Bernhard, If the car is running exceptionally wellI would question your need
to restore it. But let me give you some insight. The biggest reason to
restore an apparently good car would be to eliminate and cut short damage
that is happening behind the scenes, specifically tin worm (rust for the lay
person). If you have a few spots, these can typically be handled on the
frame during a winter break. My car began as an engine rebuild and turned
into a complete frame off resto (I found considerable rust damage in the
floor boards). If you take on a frame off restoration plan on it taking at
least a year.
I rebuilt my car to save it for the future, knowing that the little damage
there would expand greatly as time went on. A lot depends on you, your time
and money. It also depends on your drive and desire. Alot of cars that
start a restoration never come out.
YMMV
Patrick Bowen
-----Original Message-----
From: Bernhard Rauner [mailto:Bernhard.Rauner@noegkk.sozvers.at]
Sent: Monday, March 06, 2000 4:53 AM
To: spitfires
Subject: repair or restore?
I am owner of a 1971 spitfire MK IV with approximately 90.000 Mlles.
Approximately because of the speedometer wasn't working the last 10.000
Mlles or so.
Did you ever ask yourself - Is it worth it? Should I repair a broken
doorhandle or a scratch in the bonnet? Or should I start a complete
restoration including all the work of dismantling, cleaning, an so on?
You must know - my car is in original trim - first painting, first engine
(runs very smooth!, first gearbox, original clutch!) But almost 23 years of
living on British and then 7 years on Austrian roads (better than you would
expect!) leaves a few bumps and bruises.
So I ask every listener - is it worth it, to start a complete restoration on
a healthy car? What is the advantage of a restorated car? All I did up to
now since I bought this car in late 1993 was to change the exhaust system to
a twin system with two endpipes, change the airfilters to a k&n system for
maximum air intake, renew all bushes and seals and bought a set of
center-locked wheels. Austrian winters are pretty long (October to April) so
I had a lot of time to work.
Please tell me the experience you made while restoration, how long it took
to restore a MK IV spitfire or similar and - last but not least - was it
worth it!
Bernhard Rauner
71 MK IV spit
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