Classic Cars

clivvy · 14-07-2011, 08:18

hey chaps, what with this being the "virtual pub", I thought I'd post about my latest "want".

So I have always liked classic cars. I love the style, the simplicity and history. I'm certanly not rich, and have no money, but I got to thinking about actually buying a classic car. As I need time to save up, I figured I'd start looking at what I want. Due to space and other factors, I realised that i want something fairly small and simple, easy for me to fix, and easy to squeeze onto the driveway (under a cover). I got a few ideas, what do you think?

Fiat 126
Fiat 500
Beetle
Datsun 100A
Honda Z600

colour doesnt matter, and it can be as ugly as anything I dont care because I like them all (especially the Datsun). I dont mind having to do a little restoration work, as this is an area I have growing interest. Welding would be my biggest issue, but I'm willing to learn.

so, any other ideas? cost wise, needs to be as cheap as possible but not a total wreck. I know its asking a lot, but i have seen a fair few classics reasonably cheap and in "good condition", especially the Beetles..As most of the cars I am interested in were built before I was born (JUST) I have no drivign experience of them, so if anyone has any history they can offer, I'd be most interested!

cheers chaps!

rustic · 14-07-2011, 08:41

The old beetles were used a lot for kit cars, the floor pan was rigid and contained all the running gear. I think that the early Porches used a version of this floor pan as well.

But there are still lots of good examples around.

What about the Morris 1000 or the estate version of the same, with all that wooden trim.
I wonder if they could fail an MOT because of wood worm

I certainly liked the simplicity, but in those days you had to carry a tool kit around and know how to use it, as they were very temperamental.

I think they are nearly all petrol as well, so do your homework as some classics can't run on unleaded fuel, but can run with addatives added.

The car I always wanted, was the convertable Triumph Stag in white,

There are still afew around.

Regarding keeping it under a cover, I wouldn't have thought this was a good idea, you are trapping in moisture, a car port would be a good option or better a snug warm garage.

Maybe those covers which are like pram hoods which don't touch the car could be a better option.

clivvy · 14-07-2011, 08:49

thanks Rustic, yes I agree that the older cars were temperamental. When I were a lad, we had a Vauxhall Chevette etc, never any trouble. Im hoping to get a decent and easy to fix example, so long as I can learn and understand the engine, I'll be fine. I'm liking the old Hondas and the old Fiats, because their engines appear really simple, and the electrics seem very straight forward too!

I agree about the cover point, thats kinda what I meant (car port style cover) as I have heard horror stories about trapped moisture and resultent rust/paint bubbling! I could PROBABLY get away with building a huge car port in the back garden where we have a car space...hmmm...now thats got me thinking.....

makeitfit · 14-07-2011, 09:29

Of the cars you mention the Beetle IS the pits, fact

They're so over rated and usually bodged body work all over and even if you get one that works they're like driving a broken milk float

The fiat 126 = more fun with a powered skateboard

The datsun is quite lively and probably more difficult to find than you'd think.
Fiat 500 , get the one with the race engine and the boot wont close

No idea about the others.
As a classic car family we can say one thing "Learn how to weld"

When buying make sure you have read up big time on the pitfalls of the car you fancy and then dont be afraid to tear the thing apart looking for bodges, cause there will be some

Good luck

jims-terrano · 14-07-2011, 10:14

Like the idea Clivvy. My list would be along the lines of lots and lots!!! Reminds me of childhood.

Beetle
Moggy (Saloon or Traveller)
Capri
Escort MK1
Mini
Shuvit (for old times sake)
Landy

At the mo I'm looking at selling T2 and buying a Golf around 51 or 52 plate, the dashboards look so cool in blue

Jim

makeitfit · 14-07-2011, 10:33

We've got at the mo a right crusty MK3 cortina undergoing major surgery

My daughter's race tuned Herald 13/60, spitfire engine twin carbed and race exhaust etc

My son's MK2 fiesta , boy racered

My ancient Dutton kit car escort based

Buying the wife an Alfa next week or two, they're as cheap as chips , so will have one for as long as it keeps going

glenbo · 14-07-2011, 21:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by clivvy

thanks Rustic, yes I agree that the older cars were temperamental. When I were a lad, we had a Vauxhall Chevette etc, never any trouble. Im hoping to get a decent and easy to fix example, so long as I can learn and understand the engine, I'll be fine. I'm liking the old Hondas and the old Fiats, because their engines appear really simple, and the electrics seem very straight forward too!

I agree about the cover point, thats kinda what I meant (car port style cover) as I have heard horror stories about trapped moisture and resultent rust/paint bubbling! I could PROBABLY get away with building a huge car port in the back garden where we have a car space...hmmm...now thats got me thinking.....

the breathable car covers are fine,they cost a bit more but are worth it,i got one of my mk1 escorts covered by one for the past two years and its fine,which ever classic you buy you cant beat plugs and points instead of electronic ignition,if i had the money a 68 shelby mustang

clivvy · 14-07-2011, 21:52

agreed, if I had the cash id love a Mustang!

I looked some Triumph GT6's on ebay, then I saw some TR7 V8's which got me thinking,,,,

(RIP) PLANK · 14-07-2011, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by clivvy

agreed, if I had the cash id love a Mustang!

I looked some Triumph GT6's on ebay, then I saw some TR7 V8's which got me thinking,,,,

Is it me or is this getting out of hand, from 126 to TR8 - calm down Clivvy

terranobreakershropshire · 16-07-2011, 21:44

everyone has different opinions on a classic car, best get what you really like or you will soon get bored of it. remember all older cars are unreliable but thats just part of it ! i have 6 'classics' from 80's on (more future classics i think)

glenbo · 16-07-2011, 22:22

speaking of future classics i got a granada 2.9 24v cossie

i love this car especially when you floor it,goes like the clappers

Deleted account DD · 17-07-2011, 09:12

All I can remember of those is how many tyres we went through

Deleted account DD · 17-07-2011, 09:25

maybe one of these

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ck?logcode=dsp

no pics when i looked and not sure he's got the price right

glenbo · 17-07-2011, 16:36

clivvy · 17-07-2011, 17:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by daved

maybe one of these

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ck?logcode=dsp

no pics when i looked and not sure he's got the price right

if its a true rs200, then yeah his price is probably right, but for that money, i'd be expecting a least a few pics!

14-07-2011, 08:18	#1
clivvy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Huddersfield Vehicle: Terrano 03 LWB Posts: 6,947	Classic Cars hey chaps, what with this being the "virtual pub", I thought I'd post about my latest "want". So I have always liked classic cars. I love the style, the simplicity and history. I'm certanly not rich, and have no money, but I got to thinking about actually buying a classic car. As I need time to save up, I figured I'd start looking at what I want. Due to space and other factors, I realised that i want something fairly small and simple, easy for me to fix, and easy to squeeze onto the driveway (under a cover). I got a few ideas, what do you think? Fiat 126 Fiat 500 Beetle Datsun 100A Honda Z600 colour doesnt matter, and it can be as ugly as anything I dont care because I like them all (especially the Datsun). I dont mind having to do a little restoration work, as this is an area I have growing interest. Welding would be my biggest issue, but I'm willing to learn. so, any other ideas? cost wise, needs to be as cheap as possible but not a total wreck. I know its asking a lot, but i have seen a fair few classics reasonably cheap and in "good condition", especially the Beetles..As most of the cars I am interested in were built before I was born (JUST) I have no drivign experience of them, so if anyone has any history they can offer, I'd be most interested! cheers chaps!

14-07-2011, 08:41	#2
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	The old beetles were used a lot for kit cars, the floor pan was rigid and contained all the running gear. I think that the early Porches used a version of this floor pan as well. But there are still lots of good examples around. What about the Morris 1000 or the estate version of the same, with all that wooden trim. I wonder if they could fail an MOT because of wood worm I certainly liked the simplicity, but in those days you had to carry a tool kit around and know how to use it, as they were very temperamental. I think they are nearly all petrol as well, so do your homework as some classics can't run on unleaded fuel, but can run with addatives added. The car I always wanted, was the convertable Triumph Stag in white, There are still afew around. Regarding keeping it under a cover, I wouldn't have thought this was a good idea, you are trapping in moisture, a car port would be a good option or better a snug warm garage. Maybe those covers which are like pram hoods which don't touch the car could be a better option. __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

16-07-2011, 22:22	#11
glenbo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: towing caravan or trailer Vehicle: nissan terrano 3.0ltd sve Posts: 102	speaking of future classics i got a granada 2.9 24v cossiei love this car especially when you floor it,goes like the clappers

14-07-2011, 08:49	#3
clivvy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Huddersfield Vehicle: Terrano 03 LWB Posts: 6,947	thanks Rustic, yes I agree that the older cars were temperamental. When I were a lad, we had a Vauxhall Chevette etc, never any trouble. Im hoping to get a decent and easy to fix example, so long as I can learn and understand the engine, I'll be fine. I'm liking the old Hondas and the old Fiats, because their engines appear really simple, and the electrics seem very straight forward too! I agree about the cover point, thats kinda what I meant (car port style cover) as I have heard horror stories about trapped moisture and resultent rust/paint bubbling! I could PROBABLY get away with building a huge car port in the back garden where we have a car space...hmmm...now thats got me thinking.....

14-07-2011, 09:29	#4
makeitfit Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on the beach WEST WALES Vehicle: Maverick TDi BLACK mmm Posts: 15,136	Of the cars you mention the Beetle IS the pits, fact They're so over rated and usually bodged body work all over and even if you get one that works they're like driving a broken milk float The fiat 126 = more fun with a powered skateboard The datsun is quite lively and probably more difficult to find than you'd think. Fiat 500 , get the one with the race engine and the boot wont close No idea about the others. As a classic car family we can say one thing "Learn how to weld" When buying make sure you have read up big time on the pitfalls of the car you fancy and then dont be afraid to tear the thing apart looking for bodges, cause there will be some Good luck

14-07-2011, 10:14	#5
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Like the idea Clivvy. My list would be along the lines of lots and lots!!! Reminds me of childhood. Beetle Moggy (Saloon or Traveller) Capri Escort MK1 Mini Shuvit (for old times sake) Landy At the mo I'm looking at selling T2 and buying a Golf around 51 or 52 plate, the dashboards look so cool in blue Jim

14-07-2011, 10:33	#6
makeitfit Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on the beach WEST WALES Vehicle: Maverick TDi BLACK mmm Posts: 15,136	We've got at the mo a right crusty MK3 cortina undergoing major surgery My daughter's race tuned Herald 13/60, spitfire engine twin carbed and race exhaust etc My son's MK2 fiesta , boy racered My ancient Dutton kit car escort based Buying the wife an Alfa next week or two, they're as cheap as chips , so will have one for as long as it keeps going

14-07-2011, 21:52	#8
clivvy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Huddersfield Vehicle: Terrano 03 LWB Posts: 6,947	agreed, if I had the cash id love a Mustang! I looked some Triumph GT6's on ebay, then I saw some TR7 V8's which got me thinking,,,,

16-07-2011, 21:44	#10
terranobreakershropshire Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: shropshire Vehicle: d22 double cab 2001 Posts: 175	everyone has different opinions on a classic car, best get what you really like or you will soon get bored of it. remember all older cars are unreliable but thats just part of it ! i have 6 'classics' from 80's on (more future classics i think)

17-07-2011, 09:12	#12
Deleted account DD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4,705	All I can remember of those is how many tyres we went through

17-07-2011, 09:25	#13
Deleted account DD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4,705	maybe one of these http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ck?logcode=dsp no pics when i looked and not sure he's got the price right

17-07-2011, 16:36	#14
glenbo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: towing caravan or trailer Vehicle: nissan terrano 3.0ltd sve Posts: 102