Project recommendations

[TerryHarman]

Looking to buy a project something I can do with my son ...not too bad with the spanner’s and willing to learn other stuff on the job.. what in your opinion would be the best vehicle for a first restoration was thinking maybe mgb nothing too dramatic and all parts readily available
Not new to restorations have done 3 lambrettas full nut and bolt...thanks

[stevemcs]

I'd go with the MGB, plenty of spare and knowledge out there, cheap to do as well, i would have suggested a Ford but parts are rare and expensive. Or how about a Beetle ?

[classicaholic]

MGB is a good choice as all parts are available easily but the MGB is getting expensive but a GT is still affordable.

What is your budget?

[TerryHarman]

For the initial car 3-4 k.......hadn’t thought of a beetle but weirdly looked at a beach buggy

[Astacus]

You could also think about a Spitfire (much easier to work on the engine etc) or a midget (cheaper). TVR S series can still be had for 3-4k in need of work with the benefit that the body is fibreglass so no need for welding, which can be off putting.

[powerstroke]

Austin mini Or a fiesta perhaps??
What cars does your son like ??

Edited by powerstroke on Friday 1st January 20:30

[BS9ider]

A mk1 VW Golf is worth considering. Bit of a design icon and examples like the one in the advert below will soon be tax and MOT exempt so low cost of ownership. Also anything pre 1986 might be a good bet if you and your son wanted to take part in any classic rallies. I believe Hero events has one in their rental fleet.

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1287314

[mbwoy84]

Austin A35

[stevemcs]

BS9ider said:

A mk1 VW Golf is worth considering. Bit of a design icon and examples like the one in the advert below will soon be tax and MOT exempt so low cost of ownership. Also anything pre 1986 might be a good bet if you and your son wanted to take part in any classic rallies. I believe Hero events has one in their rental fleet.

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1287314

The first thing I would do is get it off those silly wheels and get some steels back on. Then a 1.8T under the bonnet.

[bangerhoarder]

Mini. Yes, rust magnet and parts of the engine are a pain to work on, but the end result will be great fun.

Infinite project, as something will always break or want to be upgraded, too!

[TerryHarman]

powerstroke said:

Austin mini Or a fiesta perhaps??
What cars does your son like ??

Edited by powerstroke on Friday 1st January 20:30

Ford Mustang .....mk1 cortina

[Mr Tidy]

TerryHarman said:

Ford Mustang .....mk1 cortina

In that case a Cortina looks like the best option!

And enjoy the project.

[powerstroke]

TerryHarman said:

powerstroke said:

Austin mini Or a fiesta perhaps??
What cars does your son like ??

Edited by powerstroke on Friday 1st January 20:30

Ford Mustang .....mk1 cortina

Mustang would be good, well supported with part suppliers and owners clubs , quite a big initial investment
however...

[838HNK]

Triumph Herald with a solid roof ... straight forward with a chassis ... four pot engine has good parts availability and is easy to work on ... one piece lift up bonnet gives good access .... perhaps some plates welded in for a roll hoop to go and do some time trials together ?

Mini is a rust challenge ... everything is tightly packed ... I still have the heat burns from the exhaust manifold adjusting the SU. Gearbox is worse than a Christmas jigsaw ...

The wild card is a Fairthorpe Electron Minor !! Very basic car - easy to weld the bed frame chassis ...fibreglass body ... basic Triumph Spitfire engine and gearbox and a solid back axle ... no interior trim !!

I'm sure there are other options as well ...

[classicaholic]

TerryHarman said:

powerstroke said:

Austin mini Or a fiesta perhaps??
What cars does your son like ??

Edited by powerstroke on Friday 1st January 20:30

Ford Mustang .....mk1 cortina

Got to be a 3ltr capri then!
Maybe too expensive now but you could consider a scimitar, cheap to buy and most parts available and of course Princess Anne had one!

[powerstroke]

classicaholic said:

Got to be a 3ltr capri then!
Maybe too expensive now but you could consider a scimitar, cheap to buy and most parts available and of course Princess Anne had one!

A sports hearse you say!!
I guess it depends is this going to be for the
Lad or dad ? Is it possibly a first car , hence a classic mini , I would let the kid have some input otherwise
it might just end up as dads old heap !!!
I remember the joy of my first car well a pick up
Dad being a bit negative at first and then helping me fix
It up swapping the engine etc with me .. very happy memories..

[aeropilot]

838HNK said:

Triumph Herald with a solid roof ... straight forward with a chassis ... four pot engine has good parts availability and is easy to work on ... one piece lift up bonnet gives good access .... perhaps some plates welded in for a roll hoop to go and do some time trials together ?

Agree with this suggestion as well.

A Herald was what my mate started as a project with his 17 year old son....even added a few period tuning item, as you've hinted at as well.

[Puddles of Oil]

Go for a mid 1960s Sunbeam Alpine. They are cheap and easily available. Both of my boys were 14 years old when they bought theirs and they are now in their 30s but still use the cars regularly. They keep up with modern traffic and all parts are available.

Puddles.

[TerryHarman]

powerstroke said:

A sports hearse you say!!
I guess it depends is this going to be for the
Lad or dad ? Is it possibly a first car , hence a classic mini , I would let the kid have some input otherwise
it might just end up as dads old heap !!!
I remember the joy of my first car well a pick up
Dad being a bit negative at first and then helping me fix
It up swapping the engine etc with me .. very happy memories..

the kid is 31 he has a young family we spoke about doing a project a couple of years ago so it’s more about spending a bit of quality time together... personally i would like to do a 70,s-80,s car

[Skyedriver]

Puddles of Oil said:

Go for a mid 1960s Sunbeam Alpine. They are cheap and easily available. Both of my boys were 14 years old when they bought theirs and they are now in their 30s but still use the cars regularly. They keep up with modern traffic and all parts are available.

Puddles.

Alpine could be a good shout, lovely car but rot like mad and I mean rot.
Only beaten in the turn to rust by the mini, hateful things wit more razor sharp edges than Wilkinson Sword. And they're a pain to work on if you are new to restoration. Everything available though.
Most things pre 1980 are becoming really expensive, even for rot boxes.
Maybe go for something 1980's/90's? Bodywork could be better....