Modify a poor/dreadful car to make it desirable...

[DodgyGeezer]

a bit of fun. Take a poor (or even dreadful) car and modify it to that it becomes interesting desirable...



Chrysler PT cruiser convertible



drop in a V8 RWD conversion with 8sp auto (or, possibly, the 3.6 with 8sp and 4 wheel drive from the Charger/Challenger)

put on a fixed roof (probably from the hatch)

give it 'barn doors' at the rear

lose the moulded in bumper

decent seats and loading area

decent alloys

good paint-job

[mikeyr]

Perhaps using the floating wheel arches seen on the Chrysler Prowler? Might be fun. Might look terrible. But no worse that the original car (IMHO)

[ajprice]

Can I modify it into what the concept looked like?



Or the van version they didn't make

[mikeyr]

damn it, those both look alright!

[Deranged Rover]

Take a Morris Marina.

Drop a grand piano onto it.

[Equus]

Throw away the TVR backbone chassis and associated suspension geometry and replace it with items that weren't designed by a 5-year old playing dot-to-dot with the piles of donkey st on blackpool beach.

So close to greatness that it didn't just hurt, it actually tried to kill you, given half a chance.

[DodgyGeezer]

ajprice said:

Can I modify it into what the concept looked like?

ooof - I'd forgotten about this. Given someone with the correct skillset that could be doable, and would be awesome

[swisstoni]

The original concept looks quite fun. And probably had a V8.

[otolith]

The PT Cruiser?

First step of the transformation;

[Pitre]

Ha! Beat me to it.

An improved 2CV.....

[samoht]

A Fiat 126 with a Yamaha R1 engine and some corresponding suspension looks like fun:
http://www.speedhunters.com/2011/10/car_spotlight_...

[Cold]

Take an old Lada, drop it off at an engineering company in Norfolk.

[ajprice]

Fiat Multipla.



I'm pretty sure this one has a Fiat Coupe Turbo engine, it was in an old CarThrottle video. Personally I wouldn't have the stripe and it's a bit too low, but you get the idea.

[donkmeister]

DodgyGeezer said:

a bit of fun. Take a poor (or even dreadful) car and modify it to that it becomes interesting desirable...

Also known as every hot hatch ever

I've always loved the V8 Focus Mk 1

https://kugelkomponents.com/focus-v-8/

Amazingly it's a bolt in kit, I understand no cutting or welding required, and allows you to fit various Ford V8s, a T5 and a Mustang rear axle (so keeping it all Ford) into the absolutely gopping MK1 Focus. I'd have one.

Edited by donkmeister on Friday 30th June 14:31

[rodericb]

Equus said:

Throw away the TVR backbone chassis and associated suspension geometry and replace it with items that weren't designed by a 5-year old playing dot-to-dot with the piles of donkey st on blackpool beach.

So close to greatness that it didn't just hurt, it actually tried to kill you, given half a chance.

There are those carbon tubs of which there was a thread about. And also that you can get McLaren tubs from salvage for five grand! What would you call something with a Macca tub, TVR body and engine? TVMcR? McTavern?

[ajprice]

rodericb said:

What would you call something with a Macca tub, TVR body and engine? TVMcR? McTavern?

McTavish

[Doofus]

PT Cruiser, you say?

[DodgyGeezer]

All agro V8




https://imgur.com/a/AkGZi

[Muddle238]

I'd take a Rover 75 Tourer and fit it with a V8. Yes, I know they did a V8 version, but I'd fit a 5.0 litre from the current Mustang. 6 speed auto, I'd also give it Range Rover-esque split folding tailgate and rear suicide doors, like a Phantom.

Then paint the whole lot BRG.

I may need help...

[ingenieur]

I like modifying cars but when it comes to performance and refinement there are thousands of old german saloons and coupes you can buy for not much which do these sorts of things better than a modified PT Cruiser ever could.

I also thing the word 'desirable' suggests someone else might want to buy it after you've finished modifying it. Generally speaking modified cars don't sell well as it's to the owners taste as it was 18 months prior and the modifications will have rusted / faded / broken by the time the car is up for sale.

A golden rule for modifying cars is that if the actual car you want is available already then go and buy that. Don't waste your time and money trying to make a classic MINI into a Toyota Celica GT4.