Were to start on a Project car

Mon Jul 20, 2020 11:05 am

Hi Guys
I recently purchased a 316i Coup ( 325 engine) and have started to do a few bits on the car myself via youtube.

The car starts and drives well but does need some TLC. I can also see some rust on the bottom which is on the carpet. Is it best to start from the bottom up working on the car? or any other suggestions?

Appreciate your response guys.

Thanks

Mon Jul 20, 2020 11:38 am

Prioritise. Get important stuff done first then work on details. Only you can really answer the question of where to start and how much to spend.

Like with everything in life, it all essentially comes to budget and how much time and effort you are willing to put into the car.

Mon Jul 20, 2020 12:45 pm

Any safety/MOT work needs to be carried out first of course. Get the simple general maintenance stuff done then go from there. As above, what sort of budget are you working with and what's the end goal?

Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:22 pm

Thanks for the response guys: this is a joint project with my brother so looking apprx 2-4k budget. End goal is to have a functioning/safe/reliable weekend car that looks smart and elegant and original to its value.

Thank you for the recommendations I will get a MOT booked in to see what work needs to be carried out to make it road compliant.

'Poppy' looks stunning!!!!

Any safety/MOT work needs to be carried out first of course. Get the simple general maintenance stuff done then go from there. As above, what sort of budget are you working with and what's the end goal?
[/quote]

Mon Jul 20, 2020 5:56 pm

As the car has had an engine conversion, another thing that would be high on my list is to inspect the quality of the conversion. As it is an E30 engine in an E30, you'd hope it dropped in and there are no surprises. However some people have very questionable ideas when it comes to quality, finish and safety.

Have you looked up the MOT history as well? That's always a good place to start, you can check what repairs have been recommended in the past and check they've been done correctly. I.E. not badly welded then just had undersea slathered over them.

Get a thread going in the restorations section, look forward to seeing the progress

gsingh wrote: ↑
Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:22 pm

'Poppy' looks stunning!!!!

Thank you

Tue Jul 21, 2020 12:55 pm

Thanks I have the previous MOT certificates and some of the old receipts for work carried out.

Will keep you posted on how I get on.