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Feb 28, 2012 17:33:32 GMT
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I want to learn a bit more about how stuff works and how to fix it when it inevitably breaks because I'm currently wibblepoo ( See here for evidence of that!) and can't afford to pay someone else to do it. Would it be a good idea to buy cheap/knackered stuff and then take apart/rebuild/reassemble so I can pick up some mechanical skill and generally understand cars better? For example I saw on eBay a Mini carb that went for about £10 posted, plus a rebuild kit for a fiver posted. Buy those, clean and service, put back together and resell. Wouldn't lose a great deal of money and might learn something on the way. Plus, it's fun. Just wondering what I should be looking for. Carbs seem ideal, but what else? Would love a whole car or engine but am in uni halls so really needs to be something that can be played with on a desk. Brake calipers maybe, gearbox at a push? Could do with being very common parts for cheapness and availability. So, good idea or not? Any suggestions? Ta |
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Feb 28, 2012 20:48:13 GMT
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Good idea to learn a few thngs by taking stuff apart, but I'm not sure selling the result is a great idea. Unless you test the part when you're done then there's no way of knowing you haven't made a mistake anywhere - resulting in an angry buyer!
I think a better way would be to help out someone who's local and knows their stuff. That way it's free, you get some advice and can learn from their mistakes. It also means you can tackle larger stuff like engines as you'll be at their place.
I'm sure there are a few RR people round Leeds who wouldn't mind you lending a hand and passing spanners next time they do some work on their car.
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Feb 28, 2012 22:25:43 GMT
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Very true. Probably best to state parts are sold as spares/not working, even if it means they go for pennies.
Think you're right about that, will have to ask around on here and see if anyone needs a teaboy.
I think I'll still keep an eye out for cheap parts, just need to work out what's going to be easy to find for next to nothing.
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pick up a broken lawn mower or moped and see if you can get that working first.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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scruff
Part of things
Posts: 621
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Feb 29, 2012 12:44:01 GMT
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I bought a suffolk punch cylinder mower to teach cadets about mechanicals.
£5.50 and all it needed to make it go was a fuel valve.
The plan is to get them to strip it down and do a nut and bolt restoration on it.
The only bit that is not really applicable is the magneto, the rest is perfectly transferrable.
Also can be tested by mowing the grass!
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1994 Lotus Esprit - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
1980 Porsche 924 - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
I spy a trend...
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MrSpeedy
East Midlands
www.vintagediesels.co.uk
Posts: 4,791 
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Feb 29, 2012 12:52:15 GMT
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3rd vote for lawnmower.
I moved onto a Suffolk Punch from Mechano. Very good starting point about basic engines
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Feb 29, 2012 13:07:27 GMT
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Get a blown engine, slowly rebuild it with spare cash and when you're done get a cheap engineless car to fit it in!
It's also a cool conversation piece to have in your living room ;D
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Last Edit: Feb 29, 2012 13:09:53 GMT by dude
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Feb 29, 2012 13:26:46 GMT
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I've got a lawn mower with a briggs and stratton engine that you can have cheap
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Feb 29, 2012 14:06:57 GMT
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Lawnmower/moped/engine would be great but I'm in uni halls so space is REALLY limited. My room is full up enough with all my other car curse word as it is. By July I'll have a house but until then I'm limited to small stuff really!
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Feb 29, 2012 20:33:20 GMT
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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johnna
Part of things
Posts: 46
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Wichard,
if you can make it to junction 63 on the A1 I will sell you a BMW six cylinder engine for what it cost me. £10
It'll be worth more weighed in.
I've a crane and can drop it onto a flat bed or trailer.
M52 single vanos b25 out of a 523.
Stripping it will teach you loads.
Serious offer btw...
Johnna
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Last Edit: Mar 1, 2012 23:31:36 GMT by johnna
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Hi, try approaching a small garage doing MOTs, they usually want someone cheap to sit in the car to help conduct the MOT. Being around the motor trade and asking sensible questions you will learn a lot of the wrinkles and ways to do things and they will have units you could play with. Plus you will be able to pick up cars and parts cheap as time goes on
Guess how I know this! Hope this helps.
Colin
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Johnna, thanks for the offer, very kind. Have sent you a PM  Colin that is a good idea. I've mentioned similar on a thread on here and will be helping someone with a bit of tinkering and will go from there! Cheers |
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