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Nov 14, 2005 13:32:08 GMT
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I've come to the conclusion that sadly my daily-driver, Sierra Sapphire 2.0 DOHC, is nearly dead. It needs the sill & inner sill welding on one side to pass the next MOT, and to make it tidy it needs a bootlid, two rear doors, some paintwork and a rear panel repair. Plus a timing chain and some tyres.
Obviously, wallet-wise, that makes it a write off, but I've got quite attached to it. It's been in the family for years and it's never let any of us down. So, deep down, I really want to sort it out.
Does anyone else suffer from this compulsion to spend time, money and effort on cars that just aren't really worth it? Or do I need to go outside and have a word with myself, then fire up the 9-inch grinder?
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My fleet: Suzuki GSX-R600Y SRAD with bald, melted tyres A borrowed Mondeo
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Nov 14, 2005 13:36:14 GMT
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WEIGH IT IN! Far to much effort to go to for the sake of a sierra.
Chop it for bits & re-invest in something not rusty.
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Nov 14, 2005 13:46:35 GMT
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Easy for me to say, but…. Weigh it in I reckon. Expend that precious energy saving something rarer and more interesting.
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1972 Fiat 130 1985 Talbot Alpine 1974 Lancia Beta Saloon 1975 + 1986 Mazda 929 Koop + Wagon 1982 Fiat Argenta 2.0 iniezione elettronica 1977 Toyota Carina TA14 BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!! 1979 Datsun B310 Sunny 4-dr 1984 Audi 200 Quattro Turbo 1983 Honda Accord 1.6 DX GONE1989 Alfa 75 2.0 TS Mr T says: TREAT YO MOTHER RIGHT!
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Nov 14, 2005 13:54:28 GMT
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True what NickB says but parts are cheap. Will PM you soon
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it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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Nov 14, 2005 15:05:27 GMT
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I have to say from experience, it's bet to just let them go and find a new love. The car has reached that stage where it's about to become an unending struggle. The very fact that it needs the sills welding suggests that there is probably more hidden rust elsewhere waiting to be discovered. Cars don't just rust in one place, the crevices are probably in shocking condition by now. Think of it as a new dawn to go and find your new 'project'.
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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ImpManiac
Part of things
Imps... Imps... Imps...
Posts: 868
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Nov 14, 2005 15:28:03 GMT
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I sympathise! I'm in a similar place with my Omega V6. I've spent £000s on it this year already. I've just put 4 new tyres on it and MOT'd it. It wasn't toooo bad for the MOT - a new rear shock, steering idler gear, track arm joints, etc. BUT it needs a new engine! I've tried additives, hydraulic tappet stuff from Wynn's, even new tappets but still it rattles from the top end. It used to do it after a thrash but now it's permanent. I am minded to bung a new engine at it. I cannot really afford it but I need a reliable daily driver and she hasn't let me down in the 18 months I've had it. It just costs loads to maintain. A new engine is not as much as you might think but is it worth it? My view - YES IT IS! I like the car loads. If I don't put the engine in, I suppose I could sell the Omega and re-invest in something else with the money. But I might be buying into a world of trouble! AFAIK, there's no significant rust on it, so no worries there. To me, it's worth the trouble. Then again, I might be being daft. Plus I REALLY fancy an Alfa GTV for my daily... Stunning but dreadful rotboxes. Or a Rover SD1. I need something for probably towing a racing Imp. I'm
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Last Edit: Nov 14, 2005 15:29:57 GMT by ImpManiac
1966 Singer Chamois sprint/hillclimb car in white over blue two tone 1975 Triumph Stag long term project (over 20 years so far) in colour TBA 2003 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 3.2 in black sapphire
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Nov 14, 2005 16:05:46 GMT
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Jonny, I'm guessing your car is G595 Y**?! You towed my Mini out of a ditch near Acton ages ago, and I live just round the corner from your office! My husband found "Retro-Rides" today and was having a surf and saw this! My Dad just had a peek at your car in the car park and says the sill isn't too bad, if the rest of the car isn't too rusty he'll weld it up for you for free for helping me out. If the back axle has to be removed though he wouldn't be able to do that because he has a bad back but could still weld it. I thought he'd be bored of welding after replacing the floor in my new Mini but noooooooooo. I'll try to catch you in the morning
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Nov 14, 2005 17:26:59 GMT
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Impmaniac, I know exactly where you're coming from! It's often a case of "better the devil you know"... Erika, I remember you! (I certainly remember the look on your face as the floor of your Mini fractured when we pulled it out the ditch ) I spoke to your husband earlier about his Talbot (Samba Rallye, anyone?!!!) and sent him to RR!! Small world. Anyway, you have PM! ;D Seems a bit much to get a stranger to weld my car up for nothing though...
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My fleet: Suzuki GSX-R600Y SRAD with bald, melted tyres A borrowed Mondeo
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Nov 14, 2005 17:28:37 GMT
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if it was mechanical then yes but when the rust gets too much then no. if it was rare then maybe but look for another
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2001 HONDA CT110 (NOT RCV)
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street
Posted a lot
6.2 ft/lbs of talk
Posts: 4,662
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Nov 14, 2005 17:30:54 GMT
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If you like it, KEEP IT!
F*ck how much AUTOTRADER says its worth, think about how much its worth TO YOU.
FAR too much emphasis is put on the value of things these days. How attatched you are to something doesnt even come into the equasion.
It might be good advise to crush it and find something else if it was some souless econobox that you didnt care about, but as long as u didnt buy the sierra as a money making exersise, then youve no reason to have to get rid.
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Nov 14, 2005 17:40:48 GMT
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Good point Street I agree, but I have had my Share of throw aways but they were really f$*t. buy another and use for parts if its that bad. How generous of the Erika family. Welcome in by the way. Just the kida people we like on here IMO.
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it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts
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ImpManiac
Part of things
Imps... Imps... Imps...
Posts: 868
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Nov 14, 2005 19:00:46 GMT
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If you like it, KEEP IT! F*** how much AUTOTRADER says its worth, think about how much its worth TO YOU. FAR too much emphasis is put on the value of things these days. How attatched you are to something doesnt even come into the equasion. It might be good advise to crush it and find something else if it was some souless econobox that you didnt care about, but as long as u didnt buy the sierra [or Omega! ;D] as a money making exersise, then youve no reason to have to get rid. Totally agree with you on this, street! Speaking personally, my plan is to keep the 'mega coz it's a pretty serious piece o' kit. It is very fast indeed, sounds great (if a bit quiet... for now! ;D), demolishes long journeys like no other vehicle I've ever been in, handles okay for a big exec. luxomatic barge... And it should tow the Imp without noticing any difference. I actually quite like its looks too! Might look into a few bodywork tweaks in the new year, though... If you like the Sierra, can afford the repairs and YOU FEEL that it's worth the effort, DO IT! Hang onto it. Fly in the face of throwaway society. It's what RR is all about! My £0.02. I'm P.S. The 'mega might be retro one day...?
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1966 Singer Chamois sprint/hillclimb car in white over blue two tone 1975 Triumph Stag long term project (over 20 years so far) in colour TBA 2003 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 3.2 in black sapphire
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Nov 14, 2005 19:46:50 GMT
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if you like the car, then save it. Sure enough it's only a car, but it's so easy to get so attached to your car. and it can be done, look at the work keefy's bug is getting. it's the same story with my red rapid, and i'm not letting tht die!
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Nov 14, 2005 19:48:49 GMT
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I'm in (slightly) similar situation at the mo with the Skoda, though rather less dramatic... it passed the MOT last week, BUT with 'advisories' of split rack gaiter, rear wheel bearing and front No. plate, plus it will soon need a rear tyre. So do I spend a few quid and get another year out of it, baring anything major... or do I stick it on ebay and get something 'interesting' ?
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... the only injury I sustained was a bumped head when I let the seatbelt of without realizing the car was upside down and that's not really the car's fault.
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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Nov 14, 2005 21:29:52 GMT
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If you like it, KEEP IT! F*ck how much AUTOTRADER says its worth, think about how much its worth TO YOU. FAR too much emphasis is put on the value of things these days. How attatched you are to something doesnt even come into the equasion. It might be good advise to crush it and find something else if it was some souless econobox that you didnt care about, but as long as u didnt buy the sierra as a money making exersise, then youve no reason to have to get rid. There is that but then again, in a couple of years there is a very good chance you will change your mind and find yourself lusting after another old classic. When you then realise how much you have spent on your old Sierra which at the end of the day, though nice, is nothing that special, you will be pretty gutted. I have spent thousands and thousands on my Escort Cabrio and it is the dogs danglies of Escort cabrios (with no chavness I might add) but for the same money I could have a V8 converted Reliant Scimitar or some hot J motor or that Granny I've recently been dreaming of (too much 'Sweeney') with a big V8 fitted and change left over. I know what I'd do given a second chance! All I'm saying is don't get blinded by nostalgic attachment.
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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Nov 14, 2005 21:31:31 GMT
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Depends how attached you feel to the car. It doesnt sound like it needs that much work really but the cost involved especially if a garage is doing it is more than the car is worth (Timing chain kits themselve are about 100 notes).
As street says if it means a lot to you then you should keep it.I know my mk1 escort should really be beyond saving but I will do everything I can to keep that.
Sierra`s are getting rarer though due to the amount being used for kit cars and there doesnt even seem to be that many in scrap yards anymore either, so it would be a shame for another to go the journey.
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Ooh, Aah, what do you do? ...I used to be indecisive but now I'm not sure What I would do is look for a better example (if you can find one for 'right' money) and use yours for spares. This statement I confess I said recently to someone else on a previous thread. However I do remember you stating on a Thread about 4 months ago that you jokingly said "Sierras will be the next RWD retro craze". Although you said it in jest you do have a point. At present there is a real craze for anything rear wheel drive ...who'd have thought Mk2 Escorts (and not just RS Models) would have such a following and in good condition command good prices. Also take the 'AE86' Corolla GT rwd, these only used to change hands for a few hundred pounds till about 6 years ago as they were just 'another old Toyota' now they have quite a following. Perhaps the Sierra is the next RWD craze machine ... a point to ponder!? This situation I'm sure crops up with everone at some time in their motoring life and the final decision is yours. What ever decision you make ...it will be the right one!
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Ooh, Aah, what do you do? ...I used to be indecisive but now I'm not sure What I would do is look for a better example (if you can find one for 'right' money) and use yours for spares. This statement I confess I said recently to someone else on a previous thread. However I do remember you stating on a Thread about 4 months ago that you jokingly said "Sierras will be the next RWD retro craze". Although you said it in jest you do have a point. At present there is a real craze for anything rear wheel drive ...who'd have thought Mk2 Escorts (and not just RS Models) would have such a following and in good condition command good prices. Also take the 'AE86' Corolla GT rwd, these only used to change hands for a few hundred pounds till about 6 years ago as they were just 'another old Toyota' now they have quite a following. Perhaps the Sierra is the next RWD craze machine ... a point to ponder!? This situation I'm sure crops up with everone at some time in their motoring life and the final decision is yours. What ever decision you make ...it will be the right one!
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Yeah I think its a matter of doing the sums, If you are prepared and able to do the work then that will make it a fair bit cheaper than a garage. A bunch or doors and tailgate recently failed to sell on ebay for a fiver, just because the likes of me don't want the remaining space in the garage clogging up and cant be bothered to spend another saturday collecting 'worthless' spares. Getting it all worked out on paper, which should draw some conclusions, same idea for the Omega, they look smart to me just weigh it up. if it looks like a big job you could always modify it better than it is and make a track car or summat. ^100x worse in the flesh
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it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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I think Sierras are deffinately going to develop a following due to the RWD layout and the fact you can modify them quite easily.
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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