restoration/repairs

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Sun 4 Dec 2005 14:28
restoration/repairs - thomp1983
1, hi bit of advice needed really, i want to get myself a classic to restore have my eye on either a datsun 240z/260z, a triumph gt6 or a late 80's 911 only problem i have is in where to find these cars that are need of restoration? i subscribe to practical classics magazine but these cars don't come up very often and if they do they're not really in the right condition, i want one that needs a full nuts an bolt restoration form the ground up.

2, also i see alot of salvage cars about for auction and wondered how you purchase such cars as the majority are for release to motor trade only, im not qualified mechanic but am capable of fixing a car so is there anyway around this?


cheers
chris
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Sun 4 Dec 2005 14:49
restoration/repairs - mrmender
Having been there done that and still doing it, having not learned any lessons from messing with classics. There are plenty of what you want out there just look around things like the free add papers like LOOT you'd be suprised broaded your search i once picked up what turned out to be a mint, very original type 2 VW camper for a song out of LOOT the same one in the specialist mags would have been snapped up
BUT the harsh reality is most of the cars you see advertised and at clssic car shows are are probably in need of restoration to some degree or other the owners are just fighting a battle with rust and mechanical wrongs basicaly just keeping them going it just depends on your interpretation of perfection,or how a classic car should look
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Sun 4 Dec 2005 17:01
restoration/repairs - LotusMike
I'd suggest starting by joining an Owners' Club. There is a list of addresses etc here on HJ's site. You'll get plenty of advice on the particular car in which you have an interest, and they'll be good for spares.
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Sun 4 Dec 2005 17:59
restoration/repairs - AN Other
I'd say Ebay was probably your best bet, apart from the owners' clubs. There are currently 3 or 4 GT6's suitable for restoration - item 4594124246 looks like a prime example.

Just don't get caught into bidding huge amounts: there are plenty of quite optimistic vendors of these type of cars! You'll struggle to sell any of the three cars you mention for what it's cost you in parts alone to put them right, never mind your own labour. Which is fine, if you view things as an enjoyable hobby. I'd say 4594124246 might well be worth £1500, but I'm less sure about the very messed about with 4594184261.
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