Thoughts On Buying A Classic ?

[thebigfelly]

Just wondering what everyones thoughta are on classics.. not scoobs but fords etc

Think taffys had a couple .

But im getting an urge to want to get like a decent old ford capri for a wee toy or a mk1 or 2 escort .. mexico id love but i dont have that money.

But then im also thinking pay bigger cash to get something in good knick and doesnt need much work

Or with the new house going to have a garage . Get something a little cheaper but needs some basic work done to it aswel and spend a cpl years or longer just doing wee bits at a time .

Anyone any thoughts on this? Had any experience with them ? How easy are they to work on mechanicly as itd be a learning curve for me. Like learning whats wrong .how to fix it and then tryin to fix it or change sumthing etc. With them being older cars are they easier mechanicly to work on ?

[ccrien]

From my experiences 30 years ago when the original mini, mk 2 escort etc wasn't a classic, but the best most folks could afford to run, I would say mechanically yes they are much easier to learn what's wrong and to learn how to fix new wheel bearings, bushes, steering rack replacement etc, BUT. and it's a big BUT, unless you can strip out bodywork and replace rusted panels and overhaul with welding skills ( not just surface rust but big panel and structural rust), then don't even think about it.

Or find one that's been renovated, even crudely but so long as it's solid.

Pity really cos there's a lot to learn about carburettors and the like, no catalysts, no fancy electronics, dodgy ball joints, grease nipples, alternators that don't last long, etc. guess you would rely on specialists for parts? Not too many of these old cars around in scrapyards now like there was in the early 80, s! Was dead cheap for parts then and a few simple spanners got most things removed easily.

Find a dentists or barbers with a table full of classic car mags and read up first before taking the plunge.

Edited August 17, 2014 by ccrien

[thebigfelly]

Yeah if i was goin down the route of somethin to work on. Itd have to be dound structurely.. like bodywork previously done etc. The working away and tinerking part id be wanting just engine tinkering and making shiney lol..

Just realy likeing the looks of some very nice classic fords the now . And think itd be fun to have something a bit older thay looks good and runs sweet. Oh and rwd

[ccrien]

If you like tinkering you will never get bored with trying to get the points and ignition just spot-on.

[thebigfelly]

Problem is. I havent tinkered before. But think itd be easier than doing it on the blobeye . Less electrical and computer /ecu stuff and less wires . An old 1970's ford might be More basic engineering was my way of thinking and easier to do and learn / tinker with . Im not sayin i will . Im just liking the idea of getting something thats nearly there and just adding my wee touches over time. But also maybe just getting somethin i could keep in the garage ans just take out now and again

[ccrien]

You need to talk to someone who has something like you're thinking of, and have a good look around and talk about it with them to see if it suits you. Might well do.