Dear Autoshite. I Have a problem...

[Timewaster]

I have a 68 Spitfire sat in my garage where it has been for 3 years.

I was given it by a guy who had it sat in his garage for 10 years.

 

It is pretty much in tact and would take a few weekends work to see it back on the road.

 

Problem is this. I haven't had time to fix it mainly as I'm pretty busy with lots of small children.

 

The mechanic at my friendly garage wants it and came round to look at it but once it was out in the sunshine I don't think I want to sell it now.

 

In our collective experience, how long does a project sit untouched before you can safely say it will never get done?

[fordperv]

I havn't found that time limit yet, my Capri has sat at my parents untouched for the last 2-3 years and I only started working on it last week

[NorfolkNWeigh]

That's a decision for your widow, nothing for you to worry about.

[spartacus]

That's not really a problem, it's run of the mill Autoshiteing in my opinion. The small children will grow up very quickly, if you can afford the garage space then keep it.

[stripped fred]

It's not like it's depreciating either. Look on it as an investment!

[320touring]

Where are you?applying shiters and tea could see it up and running PDQ

[tooSavvy]

It's not like it's depreciating either. Look on it as an investment!

I look at my Savvy and promptly experience a nosebleed >> such is the rate of 'value evaporation'

 

WBAC gave £195 2niteM8 just today.....

 

 

MUST buy Dacia >>> it's an affliction!!!!

 

 

 

 

TS

[EssDeeWon]

Do you need the money? Yes, then sell it.  /  No? move to next question....

 

Do you actually want to keep it?  No, then sell it.  /  Yes? move to next question....

 

Can you ever see it getting fixed up? Yes? then keep it.  /  No? then sell it.

[Tamworthbay]

I saw an article on this very thing in one of the mags a few years ago. Generally if people hadn't started a project within two years of getting it then it wouldn't get done in a majority of cases, if a project stalled for more than a year then it was something like 90% that never got done. But there were exceptions including a guy who had inherited an Austin 7 in the 50s and finally finished it in time for the millennium.

 

Why not make a start a little at a time? My dolomite project is coming on well with only two hours on a Sunday morning when my daughter goes to a club and about an hour most evenings. I have done the odd bit here and there as well bit generally only fitting in around being dads taxi ltd.

[stripped fred]

Sometimes it's nice to have a project on the back burner for 'when you've got time'. Something to think about and mull over but not actually do any work on just yet. Do you need the space or money? If not then keep it.

[gadgetgricey]

Are you going to b happy when you see your mate driving round in it.

 

Yes - Glad its back on the road : Sell it

No- That;'s my bloody car : Keep it

[scruff]

If you have the space and it's not in the way, keep hold of it. Spitfires are nice old things especially 60s vintage. 

[djimbob]

A Spitfire??

 

A few weekend's work???

 

If you really believe that, get them scheduled in, a proper resto plan, and there you are, done by September

 

It's not going to happen is it?

 

However, garage ornaments are not to be sniffed at, so keep it safe and warm, and be happy you're not discovering what a horrendous money pit a proper restoration can be

[UltraWomble]

 

Problem is this. I haven't had time to fix it mainly as I'm pretty busy with lots of small children.

 

 

 

Have a big shit and then put a DVD on for the kids (Pingu or some shite) and nip out for a couple of hours spannering.

[Cavcraft]

Sell it and buy a bigger challenge.

[chaseracer]

Where are you?applying shiters and tea could see it up and running PDQ

 

Good plan, but bacon sarnies required for ultimate shiter motivation 

[mercrocker]

Is it safe? 

 

I don't mean from rapists or muggers, I mean rust....

 

If it doesn't appear to be deteriorating - keep it!  

 

I left a Mk 1 Mini in a council lock up for 12 years which did it the power of no good.   When I did start I spent shit loads on powder coated subframes, panels and weldage.   Only for the bloke doing the welding to admit it was too big a job and the whole lot got binned off for the logbook after another 3 years and several hundred squids.  

 

Should have - Started it sooner, preserved it better and only spent money once it appeared to be viable.  

 

If the answer to my original question is Yes, then I would start by wasting time, rather than money.....Fettle some bits yourself that are cheap or easy to do and see if you can stay in love with it.    

 

Me, I would probably just push it back in and leave it another ten years, with the warm glow of ownership still flickering inside me.

[DSdriver]

My fear is always that if I start taking it part myself I will get frustrated/bored/busy with other things so the DS sat in the garage for about twelve years before I had enough money to get it fixed up professionally. If you are not going to touch it for a few years, drain the fuel out and disconnect the battery. Don't bother to put it up on blocks because it will need new tyres when you do recommission it anyway and it will be easier to pull it out of the garage once a year to pump the tyres up and turn the engine over.

[chaseracer]

I'm hoping the Dyane won't need new rubber, with 135/125 Michelins the price they are!

[Bren]

Drag it to a classic car show.

 

When somebody makes a very generous offer tell them you would rather take it home.

[Bobthebeard]

Dry storage and not deteriorating any further? Keep it. The day will come!

Damp storage? Sell it on. IMHO.

[Parky]

 

Have a big shit and then put a DVD on for the kids (Pingu or some shite) and nip out for a couple of hours spannering.

I would probably end up watching Pingu personally and not getting anything done.

 

Still walk around the office humming the fucking Fimbles theme tune to myself

[Parky]

Car SOS....

 

Can you make up some unfortunate story and get Louise 2cv to call Fuzz Townsend pretending to be your wife and see if they fancy doing a Spitfire?

 

Sure it will come back in a colour you hate with wheels you detest but then you'll feel alright about selling it for ££££££. Which you can use to buy another clapped out Spitfire to take its place. Circle of life....

[AMC Rebel]

Had my Chevy 16 years and made minimal progress - still expect to get it done one day

[AMC Rebel]

This is the best Pingu ever (may contain swearing)

 

[Tamworthbay]

Has no one noticed the OPs name? That may give a clue as to the likelihood of his completing the task........

[purplebargeken]

Scouse Pingu is better

[Guest Hooli]

Haha that Irish Pingu is great