What car would be an ideal car for a first time restoration ? All i can think of is beetles/minis/mgs just because there is a huge amount of new parts available off the shelf (panels especially) Or would people suggest choosing something with not so much aftermarket support to build up skills etc. on the way ?
- Thread starter seanc
- Start date
Hello Seanc,
do you not have any particular favourites or even dream cars?
The Triumph 2000 range offer a lot of car for relatively little cash, but would be quite challenging to restore as they are a complicated body to repair properly.
Alec
do you not have any particular favourites or even dream cars?
The Triumph 2000 range offer a lot of car for relatively little cash, but would be quite challenging to restore as they are a complicated body to repair properly.
Alec
Main thing is to choose something you like, then you won't get teed off with it when things go wrong. Or something your nearest and dearest has always wanted, although this can be a bit trying at times...
Doing a resto' on something with plenty of panels available doesn't mean you have to buy them all; they are there to use until your skills grow to making them yourself, or until the economics of the resto' make you decide you have to make them yourself.
Also you need to consider what space you have available. Cars in bits seem to take up about four times as much room as when they are complete.
Doing a resto' on something with plenty of panels available doesn't mean you have to buy them all; they are there to use until your skills grow to making them yourself, or until the economics of the resto' make you decide you have to make them yourself.
Also you need to consider what space you have available. Cars in bits seem to take up about four times as much room as when they are complete.
I understand the space constraints 
I only have a single garage + driveway/shed space, I was looking at small local units but the cost is to great so i will just struggle on with what space ive got !
Im a fan of minis and the wife loves them aswell so could be a good call but for some reason I just dont really want to do one ! We have owned a couple before so im not sure if its just wanting something different or knowing what little rot box`s they are.
Never been a fan of triumphs. I quite like the 60s beetles but ovals and splits are expensive even for a rubbish one and period correct parts are apparently a pain to source.
I only have a single garage + driveway/shed space, I was looking at small local units but the cost is to great so i will just struggle on with what space ive got !Im a fan of minis and the wife loves them aswell so could be a good call but for some reason I just dont really want to do one ! We have owned a couple before so im not sure if its just wanting something different or knowing what little rot box`s they are.
Never been a fan of triumphs. I quite like the 60s beetles but ovals and splits are expensive even for a rubbish one and period correct parts are apparently a pain to source.
Tiggy_dorset
It looks just like a bought one!
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Apparently...Land Rovers will give you more than enough welding practice 
brightspark
Member
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u get a free welder with every purchase .U WILL NEED ITApparently...Land Rovers will give you more than enough welding practice
gavuk
artful-bodger
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Yeah but we get foxy surfer chicks while the Ford boys get white stilletos and blotchy legs
As said pick something you like first and foremost because you will need all the enthusiasm you can muster. Normally i'd say buy the very best you can find even if it means spending a fair bit more than you want to (it WILL be cheaper in the long run) however that probably doesn't apply quite so much if it's the restoration itself that appeals (you nutter
)Ignoring the price tag that goes with early Beetle stuff, while they're generally very simple rotten frameheads and heater channels REALLY aren't a fun job and while everything is available the cheap repro stuff is mostly JUNK
most of the popular stuff that's well supported is crazy expensive now, '60s Fords anyone?
I've no idea what the market's like but Morris Minors? Girls love 'em, stop with the swearing (restoration)
and drop something like a twin cam in one and they're a proper hoot tooIf you go with something that has loads of aftermarket support you don't need to take advantage of that if you'd rather learn to make everything. On the other hand if you buy something where nothing's available and there's little used stuff then you have no choice...
cumbriasteve
Moderator
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An early MX5..small, cheap to buy, engines usually spot on, loads of spares both new and secondhand available and great fun and cheap to own when finished.
Angusdog
Well-meaning amateur
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Cheap. The record is $217,800 LINK.
Go the mini. Loads of options, loads of parts, resale value pretty good, replacing panels as easy as changing the lower radiator hose. But like the dubs, they are addictive. I had 4 1/2 at one stage...
Chickenjohn
Morris Minor and Porsche 944 fan
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Morris Minor! and they are good fun when kept as standard, no need to modify.
