and perished bushings.
The modification to the front chassis rails to accommodate the Jaguar components is in my opinion unsafe and would need to be re-fabricated. The attachment of some body mountings, particularly at the front will require competent and secure attachment. The rear Jaguar sub-frame although having new bushings installed is only attached at the left side, with the right side attaching bolt protruding from the bushing. There is also some concern over the integrity of the attachment of the rear suspension unit to the original chassis rails. Both front and rear suspension units appear to be installed out of alignment with the chassis. All of the transplanted suspension and braking components are heavily corroded.
The entire braking system requires overhauling, including the hard and flexible rubber brake lines which have been installed in an unsafe manor. The parking brake system is also unsafe and will also need to be re-fabricated.
The engine is frozen and will need to be refurbished or replaced; due to this we are unable to access the condition of the transmission and rear axle at this time.
As this vehicle no longer falls within the requirement for an MOT test, it is imperative that it should be in a roadworthy and safe condition, the responsibility for this falls to the owner/driver of the car. We are fully aware that there will be an extended period of time between the vehicle leaving our premises and it actually being used on the road. We must make it very clear that if we were engaged to make the car roadworthy with regard to brakes, steering, suspension, engine and transmission, we could not be responsible for it still being in this condition at the time of being taken back onto a public highway, and the responsibility would be firmly with the owner or driver."
End of report
Thanks in advance, Parrot
I'm not a mechanic, and didn't realise the gravity of what needed doing.
Any advice about doing this in sections (like the most important stuff first) and the cost implications etc would be hugely appreciated!!!
Here's the report;
"The car has been retro fitted with Jaguar running gear, with some additional modifications undertaken by the installer. The engine has a date mark on the oil filter of July 2007; we assume from this that the running gear has potentially not been used for some ten years.
The original Austin radiator is in place showing obvious signs of age and possible areas of leakage, therefore it will need to be refurbished or replaced as required. The general appearance of the engine bay is untidy, with cables, hoses and electrical connections randomly routed and attached to various components within the engine bay, firewall and frame. The vehicle as a whole will require a complete rewire. The engine has areas of corrosion and Aluminium oxidisation, particularly around the carburettors. The water connections between the engine and radiator are of poor installation and will restrict the flow of coolant around the cooling system, potentially leading to overheating.
The front suspension and steering has practically every item either heavily corroded, worn or leaking, along with bushings in the control arms split and perished. The angle of the front coil springs on both sides is such that it allows the coil spring to contact the shock absorbers. The rear suspension has also split and perished bushings.
The modification to the front chassis rails to accommodate the Jaguar components is in my opinion unsafe and would need to be re-fabricated. The attachment of some body mountings, particularly at the front will require competent and secure attachment. The rear Jaguar sub-frame although having new bushings installed is only attached at the left side, with the right side attaching bolt protruding from the bushing. There is also some concern over the integrity of the attachment of the rear suspension unit to the original chassis rails. Both front and rear suspension units appear to be installed out of alignment with the chassis. All of the transplanted suspension and braking components are heavily corroded.
The entire braking system requires overhauling, including the hard and flexible rubber brake lines which have been installed in an unsafe manor. The parking brake system is also unsafe and will also need to be re-fabricated.
The engine is frozen and will need to be refurbished or replaced; due to this we are unable to access the condition of the transmission and rear axle at this time.
As this vehicle no longer falls within the requirement for an MOT test, it is imperative that it should be in a roadworthy and safe condition, the responsibility for this falls to the owner/driver of the car. We are fully aware that there will be an extended period of time between the vehicle leaving our premises and it actually being used on the road. We must make it very clear that if we were engaged to make the car roadworthy with regard to brakes, steering, suspension, engine and transmission, we could not be responsible for it still being in this condition at the time of being taken back onto a public highway, and the responsibility would be firmly with the owner or driver."
End of report
Thanks in advance, Parrot
Did you buy it sight unseen or something ?
Surely you were aware if different engine or running gear ?
Really....without seeing the vehicle or knowing anything about it...a post here isnt going to tell you anything different from that report, because at least they seem to have looked at the car ?
Surely you were aware if different engine or running gear ?
Really....without seeing the vehicle or knowing anything about it...a post here isnt going to tell you anything different from that report, because at least they seem to have looked at the car ?
Yes I bought it sight unseen.
The advert cleverly alluded to problems "but with a little tlc could run" so it said... But not that it's got a seized engine etc Etc etc.
I haven't got deep pockets so all the talk of a new lump and this to do and that to do fills me with dread ;(. Unless I do it piecemeal and maybe he's over cautious on the mods????
The advert cleverly alluded to problems "but with a little tlc could run" so it said... But not that it's got a seized engine etc Etc etc.
I haven't got deep pockets so all the talk of a new lump and this to do and that to do fills me with dread ;(. Unless I do it piecemeal and maybe he's over cautious on the mods????
Sorry have to agree. Time to move on.
This is the sort of work I do and have to say that sounds expensive if you are not able to do the work yourself.
If you don't do spannering and don't have deep pockets then I would suggest the classic/vintage scene will always be too expensive no matter what make/model.
Best of luck
Steve
This is the sort of work I do and have to say that sounds expensive if you are not able to do the work yourself.
If you don't do spannering and don't have deep pockets then I would suggest the classic/vintage scene will always be too expensive no matter what make/model.
Best of luck
Steve
Boosted LS1 said:
Get a second opinion from a real mechanic. Half of that report is probably nothing to really be concerned about.
Dear Boosted,It's make or break time (literally) with the Austin. All other opinions are against- your about the only beacon of hope...
Here are the details of the car on e bay;
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201799519062
It is the SECOND advertised car... Please read the ad.
I've drafted a response to the original correspondence. Can any of you agree with my response??
Dear J,
I hugely respect your experience and wouldn't try to ask you to do less of a job, but is there any way we could do some items first then revisit later for example;
Keep wiring as is
Keep Austin radiator in place
Install a new engine and gearbox (and obviously petrol tank and ancillary items such as ignition key etc to get her moving!)
On this point, I'd like your advice as to a replacement that would be a good match that could offer power at a reasonable cost for a salvaged example.
Renew water connections between the engine and radiator.
Keep front suspension and steering but replacing badly worn items
renew bushings in the control arms.
Tenporaraily keep front coil springs on both sides
Renew rear suspension bushings.
Keep front chassis rails to accommodate the Jaguar components.
Fix attachment of some body mountings, particularly at the front.
Fix left side frame attaching bolt that is protruding from the bushing.
Keep attachment of the rear suspension unit to the original chassis rails. Both front and rear suspension units appear to be installed out of alignment with the chassis.
Overhaul braking system including the hard and flexible rubber brake lines which have been installed in an unsafe manor. The parking brake system is also unsafe and will also need to be re-fabricated.
---------------------------------------------------------
Can any body agree to what I've written?
And anybody got ANY ideas of the costs on any items??? I know I'm asking a lot! Just love the car
Boosted LS1 said:
Get a second opinion from a real mechanic. Half of that report is probably nothing to really be concerned about.
Dear Boosted,It's make or break time (literally) with the Austin. All other opinions are against- your about the only beacon of hope...
Here are the details of the car on e bay;
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201799519062
It is the SECOND advertised car... Please read the ad.
I've drafted a response to the original correspondence. Can any of you agree with my response??
Dear J,
I hugely respect your experience and wouldn't try to ask you to do less of a job, but is there any way we could do some items first then revisit later for example;
Keep wiring as is
Keep Austin radiator in place
Install a new engine and gearbox (and obviously petrol tank and ancillary items such as ignition key etc to get her moving!)
On this point, I'd like your advice as to a replacement that would be a good match that could offer power at a reasonable cost for a salvaged example.
Renew water connections between the engine and radiator.
Keep front suspension and steering but replacing badly worn items
renew bushings in the control arms.
Tenporaraily keep front coil springs on both sides
Renew rear suspension bushings.
Keep front chassis rails to accommodate the Jaguar components.
Fix attachment of some body mountings, particularly at the front.
Fix left side frame attaching bolt that is protruding from the bushing.
Keep attachment of the rear suspension unit to the original chassis rails. Both front and rear suspension units appear to be installed out of alignment with the chassis.
Overhaul braking system including the hard and flexible rubber brake lines which have been installed in an unsafe manor. The parking brake system is also unsafe and will also need to be re-fabricated.
---------------------------------------------------------
Can any body agree to what I've written?
And anybody got ANY ideas of the costs on any items??? I know I'm asking a lot! Just love the car
Parrotface said:
Just bought a classic Austin and got a report from a highly regarded guy.
I skimmed over this bit, but as you've learnt this is the wrong way round; (if you don't have the knowledge or experience to evaluate a car yourself)pay someone to survey it first, then make with the readies if it gets a clean bill of health. From what you've written you need to seek a refund as the vehicle sounds like a dangerous bodged wreck.Second car - could be used as spares as is non runner but may with little TLC run.(dry stored). interior/chrome work stripped out ready for respray, most parts still with car including front grill. This could be kept for spare or make a stunning"rat-rod project" on it's own, maybe modern twist on a classic limo. It has a XK Jag engine installed (7-12 picture).
You didn't buy an Austin Sheerline, going on the description in the ad you bought a non-running incomplete fitted-with-a-different-engine bitza.
I'm amazed you didn't look at it yourself or get someone who knows what they're looking at to look at it before you bought it as buying classic vehicles is a minefield.
Was this a nasty case of rose tinted glasses?
You didn't buy an Austin Sheerline, going on the description in the ad you bought a non-running incomplete fitted-with-a-different-engine bitza.
I'm amazed you didn't look at it yourself or get someone who knows what they're looking at to look at it before you bought it as buying classic vehicles is a minefield.
Was this a nasty case of rose tinted glasses?
paintman said:
Second car - could be used as spares as is non runner but may with little TLC run.(dry stored). interior/chrome work stripped out ready for respray, most parts still with car including front grill. This could be kept for spare or make a stunning"rat-rod project" on it's own, maybe modern twist on a classic limo. It has a XK Jag engine installed (7-12 picture).
You didn't buy an Austin Sheerline, going on the description in the ad you bought a non-running incomplete fitted-with-a-different-engine bitza.
I'm amazed you didn't look at it yourself or get someone who knows what they're looking at to look at it before you bought it as buying classic vehicles is a minefield.
Was this a nasty case of rose tinted glasses?
Can't believe people are suggesting asking for a refund! - it was made very clear in the advert (and from the photos) that this was going to be a bit of a project or only be useful as spares.You didn't buy an Austin Sheerline, going on the description in the ad you bought a non-running incomplete fitted-with-a-different-engine bitza.
I'm amazed you didn't look at it yourself or get someone who knows what they're looking at to look at it before you bought it as buying classic vehicles is a minefield.
Was this a nasty case of rose tinted glasses?
OP - stick it on eBay and hope to recover as much as you can. You've got absolutely no chance of getting a refund from the seller.
I can't believe that you guys are quoting only the part of the ad that says spares..... He states that "with a little TLC could run". And that it has a jag engine installed... And jag running gear..... All of this is precisely what I wanted!! An old school car that could boot it it a bit and with a bit of TLC run!!!!!
It's just occurred to me that he's probably used some psycho dynamic conditioning within the wording to cover himself.... Being a glass half full guy, I thought it sounded good. How fookin silly of me.
With regard to what needs doing, what will 3 grand get me?
It's just occurred to me that he's probably used some psycho dynamic conditioning within the wording to cover himself.... Being a glass half full guy, I thought it sounded good. How fookin silly of me.
With regard to what needs doing, what will 3 grand get me?
There's a huge difference between running, and a very old highly modified decrepit vehicle being road legal.
Judging by the list of fairly major issues you could sink tens of thousands into this to fix it, or spend years doing it yourself if you have the skills. If you haven't ever tackled anything like this I think it's safe to assume you don't have the skills. Spending three grand on it would probably see you three grand poorer with a car that is still miles short of being road legal.
Hopefully the price you paid for it reflected it being a donor/project car and if so you need to decide whether you have the resources and desire to sink a lot of time and money into fixing this. If not, sell it for what you can get and move on with a lesson learned. No point throwing good money after bad in my view.
Judging by the list of fairly major issues you could sink tens of thousands into this to fix it, or spend years doing it yourself if you have the skills. If you haven't ever tackled anything like this I think it's safe to assume you don't have the skills. Spending three grand on it would probably see you three grand poorer with a car that is still miles short of being road legal.
Hopefully the price you paid for it reflected it being a donor/project car and if so you need to decide whether you have the resources and desire to sink a lot of time and money into fixing this. If not, sell it for what you can get and move on with a lesson learned. No point throwing good money after bad in my view.
I'm really very grateful to you guys for the advice. I think it's firmly established that I'm way out of my depth on this one. Such a terrible shame as she's a real head turner and a true British Classic. I hope that I can get a decent buyer on e bay who could take on this as a rod project. I fear that the purists will reject it as it's been so modded.....the sad reality is that the parts are worth a great deal more than the whole.
On that note, if it came to it, can I sell the number plate off of it without an mot?
On that note, if it came to it, can I sell the number plate off of it without an mot?
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