Potential project - Peugeot 306 cabriolet
Discussion
Over the last few months I’ve been eyeing up a stranded Peugeot cabriolet and all I can think about it rescuing it and doing it up.
I spoke with the owner (after knocking various houses around the area and asking someone who pulled up; car is parked around the back of houses) he said £250.00 and it’s mine. His reason for leaving the car is because he’s getting old and can’t see properly anymore, but he was a mechanic and has added a new exhaust at some point and kept it running well when it was operational.
The car has been sat since at least 2014/2015, moss is on the soft top and around the rubber seals and is also starting to grow up the tyres. The roof seals seem to be in good condition as there appears to be no mould inside and the seats looks a bit worn (not surprising as it’s a 97 model)
Now, I’m a young girl, I am not entirely sure on the best way to look at the engine (I will be going back and asking the owner if I can properly look at the car) to establish if there may be any issues. I know it would be a case of actually starting the thing, but I will probably need to get a new battery for this.
Part of me has some doubts as to whether it will be worth it, but I’m also up for the challenge and learning some new skills.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how they would go about taking on something like this?
I will have access to tools and assistance when/if required
I spoke with the owner (after knocking various houses around the area and asking someone who pulled up; car is parked around the back of houses) he said £250.00 and it’s mine. His reason for leaving the car is because he’s getting old and can’t see properly anymore, but he was a mechanic and has added a new exhaust at some point and kept it running well when it was operational.
The car has been sat since at least 2014/2015, moss is on the soft top and around the rubber seals and is also starting to grow up the tyres. The roof seals seem to be in good condition as there appears to be no mould inside and the seats looks a bit worn (not surprising as it’s a 97 model)
Now, I’m a young girl, I am not entirely sure on the best way to look at the engine (I will be going back and asking the owner if I can properly look at the car) to establish if there may be any issues. I know it would be a case of actually starting the thing, but I will probably need to get a new battery for this.
Part of me has some doubts as to whether it will be worth it, but I’m also up for the challenge and learning some new skills.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how they would go about taking on something like this?
I will have access to tools and assistance when/if required
If it has been sat for 7 years, instantly budget for the following...
4x new tyres. Bushes, as some may have dried up.
Then I would assume the following would be needed.
Work to the hood/ seals, if it has been exposed for 7 years, in all sorts of weather, I would be amazed if it did not leak.
That is before you even look at the engine, a compression test would be ideal.
Basically, it will be a lot of work. If you want a restoration project then why not? But would it not be easier to buy a running example with an MOT for the £1000-3000 these sell for?
4x new tyres. Bushes, as some may have dried up.
Then I would assume the following would be needed.
Work to the hood/ seals, if it has been exposed for 7 years, in all sorts of weather, I would be amazed if it did not leak.
That is before you even look at the engine, a compression test would be ideal.
Basically, it will be a lot of work. If you want a restoration project then why not? But would it not be easier to buy a running example with an MOT for the £1000-3000 these sell for?
MattsCar said:
If it has been sat for 7 years, instantly budget for the following...
4x new tyres. Bushes, as some may have dried up.
Then I would assume the following would be needed.
Work to the hood/ seals, if it has been exposed for 7 years, in all sorts of weather, I would be amazed if it did not leak.
That is before you even look at the engine, a compression test would be ideal.
Basically, it will be a lot of work. If you want a restoration project then why not? But would it not be easier to buy a running example with an MOT for the £1000-3000 these sell for?
First thing I plan to do is definitely get rid of the tyres and go from there. 4x new tyres. Bushes, as some may have dried up.
Then I would assume the following would be needed.
Work to the hood/ seals, if it has been exposed for 7 years, in all sorts of weather, I would be amazed if it did not leak.
That is before you even look at the engine, a compression test would be ideal.
Basically, it will be a lot of work. If you want a restoration project then why not? But would it not be easier to buy a running example with an MOT for the £1000-3000 these sell for?
It probably would be easier to buy a running one with MOT but part of me doesn’t see the fun in that. I’ve never really been a ‘car person’ but the excitement of having to restore this is just overwhelming.
I’m willing to spend over time doing it up and making sure it is covered when required to try and protect it from the weather.
It is hasn’t leaked, I will be amazed but I will have to inspect it further
The first thing I'd want to know is if it's been sat on a hard surface or on earth/grass. One thing that's most likely to undermine all of this is rust on structural elements. If it's been on grass, I'd be really concerned, so before you spend anything on it get the chassis properly inspected. £250 must be pretty close to scrap value though, so definitely sounds worth a try, just try to keep your exposure fairly low until you've checked or sorted the potential showstoppers.
Being stood for that length of time it's also likely the folding roof motor will have gone or at the very least will need some repair work or likely total replacement. Even from new the motors were a potential failure point.
I used to own one - mine was a 52 reg - from early '03 to mid '06 and did a number of mods during that time. When the motor gave up on mine in '04 and i priced up the replacement work (as the dealer refused to cover it) i decided i couldn't be bothered to fix it as back then it was cheaper to buy / paint / fit the hardtop roadster conversion - which also cured the occasional water leaks through the rear window seals.
Also worth checking the condition of the rear beam as if that's seized you're looking at a potential rebuild and more £££.
Plus, as per the comment above, rust is likely going to be an issue on the underside. When i sold mine in '06 it was fantastic underneath - new owner lived in Scotland - when i checked the MOT status a couple of years later in 2010, to see how the car was doing, the amount of advisories for underside corrosion, sills, exhaust mounting points, etc, was pretty impressive.
I used to own one - mine was a 52 reg - from early '03 to mid '06 and did a number of mods during that time. When the motor gave up on mine in '04 and i priced up the replacement work (as the dealer refused to cover it) i decided i couldn't be bothered to fix it as back then it was cheaper to buy / paint / fit the hardtop roadster conversion - which also cured the occasional water leaks through the rear window seals.
Also worth checking the condition of the rear beam as if that's seized you're looking at a potential rebuild and more £££.
Plus, as per the comment above, rust is likely going to be an issue on the underside. When i sold mine in '06 it was fantastic underneath - new owner lived in Scotland - when i checked the MOT status a couple of years later in 2010, to see how the car was doing, the amount of advisories for underside corrosion, sills, exhaust mounting points, etc, was pretty impressive.
Edited by AlexRS2782 on Sunday 4th December 19:40
E63eeeeee... said:
The first thing I'd want to know is if it's been sat on a hard surface or on earth/grass. One thing that's most likely to undermine all of this is rust on structural elements. If it's been on grass, I'd be really concerned, so before you spend anything on it get the chassis properly inspected. £250 must be pretty close to scrap value though, so definitely sounds worth a try, just try to keep your exposure fairly low until you've checked or sorted the potential showstoppers.
It’s been sat on tarmac/concrete for all that time. I have had a quick look round the car and couldn’t see any rust around the body. Breaks are obviously rusted though. AlexRS2782 said:
Being stood for that length of time it's also likely the folding roof motor will have gone or at the very least will need some repair work or likely total replacement. Even from new the motors were a potential failure point.
I used to own one - mine was a 52 reg - from early '03 to mid '06 and did a number of mods during that time. When the motor gave up on mine in '04 and i priced up the replacement work (as the dealer refused to cover it) i decided i couldn't be bothered to fix it as back then it was cheaper to buy / paint / fit the hardtop roadster conversion - which also cured the occasional water leaks through the rear window seals.
Also worth checking the condition of the rear beam as it that's seized you're looking at a potential rebuild and more £££.
The owner did say it is likely the roof motor has gone, but he would be willing to take a look at them and try and then as he used to be a mechanic. I used to own one - mine was a 52 reg - from early '03 to mid '06 and did a number of mods during that time. When the motor gave up on mine in '04 and i priced up the replacement work (as the dealer refused to cover it) i decided i couldn't be bothered to fix it as back then it was cheaper to buy / paint / fit the hardtop roadster conversion - which also cured the occasional water leaks through the rear window seals.
Also worth checking the condition of the rear beam as it that's seized you're looking at a potential rebuild and more £££.
I’ve already had a look at roof motors and they are easy to come by, I just hope the roof is in a sound condition to not need replacing because I know it then may not be worth it
Rear beam is a good idea - doing the bushes in-situ is virtually impossible whereas companies will offer a refurbished complete rear beam on an exchange basis. Do the rear dampers at the same time, they're so cheap it's silly not to.
I had a 306 Cab for just over a year and absolutely loved it. Such a great little cab which wasn't pretending to be a sports car nor was it chintzy / flash. Mine was also super reliable, needing only an idle control valve replacement (look for a hunting idle or a tendency to cut out as you come to a stop!).
I had a 306 Cab for just over a year and absolutely loved it. Such a great little cab which wasn't pretending to be a sports car nor was it chintzy / flash. Mine was also super reliable, needing only an idle control valve replacement (look for a hunting idle or a tendency to cut out as you come to a stop!).
If a young car enthusiast knocked on my door asking to buy one of my abandoned cars because they are keen to save it and learn a few new skills I'd have set my dog on them
That was a joke, actually I'd have probably done the same as the owner
If you live locally then he sounds like the type of guy that wouldn't think twice about helping you give the car a 2nd life while passing on his car mechanic in knowledge
I really wish there were more young people like the OP out there interested in saving old cars instead of taking the easy option and buying something new and characterless
Bestvof luck to you and look forward to seeing it Readers Cars
That was a joke, actually I'd have probably done the same as the owner
If you live locally then he sounds like the type of guy that wouldn't think twice about helping you give the car a 2nd life while passing on his car mechanic in knowledge
I really wish there were more young people like the OP out there interested in saving old cars instead of taking the easy option and buying something new and characterless
Bestvof luck to you and look forward to seeing it Readers Cars
Oh ffs what's wrong with PH! It's not a £500k one off, it's an arm chancer, treat it as such.
Got somewhere you can keep it off the road if you need to? And someone who can lift or tow it to where it will be? Checked insurance plus won't get clobbered with ulez (as none are compliant) if that's an issue where you are? If so:
Borrow a good battery, don't buy one in case it really is shagged, turn the key, see what happens. A lot of smoke probably, but f
k bothering with a test, just wait for the fuel to flow and see if it keeps going.
Brakes will be locked on I suspect so moving it will take some effort, if you can get it going. Discs, pads, fluid will doubtless need doing, maybe some pistons unstuck too. Got a friendly mechanic?
Compression test? It's £250, bloody have a crack, you'll get comfortably more in parts or through the mouthbreathers on Facebook marketplace if it's a dud.
Go get it, and good luck, can't wait to see the pics when it's moving
Got somewhere you can keep it off the road if you need to? And someone who can lift or tow it to where it will be? Checked insurance plus won't get clobbered with ulez (as none are compliant) if that's an issue where you are? If so:
Borrow a good battery, don't buy one in case it really is shagged, turn the key, see what happens. A lot of smoke probably, but f
k bothering with a test, just wait for the fuel to flow and see if it keeps going. Brakes will be locked on I suspect so moving it will take some effort, if you can get it going. Discs, pads, fluid will doubtless need doing, maybe some pistons unstuck too. Got a friendly mechanic?
Compression test? It's £250, bloody have a crack, you'll get comfortably more in parts or through the mouthbreathers on Facebook marketplace if it's a dud.
Go get it, and good luck, can't wait to see the pics when it's moving
marine boy said:
If a young car enthusiast knocked on my door asking to buy one of my abandoned cars because they are keen to save it and learn a few new skills I'd have set my dog on them
That was a joke, actually I'd have probably done the same as the owner
If you live locally then he sounds like the type of guy that wouldn't think twice about helping you give the car a 2nd life while passing on his car mechanic in knowledge
I really wish there were more young people like the OP out there interested in saving old cars instead of taking the easy option and buying something new and characterless
Bestvof luck to you and look forward to seeing it Readers Cars
Funny you mention setting dogs on someone - the guy had a little staffie puppy who was very excited to see me! That was a joke, actually I'd have probably done the same as the owner
If you live locally then he sounds like the type of guy that wouldn't think twice about helping you give the car a 2nd life while passing on his car mechanic in knowledge
I really wish there were more young people like the OP out there interested in saving old cars instead of taking the easy option and buying something new and characterless
Bestvof luck to you and look forward to seeing it Readers Cars
Luckily it is local and I have somewhere to keep it. It will be parked at my mates (my dad isn’t best pleased about me wanting to bring a stray car home 😅) but I plan on trying to keep it on stilts for a little bit so I can get better access to things if needed.
I will definitely provide an update as and when
Macron said:
Oh ffs what's wrong with PH! It's not a £500k one off, it's an arm chancer, treat it as such.
Got somewhere you can keep it off the road if you need to? And someone who can lift or tow it to where it will be? Checked insurance plus won't get clobbered with ulez (as none are compliant) if that's an issue where you are? If so:
Borrow a good battery, don't buy one in case it really is shagged, turn the key, see what happens. A lot of smoke probably, but fk bothering with a test, just wait for the fuel to flow and see if it keeps going.
Brakes will be locked on I suspect so moving it will take some effort, if you can get it going. Discs, pads, fluid will doubtless need doing, maybe some pistons unstuck too. Got a friendly mechanic?
Compression test? It's £250, bloody have a crack, you'll get comfortably more in parts or through the mouthbreathers on Facebook marketplace if it's a dud.
Go get it, and good luck, can't wait to see the pics when it's moving
Insurance all checked and it shouldn’t cost me too much more. I will need to call my insurance to double check about adding it on but I don’t think it will be too much more. Got somewhere you can keep it off the road if you need to? And someone who can lift or tow it to where it will be? Checked insurance plus won't get clobbered with ulez (as none are compliant) if that's an issue where you are? If so:
Borrow a good battery, don't buy one in case it really is shagged, turn the key, see what happens. A lot of smoke probably, but f
k bothering with a test, just wait for the fuel to flow and see if it keeps going. Brakes will be locked on I suspect so moving it will take some effort, if you can get it going. Discs, pads, fluid will doubtless need doing, maybe some pistons unstuck too. Got a friendly mechanic?
Compression test? It's £250, bloody have a crack, you'll get comfortably more in parts or through the mouthbreathers on Facebook marketplace if it's a dud.
Go get it, and good luck, can't wait to see the pics when it's moving
One thing the guy mentioned was an engine code? I’ve done some reading on it and if he has all the original documents then I shouldn’t have a problem trying to see if the thing actually starts.
Agree, make sure there's oil in it and a bit of fresh fuel.. borrow battery, crank it and see what happens. If it does run, see if it'll move and go from there but absolutely all tyres will be fked, brakes will all need rebuilding, even things like CV joints could be perished, it does cars no good being stood still.
Where in the UK are you? Surely there's a local friendly PHer that would look over it with you if necessary.
ked, brakes will all need rebuilding, even things like CV joints could be perished, it does cars no good being stood still. Where in the UK are you? Surely there's a local friendly PHer that would look over it with you if necessary.
Lottie96 said:
Funny you mention setting dogs on someone - the guy had a little staffie puppy who was very excited to see me!
Luckily it is local and I have somewhere to keep it. It will be parked at my mates (my dad isn’t best pleased about me wanting to bring a stray car home ??) but I plan on trying to keep it on stilts for a little bit so I can get better access to things if needed.
I will definitely provide an update as and when
Please do! Luckily it is local and I have somewhere to keep it. It will be parked at my mates (my dad isn’t best pleased about me wanting to bring a stray car home ??) but I plan on trying to keep it on stilts for a little bit so I can get better access to things if needed.
I will definitely provide an update as and when
My teenage son has mates dotted all over the country, searching for and saving abandoned cars.
There is a very sociable community of youngsters like yourself out there, all supporting each other with finding parts, lending a hand and offering help doing exactly what you're setting out to do
I'll post up some links to where they hang out if you're interested
OP, I say go for it. It’s not a huge initial outlay and you’ll learn so much trying to bring it back to life. Even if you decide a bit further down the line that’s it’s too much then you’ll have had some fun and can go for something a bit more doable. I wish more youngsters had the enthusiasm for getting their hands dirty on old cars. Good luck and keep us posted!
marine boy said:
Lottie96 said:
Funny you mention setting dogs on someone - the guy had a little staffie puppy who was very excited to see me!
Luckily it is local and I have somewhere to keep it. It will be parked at my mates (my dad isn’t best pleased about me wanting to bring a stray car home ??) but I plan on trying to keep it on stilts for a little bit so I can get better access to things if needed.
I will definitely provide an update as and when
Please do! Luckily it is local and I have somewhere to keep it. It will be parked at my mates (my dad isn’t best pleased about me wanting to bring a stray car home ??) but I plan on trying to keep it on stilts for a little bit so I can get better access to things if needed.
I will definitely provide an update as and when
My teenage son has mates dotted all over the country, searching for and saving abandoned cars.
There is a very sociable community of youngsters like yourself out there, all supporting each other with finding parts, lending a hand and offering help doing exactly what you're setting out to do
I'll post up some links to where they hang out if you're interested
Yazza54 said:
Agree, make sure there's oil in it and a bit of fresh fuel.. borrow battery, crank it and see what happens. If it does run, see if it'll move and go from there but absolutely all tyres will be fked, brakes will all need rebuilding, even things like CV joints could be perished, it does cars no good being stood still.
Where in the UK are you? Surely there's a local friendly PHer that would look over it with you if necessary.
I’m in the West Midlands, CV postcode area. Any help I can get I’m sure would be grateful for. No doubt if things go well when I can try and start it I will have a few tantrums if I can’t do something after a few tries ked, brakes will all need rebuilding, even things like CV joints could be perished, it does cars no good being stood still. Where in the UK are you? Surely there's a local friendly PHer that would look over it with you if necessary.
Macron said:
Thank you!!! When I read up on it yesterday it says it happens a lot when the battery is changed, which seems silly? But oh well. I’ll have to keep an eye on it when I get to that Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff