Restoring Cars

[Chops]

Just having a bit of a ponder over a few things recently.

Wondering who here restores cars,, not referring to Land Rovers,,, :angel: Just cars in general.

I want to restore a vehicle, but don't know what I want to do. Of course the usual handbrakes are there,, if one had an open cheque book it would be easy, but I haven't. I'm not looking to customise anything, basically just restore to original.

I love big old trucks, Inter's, Dodge's, Mack's and the like, but I suspect there's too much money involved. Space could be an issue too.

One of my next "loves" I guess you'd call it, is old English cars. Ford Prefect, Anglia, Morris Major's etc etc,,, just little old 4 cyl jobs.

So if anyone's into restoring, how do you make your decisions on what you aim for. It'd probably be easy if I only loved one particular vehicle, but I don't,, I'm the proverbial,,,,,,,

Would love to hear of, and see pics etc of your accomplishments.

[andy_d110]

79535

Our family has had a looooooong line of old cars that have been restored to varying degrees of success. From 1929 Whippets to Austins and everything in between.

Here's the latest we've finished, it's my mums car and my dad and I have done everything ourselves bar the $12k retrim in Belgium leather. 1966 Daimler 2.5 V8.

[VladTepes]

Andy I love that model jag and Daimler. Love it. But 12k just on trim? Wow. Is it a resto or a new car in old clothes thing? Some clown on ebay had one he'd put air con in and wantee $45k for it...

Chops go for something you don't see any, or many, of. People more likely to notice then! So not an aussie car or a mustan or 50s chev.

[cjc_td5]

I would say that your top priority must be that the car is one you love or have a deep interest in. You will find motivation hard to come by sometimes, but if there is a love of the vehicle there, things have more chance of being finished rather than ending up a dusty project in the corner.

Cheers,

[Chops]

Nice Jag,, I was lucky enough to have owned two jags, an 84, and 86 (or was it 82/84?) too long ago now, but damn they were beautiful to drive.

I'm a bit stuck on maybe a Morris Elite. All Aussie, and doesn't seem to be many around, fairly small, but comfy.
Passion here is probably pretty good as I was involved in the restoration of a Ford Prefect. Fun to do, and satisfying, and oh so much fun to drive around in :D even as a 20 year old. :cool:

I don't want big power, I've had two Ford XR V8's, one I rebuilt from the ground up, absolutely love them, but me and V8's aren't allowed to get on any more :angel: , hence wanting to stick to an old 4 cyl.

[Mick_Marsh]

Chops, you know what to do. Sell your house and move out here. You know the place.
Bring your bus down and park in the drive. Restore that.
You know it makes sense.

Other than that, practice on someone else's project. I might have one or two about.

Hmmm..., actually, I've got a marvelous starting point for a project you can have.
Body shell only. Free!
Are you interested?

[Randylandy]

I would say start with something that is in not too bad a condition maybe an unfinished project. If your anything like me the projects will accumulate and befor long you will find several long term unfinished projects in the back yard and the cook on your case.

[redrovertdi]

I would say start with something that is in not too bad a condition maybe an unfinished project. If your anything like me the projects will accumulate and befor long you will find several long term unfinished projects in the back yard and the cook on your case.


Have all the projects you want- let the cook go:D

[redrovertdi]

Ive been doing an 86 series3 xj6 for the past year, purchased from ebay for $900 unregistered for 7 years but it was a runner[poorly] otherwise i would be out of my depth chasing fuel injection computer problems, so far repainted[under the house in acrylic], refreshed engine, new bushs front and rear and rebuilt calipers all round, the leather was good but the stitching was rotten so i peeled the covers off and restitched by hand.
Of course purchasing another project i didnt need meant pushing two project motorbikes[matchless's] out of the garage and into the rumpus room and the bmw bike now lives under the back pergola.
Wouldnt have it any other way:)

[AnD3rew]

It depends a bit on what you want yo achieve. If it is just for you and you don't care so much about value choose something which is not too rare. There are some makes like MG and Morris etc which have large groups of enthusiasts, active clubs and lots of cars around. There are also lots of secondhand, reconditioned and replica replacement parts available that will make your job much easier.

The other thing is join a club and get to know people, they will answer all your questions and might even come around and help out if you are stuck and lucky.

And don't buy a basket case, if there is significant rust wood rot etc the cost can easily get out of control. If it involves cutting and welding don't do it unless you are an expert and can do it yourself. Try to get one that has nothing wrong that can't be fixed with scanners and screwdrivers. (Other than paint and trim and even then)

[Bigbjorn]

Depends what you want at the end. If you spend a lot of time and money restoring a mass produced cheap family car then that is what you still have at the end of the project. Typically, spend $25,000 restoring something worth $7,000 - $10,000 when finished. Think of your expenditure as the cost of your hobby, not as value adding. Too many motor hobbyists confuse the two issues. I have heard many say that their pride and joy has cost $xx,xxx to restore "and I want to get my money back". Sorry, Mr. Advertiser. your 1950's pusbox is worth a fraction of what you spent on it.

Really, many mass produced cheap cars are not worth restoring. They have no great technical merit, no interesting competition history, never owned by the rich and powerful, etc.

The classifications are veteran (pre 1919), vintage (pre 1931), Post-vintage Thoroughbred which is a term used by the snobbier vintage sports car clubs and not recognised elsewhere, Classic Car which is make and model on the Classic Register commenced by the Classic Car Club of America and now accepted by the world wide federation of Classic Car Clubs. All others are just old cars.

[3doug6]

This is my long term project. A Suzuki LJ-81. I'm a student so don't have all that much time which is why it a long term project. There really isn't much car to be restored so I'm lucky there.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

This is our original one. Spent too many lonely years in the rain at our block of land.

The one below is the "donor" vehical. In reality it will have to be a frankenJ-81 because both are pretty bad. Original is straight but more rusted, red one is pretty bashed but less rusted.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Had to convince mum to let me leave the original and the new chassis in the back yard back home while I bring the body (below) to my apartment in Brisbane to de-rust and cut up.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

It really is small. The body fit on half a trailer and can be lifted easily by two people.

Motor of the original is fine if just a bit leaky. Will be restored to original condition and now have lots of spares to keep it going forever.

[andy_d110]

Andy I love that model jag and Daimler. Love it. But 12k just on trim? Wow. Is it a resto or a new car in old clothes thing? Some clown on ebay had one he'd put air con in and wantee $45k for it...

Chops go for something you don't see any, or many, of. People more likely to notice then! So not an aussie car or a mustan or 50s chev.


It's a full resto from the ground up. Bare metal respray, lead wiped body, all original driveline and components rebuilt.

I have even left it as Positive Earth for originality. The only non original items are seatbelts and a electronic SU pump in the boot.

My parents have had this for almost 30 years so it's a bit of a family heirloom. Looks great parked in the shed next to my 1974 Datsun Z and hopefully my '48 Landy next. Good luck with your search!

[Lionelgee]

G'day Chops,

If you like trucks there is a smaller alternative - commercial vehicles; ones that earned their keep. There are such things as this one currently on Facebook's Rusty Wrecks - it is smaller than a 3 ton truck, English and no doubt once supported someone's business. https://m.facebook.com/groups/245704698893561?view=permalink&id=490207797776582

I have no association with the seller. However I particularly like ex-commercial vehicles. I think each state has their own Historic Commercial Vehicle association so there is a lot of camaraderie and sharing of information. Hmmm a lot like AULRO :)

Kind Regards
Lionel

[flywheel au]

Hi all, my 1961 Sunbeam Alpine has been my project having been played with over the past 6 years. Basically a Hillman Minx in drag but now rarely seen on the road. It even has the original aluminium hardtop. In the meantime I have had Lotus 7, TVR 3000M, Austin Healy 100, a couple of Sprites including a Bugeye, Triumph TR3a and 1976 Porsche 911. Not all required full restoration but all good fun and keeps me out of the pub. I have in the past month sold a 1947 MG Tc because I could no longer get into it.
Its a great hobby and something the wife can get involved with.
Jim

[Dave_S]

I love reading Practical Classics and get a lot of good ideas from there. Plenty of different approaches taken and none of them done with an open cheque book.

We have a Volvo Amazon wagon that will be fully restored in stages. At the moment it is doing service as a daily driver. We bought it from a guy who intended to restore it and never got around to it. The guy he bought it from had done exactly the same thing. He in turn had bought it from the first owner.

For us it was important to find a car that was complete, but as there's less than 20 wagons still on the road in Aus it eventually came down to buying the first one we could find that didn't have a ridiculous price tag. It took us three years to find it. We only had to put tyres, a tie rod end and some brake and clutch hydraulics on it to get it roadworthy and reliable.

The car is a bit hard to tune, so next up we'll be sending the dizzy off for a rebuild and will fit electronic ignition as part of that. I also have a spare set of twin SUs as fitted to "S" model Amazons. They'll be rebuilt and fitted at the same time.

The idea is to keep improving the car mechanically and get it in top condition before we dive into the body and trim. We'll redo the suspension, change the diff ratio and make a couple of subtle changes but it will all be reversible and mostly original.

In the meantime we are collecting parts when they come up and looking at options for bodywork and trim. Repro trim is available and we'll probably just go with that. The body is in fair shape but the paint needs redoing, there is some bog and there is a little rust. I can't weld or paint, but as a friend was recently quoted about 20 grand to respray his wagon, I'm thinking I might have to learn.

I agree that it's important to really like the car you're working on. Lots of things will go wrong and the budget always seems to blow out (or so I've read), and that's why so many people just abandon the work, leave it in the shed and then sell it five years later for beer money.

[DoubleChevron]

Mate, first buy the car you want... no V8 ?? If you want an old HQ with a V8 for example ... get one. Are you on No V8's licnese restriction, don't worry about that .... it'll be years before it's on the road .... you'll be allowed to drive 'em again by the time it's on the road.

If you anything like me ..... "time poor" ... and definitely "$$$ poor"..... (ie: covers just about any single wage earner with young kids). Go the bodywork first.

Just remember though .... YOU WILL NEVER MAKE MONEY FROM A RESTORED CAR. Typically you'll put probably 3 times the amount you could buy a fully restored car for by the time you have finished.

But, but ... where's the fun in buying a car already done. I say start with the bodywork, 'cos often it's the most involved. And there's 100's of hours of labour there where you don't need to spend much money (other than primer, sandpaper and stripping discs .... even that suprisingly adds up a lot). Plus once it's all nice and pretty with shiny new paint, it's actually worth something to sell on as a "project" if you can't finish. A car that's had thousands spend on mechanical restoration, generally isn't worth a cent more.

And once it's all shiny and pretty you won't loose enthusiasm for the project 'cos you'll be keen to drive it ... rather than seeing it as a battered looking piece of crap you have spent thousands on .... that still looks the same as wehn you started.

This is what I've been tinkering with for the last couple of years: Gee's it's bloody ugly, but I've had a bloody ball driving it around this summer in it's battered 50year old paint with the roof unboled :Rolling:
Is this the best project car you have ever seen? (http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/citro%EBn-forum/90325-best-project-car-you-have-ever-seen.html)

seeya,
Shane L.

[Chops]

Wow, thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate it.

I'm on the phone, so I can't really see pics well, and I can't answer everyone at the moment, will do so after work when I'm at home.

Mick, I'll talk to you later :-)

As for "getting my money back, or making profit", it doesn't matter. I've been around long enough to have seen this first hand many times over, and see some of my mates very disappointed with their end losses.
It's about personal satisfaction, and keeping a bit busy. I can't always go bush, so some tinkering at homes good.

I'm on a few FB pages to do with old trucks and cars,, missed an old 48 Bug eyed Bedford a few weeks back,, would have been awesome :-/

[olbod]

I would just love to have the time left to restore a 1949 5 ton Austin truck.
It was my first truck and I loved the thing.
But alas.
Sigh.

[MR LR]

Just remember though .... YOU WILL NEVER MAKE MONEY FROM A RESTORED CAR. Typically you'll put probably 3 times the amount you could buy a fully restored car for by the time you have finished.



seeya,
Shane L.

Bull****

You're restoring the wrong type of cars if you're not increasing their value, plenty of money to be made in classic restoration, the older the more profitable. (Generally)

[MR LR]

I would just love to have the time left to restore a 1949 5 ton Austin truck.
It was my first truck and I loved the thing.
But alas.
Sigh.
We've got one of them on the farm! Still gets used as a field bin during harvest occasionally!
I think it's a horrible thing but Pop loves it, has an extended bonnet jam to get more air into the radiator and keep it cool, big problem with the old English trucks over here.

Cheers
Will

[DoubleChevron]

Bull****

You're restoring the wrong type of cars if you're not increasing their value, plenty of money to be made in classic restoration, the older the more profitable. (Generally)

I didn't say your not increasing there value. I said you are ALWAYS going to spend more restoring one than it would cost to buy one already fully restored. Obviously there will be rare exceptions where the car is unique and highly sought after.

Eg: You could easily spend $30,000 restoring an old Series III Land Rover ........... It would probably be worth $5,000 when finished.

There is people that make money out of car restorations ............... There the ones the car owners pay to work on it... Eg: the mechanics, upholsterers, panel beaters etc.....
seeya,
Shaen L.

[Mick_Marsh]

Bull****

You're restoring the wrong type of cars if you're not increasing their value, plenty of money to be made in classic restoration, the older the more profitable. (Generally)
Stop stirring up ****.
How many classic cars have you restored at a profit? What hourly rate did you make on your time put into these projects?

[loanrangie]

Profitable restored cars equals big bucks to buy and big bucks to restore, look at the current value in vintage cars.
Unless its rare they arent worth what the cost to restore unless you can do all the work your self, those who were lucky enough to pickup veteran/vintage cars back when they were almost being given away are the ones making a profit selling them but those days are over thanks to the internet.

[loanrangie]

How about a Kombi Marcus ? Their prices are going up and there is plenty of new parts available - and they are still affordable to buy.

[Mick_Marsh]

How about a Kombi Marcus ? Their prices are going up and there is plenty of new parts available - and they are still affordable to buy.
Good choice. A nice splitty.
They're getting rather expensive now. You could be paying $60k for a restored one, about $10k to $20k unrestored. I'd be looking for an ex Australian Army one. Vietnam service would be a plus.
Here's a bargain!
1966 Volkswagen Transporter Kombi Van/Minivan | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Belmont Area - Cloverdale | 1047604977 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cloverdale/cars-vans-utes/1966-volkswagen-transporter-kombi-van-minivan/1047604977)
(too much tin worm)

Better still, these require little restoration and would probably be cheaper in the long run.
1965 Volkswagen Kombi splitscreen | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Redcliffe Area - Kippa-ring | 1049276213 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kippa-ring/cars-vans-utes/1965-volkswagen-kombi-splitscreen/1049276213)
1958 Volkswagen Split Screen Kombi V8 Turbo | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Penrith Area - Penrith | 1048310075 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/penrith/cars-vans-utes/1958-volkswagen-split-screen-kombi-v8-turbo/1048310075)

[Chops]

Nick, I looked into VeeWee's a couple of years ago,, haha, not too sure how I'd go finding one at the right price. I like the Beetles more myself. I've had a 63 Beetle, and I think if memory serve correctly, about a 74-ish Camper. Got really frustrated with the camper as it blew a plug, twice even :mad:

As for V8's, I can't seem to stop being a rev-head, hence one of the reasons I got rid of the D2 V8 :angel:
If I was to have one now, I'd want a manual, and would probably not have a license within a week :twisted: 20 years ago, there weren't as many tossers on the road, people paid attention to their own driving, and others around them, so if you did make an error, there was generally two of you trying to rectify the situation. These days, if you should come a cropper, others have no idea of defensive driving, or thinking what the other "might" be going to try and achieve, so all is lost :(

I'll stick to a little "old" 4 cyl now :D

[Mick_Marsh]

What do I say, Chops, you missed out on this bargain.
1955 Volkswagen Kombi Transporter Type 2 Kombi Cars For Sale in WA - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=2&R=16446345&trecs=54&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__sid=146D82DA6A9A&__Nne=15&__Qpb=1&seot=1&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294728181% 204294962746&silo=1011)

[Homestar]

You could easily spend $30,000 restoring an old Series III Land Rover ........... It would probably be worth $5,000 when finished.


I'm hoping to keep my current build to around half that, but if it was worth $5K when I'm done, I'd be stoked...:D

As someone who has restored and rebuild cars before, I agree with you comments entirely.

[The Cone of Silence]

I restored a 1967 Austin Healey 3000 MkIII (BJ8) over a period of 5 years.

I didn't do it to make money, I did it so I could have a classic sports car that i can drive around in and keep it for myself.

I didn't have a bottomless pit either so I chose my jobs carefully and in order of priority that allowed me to use the car regularly.

First up was an engine rebuild which became a priority when the oil seal overheated and the crank shaft spun a main bearing.

Then came a couple of reliability tweaks - a new radiator, coil, a new dizzy, changing the polarity to negative earth and installing an alternator.

After that it was the interior, replacement seals for lights and fittings and then into maintenance.

At some point the paintwork will need replacing and that's a big, expensive job, for they're bound to find some rust when they blast it back!

it really depends on what you want the outcome of the project to be....a car you enjoy driving or a car you get into perfect concours condition to win trophies or a car to sell at a profit.

Happy to discuss further - PM me.

bobby

[Lew White]

Just finished my 1971 MGB MKII. Happy to tell you all about the experience if you are interested.
Lew.

[101RRS]

As mentioned when picking a car - make sure you pick a model tha you like and one that will maximise its value - doesn't matter if that is a considerstion or not. It costs the same to panel beat a steel panel on a 90s dunny door as it does on a classic.

Work out what you want to use the car for when it is finished - do you want a concourse car which cannot be used or a car that looks nice, drives nice and you can drive it when you want. The standards and costs in rebuilding will be a lot different.

People often restore to concourse standards and then use the car and in a very short period of time it is no longer concourse but in good usable condition - would have saved a lot of money only going to the lower standard.

Garry

[DoubleChevron]

I'm hoping to keep my current build to around half that, but if it was worth $5K when I'm done, I'd be stoked...:D

As someone who has restored and rebuild cars before, I agree with you comments entirely.

That's what I'm aiming at with the ugly pink car I linked. That doesn't include the 500hours of labour I put into it .... and certainly it's not "restored". I haven't rebuilt any of the mechanical compoents (there all in fine health). I've chased up some free 50year old original seats that are still usable (way nicer but way less perfect than retrimmed). I'll probably spend ~ $1500 on chemicals.... epoxy primer, high build primer, base coat, clear ... quality paints cost $$$. But hey, put 150hours into the bodywork then put supercheap acrylic laquer on ... Now THAT is insanity (and something I'd certainly do for a 4wd .... 'cos I'd probably have offroad pinstripes on it within a week :wasntme: ).

It's NOT restored though. Sure if I do it nice enough, it'll probably be worth the 15-$20,000 mark. ..... Do you value your time at 50cents an hour though ? PLUS: I lucked out finding the right car at the right time. Something I was certain I could restore cheaply 'cos I already had the required parts.

Say I was to restore the old Rangey.... The motor is good... but you'd want to rebuild it for piece of mind... so $3000 ??? DIY with new cam lifters, timing chains, refreshed heads, piston/liner kits, bearing and oil pump ?? Maybe more ?? Gearbox ... 5th is growly ... what $1000 bucks for new bearings, synchros and shims. Ditta transfer case .... What about diffs, wheel bearings. Then we have new factory soft springs, new, shocks, new full rubber bush kit and ball joints, rebuilt or new boge load leveller.

Were probably already at $5000+ and the car looks identical and won't be worth a cent more.

Same $1500bucks for paints and coatings ( + 100hours getting it straight and trying to get the panel fit better ... it's bloody shocking at the moment).

New tyres (given we want original, re-paint steel wheels, try to find original type michelin tires). == $$$$

Interior.... new plastics ( can they be found ?). New carpets, new seats, new doortrims, new roof lining. Would that be $3000 easy if I DIY.

We now have a bloody nice straight tidy looking '85 Rangy .... It's cost me countless hours, probably every spare minute for 2years +++ ... I've probably spend $10,000+ on it .... Will you give me $4500 for it ??? Blooody doubtful right?

seeya
Shane L.

[Mick_Marsh]

It costs the same to panel beat a steel panel on a 90s dunny door as it does on a classic.
But a '90's Commodore is a classic!

[DoubleChevron]

As mentioned when picking a car - make sure you pick a model tha you like and one that will maximise its value - doesn't matter if that is a considerstion or not. It costs the same to panel beat a steel panel on a 90s dunny door as it does on a classic.


Garry

To a certain extent.... You may struggle to find a panel beater that'll even take on an older car.... You never know what your going to find when you strip the old paint and crap off. Sometimes a panel you thought you were just stripping, tidying up and coating ..... turns into a mammoth sized rebuild job .... especially where rust is concerned.

[loanrangie]

But a '90's Commodore is a classic!

Yeah but a classic what ....... ? i wont say it some people get upset ;).

[loanrangie]

Nick, I looked into VeeWee's a couple of years ago,, haha, not too sure how I'd go finding one at the right price. I like the Beetles more myself. I've had a 63 Beetle, and I think if memory serve correctly, about a 74-ish Camper. Got really frustrated with the camper as it blew a plug, twice even :mad:

As for V8's, I can't seem to stop being a rev-head, hence one of the reasons I got rid of the D2 V8 :angel:
If I was to have one now, I'd want a manual, and would probably not have a license within a week :twisted: 20 years ago, there weren't as many tossers on the road, people paid attention to their own driving, and others around them, so if you did make an error, there was generally two of you trying to rectify the situation. These days, if you should come a cropper, others have no idea of defensive driving, or thinking what the other "might" be going to try and achieve, so all is lost :(

I'll stick to a little "old" 4 cyl now :D

I wanted to buy a 73 superbug about 2 weeks ago but boss said no :(, i said picture it with a nice paint job and some alloy wheels - still said no.
Women have little imagination.

[DoubleChevron]

I wanted to buy a 73 superbug about 2 weeks ago but boss said no :(, i said picture it with a nice paint job and some alloy wheels - still said no.
Women have little imagination.

Foiled by our own past more like it .... They know we'll push it into the back corner of the shed to "get to oneday when I have some time and money". Either that, or we'd actually want money to spend on it now ............. What you can see pigs flying ??

seeya,
Shane L.

[Mick_Marsh]

Yeah but a classic what ....... ? i wont say it some people get upset ;).
Hey Chops. Change of plan.
I've got a great car you can restore. And it's got a V8.
Bit of a cut and polish and it should be fine. Won't take you long.

[101RRS]

But a '90's Commodore is a classic heap of ****!

I agree with you there:)

[Mick_Marsh]

I agree with you there:)
Oi!
I'm striking you off my christmas card list for that one!

[mike123]

Chops,

I restored/rebuilt an LE Monaro in my younger days. The advantage was parts were easy to come by except for the 8 track cassette which I put a normal radio/cassette in place of. It was an absolute lovely car to drive with a slightly worked 308, headers, turbo 400 transmission and LSD.

If I had the time and money I'd love to restore a Citroen Traction Avant. They made them for 20+ years and in RHD format as well.

Citroën Traction Avant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mike

[DoubleChevron]

Chops,

I restored/rebuilt an LE Monaro in my younger days. The advantage was parts were easy to come by except for the 8 track cassette which I put a normal radio/cassette in place of. It was an absolute lovely car to drive with a slightly worked 308, headers, turbo 400 transmission and LSD.

If I had the time and money I'd love to restore a Citroen Traction Avant. They made them for 20+ years and in RHD format as well.

Citroën Traction Avant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_Traction_Avant)

Mike

There's a guy down in the late model range rover forum that has a Big 6 :eek: :eek: Droooooolllll...........

one of the guys over on aussiefrogs is rebuilding a '6 at the moment ... Look at the size of the motor in the bloody thing (how on earth would you ever turn the steering wheel ?).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/199.jpg

I'm hoping to drag my father French Built RHD Traction home and rebuild it's gearbox this winter.... It's just time .... and money ....

seeya,
shane L.

[1950landy]

Here are a few of my restorations I have done over the years.
The Mk7 Jagiar is an ongoing restoration for my brother to keep it on the race track ( was a winning concourse car before he took it racing) The second is my 1967 MGBGT which was a full restoration over a year 6 years ago. 3rd is my Ebay car where all parts have neen bought on Ebay & is being built to what spec Iwant. 4th is one of 2 p3 rover 75's I had ,got this one to this stage & got a quote for $12000 to do the trim so sold it about 7 years ago. & there is my 1950 80" Landrover which i restored 26years ago. there has been abou 4 Morris Minors , 3 Morris 1100's , a 1925 Dodge, 1932 Studebaker, a 100E prefect & a Mk 2 Jaguar which I helped my brother restore. I like the British cars the best , they have more class & are more refined than the American.

[1950landy]

There's a guy down in the late model range rover forum that has a Big 6 :eek: :eek: Droooooolllll...........

one of the guys over on aussiefrogs is rebuilding a '6 at the moment ... Look at the size of the motor in the bloody thing (how on earth would you ever turn the steering wheel ?).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/199.jpg

I'm hoping to drag my father French Built RHD Traction home and rebuild it's gearbox this winter.... It's just time .... and money ....

seeya,
shane L.
Citroen built good cars back then . My wife has a Citroen C4 not good at all , almost as bad as the VB Commodore I once owned ( VB stood for very bad) The C4 is true to its name (LEMON). Have you read the book on Citroen , very interesting reading , couldn't put it down . He was a very smart man but life was a gamble & he liked to gamble.

[DoubleChevron]

Citroen built good cars back then . My wife has a Citroen C4 not good at all , almost as bad as the VB Commodore I once owned ( VB stood for very bad) The C4 is true to its name (LEMON). Have you read the book on Citroen , very interesting reading , couldn't put it down . He was a very smart man but life was a gamble & he liked to gamble.

Modern poogoes and citroens ?? .... DO NOT BUY ANYTHING WITH A 4spd slugomatic gearbox..... It's an pile of **** named AL4 when used by poogoe and citroen and DPO when used by Renault.

My mother bought a C4 HDi EGS new.... It's ride quality was bloody awful after my proper hydraulic citroens. But the EGS ( clutchless manual) was ok (there all jerky crappy things .... nature of the beast with clutchless manuals). the 1.6 HDi was a bloody ripper. heaps of grunt while sipping 4.xx L/100kms

Citroens turned to **** in the mid '80 when poogoe took over. The latest one I own is my (never for sale... i'll own it until the day I die no doubt) Citroen CX2500 GTi Turbo Series II that my father imported from the UK in 1996. between me and my parents we have many D's, a Traction Avant Legere, a 2cv .... I even have a ****ty old GS1220 sitting out in the paddock. It's a mental affliction I assure you.

Do NOT by a Citroen, the bloody things breed in your backyard whenever your not looking.

seeya,
Shane L.

[DoubleChevron]

Here are a few of my restorations I have done over the years.
The Mk7 Jagiar is an ongoing restoration for my brother to keep it on the race track ( was a winning concourse car before he took it racing) The second is my 1967 MGBGT which was a full restoration over a year 6 years ago. 3rd is my Ebay car where all parts have neen bought on Ebay & is being built to what spec Iwant. 4th is one of 2 p3 rover 75's I had ,got this one to this stage & got a quote for $12000 to do the trim so sold it about 7 years ago. & there is my 1950 80" Landrover which i restored 26years ago. there has been abou 4 Morris Minors , 3 Morris 1100's , a 1925 Dodge, 1932 Studebaker, a 100E prefect & a Mk 2 Jaguar which I helped my brother restore. I like the British cars the best , they have more class & are more refined than the American.

Your going to think I'm nuts... but out them the piccies my favorite it the land rover ........................

seeya,
Shane L.

[4x4 MORE]

I would say that your top priority must be that the car is one you love or have a deep interest in. You will find motivation hard to come by sometimes, but if there is a love of the vehicle there, things have more chance of being finished rather than ending up a dusty project in the corner.

Cheers,

X2 Bingo!

And Chops.. I too have a Love of old English cars

[4x4 MORE]

This is my long term project. A Suzuki LJ-81. I'm a student so don't have all that much time which is why it a long term project. There really isn't much car to be restored so I'm lucky there.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=79547&stc=1&d=1403734782

This is our original one. Spent too many lonely years in the rain at our block of land.

The one below is the "donor" vehical. In reality it will have to be a frankenJ-81 because both are pretty bad. Original is straight but more rusted, red one is pretty bashed but less rusted.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=79546&stc=1&d=1403734782

Had to convince mum to let me leave the original and the new chassis in the back yard back home while I bring the body (below) to my apartment in Brisbane to de-rust and cut up.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=79548&stc=1&d=1403734782

It really is small. The body fit on half a trailer and can be lifted easily by two people.

Motor of the original is fine if just a bit leaky. Will be restored to original condition and now have lots of spares to keep it going forever.


Another Suzuki Lj lover!:):)

I got 3 LJ 81's myself!

[Homestar]

To a certain extent.... You may struggle to find a panel beater that'll even take on an older car.... You never know what your going to find when you strip the old paint and crap off. Sometimes a panel you thought you were just stripping, tidying up and coating ..... turns into a mammoth sized rebuild job .... especially where rust is concerned.

You're not far wrong. A good friend of mine is in that business and has done some great resto work on some old beauties, but he won't quote the job until it is in bare metal. He did an old ford (don't ask me what model, I've no idea) - it was in his shop for 18 months. It entered looking like it belonged in a crusher, left with a show winning paint job - cost? About $40K, and it was still a bare shell requiring all the mechanicals to be done when it left.

[Chops]

Good choice. A nice splitty.
They're getting rather expensive now. You could be paying $60k for a restored one, about $10k to $20k unrestored. I'd be looking for an ex Australian Army one. Vietnam service would be a plus.
Here's a bargain!
1966 Volkswagen Transporter Kombi Van/Minivan | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Belmont Area - Cloverdale | 1047604977 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cloverdale/cars-vans-utes/1966-volkswagen-transporter-kombi-van-minivan/1047604977)
(too much tin worm)

Better still, these require little restoration and would probably be cheaper in the long run.
1965 Volkswagen Kombi splitscreen | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Redcliffe Area - Kippa-ring | 1049276213 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kippa-ring/cars-vans-utes/1965-volkswagen-kombi-splitscreen/1049276213)
1958 Volkswagen Split Screen Kombi V8 Turbo | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Penrith Area - Penrith | 1048310075 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/penrith/cars-vans-utes/1958-volkswagen-split-screen-kombi-v8-turbo/1048310075)


What do I say, Chops, you missed out on this bargain.
1955 Volkswagen Kombi Transporter Type 2 Kombi Cars For Sale in WA - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=2&R=16446345&trecs=54&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__sid=146D82DA6A9A&__Nne=15&__Qpb=1&seot=1&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294728181% 204294962746&silo=1011)


Holy crap Mick,,, what part of "I don't have an open cheque book" didn't you understand,,, :eek2:
And I'm not sure what I would do with that much rust :eek2:

Now, Leeanne's found a nice drop of red I think we should get acquainted with whilst discussing my options :D

[russellrovers]

Just having a bit of a ponder over a few things recently.

Wondering who here restores cars,, not referring to Land Rovers,,, :angel: Just cars in general.

I want to restore a vehicle, but don't know what I want to do. Of course the usual handbrakes are there,, if one had an open cheque book it would be easy, but I haven't. I'm not looking to customise anything, basically just restore to original.

I love big old trucks, Inter's, Dodge's, Mack's and the like, but I suspect there's too much money involved. Space could be an issue too.

One of my next "loves" I guess you'd call it, is old English cars. Ford Prefect, Anglia, Morris Major's etc etc,,, just little old 4 cyl jobs.

So if anyone's into restoring, how do you make your decisions on what you aim for. It'd probably be easy if I only loved one particular vehicle, but I don't,, I'm the proverbial,,,,,,,

Would love to hear of, and see pics etc of your accomplishments. hi i have a friend who would like to sell his fj holden ex mooree yellow cab he is open to offers

[Chops]

Thanks for all the replies guys,,, more to look at and enjoy :D and ponder too. :cool:

Gary, I understand where your coming from. I'm not stressed about being "book perfect". I'll do all the work myself, panel beating, welding painting etc, electrics would be my only real downfall. And if I should stuff something up, I guess I'll just have to try again until I get it right ;). However, I know when to stop, and if I have to get help from a pro, I will.

Thanks for posting some pics. Love the Avant Mike, especially in blue, looks great, sweet as. It is a large car by the look of it, and that huge motor seems to sit really high too, cant say I've really seen one up close though.

Shane, the Citroen,, yep, I've seen a few, and always had a certain admiration for them. Can vaguely remember seeing something on TV many years ago about the hydraulics in them, had great respect for them ever since, but not my cup of tea though. But please, keep us updated :D

Bobby, an Austin Healey,,,, now this would be on the money, or a Triumph TR (?) or similar,,, hummm,, $$$ :(. And I reckon Leeanne might be a bit keener if I was to go a sports car but ;):cool:
Yeah, I'm only in it for my own selfish gratification too ;). I just want to be able to cruise along in it every now and then, beaming smile on my dial, and as I do with/show others my appreciation, receive that all knowing smile that says,, " nice cool car dude",, pride is in the air for "Old School" type cars :cool:.
They really are an absolute pleasure to drive, for those that haven't driven a series or anything old,,, you know not what your missing out on ;).

Lew,, by all means, share any pics etc you have if you want. I'm happy to look at and hear what you've done, as I'm sure are a lot of others here too :D

You Suzuki boys are just nuts,,, and they reckon LR people are crazy having too many cars,, lol

Lionel, that Morris ute, If I should get a paddock find, it would have to be all there. Well, no matter what I get, it has to be complete.
I've spotted a few Big Utes/Light Trucks that have caught my eye, but to be honest, just not quite sure.

I spotted the old Morris Elite the other day, and had an instant umm something,,, :whistling: Its all there, and it actually runs apparently, just has a lot of surface rust. But it looks like I'll be too late anyway. :(
I'm thinking for me, something like this would be ideal.

[4x4 MORE]

So from I gather you have your heart set On Engluish cars?

Not going to consider an Aussie? HQ, XB?

There are plenty of unfinished projects floating around..so make sure you get somthing you really really love!..other wise it will just sit there.. :(

[gromit]

Plenty of projects around.

Morris Oxford ?
1949 morris | Other Automotive | Gumtree Australia Latrobe Valley - Moe | 1049707124 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/moe/other-automotive/1949-morris/1049707124)

How about a nice Morris Minor lowlight (plenty of Morris Minors around)
1948 Morris Minor Coupe | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Frankston Area - Frankston | 1048697976 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/frankston/cars-vans-utes/1948-morris-minor-coupe/1048697976)

Morris 8 at Swan Hill
1939 Morris 8 Series E x 3 and parts for restoration | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Swan Hill Area - Swan Hill | 1046746804 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/swan-hill/cars-vans-utes/1939-morris-8-series-e-x-3-and-parts-for-restoration/1046746804)


Colin

[Chops]

G'day 4x4, yeah,,, you could say I'm a bit stuck on an English car.
I used to be a Ford man many years ago,,, well, still am, but I don't own them anymore. They've cost me a small fortune one way or another,,, along with a lot of other fast cars. The M/E funnily enough, is an all Aussie built car, but its grass roots are from England.

I do like old Holden's, and if info is required on them, one of my best mates is a leading knowledge guru for them. So info and parts would certainly be accessible for me, but,,,,,,,, I just cant seem to for some reason :unsure:

[UncleHo]

G'day Chops :)

A nice selection of Morrie Minors there in that lot,the Low Light 2 door 8hp is very nice,as is the SV Hi-light,the later post 55 models are ohv right up to the 1000 models which will happily sit on 90+kph, I noticed in the background of the Series 1 80" by 1950 Landie there was a nice Rover P6 sedan possibly a 3500 (V8 RRC motor) they are a very nice riding car and have a bolt together body, the late "Auntie Rover" shape P5 3ltre or the P5B (Buick V8 aka RRC motor)

Personally I would opt for a Vietnam Era Series 2/2a in Long or Short WB,classic, historical, and useful :) But, I am prejudiced, as I have a 68 model which I re-built ground up over 6 years at $40 a fortnight out of my pension,it's done 175,000 miles now and is undergoing it's 1/2 life refit ;)

cheers

[Mick_Marsh]

Hey, Chops
What about this rusty relic?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/04/210.jpg (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/mick_marsh_AULRO/media/Misc/68%20deluxe/DSCF0105.jpg.html)

From what I'm told, the owner is a bit soft in the head so you should be able to pick it up for a good price.

[4x4 MORE]

Old Mini's are cool!

[Homestar]

On a slight tangent... A modification of an existing vehicle rather than a restoration. Now I know photos of this vehicle has been posted but I wonder how hard this would be to build... Now this one has a price tag of $155,000 but if you had a few spare series vehicles to cut up and patch together... Not saying it would need to be concourse but if you welded the firewall outriggers back further, a longer steering arm used between the steering box and steering relay.... Hmmmm, I wonder if Cam wants to go in a different direction with his series 3 resto....:D

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=79590&d=1403776539

[1950landy]

Modern poogoes and citroens ?? .... DO NOT BUY ANYTHING WITH A 4spd slugomatic gearbox..... It's an pile of **** named AL4 when used by poogoe and citroen and DPO when used by Renault.

My mother bought a C4 HDi EGS new.... It's ride quality was bloody awful after my proper hydraulic citroens. But the EGS ( clutchless manual) was ok (there all jerky crappy things .... nature of the beast with clutchless manuals). the 1.6 HDi was a bloody ripper. heaps of grunt while sipping 4.xx L/100kms

Citroens turned to **** in the mid '80 when poogoe took over. The latest one I own is my (never for sale... i'll own it until the day I die no doubt) Citroen CX2500 GTi Turbo Series II that my father imported from the UK in 1996. between me and my parents we have many D's, a Traction Avant Legere, a 2cv .... I even have a ****ty old GS1220 sitting out in the paddock. It's a mental affliction I assure you.

Do NOT by a Citroen, the bloody things breed in your backyard whenever your not looking.

seeya,
Shane L.
Citroen & Pergott booth made by Michelin & they don't make good tyres either. My wife's is a C4 2L diesel with the full auto box . It keeps blocking up the Cat converter & have to lock it in 2nd gear & drive it flat out for a few K's to clean out the cat , also fas lots of electrical problems I think it has a Lucas electrical system . Things like head lights go out when driving at night . & wipers that move from rest to vertical over night while car is locked in garage & every thing is switched off. I would aggree my S1 is the pick always gets lots of attention.

[Leigh 110]

Citroen & Pergott booth made by Michelin & they don't make good tyres either. My wife's is a C4 2L diesel with the full auto box . It keeps blocking up the Cat converter & have to lock it in 2nd gear & drive it flat out for a few K's to clean out the cat , also fas lots of electrical problems I think it has a Lucas electrical system . Things like head lights go out when driving at night . & wipers that move from rest to vertical over night while car is locked in garage & every thing is switched off. I would aggree my S1 is the pick always gets lots of attention.

disagree, I have michelin's on all my field service vans, all over 100K now, carry over 3t, all VM transits, 1 has 165000kms on original tyres, awesome tyres, hard as the cats preverbally:D:D:D...... good for saving the dollars

[dawsey]

Another Suzuki Lj lover!:):)

I got 3 LJ 81's myself!

Zooks are great cars to get your foot in at restos..The older ones are gettin rare but theres nothing really you cant do yourself.I've done 2 they come up a treat..only trouble once there done you cant part with them..great little 4x4

[DoubleChevron]

Citroen & Pergott booth made by Michelin & they don't make good tyres either. My wife's is a C4 2L diesel with the full auto box . It keeps blocking up the Cat converter & have to lock it in 2nd gear & drive it flat out for a few K's to clean out the cat , also fas lots of electrical problems I think it has a Lucas electrical system . Things like head lights go out when driving at night . & wipers that move from rest to vertical over night while car is locked in garage & every thing is switched off. I would aggree my S1 is the pick always gets lots of attention.

Join aussiefrogs.com and post a message in the Citroen forum. If your lucky a guy named David s will see it and help. The 2 litre diesels are a bloody good motor and don't really have any issues to watch for. The auto used with them is th AM6 Japanese box. It's very good and generally gives no problems. If I had to buy a c4 for the wife, this is the only model I'd look at.

Could be something simple to fix.... Ask!

Seeya
Shane l.

[Chops]

Zooks are great cars to get your foot in at restos..The older ones are gettin rare but theres nothing really you cant do yourself.I've done 2 they come up a treat..only trouble once there done you cant part with them..great little 4x4

Love your enthusiasm, but I reckon I could ;)

[1950landy]

Join aussiefrogs.com and post a message in the Citroen forum. If your lucky a guy named David s will see it and help. The 2 litre diesels are a bloody good motor and don't really have any issues to watch for. The auto used with them is th AM6 Japanese box. It's very good and generally gives no problems. If I had to buy a c4 for the wife, this is the only model I'd look at.

Could be something simple to fix.... Ask!

Seeya
Shane l.
I read some were that the switch in the cat plays up & won't make the vehicle run hot to burn out the carbon in the cat so by locking it in 2nd the exhaust runs hot and cleans it out . Lasts about than it starts hunting again. Now its out of warrinty & I take to a non Citroen garage & fit non genuine parts where available the car is getting better. When I took it in for its last service before it ran out of warrinty the list was around 30 items long, the dealer didn't want to do warrinty work & most of the problems have been fixed by the new garage. But will never buy a Citroen again just like the the VB it was the last Holden product I have bought after always buying GM products as a main vehicle iI think 6 holdens before the VB.Wayne

[Baggy]

Hi All,

Enjoying the thread and here's a photo of Molly a 1971 VW Beetle I sold last year.

I did her up for my daughter when she was 16 years as her first car. ......Its been sitting under the carport gathering dust for 9 years ....my daughters 25 now and due to vairous reasons still dosent have her licence.

She still looked reasonable and my advice is if you are going to do something up try to pick up something that's straight and has minimal rust if possible.

I resprayed her ....didn't want to but Mum and daughter did'nt like the original poo brown so changed the colour to Ford Tango.

All up back then including purchase of vehicle I spent 2.7K and sold it for 3.9K .... considering I paid rego and insurance we'd be behind but we never thought of getting rid of her till last year as she sat there for last two years undriven.

The number of times I'd be at a petrol station with Molly and a guy would come up to me and say his wife wants to know if you would sell your beetle ...i'd say sorry I've done it up for my daughter.

Most cars don't make you money .....the only exception could possibly be my 2 door RRC .....have you seen the prices they want for them in UK :eek:

Cheers

Baggy

[Chops]

Very nice VW, thanks for sharing Baggy.

[3doug6]

People tend to think restoring the LJ is pretty silly, but I have a soft spot for it since it was the car I learnt to drive in and I love their simplistic nature.

I reckon it sounds like an old English is the way to go. I know you said no deep pockets, but what about a Rolls Royce? (Who needs return value...)

[Mick_Marsh]

Been trying to get ideas for you Chops.
What about one of these:
1968 MERCEDES 280SE W108 Sedan Private Cars For Sale in NSW - uniquecarsales.com.au (http://www.uniquecarsales.com.au/private/details/mercedes-280se-1968-12174453?base=&vertical=Car&cr=19&page=2&eapi=2&__N=1246%201247+1252%201282+1810&num=24&silo=Stock&sort=UniqVotes)

Geez! Mine must be worth a lot more than I thought.
Scrub the Merc idea. They're expensive.

Then this jumped out at me. It's got Chops written all over it.
1948 BEDFORD PC Ute Private Cars For Sale in SA - uniquecarsales.com.au (http://www.uniquecarsales.com.au/private/details/bedford-pc-1948-13745642?base=&vertical=Car&cr=7&page=4&eapi=2&__N=1246%201247+1252%201282+1810&num=24&silo=Stock&sort=UniqVotes)

I know where there is one languishing in a driveway. Want to knock on his door and see if he is prepared to sell?

[MR LR]

Stop stirring up ****.
How many classic cars have you restored at a profit? What hourly rate did you make on your time put into these projects?
None, I don't have the 20-30k needed to buy a basket case/barn find that would sell for over 100 once restored. But I've spent my whole life helping and watching it happen in my own home. I've helped restore 4 cars now. (Youngest being 1918).

I'd say I've got more experience with veteran cars than you...

Even early 80" Land Rovers are profitable to restore, but anything from the 'meh era' (think your usually series vehicles and Holden's and all that crap) is just a valueless money pit.

There's got to be a lot of rarity to it, but it can be done. That was my point.

Who puts a dollar figure on hobby time? Still making more money than if you were spending it at the pub...

Cheers
Will

[Mick_Marsh]

I'd say I've got more experience with veteran cars than you...
Rather bold statement there.

[DoubleChevron]

I read some were that the switch in the cat plays up & won't make the vehicle run hot to burn out the carbon in the cat so by locking it in 2nd the exhaust runs hot and cleans it out . Lasts about than it starts hunting again. Now its out of warrinty & I take to a non Citroen garage & fit non genuine parts where available the car is getting better. When I took it in for its last service before it ran out of warrinty the list was around 30 items long, the dealer didn't want to do warrinty work & most of the problems have been fixed by the new garage. But will never buy a Citroen again just like the the VB it was the last Holden product I have bought after always buying GM products as a main vehicle iI think 6 holdens before the VB.Wayne

Mate ... try aussiefrogs.com - French Car enthusiasts site for Australia Since 1999 - Citroen Peugeot Renault - aussiefrogs.com & Froggy Forum! (http://www.aussiefrogs.com) ... No-one else here will be interested in this stuff!

seeya,
Shane L.

[DoubleChevron]

None, I don't have the 20-30k needed to buy a basket case/barn find that would sell for over 100 once restored. But I've spent my whole life helping and watching it happen in my own home. I've helped restore 4 cars now. (Youngest being 1918).

I'd say I've got more experience with veteran cars than you...

Even early 80" Land Rovers are profitable to restore, but anything from the 'meh era' (think your usually series vehicles and Holden's and all that crap) is just a valueless money pit.

There's got to be a lot of rarity to it, but it can be done. That was my point.

Who puts a dollar figure on hobby time? Still making more money than if you were spending it at the pub...

Cheers
Will

I'd be intersted to know what veteran car is worth $100+K once restored. it would have to be an incredibly rare, very difficult to find parts for vehicle. Can you post some photos of them ?? Dunno about anyone else, but I've probably never heard of or seen one if there worth that sort of coin.

It can be done, but it would be a very liimited market.

Here's a company that imports tidy/clean LHD cars from America, and restores them to sell with a "new car" like warranty. Hows $80,000+ for a car you can buy in very good condition for half that ........ They'd almost need pre-payment then buidl the car .... 'cos I can't see the cashed up poeple that'll spend that sort of $$$ on an old car

Citroen SM Australia (http://www.citroensmaustralia.com/)

This is the detail of there restorations:

http://www.citroensmaustralia.com/images/front/02.jpg

Imagine the hours just gone into polishing those poorly made sand cast alloy engine parts/blocks/heads/rocker covers.

seeya,
Shane L.

[incisor]

Rather bold statement there.

the lads a tad full of himself amongst other things it seems...

[MR LR]

How many are parked in your garage Mick...? I've never heard you mention them before...

100k is actually quite low for veterans, Rolls Royce Silver ghosts go for over a million, twin cylinder Renaults people are paying 60k for these days, the Yanks will pay big money for anything with big cubes that goes, raceabouts are highly sought after.

Here's two of the cars in our garage.

[MR LR]

1909 SCAT and the 1918 Crossley, also a Delahaye Type 43 and a 1905 Rover 6hp, there was a 1914 4cyl Renault and a 1907 ITALA but they have been sold. Don't have any easy to get pics of them while I'm at work.

[MR LR]

the lads a tad full of himself amongst other things it seems...
Quite happy to back down if people are willing to prove me wrong, but if they're just going to discriminate based on age then they (and you) have no point whatsoever.

Do some research, there's companies all around the world making money restoring and selling cars themselves, nothing I've said is wildly unusual.

[DoubleChevron]

1909 SCAT and the 1918 Crossley, also a Delahaye Type 43 and a 1905 Rover 6hp, there was a 1914 4cyl Renault and a 1907 ITALA but they have been sold. Don't have any easy to get pics of them while I'm at work.

That's lovely ... I've seen that 1914 Renault.... at french car events.

Renault ED. Original Car. with a spare engine For Sale (1914) on Car And Classic UK [C511426] (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C511426)

I had no idea it was worth so much money ( I would have imagined around $10k in value)... That market has got to crash. In 15years when all the "old people" that remember those sort of vehicles have passed away .... How can something without a name like "bugatti" or "Delahaye" be worth silly money.

Seriously would you pay anything for an old Reno ?? Crazy.

Edit: God damn unbelievable ... look at this one ...
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C51166

OMG ... if I ever stumble across an pre-1920's era Renault .... I'm grabbing it. The Citroens from that era are worth sweet FA.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Mick_Marsh]

the lads a tad full of himself amongst other things it seems...
And the guy is a comedian too.

How many are parked in your garage Mick...? I've never heard you mention them before...

[Redback]

the lads a tad full of himself amongst other things it seems...


And the guy is a comedian too.

Now now guys:angel:

There's a first, chipping the boss:eek:

[Homestar]

How many are parked in your garage Mick...? I've never heard you mention them before...


:Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:

[Mick_Marsh]

Hey Chops, I've had a revelation!
I reckon I could help you scratch your itch. I can put a vehicle in you shed and you can work on restoring it to your hearts content. It will involve cutintg out rust, welding, prep work, painting, dismantling, assembling, trimming, wiring.....
Basically the whole box and dice.
And here's the good bit, it won't cost you a cent. All materials will be supplied by me.
As a bonus, when it's finished, don't feel you have to look for another project. I'll just swap it with another vehicle that requires restoration. I'll keep you occupied long after your retirement.
Oh, you'll be way too busy to explore East Gippsland. It would probably be best for you to move out here. You know the place.

[Mick_Marsh]

How many are parked in your garage Mick...? I've never heard you mention them before... :Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:Oh, for the record, I have two cars parked in my garage.

[incisor]

Oh, for the record, I have two cars parked in my garage.

i'll be the bunny..

how many not in your garage?

[incisor]

Do some research,

i suggest you do...

[Chops]

Haha,, it be easier just to ask him how many he actually.

From what I've seen, most are at other peoples places,, and now he wants one at mine :eek:

[Mick_Marsh]

i'll be the bunny..

how many not in your garage?
I hate it when people ask me this question. Invariably I miss counting one or two.
I think I have about twenty cars, trucks and trailers. I can't remember if that was before or after I bought the Perentie.

[Mick_Marsh]

From what I've seen, most are at other peoples places,, and now he wants one at mine :eek:
What do you mean "now"?
I've been working on you for some time now. I'll eventually wear you down.
Oh, could you increase the height of your garage for me please?

[Baggy]

Mick ..... you must be one smooth talker having people parking your vehicles at there places .....must be really good with the ladies any words of wisdom on that front
or should I start a new post :D

As Double Chevron says price of vehicles can be crazy ....I saw a rusted HR Holden and the owner wanted 7K for it several years back.

It all come back to balance on how much you are prepared to put into something before you over-capatalize on your investment.

If you restore or improve something because you love the car (have the coin to do so) and it becomes your Sunday runner well its dosent matter what it cost as long
as it puts a smile on your face ..... I'd cop a loss and did when I sold it (Molly the V Dub in my case ) when I took rego and insurance into account.

I think a few on this site have up graded their RRC's as the cost to maintain them wern't worth keeping them as prices don't reflect monies spent on them ....except if like me you are lucky enough to have a 2 Door classic.....

I suppose whatever Chops or anyone else decides to do so long as it makes you happy that all that counts.

Mind you this post has been very valuable in pointing out the pro's and cons.

Cheers

Baggy

[Mick_Marsh]

Mick ..... you must be one smooth talker having people parking your vehicles at there places .....must be really good with the ladies any words of wisdom on that front
or should I start a new post :D
It's a gift. My superpower, if you like.
So, Baggy, give me the lie if the land. How much shed space have you got? How many trailers can I....er....you place around the yard? Theoretically speaking, of course.

Actually, now that I think about it, it's more that I have some really tolerant friends who take pity on my affliction.
<rose coloured glasses on> Oh, look! Another shiny thing. I want to buy it.


Mind you this post has been very valuable in pointing out the pro's and cons.
I agree lots of knowledgeable people about on this forum.

I am so looking forward to reading Chop's restoration thread.

[Baggy]

Cool......my first encounter with a super hero.

Seriously I'd be in the dog house if SWMBO finds one of your treasures in my yard.......plus WA too far away for you to keep a eye on your stuff :p

Mind you ..... if you find a nice parentie over here in west OZ I'd be happy to help keep the battery charged by taking it out for a spin (as often as possible) for you :cool: ;)

Cheers

Baggy

[Mick_Marsh]

Cool......my first encounter with a super hero.

Seriously I'd be in the dog house if SWMBO finds one of your treasures in my yard.......plus WA too far away for you to keep a eye on your stuff :p

Mind you ..... if you find a nice parentie over here in west OZ I'd be happy to help keep the battery charged by taking it out for a spin (as often as possible) for you :cool: ;)

Cheers

Baggy
I have agents in WA looking for my next purchase. I was told of a Senator that was available just recently.
Oh, and Gav wants me to keep the Perentie at his place. You'll have to wait in line for that one although I would like to get a 4x4 FFR at some stage.

Take note of that, Chops, Gav wants to store one of my cars.

[Outback 1]

I was told of a Senator that was available just recently..
why would you want a politician ? well I suppose he would be more useful than his automotive namesake :p

[incisor]

well....

Nutz. One More Cup of Coffee - YouTube (http://youtu.be/tFursShtHrg)

[Mick_Marsh]

why would you want a politician ? well I suppose he would be more useful than his automotive namesake :p
Yeah. You'll keep.
I've put a big black mark against your name in my little black book.
And I've underlined it.

I would love to have a VS 215i Senator (although the 185i motor is better).

[Chops]

I'm glad I asked the question here,, its been quite humorous :D

Now,,, Mick, you and your bloody revelations, they're going to get me in the ****,, I can just see it now :( , and I'm not raising my garage roof,,,:eek:,, (why exactly would it need to be raised again? ;)),, However, the soon to be built carport out the side,,, maybe we could talk,, :whistling:

Hey Baggy,, having had the pleasure of driving Mick's Perentie, I can tell you, its an absolute blast :D:cool:

And I'm sure Gav does want to have it there at his place,, like me, he'd be into driving it too :D

[Mick_Marsh]

and I'm not raising my garage roof,,,:eek:,, (why exactly would it need to be raised again? ;))
I would love an armoured Mack wrecker.
It's not urgent. You've probably got a couple of years before they appear in the auctions.

[Chops]

Ahhh,, I seeee,,
Of course you do realise, that in a few years we'll be trekking around the country.
I'm not sure the tenants would appreciate having a truck in the yard :eek:

[MR LR]

I hate it when people ask me this question. Invariably I miss counting one or two.
I think I have about twenty cars, trucks and trailers. I can't remember if that was before or after I bought the Perentie.
How many were made before 1919? As that's what I'm talking about.

But continue carrying on, I find it funny.

[MR LR]

i suggest you do...
And what are you suggesting I research, oh mighty overlord? :p Apparently I have no idea about anything so I should probably just read Encyclopedia Brittanica cover to cover, wonder if my hair will go grey and I'll get into the geriatrics league while I'm it... :wasntme: would that be a start?

I'm still waiting for someone to prove me wrong, I've only made one statement, and that is that you can make a profit restoring veteran cars you own. Though that would have automatically been disregarded as I'm only 20...


On another note;
For a forum with such tight rules there sure is a lot of prejudice, sexism and discrimination that goes by the wind. Though most of the people saying it live in the Stone Age...

Pretty funny, I see it with all the car clubs I am around, the old blokes are dropping dead and no new blood is coming in, little wonder when all I see is cranky old blokes that won't let anyone in, especially when there's so few young people that are actually interested.

Wonder how many rules I've broken in this post, probably a record for me.

Cheers
Will

[UncleHo]

The Military Vehicle Club(WW11>) that I belong to has 500+ members and a fair % of those would be under 40 years old,some are second generation people and I know of a couple of grandchildren that come to various club runs and outings,so not all people involved in the old Car/Truck movement are senior citizens :)

cheers

[Chops]

Have been doing some research the last couple of days. Mostly checking Morris, Major's and Elites.

They seem to be a bit pricey :eek:
The Elite I was wanting to get is only 500 :D
Yeah, its got a lot of surface rust on it, but its all there, no major rust, and it runs :D

My kinda project.

[MR LR]

Sounds good Chops!

When you pick a car to restore just go with your heart, being passionate will make it happen, only take advice on choosing a good base to begin with, if you buy what someone else wants you to buy you'll burn out. There's a reason my dune buggy is sitting on the trailer and I haven't fixed it since the big roll over yet, I'm simply more passionate about Landies at the moment!

Learning new skills is most of the fun of a restoration, try and do everything you can yourself, even if it means spending on tools (or borrow them), restoring cars and building my buggy and a few trailers is how I've learnt to weld, turn and mill metal, spray paint and a lot of other skills.

Just go with your gut, and do it right the first time, nothing annoy me more than doing things twice.

See, I can be constructive.

Cheers
Will

[incisor]

And what are you suggesting I research, oh mighty overlord? :p

the people your going to shoot your mouth off at for a start :D

[Chops]

hehe,, Its all good Will.

My biggest drama is a lack of cash at present, and of course, although not car related, a lot on my plate :(

First things first,,, there's always a bargain to be found when the cash is in your pocket ;)
So in the meantime, I have to get my shed in order. There's a bench to be made, homes for tools to be arranged etc, which includes a major clean-up/out, tidy up.

Then there's this thing called "life" always getting in the way :eek: Had big plans for this weekend for a major run at the shed (I've got the bits :D). I've just been informed I'm driving Miss Daisy to the hairdressers,,, in Essendon :eek: So that stuffs tomorrow up :(

[Mick_Marsh]

I've just been informed I'm driving Miss Daisy to the hairdressers,,, in Essendon :eek: So that stuffs tomorrow up :(
Maybe not.
Want a look at the mini?

[UncleHo]

It looks like a nice little deluxe in need of TLC :)

[MR LR]

I've not come into this to "play the man", Mick is doing a good enough job of that. I've made a statement about cars of which I have been around my entire life, quite rare, veteran cars.

Mick felt the need to essentially tell me to shut up, obviously because being involved with what's going on in my own home is not personal experience at all.

I've never found anything suggesting Mick has experience with veteran cars, he's a member of several military vehicle clubs as can be read in his sig. Wonder if he knows that our Crossley 25/30 was in fact a re-bodied RAF staff car... Hence it has a 1923 body on a 1918 chassis and mechanicals. Without him showing any veteran experience, how am I to assume he has had any?

As to you Dave, you have the respect of being the admin of the forum. I respect that, but I resent what you said about me.

I don't see why anyone has such a problem with what I said earlier.

Cheers
Will

[Outback 1]

I would love to have a VS 215i Senator (although the 185i motor is better).

wouldn't an old 186 be a better option :Rolling::Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:

[Chops]

It looks like a nice little deluxe in need of TLC :)

Which car are you referring to?



Maybe not.
Want a look at the mini?

I don't think I'll have time Mick. She reckons we'll only be there for an hour, then we have to come back home, only to get ready to go out again,, maybe to visit Gav on the way through to a party at Essendon,,, yep,, twice in one day :angel:

[Disco_Fever]

A thread I can make a contribution to...

I picked a car that I was kinda bred to own... Dad had Valiants nearly my whole life (after he stopped having Landies) until a few years ago.

I was bought home from the hospital in a metallic purple VC V8 with a white vinyl roof and polished Tasmans... so I was kinda doomed to get into Vals.

Before... (well, before it was painted, but after a truck came across the front of it...)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/119.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/BigRedRegal/media/CM%20Regal/IMG.jpg.html)

...and as she is now.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/120.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/BigRedRegal/media/CM%20Regal/lucky.jpg.html)

Have had the thing for nearly 12 years now. I will probably be buried in the thing too.

[4x4 MORE]

Wow that's a Beauty!..is that a VC valiant too?

[Disco_Fever]

Nope. Mine is a CM Regal, the last model before they went belly up and the plant started pumping out Mitsubishis.

And because that wasn't enough to cure me of restoring old car, in the last few years I have also picked up an '82 XJS from my uncle's estate. Always love the car as a kid. He had always been into cars, and worked on his own, thought it would be in great condition mechanically... no. This was the first car he let slip.

Working under the rear of a Jag was an education after the cart springs under a Valiant, I can tell you... :spudnikdizzy:

[mrapocalypse]

I have found that motorbikes are cheap convenient and fun to restore. I have restored exactly 0.0005 of a percent of my 1976 Bultaco Sherpa but loving every minute.

The entire rest project fits in one large plastic storage container in the basement of my building.

.

[Mick_Marsh]

Hey, Chops, found another one worth restoring.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php?p=2173428#post2173409

Oh! And this one!
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/yamba/cars-vans-utes/loading-/1048033280?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ActivePlus-automotive&mpch=ads

[Mick_Marsh]

I have found that motorbikes are cheap convenient and fun to restore. I have restored exactly 0.0005 of a percent of my 1976 Bultaco Sherpa but loving every minute.

The entire rest project fits in one large plastic storage container in the basement of my building.

.
You've only spent a minute on it. You'll get bored after the second.

[4x4 MORE]

Nope. Mine is a CM Regal, the last model before they went belly up and the plant started pumping out Mitsubishis.

And because that wasn't enough to cure me of restoring old car, in the last few years I have also picked up an '82 XJS from my uncle's estate. Always love the car as a kid. He had always been into cars, and worked on his own, thought it would be in great condition mechanically... no. This was the first car he let slip.

Working under the rear of a Jag was an education after the cart springs under a Valiant, I can tell you... :spudnikdizzy:


Yeah I read that story..shame!

82 XJS. your a Lucky bloke..My parents won't let me have more than 3 Lj suzuki's:p

[jerryd]

I'd buy this if it was nearer to home :(

Suzuki Sierra Deluxe LWB 4x4 1985 FRP TOP 5 SP Manual 4x4 1 3L Carb | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Suzuki-Sierra-Deluxe-LWB-4x4-1985-FRP-Top-5-SP-Manual-4x4-1-3L-Carb-/131224226307?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item1e8d92ca03)


Anybody bringing a car trailer from Melbourne to Brisbane :whistling:

[Mick_Marsh]

I'd buy this if it was nearer to home :(

Suzuki Sierra Deluxe LWB 4x4 1985 FRP TOP 5 SP Manual 4x4 1 3L Carb | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Suzuki-Sierra-Deluxe-LWB-4x4-1985-FRP-Top-5-SP-Manual-4x4-1-3L-Carb-/131224226307?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item1e8d92ca03)


Anybody bringing a car trailer from Melbourne to Brisbane :whistling:I pass not far from there on my way to work.

[digger]

Have been doing some research the last couple of days. Mostly checking Morris, Major's and Elites.

They seem to be a bit pricey :eek:
The Elite I was wanting to get is only 500 :D
Yeah, its got a lot of surface rust on it, but its all there, no major rust, and it runs :D

My kinda project.

Of course it doesnt have Major rust, it should have Elite rust if it has any...

:)

always here to help

[jerryd]

I pass not far from there on my way to work.

Thought you might be near :)

So are travelling up to Brisbane anytime soon :angel:


I love the lwb suzuki's, I had one in the uk and covered 250,000 miles in it. It would go anywhere the land rovers would go, the club would often send me off to get stuck somewhere, just so they could rescue me with their land rovers and winches :D

[Mick_Marsh]

Thought you might be near :)

So are travelling up to Brisbane anytime soon :angel:


I love the lwb suzuki's, I had one in the uk and covered 250,000 miles in it. It would go anywhere the land rovers would go, the club would often send me off to get stuck somewhere, just so they could rescue me with their land rovers and winches :D
How heavy is it? Might be able to pass there with a trailer. Under 1400kg and I can put it on the tandem, legally.
I'm supposed to be collecting a 2A from Warnambool at some stage.

Don't plan to go to Brisbane anytime soon. Would make an interesting road trip with the Perentie though.

Been bush with a Suzuki club. Kitted up right, they are great off road vehicles.

[2stroke]

As a project they are very easy to work on, not too much on them other than that required to make them go (especially the 2 stroke ones). I built mine over a few years and your skills develop as needs arise. Before I started this I had no idea I would be able to fab virtually an entire boby, build custom diff housings, main roads approved cage and bullbar... just shows what you can do if you try. As a registered gully wheeling machine it's pretty hard to beat, achilles heel is long steep hills with steps (and distance work), I have a 130 for that though.
I actually reversed it out of the gully here.

[jerryd]

Slightly off topic but here's a couple of pics of mine at a "land rover event" :)

I fitted a 2 litre fuel injected motor and gearbox from a Vauxhall into it, it certainly drove well and would reach 100 mph if you were brave :D

[Redback]

Here ya go Chops
1968 Volkswagen 1600 Type 3 Deluxe (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volkswagen-1600-1968/SSE-AD-2614239/?Cr=1&sdmvc=1)

OR
1949 Vauxhall Wyvern LIX (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Vauxhall-Wyvern-1949/SSE-AD-2791512/?Cr=5&sdmvc=1)

OR
1951 Vauxhall Velox LIP (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Vauxhall-Velox-1951/SSE-AD-2349367/?Cr=6&sdmvc=1)

OR
1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8) Manual Overdrive (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Austin-Healey-3000-1965/SSE-AD-1077362/?Cr=18&sdmvc=1)

OR
1962 Hillman Minx Series III C Deluxe (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Hillman-Minx-1962/SSE-AD-2633658/?Cr=1&sdmvc=1)

Baz.

[4x4 MORE]

Jerryd..I too am a zook fan!:p

[Outback 1]

Hiding in the corner of my shed is a 78 xc pack in factory candy apple red v8 auto air power steering cloth trim and sports grilled standard i will get to it one day soon i hope
Sent from my GT-S7500T using AULRO mobile app

[4x4 MORE]

wow that's sweet!:)

[Mick_Marsh]

Hiding in the corner of my shed is a 78 xc pack in factory candy apple red v8 auto air power steering cloth trim and sports grilled standard i will get to it one day soon i hope
Sent from my GT-S7500T using AULRO mobile app
Factory Candy Apple!
That'd be a rare thing. Photo's and a bit of a story please.

[Chops]

Thanks Baz.
I've looked at that Minx, there's a couple of them around.
That second Vauxhall's nice,, and I love the suicide doors :cool:

On the whole, the idea is to keep it under a grand on purchase price. This might seem impractical to most, but I know there's plenty out there to be had. Rounded shaped panels is a must,, I like em curvy ;)

[Chops]

Factory Candy Apple!
That'd be a rare thing. Photo's and a bit of a story please.

Yes please,,, x2 :D

[jerryd]

A friend has a much nicer and easier "Austin Healey" project car that could be available for not much more money than that one posted.

[1950landy]

The Hillman Minx is the Australian built which has a mixture of Hillman & Humber Vouge parts on them . My brother had on years ago , very nice car & go quite well also with the 1600cc motor.:BigThumb:

[Mick_Marsh]

Back on to Kombi's
1977 Volkswagen Kombi | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Goulburn City - Goulburn 2580 | 1048016275 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/goulburn-2580/cars-vans-utes/1977-volkswagen-kombi/1048016275)
Restore it to "In Service".
You could also throw a mattress in the back and camp warmly in Wombat.

[UncleHo]

Hey Chops :)

That 1949 LIX Vauxhall is a true 49 with small headlights and parkers inside them,and going by the boot (trunk) it is an imported one very rare here even when new as they were quite dear, as the Australian Assembly vehicles used the short upright boot with drop down lid from the 39-48 series,the Aust 1951 model had the 7" headlights and external parkers the red VW convertible is one of those chopped up Aust versions, did you have a look at the little mini while in Melbourne with Mick? that looked like it just needed the rear hydro-elastic suspension repaired/exchanged,you could always at a nice Ford Zephyr(6cyl) sedan or wagon in Mk2 or a Mk1 sedan,the first UK production vehicle to have McPherson Strut suspension,BUT---that RRC @door did look good :D;)

cheers

[Mick_Marsh]

did you have a look at the little mini while in Melbourne with Mick? that looked like it just needed the rear hydro-elastic suspension
Well spotted there. It does have hydrolastic suspension. One of the pipes rusted through and sprung a leak. It was then parked and registration lapsed. There is a replacement pipe there.
The owner is keen to move it on to an enthusiast. It even has the original hub caps which I'm told are rather hard to find.

[UncleHo]

G'day Mick_Marsh :)

That should be an easy fix then,as there should be somebody in Melbourne that can re-pressurise the system,they run quite high pressure from memory each side linked front to rear, same set up as the Morris 1100 & Austin1800

There is another make to look at "Austin" A30,A40 early Dorset,Devon Somerset,A40 Farina,A70 Hampshire,Hereford, then the mid 50's models A50 A55,and the Morris of the same body style,or "Vauxhall" E series 1952-1957 and later"Vauxhall" PA series 3 piece rear window verticle long oval rear lights,Velox/Cresta 6cyl (a 100MPH car),PB smaller rear lights 1 piece rear window,and the Victor 57-61 smaller body 4cyl, the choice is limitless all simple straight mechanicals.

cheers

[4x4 MORE]

some people collect and restore the Little Hillman Imp..rear engine..

Most have rusted out here in Australia..

[Chops]

I like your thought train Uncle Ho :D
We seem to be on the same wave length,,, not like young Mick here. He keeps finding me these really expensive cars :eek: (except for the mini ;))
The old Austin's etc are good cars, I want something very simple in design/mechanics. I didn't realise the Minx was an Ausie build, interesting, might have to rethink some stuff.

Jerry, I'm sorry, but I couldn't possibly afford the one that's in the previous post, let alone one that's more so in dollars. I do like them though, but I'm afraid a long way out of my reach. Its bad cause Leeanne doesn't mind them either ;) She said "no" to a VW convertible (type 3, which I like :(), and then said yes to the Healey :eek: go figure.

[pop058]

some people collect and restore the Little Hillman Imp..rear engine..

Most have rusted out here in Australia..

Cute little cars. They were re-badged as a "Singer" IIRC. The only difference that I could see was the badging and the Singer had wood (dash/doors ?) trim.

[4x4 MORE]

Haha Austin Healey's are worth big bucks these days!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/108.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/109.jpg

Hillman Imp

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/110.jpg

[Chops]

Haha Austin Healey's are worth big bucks these days!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/108.jpg

As a kid,,, we'll at about 20, I was offered one of these for $1000,, should have taken it instead of chasing V8's :(

[Mick_Marsh]

not like young Mick here. He keeps finding me these really expensive cars :eek: (except for the mini ;))
My tactic may be starting to work, old fella.

[4x4 MORE]

As a kid,,, we'll at about 20, I was offered one of these for $1000,, should have taken it instead of chasing V8's :(

WOW, that would have been a steal!:eek:

[1950landy]

I like your thought train Uncle Ho :D
We seem to be on the same wave length,,, not like young Mick here. He keeps finding me these really expensive cars :eek: (except for the mini ;))
The old Austin's etc are good cars, I want something very simple in design/mechanics. I didn't realise the Minx was an Ausie build, interesting, might have to rethink some stuff.

Jerry, I'm sorry, but I couldn't possibly afford the one that's in the previous post, let alone one that's more so in dollars. I do like them though, but I'm afraid a long way out of my reach. Its bad cause Leeanne doesn't mind them either ;) She said "no" to a VW convertible (type 3, which I like :(), and then said yes to the Healey :eek: go figure.
The Minx with the 3 round tail lights ( one side had Tail light / indicator & reversing light the other side had a fuel cap In the reversing light position & wood grain dash were Australian made & the ones with the long tail light / indicator combination were imported. The Australian cars were better looking cars.

[UncleHo]

Finding a Hillman Imp now would be very hard, as they had an Aluminium Block and the Australian motorist could not understand the need for Inhibitor in the water jacket, this persisted through the years of alloy headed cars, and into the early Range Rover years,a pity really, as some very nice vehicles went to the wreckers/crusher all because the insurance companies deem "Beyond Ecomonical Repair":( it was only the advent of the Japanese Alloy headed vehicles that the Aust. drivers started to learn.

[4x4 MORE]

Interesting..:)

[4x4 MORE]

Considered one of these? Cheap and fun!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/102.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/103.jpg

[UncleHo]

Those MGB-GT's were a very expensive car when new,so they would be pretty thin on the ground,my taste in MG's is the last of the "T" series the TF-1500 that last of the British Sports Cars :)

The "A" was nice in a BMC sort of way.

[1950landy]

The Imp's always overheating problems which caused the head gasket to blow even back in UK. They were strange to drive the front wheels would lean over when turning but they had a good turning circle , the front wheels would turn about 90 deg.

[UncleHo]

Yup! I forgot about the turning circle :) very similar to the Triumph Herald in both Sedan,Coupe and Convertible,complete with a paper-mashe dash and cardboard door trims :D went well though.

[4x4 MORE]

Uncle Ho..I meant the Normal MGB convertible too...plenty of those and cheap!


1964 M.G. B Mk 1 Cars For Sale in ACT - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=9&R=16730229&trecs=96&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__sid=146E3462A540&__Nne=15&__Qpb=1&seot=1&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294960420% 204294961367&silo=1011)

1968 M.G. B Mk 1 GT Cars For Sale in QLD - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=6&R=17181013&trecs=96&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__sid=146E3462A540&__Nne=15&__Qpb=1&seot=1&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294960420% 204294961367&silo=1011)

not THAT expensive..:D

[1950landy]

Triumph 2000 & 2.5 TC's were always very reliable vehicles but steer clear of the PI's they go well but have lots of problems with the Lucas fuel injection. Another good vehicle is the Wolseley 24/80 & Austin freeway also Austin A40 Farina. BMC cars were good up to when Leyland came into the picture, That's when all the problems started with Friday cars every day of the week.

[jerryd]

As a kid,,, we'll at about 20, I was offered one of these for $1000,, should have taken it instead of chasing V8's :(

A Canadian guy offered me one for 300 british pounds back in the 70's, he was going back to Canada and needed a quick sale. Like an idiot I didn't buy it but got an MG Midget instead :(

[UncleHo]

I'm only to aware of that Wayne,as I worked for them,OK up until the end of BMC,then the bean counters got into it,"Cheap was Good" :mad: Have you ever read "British Leyland Chronicle of a Car Crash" I have it on my Kindle,quite an eye opener,including the GB Govt.mishandling :(

Kevin

[1950landy]

I also worked for UK Motors then Wedmaiers Kelvin Grove through BMC ,Leyland & JRA .We also had a Daihatsu Dealership , I think we only did a couple of warranty repairs on Daihatsu over a12 month period & with Leyland & JRA we did 100 or more a week.

[4x4 MORE]

These are Tiny Little cars..
Austin 7's:)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/97.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/98.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/99.jpg

[UncleHo]

My first car was an Austin 7 tourer the same as BF 5001 swapped a near new semi-racer push bike for it, my old man was NOT pleased,copped a thumping for that,(16years old) drove it to high school and back :) 28 miles an hour flat out,every time you blew the horn the motor stopped that is why I got it cheap,I found out it had a 12volt horn DUR! changed it problem solved,what a girl catcher (high schooler with a car in 1958:D) sold it when I turned 17 and got a 1939 Austin 8 "Wasp"tourer, it did 75 miles an hour,and had mechanical brakes like the 7 (put the stop light on not much else):D
that went for an A40 Dorset Tourer,half hydraulic half mechanical brakes,sold shortly after I got married and bought an FJ Holden sedan family on the way :( my son turned 50 last May :eek:

See what happened before "the Pill":censored:

[Mick_Marsh]

There was a MGB GT V8 parked in the street the other day.

If you're going down that path, I'd go for a MGC for rarity.

[4x4 MORE]

Uncle ho wow interesting story:)

How much Hp in the 7?

[Chops]

WOW, that would have been a steal!:eek:

It was,, it was drivable and had about a months rego left on it at the time. Had I had an older head on me, I'd have grabbed it, but alas, too young dumb and full of ,,,,
Horses for courses etc etc. :(

[Chops]

The old green Austin would do me. My cousin used to have one of these as a paddock car :-)

[Homestar]

Must be a good party you're at Chops if you are logged on here...:D

I'll leave the front light on....

[pop058]

Uncle ho wow interesting story:)

How much Hp in the 7?

IIRC, an Austin 7 cracked the 100MPH mark at Bonneville in the late 20's/early 30's. It still had the 750cc motor, but had a blower fitted to it.

The amount of body variations for Austin 7's is quite surprising. Attached is a pic of a few from a private collection during a SLOw club run a few months ago. :)

[4x4 MORE]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/77.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/78.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/79.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/80.jpg

[UncleHo]

G'day 4x4MORE :)

The 27's were 7hp developing 18 BHP from memory,the green sedan 33/34 models had slightly higher Compression and got to about 24/25 BHP,at age 16 all I knew is that it was flat out at 28/30 mph :D


BTW. I will be out your way tomorrow 29th as I am going to the Pine Rivers Motorcycle Swap Meet at the Samford Rangers Soccer Club grounds where ever they are, I will be in my D1 with an AULRO spare tyre cover on it.

[Mike_S]

I've restored several cars over the years, both with my Dad and on my own. I've also spent *significant* £££££'s on doing the last one after deciding my time was worth more !

We have a Triumph Spitfire 1500 that I took to a bare chassis about 6 years ago, which I bought for my now wife as her first car 18 years ago. It's the 3rd one I've done, only this time I paid to have the bodyshell repaired / painted as my welding days are long since over. When we emigrated 3 years ago it ended up being rushed as 2 months before we moved it was still just a rolling chassis :D

I'd caution against buying anything needing a full resto, unless you're incredibly handy with the tools and have a lot of free time / plan on doing it over a number of years. Had our Spitfire not had very high sentimental value I wouldn't have done it, in no way is it worth the time & money we've put into it. Buy something with a solid base, ie a solid shell. Everything else is easy, but bodywork is ridiculous. As someone else mentioned, the old Triumph saloons are great cars to learn with, cheap to buy in solid condition and super simple mechanically. Nice engines as well.

Now, after all my advice about not doing a ground up resto, I don't heed my own warnings having recently picked up a Mk2 Escort rolling shell. It may not need any welding, but it needs everything else.....;)

[alien]

Some interesting reading on people's thoughts and projects.


Chops,
There is another way of looking at what project you want to do.
If the plan is to tour the country why not do up something that could be used to do the trip with?
Do you know of a vehicle that is sitting idle that could be finished, like a bus?


Cheers, Kyle.

[Mick_Marsh]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/77.jpg

http://www.sj-413.nl/lj-50.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/78.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/79.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/80.jpg
I met a bloke that had one of those with a Holden 202 in.

[loanrangie]

My first 4wd was an LJ50 hardtop, if it had a 202 in it you'd be sitting in the back.

[Chops]

Some interesting reading on people's thoughts and projects.


Chops,
There is another way of looking at what project you want to do.
If the plan is to tour the country why not do up something that could be used to do the trip with?
Do you know of a vehicle that is sitting idle that could be finished, like a bus?


Cheers, Kyle.

Now it's funny you should say that Kyle,

If I am to go ahead with that, I need a BIGGG shed. :eek:
Leeanne keeps making us look at new units, although, I've had a bit of a breakthrough on that front,,, we looked at a decent second hand unit a couple of weeks ago, and she was quite pleased with that :D. Savings. ;)

So with the bus, I have to wait on more info from work, it mayyy be that we have to move into another factory, a much larger one, and one that will hold the bosses boats and cars ;)

[JamesB71]

Im currently saving my pennies for an MGB.

Hoping to pick one up for around 10 with some work to do on it, but running registered. Im not looking for a basket case, but something I can tinker with and drive on nice days.

[Mick_Marsh]

My first 4wd was an LJ50 hardtop, if it had a 202 in it you'd be sitting in the back.
That would require too much work. Think outside the box (or in this case the car). The grill had been cut and extended forward.

[4x4 MORE]

That would't look good at all!:o Spoil the LJ's looks!

[loanrangie]

This is my baby, 1958 FC Special. Bought just before my 17th birthday, been thru a few different guises and running gear but sitting on commodore diff and HQ stubs with VN discs, LH Torana rack and pinion steering.
Hadfield chassis kit and toyota 5spd box, 78/79 Buick 3.8 V6 to go, the BMW rims suit the style but were only intended to get it rolling.
Diff is not centered and awaiting some saddles to be made and welded in.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/63.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/64.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/65.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/66.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/67.jpg

[incisor]

Love a good fc

Had a few in my time

[Mick_Marsh]

That would't look good at all!:o Spoil the LJ's looks!
Yes. It was rather "agricultural".

[loanrangie]

Love a good fc

Had a few in my time

Got this by chance, first car was an EH then bought a HR with 179HP and disc front end which was to gp into the EH.
FC was in my parents carport without a motor so i bought it for $100 95% rust free and straight.

[cactus]

wow. didn't realise this thread was so long and I may repeat what others have said. if its a passion for a particular car ,what it costs is irrelevant . if its for profit one day choose wisely. I have a fb holden wagon. had it for years. just about to get a freshen up. ie paint and rebuild the grey motor etc. until recently, if I spent 5ooo on it I may only just have got my money back but over the last few years ive seen good restos of early holdens go for 20000. values can change in time of you have enough of it. next car was an mgb that I acquired for free as it came in safeway bags, like every single nut and bolt had been removed and never gone ahead with over the following 20 years. fortunately ? I was made redundtant at my job at the time so had funds and time to restore this one. 6 months full time work. new floor pans, sills etc. doing ALL the work myself except reupholstering the seats ended up costing me around 6000.. it was valued at 28000 when I finished it. that one was good money but if you factor in 6 months of no wages ?? still cars are a passion for me and I had 7 years of fun m in that car..


currently im doing a 1960 karmann ghia for an old lady who has a history with it and expense is nothing. no one else would take this project on for her and in a moment of weakness I said I would do it for her in my "spare" time. its been 6 years now and almost finished. every panel from the waistling down was rusted beyond repair and needed replacing. I learnt a lot about forming panels by hand with this car and spent lots of time away from it as it became a chore . never again for a customer . may have been paid what seemed like good money in the beginning but factor in time and never being able to enjoy the fruits of my labour, no more.
oh and costs? owes her around 15000 finished and worth around 20000 .


I worked for the healey factory in melb for a while and saw many cheque book restos. 200 grand for a jag etype convertible... 150 grand for the average healey. unjustifiable to me but for people who can afford to have it done, I guess it kept a company going well to this day.


moral ? just do it if it makes you happy and you can avoid selling the kids to finish it.


cheers chris

[1950landy]

Thats a nice "B"roadster looks the same BRG as my "BGT", I made wood grain panels for around the instruments & speaker . Have built it for what I want to do like fitting all syncro box & an extra air vent on L/H side to grt mor fresh air into passenger, also fitted mag wheels in place of wires.:cool: And the FC Top car best holdens ever built FE & FC Holden sold mine many years ago regreted it then & still regret it would buy it back today if i could find it .

[4x4 MORE]

This is my baby, 1958 FC Special. Bought just before my 17th birthday, been thru a few different guises and running gear but sitting on commodore diff and HQ stubs with VN discs, LH Torana rack and pinion steering.
Hadfield chassis kit and toyota 5spd box, 78/79 Buick 3.8 V6 to go, the BMW rims suit the style but were only intended to get it rolling.
Diff is not centered and awaiting some saddles to be made and welded in.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/63.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/64.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/65.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/66.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/67.jpg


THAT is Awesome!!!!!!! How long have you had it??

My dad had an FE many years ago[ now 67]

[4x4 MORE]

wow. didn't realise this thread was so long and I may repeat what others have said. if its a passion for a particular car ,what it costs is irrelevant . if its for profit one day choose wisely. I have a fb holden wagon. had it for years. just about to get a freshen up. ie paint and rebuild the grey motor etc. until recently, if I spent 5ooo on it I may only just have got my money back but over the last few years ive seen good restos of early holdens go for 20000. values can change in time of you have enough of it. next car was an mgb that I acquired for free as it came in safeway bags, like every single nut and bolt had been removed and never gone ahead with over the following 20 years. fortunately ? I was made redundtant at my job at the time so had funds and time to restore this one. 6 months full time work. new floor pans, sills etc. doing ALL the work myself except reupholstering the seats ended up costing me around 6000.. it was valued at 28000 when I finished it. that one was good money but if you factor in 6 months of no wages ?? still cars are a passion for me and I had 7 years of fun m in that car..


currently im doing a 1960 karmann ghia for an old lady who has a history with it and expense is nothing. no one else would take this project on for her and in a moment of weakness I said I would do it for her in my "spare" time. its been 6 years now and almost finished. every panel from the waistling down was rusted beyond repair and needed replacing. I learnt a lot about forming panels by hand with this car and spent lots of time away from it as it became a chore . never again for a customer . may have been paid what seemed like good money in the beginning but factor in time and never being able to enjoy the fruits of my labour, no more.
oh and costs? owes her around 15000 finished and worth around 20000 .


I worked for the healey factory in melb for a while and saw many cheque book restos. 200 grand for a jag etype convertible... 150 grand for the average healey. unjustifiable to me but for people who can afford to have it done, I guess it kept a company going well to this day.


moral ? just do it if it makes you happy and you can avoid selling the kids to finish it.


cheers chris

x2..WELL said mate, and my family and friends give me soo much grief for having 3 Lj suzuki's:D

Non classic car/4wd enthusiast WILL NEVER understand!:(

[Mick_Marsh]

x2..WELL said mate, and my family and friends give me soo much grief for having 3 Lj suzuki's:D

Non classic car/4wd enthusiast WILL NEVER understand!:(
The amount of family and friendswho have on many occasions said to me, "why don't you sell them all and buy a nice new car and go on an overseas holiday?"
Yep, they don't get it.

[4x4 MORE]

So I'm not the only one..:(

[Mick_Marsh]

Do we need to start a support group?

[pop058]

Do we need to start a support group?

Your ON a support group :D

[loanrangie]

I bought the FC 1 week before i turned 17, coming up to 46 so i'll let you do the math :o.

[Chops]

moral ? just do it if it makes you happy and you can avoid selling the kids to finish it.


cheers chris

G'day Chris, thanks for that, very interesting little adventure for you.

But are you sure I cant sell the kids?? :angel:

[cactus]

G'day Chris, thanks for that, very interesting little adventure for you.

But are you sure I cant sell the kids?? :angel:well. I guess it comes down to the car you are restoring and how much you can get for the kids. :)

[Mick_Marsh]

I think he's tried to sell the kids. That's why the restoration is on such a tight budget.

[DoubleChevron]

Well spotted there. It does have hydrolastic suspension. One of the pipes rusted through and sprung a leak. It was then parked and registration lapsed. There is a replacement pipe there.
The owner is keen to move it on to an enthusiast. It even has the original hub caps which I'm told are rather hard to find.

If you want hydraulics ....

I think the best small car I've ever driven is a Citroen GS .... Full hydraulic suspension ... they'd ride at least as well as a big old Mercedes... little flat four air cooled 1220cc engine, center point steering, 4 wheel disc brakes.... One of the few cars I've managed to get to do "4 wheel drifts" on greasy roads. The little flat 4 motor will rev out to 8000rpm if you don't watch what your doing. There a great fun little car.

40 Jahre Citroën GS - YouTube (http://youtu.be/Ra76A7Dw_eU)

Citroën GS Advert - YouTube

They can't stay worthless forever .... grab one while there's still any left. The have been so utterly worthless and unloved for so long ... Most have gone to the crushers or rusted away.

[4x4 MORE]

It really Depends on who wants them, and what they are prepared to pay:)

Overseas FJ40 Land cruisers are really rising in value rapidly..only a matter of time before they are worth big bucks in Australia;)

Overlandia: Restored 1977 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser | adventure journal (http://www.adventure-journal.com/2014/02/overlandia-restored-1977-toyota-fj40-land-cruiser/)

Classified Ads (http://www.restoredfj40.com/classified-ads.php)

Toyota FJ Cruiser 4 Speed Restored | eBay

Those are the prices for Restored..to think people pay that much for an old Land cruiser:eek:

[Mick_Marsh]

It really Depends on who wants them, and what they are prepared to pay:)

Overseas FJ40 Land cruisers are really rising in value rapidly..only a matter of time before they are worth big bucks in Australia;)

Overlandia: Restored 1977 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser | adventure journal (http://www.adventure-journal.com/2014/02/overlandia-restored-1977-toyota-fj40-land-cruiser/)

Classified Ads (http://www.restoredfj40.com/classified-ads.php)

Toyota FJ Cruiser 4 Speed Restored | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-FJ-Cruiser-4-Speed-Restored-DOCUMENTED-RESTORATIoN-SAGINAW-STEERING-BOX-IN-LINE-6-4-SPEED-/281363526402?forcerrptr=true&hash=item418292b302&item=281363526402&pt=US_Cars_Trucks)

Those are the prices for Restored..to think people pay that much for an old Land cruiser:eek:
The prices are going up already. There was a restored one advertised for twenty something thousand some months ago.

[4x4 MORE]

Really! that's crazy!..to think it's Just an old Cruiser!:eek:

[Mick_Marsh]

1976 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Toyota-Landcruiser-1976/SSE-AD-2716540/?Cr=8&sdmvc=1)

You of course realise, what it's advertised for, isn't necessarily what it sells for.

I must admit, though, this one looks to be in really good original condition.

[Homestar]

Cool, that is in very good, original condition. Amazing it hasn't rusted away - must have been kept out of the weather.

My Brother had an identical one before he wrecked it and bought a Series 2a. Was a great old beast, but with an average of 26LPH KM, you couldn't drive past a servo...:D.

[4x4 MORE]

1976 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Toyota-Landcruiser-1976/SSE-AD-2716540/?Cr=8&sdmvc=1)

You of course realise, what it's advertised for, isn't necessarily what it sells for.

I must admit, though, this one looks to be in really good original condition.

But of Course! Wow that FJ40 looks bloody PERFECT!:eek::eek:

[Chops]

1976 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Toyota-Landcruiser-1976/SSE-AD-2716540/?Cr=8&sdmvc=1)

You of course realise, what it's advertised for, isn't necessarily what it sells for.

I must admit, though, this one looks to be in really good original condition.


It's only done 50K,,, basically it's never been used :eek:

And when alls said and done,, it just a Land Cruiser :angel:

[4x4 MORE]

If I was paying that Amount of money for an old 40, I would want a 3B Diesel at least!;)