Do it yourself or leave it to the pros

[Josh_gsy]

so you buy a car to restore .. is it best to save up and then leave it to the pros or jump in at the deep end by trying to tackle it yourself?

 

also where can i buy mk2 1300 delux body panels from?

[S2 Dee]

If you can do it yourself then do so. You will get a great deal of satisfaction and you will have the car you wanted. If you are unsure about your skills it may be worth leaving to the pros'.

After many false starts I am having my shell restored professionally as it beyond my skills to do well. I am refurbing all the other parts myself.

[MightySprocket]

I had all my fabrication done professionally because I don't have a clue about welding, and I think where strength and safety is concerned I didn't want to take a chance, but...

 

I am doing the respray myself, the worst that can happen is I make a mess and have to pay someone to put it right

[orionmojo]

i always do as much as i can as thats all part of the fun, you know that!!

 

BUT, when i come to something i cant do i never try and bodge it, then it goes to someone who can.

[flyingbanana]

i always repair my own...amount you save and the skills you learn makes alot of difference in £ over the years

[Tom]

depends how much time, dedication and skill you've got mate.

 

I nearly gave up on mine so many times, when you do one little job and see how much more you've got to do it gets you down.

 

but you won't know without giving it a go

[bomber1]

like said above im no mechanic but have done engine swaps brakes suspension etc. tho i do draw the line at welding and painting if u have seen my mk2 electrics id rather not do and as luck would have it my m8 is very good at that so a bit of encourigment with its all sorted so in short have a crack at it. if u get to the stage where u feel out ur depht get a pro in or get help/sdvice from the guys on here

[Tom]

never be afraid to ask questions mate

[pauln]

I have'nt found anything I can't do myself yet (and I am proud to say i have done it all myself- obviously with a lot of forum help as well). I run old motors because it's good economics if I had to pay someone else to do the work i may as well not bother. I'm not interested in showing so i'm not out to impress anyone I just like driving my handywork when it's finished. The other thing is if you pay someone else you need to use people you can trust and won't rip you off. The most trustworthy and motivated person (cheapest) to do the work is you.

[Tommy.C]

depends what your doing mate, if you have a vague idea then go for it !

 

things come apart quicker and easier than they go bak together unfortunatly

[Guest cortinamad-gonetoo]

try yourself but i suppose it depends how much money you have its expensive to get a car restored proffessionally

 

i do all mine myself to a good standard as in solid and road worthy but i cant do concours

 

i cant afford to go anywhere so i just get stuck in

[beedz]

diy all the way if you can, its half the fun

 

besides which, the only way to learn is do something.

[Doc]

If i had a drive or garage by my house id try and fix it as much as i could ... Being unable to get it done in three years i handed it over to a pro .... Job done .

 

Next one ill do for sure

[Richierich]

Depends what it is mate. I'll have a go at most things mechanical and basic bodywork, am gonna learn to weld as it would save a hell of a lot of money, in fact thats the biggest cost on my car so far!

 

As long as your not doing anything that can't be reversed then go 4 it!

[pelvins]

both in my opinion, do what you can within your expertise and get the pros to do there stuff also ,..... i did everything possible i could on my car including , all the donkey work on prep and making plates up etc but got my mates to weld it and paint it for me as this was there trades . hope this helps

[tazrocks88]

DIY apart from paint unless u are good or willing to learn to do it properly!!!