Driveway restoration?
Discussion
Is a driveway restoration actually feasible in the UK?
I have a second driveway to the front of my house that i'm thinking of using to restore/engine swap an old Fiat 850. I've never had a car more than 15yrs old and want to learn fabrication and welding - figured a bike engine in a 70's RR saloon seemed a mad enough idea?
But there's no chance of getting a garage - maybe a carport with appropriate planning?
I have a second driveway to the front of my house that i'm thinking of using to restore/engine swap an old Fiat 850. I've never had a car more than 15yrs old and want to learn fabrication and welding - figured a bike engine in a 70's RR saloon seemed a mad enough idea?
But there's no chance of getting a garage - maybe a carport with appropriate planning?
anything's possible. I've never done a project as major as you're referring to, but used to do all my fixing up at the roadside, not having even a Driveway
but don't 'over-commit'. Things take longer than you expect and prove more troublesome, specially when you're learning. You're also never gonna do your best welding when you're brand new to it. You'll likely 'get by' at first, then take a philosophical approach to the quality of your first efforts.
Buy something dirt cheap at barely scrap value, and if it all goes wrong, you're not gonna be nearly as upset about it as you would if you've actually nobbled something valuable like a Fiat 850. It might not sound as exciting to have an old Focus or whatever, but you'll be delighted to make something of nothing
but don't 'over-commit'. Things take longer than you expect and prove more troublesome, specially when you're learning. You're also never gonna do your best welding when you're brand new to it. You'll likely 'get by' at first, then take a philosophical approach to the quality of your first efforts.
Buy something dirt cheap at barely scrap value, and if it all goes wrong, you're not gonna be nearly as upset about it as you would if you've actually nobbled something valuable like a Fiat 850. It might not sound as exciting to have an old Focus or whatever, but you'll be delighted to make something of nothing
It’s the noise that will be an issue if you’re doing metal work. Neighbours will soon get fed up with the racket grinding makes!
Otherwise, If you can put up a gazebo that is big enough to work on a car in then maybe. Otherwise forget it as the weather isn’t conducive enough in this country for outside restoration work.
Otherwise, If you can put up a gazebo that is big enough to work on a car in then maybe. Otherwise forget it as the weather isn’t conducive enough in this country for outside restoration work.
If you are keen enough there is no reason - neighbours willing - that you can't do an engine swap on a small and light car like a Fiat 850 on the drive.
But working on the drive is very far from ideal and will consume your reserves of energy and enthusiasm about 10 times faster than working in a garage. I wouldn't try any serious bodywork out in the open, get that done somewhere else.
But working on the drive is very far from ideal and will consume your reserves of energy and enthusiasm about 10 times faster than working in a garage. I wouldn't try any serious bodywork out in the open, get that done somewhere else.
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