Help me decide please

[thelastbandit]

I'm getting cold feet regarding the 300E van I've bought, and I need you guys to help me decide what to do.

 

Here's some info about me to help you help me.

 

1. I'm crap at D.I.Y both in the home and on cars. I'm a computer/video geek and can do virtually anything on a PC/Mac, but anything involving Screwdrivers and other tools usually ends in me being stressed out of my tree and ultimately a trip down the scrap yard!

2. I'm also a confirmed Petrol Head in as much as I love cars and have owned a hell of a lot of them over the years.

3. I'm wondering if I've maybe bitten off more than I can chew with the 300E budget-wise as my budget is £4000 to buy the car (£1000 including a 100E Parts car) and rod/modify it, this may sound a lot, but it's not when you consider that I'll only be doing about 10 -15% of the work on it myself

4.I've looked through some of the mags just lately and have seen quite a few early fords of one type or another, that would cost me the same amount of money (or thereabouts) and I can just drive away.

 

Ok, I know there is more kudos in doing it yourself but there's no point in kidding myself that I can do it if I can't. What do you think? Please post your thoughts and vote in the poll too. (Course if I decide against the 300E it will be available for someone else but don't let that cloud your judgement) Appreciate it guys!

[Pye Man]

Judging by what your saying I would say it is more viable for you to sell 300E and buy runner. Then with the left over money off the sale of the 300E van, you could put that in the new car.

 

I would be ttly torn myself if I had to choose tho.

 

Hope all goes well with what ever you choose

[Slik 50]

There is nothing more i want to do than build my own car! The only thing that i want to do before i die is to create my own motor weater it takes me 4 month's or 4 years that is what I want to do and if i had the room to do one I would.

But I know its far easyer to go and buy one that is already done and start cruzing straight away.

Its a tough one but if you truly dont think you could complete the car then go and buy a finnished one then slowy turn it into your car over the comming years.

[DeanMk1Capri]

Find a good home for the 300E and go get yourself a runner!!

[FBF]

dont want to be negative but if you aint got the skills yet and it sounds like you dont, then dont try to start the project it'll never get completed and the car will sit and rust in the end before you sell it on ebay as 'another unfinished project' buy something you can use enjoy and keep in good condition. you'll make more money long term i can be certain of that much.

[thelastbandit]

Thanks guys keep the comments coming please.

 

Something else that has just occured to me is that in my heart of hearts a 300E is not really what I want, I mean I saw it and thought , interesting and rare but not something I REALLY, REALLY want. My ideal car would be either a Sit Up N Beg Pop with Pinto or similar or a 2 Door Mk1 Cortina standard or modified. I'm in a quandry now

[thelastbandit]

dont want to be negative but if you aint got the skills yet and it sounds like you dont, then dont try to start the project it'll never get completed and the car will sit and rust in the end before you sell it on ebay as 'another unfinished project' buy something you can use enjoy and keep in good condition. you'll make more money long term i can be certain of that much.

 

I know what you mean, and it's not negative, it's realistic! I'm not bothered about making money on it, as once I've done whatever I end up doing, it's done and I'm gonna just enjoy it long term! I'm sure my budget would cover everything on the car bar some bits and pieces, but the question of how long to complete is another one that needs an answer.

[Smudger105e]

four grand would be a bit tight I reckon, Body and paint about two and a half grand, leave only fifteen hundred quid for running gear mods... and did that incluse the van purchase too?

 

It would be a nice project if finished...

 

Head says buy a runner, heart says go for the van.

[louie bagel]

you have pm

[FBF]

dont want to be negative but if you aint got the skills yet and it sounds like you dont, then dont try to start the project it'll never get completed and the car will sit and rust in the end before you sell it on ebay as 'another unfinished project' buy something you can use enjoy and keep in good condition. you'll make more money long term i can be certain of that much.

 

I know what you mean, and it's not negative, it's realistic! I'm not bothered about making money on it, as once I've done whatever I end up doing, it's done and I'm gonna just enjoy it long term! I'm sure my budget would cover everything on the car bar some bits and pieces, but the question of how long to complete is another one that needs an answer.

 

you have to consider the money. restoring cars rarely makes a profit, buying a car some one else has restored will always be cheaper. plus your tastes will change you have the car for a year or two and then something else comes along and you sell up.. having one car for the next 20 yrs is just boring.

 

i dont keep one for more than a year and ive had well over a hundred motors to date. personally i wanna try them all.

[fordtina3]

to be honest, a lack of skills is a big hinderance . sell the 300e and buy a runner thats as mach as you can afford, skills can be got over time but like fbf said, it'll only rust whilst waiting for you to gain them. and get something you'd actually enjoy cruisin' in . fettering is easier.

[thelastbandit]

I've been mulling over this all day and reading your comments to, I appreciate you all taking the time to help me with my dilemna!

 

I talked it over with the missus too and she thinks also that I should forget the van and buy a runner (if I can find one that is), so I guess that's what I'm gonna have to do, much as it breaks my heart.

 

So I'm reverting to the original plan and getting shot of my jap import and buying a decent early ford of some description that is already running and could maybe do with a paint job and a tune up/mild transplant.

 

So if you hear of anything going in the way of an 105E Anglia, Mk1 Cortina or Sit Up n Beg Pop, please let me know. Whatever I end up with it's gonna be old skool