invacar LightBulbFun's Invacar & general ramble thread, index on page 1, survivors lists on Pages 24/134 & AdgeCutler's Invacar Mk12 Restoration from Page 186 onwards, still harping on...

[Mr Pastry]

24 minutes ago, LightBulbFun said:

STY160 is the front king pin, thrust washers and dust caps, for which I have this picture at least, so we know what it looks like at least

Good to have a picture, and it is similar to lots of others, but of course can't match it up without dimensions.  I know what it says in the manual about the kingpin, but it isn't always like that in real life.  Often difficult to get things apart, if it has been in there for ever.  Then the new parts do not always fit properly for various reasons, the pin can be too loose or too tight, especially with pattern parts,  so it can be quite a frustrating job.   

[chadders]

On 23/01/2024 at 18:19, plasticvandan said:

If all you want is your invacar,use the 2 grand you've got for a kangoo and insurance to get it lifted from Worcester and fixed,or,as.its only 10 miles away from them,get reliantspares in Cradley to fetch it,fix it and mot it,and deliver it back to you,you pay him and he will do it,three wheeler and classic specialist,even had a mk12 c.15 years ago.

I may have missed a response to this amongst all the issues about whether the carb given to Red5 was rubbish or not, why arranging a replacement took so long and why it was so 'difficult' but doesn't this post address the key issue, given that no other vehicle, whether a taxi, WAV, stretch limo or whatever will ever be bought? It's just like 'Groundhog Day' despite some, in my opinion, really good suggestions by others on here.

[dean36014]

The period correct method of king pin repair is filling a grease gun up with body filler and injecting it in. Guaranteed to last just long enough to do a MOT test. You might find that an appropriate sized reamer is required for the kingpin bushes after they are fitted too. Lost count of how many mini rear suspension arms Ive rebuilt and reamed the bushings before final assembly.

[chadders]

5 hours ago, dean36014 said:

The period correct method of king pin repair is filling a grease gun up with body filler and injecting it in. Guaranteed to last just long enough to do a MOT test. You might find that an appropriate sized reamer is required for the kingpin bushes after they are fitted too. Lost count of how many mini rear suspension arms Ive rebuilt and reamed the bushings before final assembly.

Do they need a MoT if they're over 40ish years old?

[Mr Pastry]

13 minutes ago, chadders said:

Do they need a MoT if they're over 40ish years old?

No, but it still has to be roadworthy.  I think an MOT is a wise precaution on something as conspicuous as an invacar.  You are probably going to get pulled out of curiosity if nothing else, and it might save a few arguments.  Oh, and Araldite is better than body filler, apparently.

 

[chadders]

Both my classics are over 40 years old but I still get them MoT'd.

I wasn't certain if invacares came under a different ruling to normal vehicles.

[dean36014]

1 hour ago, chadders said:

Do they need a MoT if they're over 40ish years old?

I was referring to back in the day, acceptable repairs. To get the authentic look, after the body filler or araldite injection, always apply a dab of grease to the grease nipple afterwards.  

[Zelandeth]

The kingpin is a bit of a bugger as replacements aren't going to grow on trees.  It doesn't look like it would be massively difficult a job for a competent and well equipped machine shop to make up a replacement though if we could find the relevant dimensions.  After all they're a wear item on a plethora of cars, and I'm sure there are plenty for which off-the-shelf replacements are long since NLA.

The ball joints (and there are a load of them) are standard Mini track rod ends so readily and cheaply available.  I've only actually had to change one on TPA due to wear, the other just turned out to have never been tightened fully - god only knows how long it was like that!  I did change the one nearest the handlebars as well, but that was purely to help make things in front of the driver look tidy.  With how direct the steering is though any play in any of those joints will feel probably a hundred times worse than in a normal car as you effectively have about 2/3rds of a turn of the wheel from lock to lock.

I've got your PM LBF, and will respond later this evening when I've got a bit more time on hand.

[Dobloseven]

Hmmm.I'm getting increasingly worried about all this.I do wonder sometimes,how actually important personal mobility is to Dez.He made great efforts to pass his driving test way over two years ago and since then, hasn't really got anywhere, both  literally and figuratively.Surely the Motability Scheme was devised for just such folk,to give them safe trouble free motoring at a fixed cost.I always say messing about,because that's all it'll ever be, with a 50 year old vehicle,is great,if you've got a modern one to use as well.That way,you can tinker to your hearts content,order parts,have it off the road while you experiment with modifications,upgrades etc,whilst still being mobile anyway.Even a 20 year old Renault or a 40 year old Peugeot are going to be veritable tinkerfests.The Peugeot couldn't even be locked!Kept purely for perverted fun,my 34 year old Renault 25 needs constant titivation.That's much younger than REV,passes an Mot  every year with no advisories,has never been off the road and spent most of its life under cover,and gets used at least once a week to keep it "live",as it were.Would I use it as my only transport in a big city?Well I did for a few weeks last month.But was always conscious of the lack of safety equipment,ABS,airbags etc.And the fact that a relatively minor impact would be the end of its life,if not mine.And that's what would have been a big car in its day.Doesnt feel very big nowadays!

[Dobloseven]

10 minutes ago, Zelandeth said:

The kingpin is a bit of a bugger as replacements aren't going to grow on trees.  It doesn't look like it would be massively difficult a job for a competent and well equipped machine shop to make up a replacement though if we could find the relevant dimensions.  After all they're a wear item on a plethora of cars, and I'm sure there are plenty for which off-the-shelf replacements are long since NLA.

The ball joints (and there are a load of them) are standard Mini track rod ends so readily and cheaply available.  I've only actually had to change one on TPA due to wear, the other just turned out to have never been tightened fully - god only knows how long it was like that!  I did change the one nearest the handlebars as well, but that was purely to help make things in front of the driver look tidy.  With how direct the steering is though any play in any of those joints will feel probably a hundred times worse than in a normal car as you effectively have about 2/3rds of a turn of the wheel from lock to lock.

I've got your PM LBF, and will respond later this evening when I've got a bit more time on hand.

Regarding the kingpin,is the " pin"itself likely to be worn,as I guess it would be made from hardened steel?Or just the bushes,which would be made of soft material and fairly easy to make ,if you've a lathe,as I have in the garage at home.If I knew what size to make and had the material,I could produce bushes fairly easily.But then again ,red 5 has access to a machine shop as well, apparently.

[Snake Charmer]

2 minutes ago, Dobloseven said:

Regarding the kingpin,is the " pin"itself likely to be worn,as I guess it would be made from hardened steel?Or just the bushes,which would be made of soft material and fairly easy to make ,if you've a lathe,as I have in the garage at home.If I knew what size to make and had the material,I could produce bushes fairly easily.But then again ,red 5 has access to a machine shop as well, apparently.

The king pin would be case hardened or induction heat treated so the core stays flexible, not something you want hard all the way through. I would try and find something the correct o/d and alter to fit if possible as others would have done previously. 

What are the "dust caps" made of and why the radius, any schematics available?

 

 

 

[Mr Pastry]

46 minutes ago, Snake Charmer said:

What are the "dust caps" made of and why the radius, any schematics available?

They are thrust washers, made of fibre apparently.  I guess the radius is just to aid fitting, I can't see any other reason for it.  So plain washers plus shims would probably work.   I have in mind a similar design of kingpin which might be adaptable, but it's just a guess without knowing the dimensions.  IIRC there are believed to be manufacturing drawings in existence, but nobody gets to see them.    

[wuvvum]

18 hours ago, Mrcento said:

I'd expect that thing would be terrifying above walking speed in that condition.

I disagree.  I took it up to at least 15mph at the FOD and I didn't die once.

[JJ0063]

4 minutes ago, wuvvum said:

I disagree.  I took it up to at least 15mph at the FOD and I didn't die once.

Dez hitting 16mph on the way to the chip shop next month 

 

[Sheefag]

Just my opinion but rather like an old FX4, an Invacar isn't transport, it's a hobby and should be approached as such.

[LightBulbFun]

1 hour ago, JJ0063 said:

Dez, what on earth do you think it’s going to be like trying to drive an Invacare for a couple of hours if those cars have left you in pain?

I know you’ve said in the past you feel happier in one, but you’ve not driven one for any length of time. There’s simply no way in the world a Peugeot 208 is going to be less comfortable than an Invacare, regardless of anyone’s ailments.

I dont think you realise, I have driven REV for *hours* at a time around the FoD, in total I have done about 40 miles in her, just ambling around the FoD.

she was literally my mobility scooter/portable chair for that location, and when she went away from the FoD it was a real problem for me being without her, (until I was able to borrow a mobility scooter and then was kindly provided one on a more permanent basis)

this is also one of the reasons I have been reluctant of any other car, I dont exactly want to drop £2000 on something that will cause me pain, I rather just have REV back, a vehicle I already know im compatible, comfortable familiar and happy with.

and surely thats the best vehicle for someone is it not?

 

its pretty clear that you and a few others here, have never driven a Model 70, your all just talking exaggerated bollocks, because you you dont like me or my objectives in life

and thats fine you dont have to like me or what my plan is in life 

 

but the exaggerated bollocks is not very Autoshite is it? I thought this was the forum where we/people put paid to the usual top gear nonsense car bollocks.

I know people here will defend British leyland for example, and be quick to point out, that a lot of people who talk shit about BL, have never actually driven the vehicle they are talking shit about

21 hours ago, Jazoli said:

I still can't believe this is still going on

Pay a man to pick up your invacare

Drop it at one of the suggested garages

Pay the bill and pick it up when it's "roadworthy"

Take it for a drive, scare yourself shitless, probably end up running into the back of someone and then realise that the dozens of people who have offered you advice and help were right all along, 

It's never going to be fit to drive to fod or whatever

It's not fit to drive in modern traffic

Your not fit enough to drive it

You and it will be a total liability 

Grow up, stop dreamin, make some adult choices and get on with your funking life, you seem inable to ask direct questions and pick up the phone, any reasonable person would have sorted this at least a year ago

Then just buy a car, several brilliant ones (not taxis) have been suggested on here but you don't even bother replying to the most sensible posts which will give you the mobility you obviously want and then this constant spinning merry-go-round will finally end.

most of what Jazoli is pretty much bollocks, plenty of Invacars on here, have been daily driven, disabled people did it back in the day for over 50 years and even today, once suitably brought up to shape, its pretty well proven that a Model 70 can get get from point A to point B without any drama at all

no its not going to be like wafting down the motorway in a Rolls Royce, buts not like its going to be like the end of the world either

 

case in point, Zel and DW, have done a combined 8000+ miles in their respective Model 70's and even @AdgeCutler has done a couple thousand miles in his Mk12E I think? (certainly well over 1000) even, and thats a Villiers machine!

and its mostly been fault free miles, there has been the odd niggle and foible and even breakdown here and there, but nothing that insurmountable or out of the ordinary, and a good number of the actual breakdowns was simply due to wear items not being replaced when they should of been.

 

and Zel certainly uses his for more then just occasional curious jaunts, I have seen him often talk about using TPA for that days errands for example

and Dollywobbler would frequently use TWC for doing postal runs for his merch store.

 

I am well aware of their limitations/deficiencies, I dont get why it angers people so much that I do still just prefer to, again, go with what im most happy with, its not like im forcing anyone else here to drive an Invacar against their will LOL

 

again I thought we where above this level of top-gear bullshittery, do you also go around to Reliant Robin, BMC Mini, owners, or Motorcyclists and tell them how all their machines are death traps, and will all fall apart when you go above 15Mph?

 

if you dont understand why I enjoy the Rattle box that is the Model 70, and thus feel the need to talk such bollocks on my thread, then perhaps to be brutally honest, this forum is not for you...

[Christine]

That is why so many have left  already , being blunt ..

[JJ0063]

1 hour ago, LightBulbFun said:

I dont think you realise, I have driven REV for *hours* at a time around the FoD, in total I have done about 40 miles in her, just ambling around the FoD.

It’s very clear that you simply cannot take advice and will only change your view once you’ve experienced things yourself - none of us are lending advice for the sake of it. 

I have driven a ride on lawnmower around my garden for a lot more than 40 miles, I’ve never gotten off the thing and thought how uncomfortable it is - it’s fine. 

I wouldn’t drive it to the FOD though, it’d be shit for actual driving. 
 

 

1 hour ago, LightBulbFun said:

its pretty clear that you and a few others here, have never driven a Model 70, your all just talking exaggerated bollocks, because you you dont like me or my objectives in life

and thats fine you dont have to like me or what my plan is in life 

 

Sorry but what a complete load of bollocks, I actually find that quite offensive Dez. The pure fact I’ve agreed only in the last week to go and view a car for you, I even offered to deliver it to your door yet you then spout that it’s clear that I amongst others don’t like you? 

I’ve also helped you countless times with insurance questions both in open forums and im fairly sure via DM too. 

If thats the thanks I get then shove it mate.

[D.E]

5 minutes ago, LightBulbFun said:

I dont think you realise, I have driven REV for *hours* at a time around the FoD, in total I have done about 40 miles in her, just ambling around the FoD.

she was literally my mobility scooter/portable chair for that location, and when she went away from the FoD it was a real problem for me being without her, (until I was able to borrow a mobility scooter and then was kindly provided one on a more permanent basis)

FoD isn't exactly like driving it around London though, is it? My main worry would be how dependable (in the long term) a 50 year old Invacar is going to be when pressed into regular service in a crowded city. Parts are going to wear out, they will have to be sourced, fixed, replaced, etc. Not much of a problem if it is just a hobby, but it could be if it is your main mode of transport.

[Mrcento]

27 minutes ago, LightBulbFun said:

this is also one of the reasons I have been reluctant of any other car, I dont exactly want to drop £2000 on something that will cause me pain, I rather just have REV back, a vehicle I already know im compatible, comfortable familiar and happy with.

and surely thats the best vehicle for someone is it not?

 

But here's the point LBF, and i get where you're coming from regardless on that.

That '£2000' (i'm sure you can find 'something' for less than that, but just using your figure) = a car. Yes, it might not be the car you want right now, but it is a car to do you for the meantime. And If you find whatever it is causes you pain (or you get REV back), you likely haven't lost that '£2000', you can just sell it on and hopefully get all/most your money back again. It shouldn't be a black hole you're throwing money into if you do it right, so a fairly low risk placeholder.

[Snake Charmer]

2 hours ago, Mr Pastry said:

They are thrust washers, made of fibre apparently.  I guess the radius is just to aid fitting, I can't see any other reason for it.  So plain washers plus shims would probably work.   I have in mind a similar design of kingpin which might be adaptable, but it's just a guess without knowing the dimensions.  IIRC there are believed to be manufacturing drawings in existence, but nobody gets to see them.    

Hard to tell from the photo but they look like Nylon or Delrin. Maybe some Teflon coated bushed could be fitted as an upgrade to match the Spax dampers Des has.......😊

[Joey spud]

Over the years I have done a fair few Reliant king pins and often the hole the king pin passes through in the radius arm would be worn oval allowing even a new pin to wobble about,they would also wear so the thrust washers couldn't take up the slack so extra shims were needed to cure the excessive lift.

Only correct repair was a new radius arm and very regular greasing of the king pin/bushes.

[Mr Pastry]

Well its not my problem anyway, it will be interesting to see what gets done about it.

[dean36014]

I'm classed as disabled, knackered spine but in a different way to Dez. My pride and joy was my Citroen c15 van. Eventually I realised that having a old vehicle as a daily wasn't helping my health. The lack of power steering and heavy controls just aggravated everything. I sold my van that had been my labour of love to sunny Jim in here. In it's place I bought a little Citroen c1. Only me so can leave the back seats folded if I want a disability scooter in the back for a day out.  Larger doors so easy access. The controls are night and day, finger light steering, brakes that only need the lightest of touches.  I can now do a 50 mile drive and not get out feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Yes I hate having to have a modern daily, but it's a massive help to my health. Plus as I rely on it parts are plentiful, any garage could fix it if required. I guess what I'm trying to say is your invacar will make a great little second car but you really should have something more modern as your daily vehicle so you don't aggravate your health issues more. And yes I speak from experience as I drove invacars back in the 80's as when I was an apprentice mechanic a customer had one I used to collect it and drop it off after it was serviced. I guess it was somehow in private hands and no I can't remember the numberplate. Ive also driven plenty of reliant robins and regals, they're night and day difference to a invacar. Bigger, a decent little engine and 4 speed box.  The difference was like comparing a marina to a Bentley.   I know your heart's set on the invacar, and that's completely fine as an occasional hobby car, but a modern would be far better for you health wise.  

[LightBulbFun]

1 hour ago, JJ0063 said:

Sorry but what a complete load of bollocks, I actually find that quite offensive Dez. The pure fact I’ve agreed only in the last week to go and view a car for you, I even offered to deliver it to your door yet you then spout that it’s clear that I amongst others don’t like you? 

I’ve also helped you countless times with insurance questions both in open forums and im fairly sure via DM too. 

If thats the thanks I get then shove it mate.

sorry I do apologise there that was a poor choice of words in poor taste and not meant for you personally.

it was me lashing out, I have just gotten so fed up/pissed off with the general berating and piss-taking that I keep getting that I lost my rag

and im sorry that it happen to be on your direction so to speak

I do apologise for that

 

you have been most kind and courteous on several occasions for which I am and will always be most thankful and grateful for.

and once again I do apologise.

 

[LightBulbFun]

27 minutes ago, dean36014 said:

And yes I speak from experience as I drove invacars back in the 80's as when I was an apprentice mechanic a customer had one I used to collect it and drop it off after it was serviced. I guess it was somehow in private hands and no I can't remember the numberplate.

genuinely curious here do you remember any more details about it, what it looked like, its control scheme layout and the geographical location?

 

I have included a quick reference guide if it helps jog the memory

On 13/03/2019 at 02:14, LightBulbFun said:

here this should help

 

Model 70

 

 

Model 67

 

 

 

and finally Mk12

 

there was also the AC Acedes Model 57 left, and Tippen Delta right, which are not in that guide but look like this

 

only very few private Invalid vehicles where on the road in the 1980's most of which I have a file on, so with the right details, I might actually be able to tell you which one it was exactly, as in down to the registration mark  

 

it could of even been REV herself that you drove, as she was one the very few Invacars sold privately that was on the road in the 1980's

[Back_For_More]

Crying out loud - what a f***ing drama

LBF - I and a lot of others here will all admit that if things come up on the sheds we run, then something has to give..... So it will always be a choice of repairing the snotter or new jeans or trainers etc.... 

I'd suggest you make a decision. 

Stop buying fu**ing light bulbs and shit and get the blue bathtub sorted once and for all. 

We all have other hobbies - but one will demand more of the cash flow than others.....  That's life and we make those choices every single day. 

Not to be rude at all - but you're at a crossroads here and need to actually do something..... All this back n forth is getting you nowhere and seems to be losing you sympathy/support from reading the last few pages. 

Of all the car sites in the Internet this is the place where I'd honestly say none of the residents give a flying f*** about other peoples life objectives as long as they don't align with P Sutcliffe or the Wests..... 

Lastly - angry or not - you specifically quoted one of the easiest going and helpful chaps on here - no backtracking - unacceptable behaviour - we'd all be flamed for that and rightly so. 

Go log off - calm down - deep breaths and a plan of action to sort..... It'll all be better in the morning 

[Snake Charmer]

1 hour ago, Mr Pastry said:

Well its not my problem anyway, it will be interesting to see what gets done about it.

There's a solution, usually comes down to financial viability. I see some eye-watering prices for parts and engineering services on older vehicles, some justifiable due to the cost of producing small batchess and other just plain greed.

[bub2006]

Can I speak as someone with a physical disability? A motability car would be your best bet dez. No insurance to worry about,running costs or maintenance woes. It will be ulez and congestion zone free and there is a very wide and varied choice of vehicles from small to large,manual,semi auto and auto as well as petrol,diesel,hybrid,plug in electric and full electric.

Regards not being sure if you would be comfortable with one and you have mentioned you are comfortable with rev,well consider this please. My last motability car was a mini countryman cooper 1.5 3 pot turbo auto. I was unsure if it would be comfortable or not so I asked for an extended test drive. I collected the car from the dealer and had a 48 hour loan. In that 48 hour time frame I took it on country lanes,motorways,towns and busy cities. I covered a hell of a lot of miles just to be sure I was making the best decision. I covered varied scenarios of driving to ensure I had ample visibility,I could park it comfortably,I could get my scooter in and out as well as shopping trips for entry and egress concerns. Here's some information on the cars I have had on the scheme and my views.

Skoda Octavia 1.4 TSI DSG auto.

Easy to get in trouble with speed wise. Very quiet and smooth but not the most comfortable,mine was a low spec model which actually had sidewalls on the tyres and a supple suspension but the seats weren't the most supportive. Boot was large enough for a mid size mobility scooter. High sills though and short doors. Averaged mid 40s mpg.

Nissan qashqai 1.5 DCI tekna 

Top spec with all the bells and whistles. Decent driving position with good visibility and seats were extremely comfy. Steering was vague though and the 1.5 was overwhelmed in a large car. Boot wasn't massive and a high load lip made getting scooter in and out a pain. Panoramic roof was a nice touch though. Averaged high 40s mpg. 

Hyundai ionic 1.6 DSG hybrid 

My favourite of them all. Superb on fuel,mid 60s was common with low 70s on a run. Mine was a premium trim level so had a lot of toys like heated seats and steering wheel but didn't have electric leather cooled seats. Reason being was the seat position was higher than a non electric seat and I'm not a massive leather seat fan.  Very smooth engine with supercharger effect power from the motor and engine combined. Was an odd sensation on a cold morning with the engine at tickover warming the batteries but still accelerating on the motor alone. Good wide doors,low sill and massive boot.

Mini countryman cooper turbo

Nice car but had a few niggles,all fixed through motability. Being a base trim I didn't get armrests but had a nice high driving position with good visibility all round. Boot was small and the interior really was small for what seems to be a deceptively large car externally. Averaged mid 40s mpg.

When the mini went back I stepped away from motability and purchased a 2003 mk1 ford focus 2.0 Ghia auto estate. One of the best cars I've owned. Had it for over two years now. Very comfy, supportive seats,auto box is very well mannered for an old car and the boot is very large. Swallowed a large mobility scooter no problem. Average around 32 mpg so not great but it is essentially a 30 year old engine and 3 speed + od box.

The main vehicle I use nowadays as the focus has been taken by the wife is a Peugeot partner 2.0 hdi 90. 2004 model and I can't sing the praises high enough of these and the same Berlingo. Large square boot so can fit scooters, lightbulbs or even a mattress and make a mini camper. Rear seats fold down east and can be removed with 6 bolts. Massive doors,high roof and I can practically walk into it and sit comfortably and I'm 5ft10 ish and 18 stone. 

The early 2.0 hdi is a pearler. No dmf,coded injectors or dpf to clog up and if it's on disabled tax then it's no concern with ulez and Caz. I'd recommend getting the multispace variant as there is only 2 Caz zones in the UK need paying for whereas the van variant has alot more. That's one of the reasons I went for the multispace over the van as well as sliding side doors. Take seats out,tiny out rear windows and you have essentially a van.  The non turbo 1.9 isn't as good on fuel and higher tax bracket than the 2.0 hdi also. 

I've bought mine as I'm trying to go self employed man and van. Taking some time to get going and I'm working with my disability instead of against it. Trying to make good of a situation where I don't have to worry about a boss breathing down my neck or getting fired for a day or two a week off work when I'm housebound. Maybe something to consider for yourself? I focus on what I can do instead of what I can't. We can't change our situation so we have to deal with the hand we are dealt. 

Sorry for rambling but shedding some light, hopefully,on your situation as someone who is in a similar physically impaired situation. 

Tl;Dr 

Keep rev,use as a toy but please consider options for main mode of transportation that's more viable for your location and today's traffic and road network. 

 

[SmokinWaffle]

Some good points being made here.

I will say - I love old weird cars as much as anyone and I've travelled hundreds of miles to buy them. I've been emotional when I've sold them and lusted after the ones I couldn't have. 

About 8 years ago I had a Hillman Hunter. Nothing special but a damn sight more advanced and comfier than an Invacar. It ran pretty well and was mostly sorted - albeit it looked very much its age. It was my second hobby car - my daily was an '84 Volvo 740 Saloon. 

The alternator on the volvo died and a few other bits needed doing and it was off the road for two months in early winter. I drove the Hillman daily in that time because it was an easy choice. 

Let me tell you - I loved that car more than any car I had ever owned at that point. Still have a place in my heart for it. I drove it to shows, road trips, with friends - really held it dear. I cried when I sold it. Broke my heart even more when it was written off 7~ months after. 

But those two months I drove it in winter were fucking miserable.  I really loathed it by about 2 weeks in. It was cold, loud, unrefined, constantly frozen over, I sometimes had to kick the gear stick in the mornings with all of my force to get it into gear because the gearbox was past its best and it was colder than it liked. 

but I will say that its something I only learned with age and experience - and likely you will too. I could be wrong but trust me when I say love for a car will honestly only get you so far. 

Before this I gladly drove a lowered imported MX5 with a huge exhaust for 2 years solid in all weathers. But I was a lot younger, had no real big responsibilities, they are super reliable and rust can be hidden frkm the MOT man. Nowadays my back, ears and eyes (from being blinded by EVERYONE'S headlights) just wouldn't cope. 

Same with my recently sold BX. Favourite car I've owned I think. Most comfortable by a long shot - even by modern standards - but still a good 30/40% of the year it was irritatingly cold / not convenient. It takes so much out of you genuinely dailying a classic just from a maintance perspective. Old cars always seem solid when they're being tootled around. Put 1,000 miles on one that you've only done a few miles in and I can guarantee you - regardless of prep - at least 3 things will break and cause you hassle or stop it working in a critical way. Can you cope with it being off the road multiple times a year for you to do some sort of physical work yourself or finding someone to do it? 

Best of luck either way. 

Take advice from someone who knows. I own a 52 Plate Berlingo I got for £400 as a semi-modern reliable runabout/big/tip run car, a 72 plate electric car which was a fair bit more than £400 with posh bits for my partners main car and when I want some respite, and (until recently) a 1980's BX that was, as far as BX's go, quite nice - and I dailyed that for nearly 2 years. BUT I still needed a backup car - even when I was driving it daily for when it broke - which was my partners corsa at the time. You need a reliable and dependable daily. Its not subjective, unrealistic or being argumentative - its a fact.

An Invacar simply will never be that vehicle in 2024.