Stalled projects confessional

[SiC]

New policy – do not buy any more projects!

Basically appears that Triumphs are at the bottom of the pecking order for restoration for you!

[SiC]

I'm desperately trying to keep working on the 1100 to avoid that being a stalled project. Even if I only do something very small and quick everyday, I still try and do it.

 

The MGB on the other hand I think stalled when it stalled it's engine the last time.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

My Maser is even more stalled than JohnF's!!!! I did get it going a couple of years ago and have now moved it to another shed where it is almost completely hidden behind a Scafell Pike-sized heap of QH balljoints

[spartacus]

I'm not sure what wins here, volume, or length of time stalled, either way I think we're all going to struggle to compete with Six-cylinder!

I have an e28 520i in a lock up garage, it's been there for over 3 years now, I haven't even looked at it, knowing how they like to 'return to earth' it's probably something that could be fixed with a brush and shovel by now.

Nearly two and half years ago I borrowed Bo11s A-frame and fetched an early Fiat Panda from somewhere in the Midlands, obviously I was going to get it ready for the summer...

 

Obviously that didn't happen and it's still in my garage at home.

 

I'm really busy at work and my other hobby takes up a lot off my spare time, hence the clear out, I find it much easier to allot time to something and motivate myself to work on it if there aren't several other projects needing my attention.

 

A very accurately named thread, I feel absolved of any wrong doing now!

[AndyW201]

Mine's quite a pathetic story compared to most on here!

 

I've had my 190e on the drive for three years now.

 

I bought the Octavia VRS as an itch I wanted to scratch for a while. However as I started to really like the Octy, I put the 190 up for sale.

A guy agreed to buy it through an ad on the owners' forum, he lived in Belfast though and was quite busy at the time, and the car was in Middlesbrough. Eventually a collection day was agreed, although I was at work that day and the Mrs would be doing the handover.

 

The car had been stood for a while, and whenever I started and ran it, it was getting harder to start and run smoothly. The buyer was made aware of this, though 2.6s are known for suffering a bit of damp and running a bit iffy after being used regularly, and then not being used.

 

The guy arrived as expected, messgaes were exchanged. He liked the car, despite the running problems, he had breakdown cover and was setting off for home.

Then another message, 10 miles down the road, the car had FTP'd...

A bit later, and a worrying phone call. the breakdown guy had arrived, the fuel pump had failed and the car could only be recovered to the ferry port, not all the way back.

So, sale cancelled and one disappointed and probably pissed-off punter back to N.I. He was actually quite sporting over it, caveat emptor and all that. I chipped in towards his getting home costs and no hard feelings were had.

 

This left me a bit of a problem. A moribund Merc shaped lump stuck on the drive type of problem

 

I could trot out a lot of shite sounding excuses as to why it has taken nearly three years and still the fuel pump hasnt been done.

 

-Lack of tools, stuff like trolley jack, axle stands to get to the pumps themselves. (smart arse here had to get the late model 2.6 with the complicated in-tandem twin pump arrangement didnt he?)

-Massive lack of self-confidence leading to me not trusting myself to dick around with anything fuel related and seeing visions of a fireball on the drive. Falling out with my (former) best mate who I used to do all my messing about with cars with hasn't helped. My brother, who is also a lot more handy with cars than I am (he did most of the work getting my previous 190 on the road after it got smacked in an accident) moved to Canada so he's not available.

General lack of mojo with cars. The Octavia has been very good to me though, in the three years I've had it. But now its been so long since Ive twirled a set of spanners in anger, I just tend to get things on it done at a friendly and reasonably priced local garage. I've done a few small jobs like the thermostat, and a couple of sensors when it's done a VAG and put an EML on.

- Regular 12-13 hour shifts at work and then looking after the kids at the weekend while the Mrs works weekends doesn't leave much time or desire for messing with cars either.

-Usual lack of cash. Two or three big unexpected bills last year, necessary work on the house needing doing, etc etc...

 

I didnt want to look at the Merc once it was back home. Now I can barely look at it when I pull up on the drive because I feel like it'll never see the road again. I've thought about advertising it on the owners forum again. It is quite a desirable spec being a late ('93) 2.6 sportline in Bornite with cream leather. But then its more than likely to get raped for it's good bits and I'm also reluctant to let that happen.I suppose I'm like those miserable old gits who have cars rotting on their drives and refuse to sell them because they are 'going to get round to restoring them one day'. Lol

 

I have tried to at least keep it clean(ish) while its been on the drive as I dont want it to look derelict. Ive checked the inside regularly. Miraculously its survived very well against the damp, no mould or mildew on the seats or on the leather, even the steering wheel. I've checked the boot regularly, its even stayed fairly dry in there, 190s are a twat for boot leaks normally. Even the underside isnt too bad, its starting to look surface rusty in places, but the crucial jacking points and drain holes seem to be still there.

In a rare flash of mojo, I did get a set of fuel pumps for it recntly Being the later twin pump system, the price of two new Bosch pumps is frightening but I managed to get a used set up from a 2.5 16 valver which is more or less the same set up (and bloody rare to pick up used) Everything's there including a spare accumulator so hopefully if the worst comes to the worst, a decent set up can be made up from that and whats already on the car. There's also a brand new water pump ready to go on.

 

 

At least it doesn't look TOO derelict for three years out in the open?

[bigfella2]

That 190 looks stunning.

[ruffgeezer]

My Datsunb1200 is still here and hardly progressing,

 

It only needs a few smallish welding jobs doing then a whole heap of cosmetics. 

 

Sadly with Mrs Ruff showing contempt for the cars I work on for profit, the Datsun is unlikely to get any love for fear of reprisals. I think I light to clean it up and sell.

[BorniteIdentity]

Mine's quite a pathetic story compared to most on here!

 

I've had my 190e on the drive for three years now.

 

I bought the Octavia VRS as an itch I wanted to scratch for a while. However as I started to really like the Octy, I put the 190 up for sale.

A guy agreed to buy it through an ad on the owners' forum, he lived in Belfast though and was quite busy at the time, and the car was in Middlesbrough. Eventually a collection day was agreed, although I was at work that day and the Mrs would be doing the handover.

 

The car had been stood for a while, and whenever I started and ran it, it was getting harder to start and run smoothly. The buyer was made aware of this, though 2.6s are known for suffering a bit of damp and running a bit iffy after being used regularly, and then not being used.

 

The guy arrived as expected, messgaes were exchanged. He liked the car, despite the running problems, he had breakdown cover and was setting off for home.

Then another message, 10 miles down the road, the car had FTP'd...

A bit later, and a worrying phone call. the breakdown guy had arrived, the fuel pump had failed and the car could only be recovered to the ferry port, not all the way back.

So, sale cancelled and one disappointed and probably pissed-off punter back to N.I. He was actually quite sporting over it, caveat emptor and all that. I chipped in towards his getting home costs and no hard feelings were had.

 

This left me a bit of a problem. A moribund Merc shaped lump stuck on the drive type of problem

 

I could trot out a lot of shite sounding excuses as to why it has taken nearly three years and still the fuel pump hasnt been done.

 

-Lack of tools, stuff like trolley jack, axle stands to get to the pumps themselves. (smart arse here had to get the late model 2.6 with the complicated in-tandem twin pump arrangement didnt he?)

-Massive lack of self-confidence leading to me not trusting myself to dick around with anything fuel related and seeing visions of a fireball on the drive. Falling out with my (former) best mate who I used to do all my messing about with cars with hasn't helped. My brother, who is also a lot more handy with cars than I am (he did most of the work getting my previous 190 on the road after it got smacked in an accident) moved to Canada so he's not available.

General lack of mojo with cars. The Octavia has been very good to me though, in the three years I've had it. But now its been so long since Ive twirled a set of spanners in anger, I just tend to get things on it done at a friendly and reasonably priced local garage. I've done a few small jobs like the thermostat, and a couple of sensors when it's done a VAG and put an EML on.

- Regular 12-13 hour shifts at work and then looking after the kids at the weekend while the Mrs works weekends doesn't leave much time or desire for messing with cars either.

-Usual lack of cash. Two or three big unexpected bills last year, necessary work on the house needing doing, etc etc...

 

I didnt want to look at the Merc once it was back home. Now I can barely look at it when I pull up on the drive because I feel like it'll never see the road again. I've thought about advertising it on the owners forum again. It is quite a desirable spec being a late ('93) 2.6 sportline in Bornite with cream leather. But then its more than likely to get raped for it's good bits and I'm also reluctant to let that happen.I suppose I'm like those miserable old gits who have cars rotting on their drives and refuse to sell them because they are 'going to get round to restoring them one day'. Lol

 

I have tried to at least keep it clean(ish) while its been on the drive as I dont want it to look derelict. Ive checked the inside regularly. Miraculously its survived very well against the damp, no mould or mildew on the seats or on the leather, even the steering wheel. I've checked the boot regularly, its even stayed fairly dry in there, 190s are a twat for boot leaks normally. Even the underside isnt too bad, its starting to look surface rusty in places, but the crucial jacking points and drain holes seem to be still there.

In a rare flash of mojo, I did get a set of fuel pumps for it recntly Being the later twin pump system, the price of two new Bosch pumps is frightening but I managed to get a used set up from a 2.5 16 valver which is more or less the same set up (and bloody rare to pick up used) Everything's there including a spare accumulator so hopefully if the worst comes to the worst, a decent set up can be made up from that and whats already on the car. There's also a brand new water pump ready to go on.

 

20171125_105623.jpg

 

At least it doesn't look TOO derelict for three years out in the open?

 

I would more than likely get my wallet out for that. 

 

Just saying.

 

!

[spartacus]

Yeah, that's a fine driveway ornament, it looks great!

[Christine]

Almost as good as having a DB5 on the drive 

[chancer]

Mine's quite a pathetic story compared to most on here!

 

I've had my 190e on the drive for three years now.

 

I bought the Octavia VRS as an itch I wanted to scratch for a while. However as I started to really like the Octy, I put the 190 up for sale.

A guy agreed to buy it through an ad on the owners' forum, he lived in Belfast though and was quite busy at the time, and the car was in Middlesbrough. Eventually a collection day was agreed, although I was at work that day and the Mrs would be doing the handover.

 

The car had been stood for a while, and whenever I started and ran it, it was getting harder to start and run smoothly. The buyer was made aware of this, though 2.6s are known for suffering a bit of damp and running a bit iffy after being used regularly, and then not being used.

 

The guy arrived as expected, messgaes were exchanged. He liked the car, despite the running problems, he had breakdown cover and was setting off for home.

Then another message, 10 miles down the road, the car had FTP'd...

A bit later, and a worrying phone call. the breakdown guy had arrived, the fuel pump had failed and the car could only be recovered to the ferry port, not all the way back.

So, sale cancelled and one disappointed and probably pissed-off punter back to N.I. He was actually quite sporting over it, caveat emptor and all that. I chipped in towards his getting home costs and no hard feelings were had.

 

This left me a bit of a problem. A moribund Merc shaped lump stuck on the drive type of problem

 

I could trot out a lot of shite sounding excuses as to why it has taken nearly three years and still the fuel pump hasnt been done.

 

-Lack of tools, stuff like trolley jack, axle stands to get to the pumps themselves. (smart arse here had to get the late model 2.6 with the complicated in-tandem twin pump arrangement didnt he?)

-Massive lack of self-confidence leading to me not trusting myself to dick around with anything fuel related and seeing visions of a fireball on the drive. Falling out with my (former) best mate who I used to do all my messing about with cars with hasn't helped. My brother, who is also a lot more handy with cars than I am (he did most of the work getting my previous 190 on the road after it got smacked in an accident) moved to Canada so he's not available.

General lack of mojo with cars. The Octavia has been very good to me though, in the three years I've had it. But now its been so long since Ive twirled a set of spanners in anger, I just tend to get things on it done at a friendly and reasonably priced local garage. I've done a few small jobs like the thermostat, and a couple of sensors when it's done a VAG and put an EML on.

- Regular 12-13 hour shifts at work and then looking after the kids at the weekend while the Mrs works weekends doesn't leave much time or desire for messing with cars either.

-Usual lack of cash. Two or three big unexpected bills last year, necessary work on the house needing doing, etc etc...

 

I didnt want to look at the Merc once it was back home. Now I can barely look at it when I pull up on the drive because I feel like it'll never see the road again. I've thought about advertising it on the owners forum again. It is quite a desirable spec being a late ('93) 2.6 sportline in Bornite with cream leather. But then its more than likely to get raped for it's good bits and I'm also reluctant to let that happen.I suppose I'm like those miserable old gits who have cars rotting on their drives and refuse to sell them because they are 'going to get round to restoring them one day'. Lol

 

I have tried to at least keep it clean(ish) while its been on the drive as I dont want it to look derelict. Ive checked the inside regularly. Miraculously its survived very well against the damp, no mould or mildew on the seats or on the leather, even the steering wheel. I've checked the boot regularly, its even stayed fairly dry in there, 190s are a twat for boot leaks normally. Even the underside isnt too bad, its starting to look surface rusty in places, but the crucial jacking points and drain holes seem to be still there.

In a rare flash of mojo, I did get a set of fuel pumps for it recntly Being the later twin pump system, the price of two new Bosch pumps is frightening but I managed to get a used set up from a 2.5 16 valver which is more or less the same set up (and bloody rare to pick up used) Everything's there including a spare accumulator so hopefully if the worst comes to the worst, a decent set up can be made up from that and whats already on the car. There's also a brand new water pump ready to go on.

 

20171125_105623.jpg

 

At least it doesn't look TOO derelict for three years out in the open?

Andy dont ever sell this! You will regret it big time! Ask me how i know? Around 5 years ago i made the trip down from Glasgow to collect the red 190 from your good self. Got it home and put it on the drive with a view to putting it bk on the road. Like life does tho..just as everything was going right our landlord became a total prat and we had to move...i lost the garage and parking and the merc had to go. Still makes me sad to this day...and as much as id love another...i couldnt bring myself to buy again just in case i ended up putting another off the road. I still have the sportline badges off it tho...and i wont let them go

[AlabamaShrimp]

Well my 1988 XR2 is still in a garage due to is needing the suspension changing that I can't afford.

 

Not sure there was much wrong with the 1983 Fiesta I put in another garage (paranoia about over heating) but it could do with a boot floor and associated corners. Think I've found a place that does them but as my welding is utter shit I'm not sure it'll ever get done.

 

Dailly driver Fiesta is in bad need of rear arches inner and outer but if I I did get them done it would have to be rattle canned...

 

Thinking of using the 01 Ka as it's replacement but worried if I do that the Fiesta might just get stuck in its place.

 

The Frontera just keeps working!

[MorrisItalSLX]

My Hyundai Sonata - 2 years of no progress.

 

 

Parked up after Rego fail - Rusted out passenger front strut tower due to a combination of battery acid leak and battery tray holding water.

It also needed a new clutch and died completely a couple days before going to get welded. Parked up temporarily* and Jag pressed into daily service.

 

A few months later I finally got around to getting it running again, battery earth cable replaced and crispy fuel pump wiring repaired.

 

Knackered paint and low funds killed all motivation to get it welded and get the clutch done, so it has sat ever since.

[AndyW201]

Andy dont ever sell this! You will regret it big time! Ask me how i know? Around 5 years ago i made the trip down from Glasgow to collect the red 190 from your good self. Got it home and put it on the drive with a view to putting it bk on the road. Like life does tho..just as everything was going right our landlord became a total prat and we had to move...i lost the garage and parking and the merc had to go. Still makes me sad to this day...and as much as id love another...i couldnt bring myself to buy again just in case i ended up putting another off the road. I still have the sportline badges off it tho...and i wont let them go

Wow! Thomas, is that you mate? Small world! Aye, I loved that red 190. Was my introduction into six pot 190s! It was a bit rough but was at least solid after much welding. At least quite a few bits of it lived on though.

[AndyW201]

I would more than likely get my wallet out for that. 

 

Just saying.

 

 

!

Comment duly noted. Will give that some thought!

[Angrydicky]

1958 Austin A55 Cambridge - owned since May 2010

Bought, driven around and enjoyed for a year before I realised it had the structural integrity of a piece of weetabix. I did a bit more on it today actually - fitted new steering arms and bled the clutch and got that working - but there's still quite a lot to do. A bit more welding, painting, propshaft, exhaust, wiring loom - etc

1959 Austin A35 - owned since December 2006.

 

My first car, not long rewired and reasonably reliable but desperately needs a pair of front tyres, a headlining and an exhaust. Driven occasionally.

 

1980 Vauxhall Royale 2.8 auto - owned since July 2017.

Enjoyed this car for about four months before it broke down end October and had to be recovered home. I replaced the fuel pump which got it going again, but then it kept cutting out and coming back to life randomly. The running got steadily worse, and to top it all off, it started overheating too. I spent months pissing around with it before (last week) dumping it on the local garage and leaving it with them to fix and mot.

1935 Standard 12 - owned since September 2017

 

Work is progressing slowly - pretty close to the paint stage now and the chrome is back from the chromers too.

 

Reading that list back I've realised all have been fettled in the last month, although all apart from the Standard have been stalled at some point.

[catsinthewelder]

The Disco is my stalled project although stalled imply that I started doing something. It had some fairly major tinkering earlier in my ownership with the box out twice, HG, passenger sill and most of the fuel system replaced.

 

About 2 years ago its brakes started making a terrible noise just before it's MOT. As I was in the middle of moving house and the 405 broke too I replaced both problems with one Astra. It should have been fixed but the 405 was a simpler problem and I've been busy.

[chancer]

Wow! Thomas, is that you mate? Small world! Aye, I loved that red 190. Was my introduction into six pot 190s! It was a bit rough but was at least solid after much welding. At least quite a few bits of it lived on though.

Yeah its me alright...yip the leather interior ended up down in durham or thereabouts and other bits an bobs were taken off. I still have bits like the central locking vacuum thingy and the roll bar bushes u gave me for the red one. I still feel rotten for not getting that car bk on the road!! Aaarghhh

[John F]

The Disco is my stalled project although stalled imply that I started doing something. It had some fairly major tinkering earlier in my ownership with the box out twice, HG, passenger sill and most of the fuel system replaced.

 

About 2 years ago its brakes started making a terrible noise just before it's MOT. As I was in the middle of moving house and the 405 broke too I replaced both problems with one Astra. It should have been fixed but the 405 was a simpler problem and I've been busy.

 

Hmmm, it'll probably involve a weldathon now, a lot of early Discos are turning crusty. On the plus side, 200s are quite rare now & have a strong following, so it'd be worth doing.