quasimoto
Part of things
I started out with nothing and i have still got most of it left
Posts: 238
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set limits you can achieve to avoid disappointment tools can be bought cheap at boot fairs as summer is coming allegedly as to which model definitely agree with buy something you like oh and dollops of imagination and hours on this great forum helps
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Mad As A Box Of Frogs
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Dez
Club Retro Rides Member
And I won't sit down. And I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up.
Posts: 11,784
Club RR Member Number: 34
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Where do you start?Dez
@dez
Club Retro Rides Member 34
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Maybe a vw type 3 might be a good choice? Yes and no. I was very deep I the type 3 scene for a while. Most things are available, at a price. But nowhere near as cheaply and easily as a beetle. For a first timer, I'd stick to something with a more mainstream following, but something that will give relevant knowledge. Having a bug for a couple of years then switching over to a type 3 is a perfect example.
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Right , i'm likely to get some grief over this but..... just as expensive and by law these days you often have to use professionals (sparky, plumber etc). Thats not strictly true you just need a competant person to sign off any notifiable work (which usually means either someone who is Part P registered for a sparkie or Gas Safe for a plumber) You can do all the water side of the plumbing yourself its only when it comes to gas you need to get anybody else involved.
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I would go for something running and MOT'ed that you can use and enjoy while you improve it.Nothing worse than taking too much on as a beginner and ending up losing heart and adding another unfinished project to the hundreds out there.Whatever you think a cars needs doing and how long it will take ..double it !
Something fairly simple,reliable and popular with good parts and forum support.The MR2's,CRX and Celica are not a bad call.The MX5 is the obvious one,reliable,cheap stock parts and loads of upgrade potential.Most jobs are easy enough and electronics are minimal really.You can take half the car apart with a 10mm spanner !
If you like VeeDubs,a MK1 Polo or Beetle maybe. British stuff,MGB's and Mini's are the ultra obvious ones,but Triumphs have pretty good parts support too.
A couple of hundred quid will get you enough decent tools for most jobs,less if you scout the autojumbles and car boots for good used gear.
Above all..pick a car read everything you can and then read some more.
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Thank you everyone some good advice. I think i'll go with something not too old late 80's early 90's. German or Japanese probably. I do use i little garage who is so small he's not vat registered so he's pretty cheap. I could possible try it myself and if i can not do it take it down to him. Polo coupe might be a good option. Would like a larger engine though.
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an alternative answer is to buy a really cheap modern, and learn to service it yourself - air, oil and fuel filters, brakes, things that will be relatively simple and cheap, this will build up your knowledge and tools ready for bigger jobs
look out on gumtree for people selling toolboxes with some old tools, build them up cheaply, nothing wrong with used tools as most will likely be fair quality and usable, new tools are very expensive.
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Regarding tools when did the manufactures swap from imperial to metric? Don't want a ton of tools i don't need.
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Regarding tools when did the manufactures swap from imperial to metric? Don't want a ton of tools i don't need. Varies depending on country of origin,anything of the age you are looking at will be metric though. Can be useful having some imperial though,often a 5/16 will be a better fit than 8mm on a tired nut for example.
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Regarding tools when did the manufactures swap from imperial to metric? Don't want a ton of tools i don't need. Good question. I don't own a single imperial tool. Not sure when then switch was, but from early 80s fords onwards and into early 90s J stuff, metric has been fine all the time for me.
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Regarding tools when did the manufactures swap from imperial to metric? Don't want a ton of tools i don't need. Good question. I don't own a single imperial tool. Not sure when then switch was, but from early 80s fords onwards and into early 90s J stuff, metric has been fine all the time for me.
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carmad
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,002
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Great replies already. Either find the car that has a trustworthy specialist to look after it for you, (as Dez mentioned already), or find the space, tools, funds, and skills OR the enthusiasm to acquire them. A genuine enthusiasm (and if you've been lusting for a long time) will see you through. Rent a lock-up. Build up your tools as you need them. Search forums for the info you need. Trawl Ebay and Gumtree for parts and tools. Find the car that really floats your boat and go for it. I agree The biggest problem for me isn't money it's time So if you have a car you cannot get off the shelf parts for its extremely frustrating Also buy a rust free example
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Dez
Club Retro Rides Member
And I won't sit down. And I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up.
Posts: 11,784
Club RR Member Number: 34
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Where do you start?Dez
@dez
Club Retro Rides Member 34
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theres no definate answer to the metric/imperial cutoff. varies by model and manufacturer. theres even quite a few that will have an imperial engine in a metric chassis, or vice versa.
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