Help me scratch my itch

"Oppenheimer - not missing my shitboxes anymore" (reivax-rotciv) 09/03/2019 at 11:18 • Filed to: None

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I posted the Cooper S x DS3 doubt some days ago....those would be.1/2 daily drivers just meant to give me fun when I drive. I’d be more than happy to do regular services on the car, but I don’t imagine myself doing a full engine/suspension rebuild in a “modern” (10yo) car.

The only thing apart from family that makes my eyes shine is spannering/wrenching on cars. I lose hours and hours reading and watching videos about it. As a background, my 1977 Opala was bought in poor condition and I just put it in a bed, sent to a trusted mechanics, and wasted a ton of money on it. I deeply regret that, and I think that I would be happier and have spent less money if I have done things myself.  

My 1977 Opala

So here I am, living in the UK, with time and space to fix something (money is always a detail) , but there is nothing affordable and meaningful enough to make me pull the trigger and start using my tools (and hurting my knuckles ).

I accept all suggestions on how to scratch this itch of mine.

PS: Am I wrong to think that a 2008 Mini Cooper S won’t give me a lot to do?

CalzoneGolem > Oppenheimer - not missing my shitboxes anymore 09/03/2019 at 11:33

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You know, you can work on cars that aren’t broken. Upgrades and mods. 

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Oppenheimer - not missing my shitboxes anymore 09/03/2019 at 13:10

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Could get a cheap, quirky project car? Why not something like a FIAT 126? There seem to be a decent number in the UK and they are unique and aren’t that expensive...parts are easily available online as they were built in Poland until 2000. They are small, so easy to find space to store if need be. Not complicated at all, mechanically so easy to work on and not confusing (Inline, air-cooled 2-cyl with 4-speed box).

Sure, not fast, but plenty nippy and fun for around-town driving, and a driving experience that is an complete antidote to modern stuff...manual everything, no power anything, rear-engined, air cooled...

Sure, there’s rust and they rust easily, but as a project car, you’re not going to be driving it in bad weather and if you’re good with your hands / tools, you could tackle any small rust repairs yourself? :)

I always liked these videos about them when trying to explain the appeal...as they say, ‘These guys get it” - take a watch! :)

Oppenheimer - not missing my shitboxes anymore > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 09/03/2019 at 13:18

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Thanks!

JohnTaurus > Oppenheimer - not missing my shitboxes anymore 09/24/2019 at 01:10

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I want an Opala.

You can come to the Dirty South USA and work on my 1996 Accord! I’m too scared to attempt to replace the water pump on it by myself (never messed with a timing belt before, really dont want to destroy the decently running engine, as it’s about the beat thing the poor bastard car has going for it).