27 replies to this topic

[IJP]

DIY

 

It will just need a good clean...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus its lots more fun than watching a garage touch it

That is a 100% better condition than our one!

[mbes2]

Completely agree with Mark...

In answer to your question... Do I think it is viable to get a garage to do all of the work with their markup on parts and labour charges, and probable lack of familiarity with the Elise platform - In general, NO.

Fact is, it depends on a few things.
-What outcome are you looking for?
-Do you enjoy and are you capable when it comes to messing with cars?
-Is it a labour of love that you want to drive again for years to come, or is it thorn in your side that you want to fix up to cut your losses.

I assume that the base car is £7-9k depending on condition?

Whether you plough an extra £15+k into it through a garage or plough an extra £10+k into it through DIY you sill "only" have a £15k+ car depending on finish and quality of work.

If it was me, the decision tree would start with the "labour of love or cut your losses" question. If the latter, just sell as is, no messing.

If you can't or won't get your hands dirty, seriously consider just selling, unless you feel as though you can get over the amount that you spent and enjoy the thing.

If you are happy to get your hands dirty, make a list of things to do, prioritise it, draw a line as to your minimum viable standard (and obviously factor MOT regs) and then chip away at the other less important/cosmetic jobs once it's back on the road.

Time and a business prevent me running any "projects" myself, so this is not an option, plus it's my wife's' car

Ask her to restore it then...

[mbes2]

DIY

It will just need a good clean...













Plus its lots more fun than watching a garage touch it

That is a 100% better condition than our one!

WFH get some photos up, this isn't the water damaged one is it ??

[fiveoclock]

 

 

DIY

It will just need a good clean...













Plus its lots more fun than watching a garage touch it

That is a 100% better condition than our one!

WFH get some photos up, this isn't the water damaged one is it ??

 

My idea gets more and more attractive

[mbes2]

Either post up photos or is it word of mouth of the garage who has already removed bits that they had no idea and made worse, you can buy all new wishbones, chassis must be fine??

I thought the yellow vx the other week was bad living under a tree for x-amount of years.

[TazN]

Tbh it's hard to judge without getting a real good look or some detailed photos.

Your description of the body work doesn't bode well. You'd be looking at new clams and paint before you touch suspension/engine/breaks.

Get a lot of photos and post them up or ask for a local member to come look.

Either way, good luck!

[FLD]

looking through this and giving it some brief thought it will be labour that makes this non-viable. If you are prepared to have a go then it can be done. There are plenty of people here that will give advice and encouragement. Time will probably be your enemy. The other option is to throw cash at it, set of wish bones, new clams paint etc. Alternatively, move it on to someone like elizp and replace it. Whist this would be a shame, it is probably the easiest and most cost effective option.

[siztenboots]

trying to get a paint made up to match the original paint colour is also frustrating and costly