Posted by Guest Blogger on February 1, 2013 ? Leave a Comment?
It?s cold, dark and damp outside. You can?t do any gardening and, with the days getting gloomy at 4.00pm, the evenings appear to stretch into eternity.
If you want to keep active during the long winter nights, how about restoring a classic car? You can pick one up relatively cheaply and slowly restore it to its former glory. Best of all, you can make the repairs in the sheltered comfort of your garage.
Which classic cars to consider?
The classic car market is a veritable hunting ground, with dozens of makes and models (many of them British) to choose from in various states of repair. These are just a few old timers which you may relish giving a new lease of life:
??? ?Morgans and MG s ? pricier, but bargains can be picked up.
??? ?Morris Minors, Austin A35?s, A40?s, 1960s Minis or Triumph Heralds
??? ?MGBs, MG Midgets, smaller Austin Healeys or Triumph Spitfires
Once you have a car in mind, and if you plan to drive it regularly, you might want to try it on for size. Many classic cars are less roomy than you?d think, particularly for the leggy J Clarksons of this world.
The next step could be to join a car club specific to the model and find out as much information as you can. Look out for car rallies and club events where you can meet other classic car owners and get some tips and ideas.
Where to find your dream ride?
The first and most obvious place to find classic cars is, of course, online. Dedicated websites offer thousands of cherished charges ? from grand old ladies, requiring a labour of love to be fully rebuilt, to those needing little more than a spit and polish. Useful websites include Preloved.co.uk, Carandclassic.co.uk and Auto Trader.
Newspapers, magazines, clubs and free-ad papers are also a good place to look. Or, you can ask friends or families if they know of any collectors.
How much to spend?
Whether the collector has money tucked away or has taken out a loan to help pay for the project, there are many financial aspects to consider. Inevitably, the cheaper the classic car, the more work may need to be done and the more money you will need to invest in it. But restoration projects don?t have to be money pits, and some can even make a profit if the restorer is economical with the repairs and parts costs. For example, classic 60s Minis have appreciated in value over the years.
Getting to grips with restoration?
Do you have a mechanical bone in your body? Haynes manuals are arguably the world?s leading authority on servicing and restoring modern and classic cars. From DIY enthusiasts to semi-professional mechanics, your skill level may also affect the amount you?re prepared to spend on the car, as more difficult tasks may need to be completed by an expert restorer.
Where can parts be found?
Parts for more common models are easy to come by and are available from enthusiasts? clubs and auction websites like eBay. The latter sells millions of parts globally and is also a great source for obscure car parts. For mass-produced classic cars, parts might still be manufactured and, for really rare components, there are specialist engineering companies which can make them to order.
So, there you have it: Inspiration to drive your classic car project forwards? Ok, so your finished article may not be complete this winter ? yet it can always extend into the spring. What could be more invigorating than a spin in your newly-restored pride and joy with the summer sun at your back and wind in your hair?
This guest post was written by Andy Moore on behalf of Money Matters, the Sainsbury?s Bank blog. Though it may include tips and information, it does not constitute advice and should not be used as a basis for any financial decisions. Sainsbury?s Bank accepts no responsibility for the opinions and views of external contributors and the content of external websites included within this post. All information in this post was correct at date of publication.
Source: http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2013/02/restoring-a-classic-car-this-winter/
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