BX Mk1 estate - Mojo returns, alternator fails

[messerschmitt owner]

Nice idea MO, but not sure it'd be the same really! Would be like wife-swapping. Would we have to meet in a lay-by or a house with far too much gold-effect furniture?

My wife is house trained - I'm not swapping her for another, less understanding model!!!

[Father Ted]

Ian, if I can be frank.

I think the price you are asking reflects the fact you do not really want to part with this.

 

I know that these days I dont have anywhere near as much to do with the BX community as I used to do and that I may be a little out of touch with increasing prices, and I know the car is "unique". It still does not detract from the fact you want just shy of £800 for basically an old Anderson air raid shelter on wheels that has seen some enemy action.

 

The fact you have invested heavilly in keeping this car from the scrapper is to be commended, if it were an MG it would surely fly out of your life, but its an 80's French HP sprung car with galloping rust. There are only so many strange in the head people in this world who would take on such a beast. How long did that Mk 1 Digit take to find a new home? And thats a rare beast too and was virtually given away free with a packet of Frosties.

 

There are several ways you could go with this.

Lob in a later 1.9D and keep the old one under a tarp in a shed. Fix the matrix and break out the MIG welder (possibly buying a Mk2 estate to scavange bits off to fabricate into new panels to repair yours) and treat it as an ongoing rolling resto using practicality to override originality.

 

Lob the whole car under a tarp in a barn and wait for BX prices to skyrocket.

 

Lob the whole car in a barn under a tarp and wait for the day you can give it a ground up rebuild.

 

Revise your value of the car so that it stands more of a chance to find a home and continue its life.

 

I appreciate the car owes you more than this, but sometimes you need to cut and run.

 

 

Just my thoughts Ian, and I know you will likely disagree.

[SambaS]

What a FANTASTIC 80s design, everytime I see one I oggle at it for a while. Some days with my cars I wonder why I'm doing it. I get disheartned and think of chopping them all in. That will never happen though. I must say most cars that I have sold on I end up regretting in the end. My suggestion would be to stash it away somewhere.

[vulgalour]

What if...

...you regret parting with it, whatever it's fate

...you see it get run into the ground, then cubed

...you replace it with something that's just too much of a disappointment

...the moon really is made of cheese

...you manage to get it sorted and continue to use it, revelling in the awesomeness that is a rare old donkey

 

I'm a buy it, keep it, fix it type. I've had my moments with the Polo, but I hate parting with anything I've bought (not just cars) and invested time and effort in, no matter how much money I'm offered. Every project, particularly one as brave as this, has the low points. You clearly seem very attached to the old BX and you've been getting a lot of use out of it. I'm with the suggestion of temporary replacement engine or catpisstarp storage solutions.

 

For what it's worth, this is the BX I'm using for my 'hinges made of brie' picture coming soon to an Autoshite near you (probably in a week or three).

[warren t claim]

The problem is you've reached "Peak Shite" and you've either got to bite the bullet and restore the BX or offload another of your fleet. Sadly every other member of your fleet has a clearly defined role in your life and either the BX has to go or you need to negotiate with Mrs W and find the space for something else. Maybe a compromise where you sell the Tidy Mini and get an original Panda 4x4 or Suzuki SJ410 which could be used by the wife as a daily and as column fodder for the 4x4 mag?

[dollywobbler]

Getting rid of the Mini isn't easy though. Especially now it has some ruddy great scratches down the flanks. No-one seems to want 1980s Minis at the moment. I do quite like the idea of replacing it with a dinky 4x4 though. Actually, Mrs Wobbler quite likes the Maverick... (though she hasn't driven it yet!).

 

Selling any car is a risk. The next owner could be brilliant, or they could be not. FT - I know what you're saying but my estate is a much better prospect than that Digit was. It does not need a reshell for a start! Yes, there is corrosion, but it's not at worrying levels. Especially since I've had some bits sorted.

 

I don't think the price is unreasonable either. I have had interest in swapsies for later BXs in better condition (sadly I had to turn one down because the BX offered is one year too young for classic insurance. I can't be doing with having to change policies just at the moment).

[messerschmitt owner]

ian, I know you like the constant change but I can't help feeling you need to introduce a practical 'keeper' into the mix.

 

If you can't sell the '80s mini, why not get a logbook and chassis plate and turn it into an earlier one! (only joking)

 

One of the problems of constantly changing fleet is that you end up spending money for which you never get any benefit! Much better to have a decent 'non-changing' core of three with a constantly changing 'one'.

 

Keep the BX.

[dollywobbler]

Yeah, I have been trying to restrict my purchasing somewhat this year. Last year was particularly crazy! The 2CV is a keeper, the Mini has become a keeper (my wife really likes it, so who am I to argue with a woman who hates anything more complicated than a Mini?), the BX was meant to be a keeper and the Maverick has also become one. With a fleet limit of four, that's quite annoying. Maybe I just need to bide my time. I'd like to get at least six months of ownership under my belt with the Maverick - if only to get some benefit from all that brake overhauling!

[messerschmitt owner]

Yeah, I have been trying to restrict my purchasing somewhat this year. Last year was particularly crazy! The 2CV is a keeper, the Mini has become a keeper (my wife really likes it, so who am I to argue with a woman who hates anything more complicated than a Mini?), the BX was meant to be a keeper and the Maverick has also become one. With a fleet limit of four, that's quite annoying. Maybe I just need to bide my time. I'd like to get at least six months of ownership under my belt with the Maverick - if only to get some benefit from all that brake overhauling!

in the interests of your wallet, I would suggest keeping these four then and biting the bullet with a fifth that can change!

 

Add up what you've spent to keep each roadworthy vehicle you have had over the past couple of years and be shocked at how much you have spent to then sell them for the same as you paid for them!

 

Shite buying should never be rational but there should be a rational stock of vehicles you know and trust. I've had my share of buying things on a whim and losing money on them and I'd rather have a sensible fleet which have become reliable and sorted and can be called upon for anything with the flaky off the wall extra vehicle.

 

This is where I say that for your needs, the four you have are probably perfect and that what you need is a 'toy' on top. One toy means you will have a cheaper time too as you won't spend money only to flog the things you're driving straight after sorting them out.

[dollywobbler]

Actually, BX and Range Rover aside, last year I did quite well on not losing loads of money on vehicles. Started the year with a Landy V8 that made money, even after buying service parts for it. It even made up for 15mpg. Then got the Scimitar. Spent a little on it, sold for about the same. Range Rover wasn't ideal, probably a few hundred down on that. Didn't spend a penny on the Rover or the 309. Saab sold for less than I paid but didn't cost anything to run (other than fuel). Probably a couple of hundred quid down overall on the year, which isn't bad for what is a potentially very expensive hobby!

 

I don't think I'm going to get away with five vehicles though. To be honest, we're not putting enough miles on the ones we've got. Would be a different story if I got some under-cover storage sorted out, though budget issues would remain.

[RobT]

For all that buying and selling sounds like you've done rather well, and it's not like you ask silly money when you come to sell your stuff - that Saab was very reasonably priced.

 

It's been 8 months since I've bought anything, but I've decided my BX needs to go before I buy the next one. Cash in the pocket rather than plundering the savings pot is a better idea I reckon.

[dollywobbler]

Very true Rob.

 

BX now has a driver's door that opens both inside and out! What luxury. Had to bend one of the control rods. Must have got kinked when I was putting it back together. Sadly, I also tried repairing the internal door handle, which had a broken spring. Then I dropped the tiny circlip. Doh! Right rear door currently doesn't have an internal handle. Stops kids escaping!

[dollywobbler]

Attempted to reinvigorate the mojo with some photos.

 

Wheeltrims temporarily fitted. (they're held on by the wheelnuts, so proper fitting will have to wait)

 

New door fitted. Much better!

 

Mat_the_cat gave the engine a thorough clean at the weekend. Thanks! Still looks great.

 

Inner wings are remarkably solid. There is some rot in the seam on this side, but only a bit.

[theorganist]

It is a dilemma especially when you only have so much room/money but a constant desire for something different.

 

I have regretted selling every (classic!) car I have owned. Even the two Allegro's, both which had issues (one I never even drove on the road). I massively regret selling my Green Maxi and my 1100, if only I could turn the clock back!

 

The trouble with selling a rare car is that obviously it is harder to replace if you want another one. I often wonder about selling the 14 but I know I would really regret it, especially as I have done so much to it and would I ever be able to get another without going to the same hassle as I had getting this one.

 

Your BX looks ace and I imagine it is an extremely comfortable and fun car to drive. Certainly changing the engine would remove some of its essential character in my opinion!!

 

Personally I would wait six months and then decide whether I still wanted to keep the Maverick!!

 

Pete.

[dollywobbler]

It's not massive fun to drive at the moment, because the power steering assistance is rather variable. Makes chucking it around a rather alarming experience! Have just been out for a blast in it again though, taking doors and seats and other knackered old shite to the tip, then driving away before they got interested in the entire car...

 

I've got someone possibly interested in swapping it for a later 1.9 diesel in much better condition. Less quirk factor but probably a much better drive. I know I was talking about getting a turbo diesel, but having driven one, I think I'd soon tire of the need to keep the boost up. The 1.9 diesel may not be powerful, but it'll slog away in top gear up some surprisingly steep hills.

[Father Ted]

TBH Ian I prefer the 1.9D over the 1.7TD any day of the week. Plus the N/A is marginally more reliable with less tendency to bork head gaskets and no braided block to heater hoses made of unobtainuim to worry about.

Only the 1.7 N/A square port was uninspiring to drive, but mega economy more than made up for that.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Must say, I can imagine this car busting someone's shite mojo to bits. it looks terrible for a start, must be pretty demoralising walking up to it in a car park. Then dodgy power steering, non-opening doors and rust holes around the windscreen (shouting 'YOO-HOO!!! WE'RE ONLY GETTING WORSE AND WILL NEED SERIOUS £££ SPENT TO SORT US!!!') waving at you are enough to sicken anyone, they are day to day hassle that you just shouldn't have to put up with. At the end of the day everyone wants their car to be able to get them around their day-to-day activities without being heavily inconvenienced. I think you need to have a blitz on it and nail all these jobs, or get rid to someone who will barn it or fix it up to the max. It sounds like its just on the wrong side of the border from 'scruffy but usable daily' and encroaching on 'pain in the arse' territory.

[Cavcraft]

It's got wheeltrims and would probably polish up a lot better. Therefore it's a prime target for one of the BXC gang at least.

[dollywobbler]

It won't polish up Billy. The paint is absolutely f*cked! Which I don't mind.

 

Bol - I think you're right. It does need a major blitz. Problem is, I keep considering what else I could buy for that 'repair' money. Like a Maverick...

 

I'll see what happens. If this bloke is really up for the swap (he's got several BXs so can easily cope with this one coming off the road for a bit or at least not having to rely on it!) then I'm minded to go for it. If it all falls through, I'll have to ''blitz" it. Either way I should end up with a half-decent BX!

[ruffgeezer]

I think the problem for you is that any other bx will just be a bx, this one is rare and cool without being one of the wankier models, drop me a pm, I have a lead on shiteloads of BXs, as well as a brand new shell with 23k running gear...

 

[dollywobbler]

I've covered another 300 odd miles in the BX over the weekend, and really enjoyed it. Staying off motorway helped (not that I really had much choice!) and the economy was staggeringly good. I didn't fully fill the tank last time (it tends to leak if I do due to a faulty flap seal) but have done over 400 miles on this tank. I reckon it's somewhere around 51/52mpg as it wasn't far off full (takes roughly 35 litres per fill). Steering is still iffy, there are some nasty knocking sounds and the alternator bearings failed on the way back, but I'm still feeling more positive than I was last week. I had to cut the fan belt off halfway home (didn't have any other tools) as the bearings sounded so bad that I thought seizure was imminent. Best thing about an old school diesel is that as long as there's enough voltage in the battery to keep the stop solenoid open, you can just keep on driving. Mechanical fuel pump, so nowt really that needs electric juice other than the lights.

[KruJoe]

Good work getting it home! I'm glad you still feel it was a positive trip

For what it's worth, may I add my voice to those saying you should hang on to this one? Fettle what you can and keep learning, and enjoy it.

I can imagine this car busting someone's shite mojo to bits...

Yes, it's true. But I think this car has the best chance of continued survival if it stays with you. You have a great network of friends when you really become stuck with it. I don't think it should be smartened up too much, just find a cheap way into welding and learn on this; make the car solid. I don't know you well Ian, we've not yet met, but I feel this POS suits you Sir! I'm absolutely sure you'd miss this if you got rid. We've seen how often you need a mobile skip that you needn't think twice about throwing in rubble etc.. You'd feel guilty I'm sure if you did that with a nearly mint mk2.