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Hi all, I'm new here... In fact this is my first post.
I'm looking for a bit of project sporty retro-ness; MGBs, 924s etc and my budget is next to chuff all so I'm looking at cars in various states of disrepair.
My question is if I'm looking at a 924 or MGB that has been stored for years do I try starting the thing whilst I am there to give me a fairer idea of what I am up against or not.... Reason not to might be that I'd suck dirty fuel or cack from a rusty tank into the fuel system.
What's best??
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unlikely that they would start with old stale fuel in, you could have issues with split fuel lines, gummed up/ jammed carbs needles, fuel pumps, and a long list of other problems including the engine internals rusted, valves stuck etc.
You ideally need to turn the engine by hand first to check it turns then check it has a spark. fuel sprayed direct into the carb should have it coughing and spluttering at least. you say you are on a tight budget but buying a non running car that has been stored for years could end up being a money pit (might be a gem though) ImO you really need to start with a car that you can see and hear running.
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alecf
Part of things
Posts: 424 
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As above really. Sometimes what seems like a cheaper initial buy can end up costing more in the long run replacing unforseen parts.
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Price up a set of 4 tyres, battery, brake overhaul, MOT etc and knock at least that off what a similar car would cost on the road to get a realistic comparison. If you are looking for a project then that is a different matter but recommissioning a vehicle that has been off the road and untouched for many years can be hit and miss. You might get away with just fresh fuel and charging battery or you could end up with a money pit so check carefully. Personally I'd had 3 MGB's and rot was the biggest problem even when they were on the road ! BTW I buy lots of cars that have been off the road for ages - there again I have recognised mental health problems  |
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If you've got next to nothing to spend, then a non running restoration might spiral out of control costlier before you finish it meaning you never get it back on the road. Which will probably leave you feeling very disappointed. If you want something maybe a little sporty, and you could live with it being front wheel drive instead of rear wheel drive how about something like a Hyundai Coupe? There's a couple on ebay with buy it now prices of just £300 with MOTs.  I was tempted by this one myself, it was MOTd until October, and was ready to go! Finished at just £226.00! |
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Thanks for the replies chaps. I went to see the 924 but the engine was the least of it's worries!
I'm aware of the cost implications of a project but it is a project I'm after not a car so much. I have a garage and I have a hammer and I have a yearning for something to hit with it.
Running and a MOT would be a great start though. I'm more clued up on the body and welding side but I reckon I can get through most mechanical work on more simple cars with a Haynes manual combined wih the power of Google!
The search continues...
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gazz81
Part of things
Posts: 842
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Pay particular attention to the fact that buying a car in that kind of state will more than likely cost you more than buying on on the road!
I bought my Sierra for £400 last year, has been off the road for 7 years and was only because I happened to be in my local garage when they were talking about it that I opened my big mouth and decided to buy it!! Because I had done no research on their current values and I felt I was hero saving it from the clutches of the banger guys I ended up with a money pit! I reckon I have spent the best part of a grand (including the car) on replacement panels, repair sections, engine, wheels and interior parts.
And what is the current market value of a mk2 1.6 Sierra with mot...? Alot less than what I have paid for, for a pile of bits that won't see the light of day for a considerable time yet!
Am I disappointed? Strangely not! I could have bought a Sierra that was on the road, but it wouldn't have been this particular one, sat on the forecourt awaiting it's fate, sounds odd, there was a connection!
So to summarise, this is going to cost me a small fortune by the time it's finished, I don't really care as I'm not doing it to make money, it's for me.
Now ask yourself if you are prepared to take on a long winded project that will cost you more in the long run, may actually never get finished, but you will get the satisfaction of being all your own work. Or save a bit more money up, buy something usable and have some fun.
The end result will be a car that hopefully you will enjoy, just a question of how you wish to get there!
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I would try to get something thats running and driving rather than been laid up for years . It may seem like your getting a better deal with something like that , but as above , the list of stuff wrong could be horrendous .
IE-
Brakes -discs , callipers , hoses , handbrake cable , cylinders , shoes , master cylinder servo
Cooling- heater matrix , rad multitude of hoses , thermostat , block full of gunk .
Engine head refresh , maybe completely u/s
Trans , clutch and cylinder , propshaft bearings wheel bearings
Tyres , wiper blades , bulbs etc .
It all adds up .
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There is a 924 on one of Sheffield VW Facebook paged for 300.
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