"VehiculusIgnorantus" (crdiscoverer)
03/12/2020 at 18:34 • Filed to: None
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"VehiculusIgnorantus" (crdiscoverer)
03/12/2020 at 18:34 • Filed to: None | 0
| 9 |
So, you own a car that you want to keep until you die, but it’s not a an easy car to get parts for the older it gets.
I was already worried since I own a 40+ yo Corolla and there are some bits you simply cannot find anymore. Then I read Torch’s article about his Nissan Pao’s vent window rusting and how hard it was to find a replacement and I started panicking a bit and wondering.
There are still several, cheap-ish ($1K-$3k USD) similar Corollas for sale around here. This window of opportunity will surely not last long and those cars will either fall prey to rust or be restored and significantly increase in price.
I can buy one of those and gradually take it apart if I need to. I have where to park it but it will surely not be aesthetically pleasing since it’d be in my front yard, outdoors.
Then there is the fact that I know myself and I’ll get attached to the donor car and start restoring it, effectively doubling my problems.
Do you still pull the trigger and buy a donor car or do you take your chances and figure it out as you go?
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SiennaMan
> VehiculusIgnorantus
03/12/2020 at 19:55 |
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My gut feeling is you buy one (or two) donors but immediately disassemble them and store them on racks in a barn or something. That way you have the parts but see them as parts and not cars wanting to be restored..
SBA Thanks You For All The Fish
> VehiculusIgnorantus
03/12/2020 at 20:03 |
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Isn’t that the site creed?
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Just Jeepin'
> VehiculusIgnorantus
03/12/2020 at 20:04 |
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Keeping in mind I have no personal experience at all, I’d say donor cars are only worth it if they’re almost literally gifted to you. Someone pays you to haul it away.
Barring that, if you have a need, like an engine or drivetrain.
Spending $1k and up on a donor just to prepare for an eventual need seems too high an opportunity cost.
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Just Jeepin'
> VehiculusIgnorantus
03/12/2020 at 22:56 |
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Perfect timing today:
https://jalopnik.com/how-many-parts-cars-have-you-cannibalized-for-your-vehi-1842283154
pip bip - choose Corrour
> VehiculusIgnorantus
03/13/2020 at 04:29 |
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hoard as many as you can
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VehiculusIgnorantus
> SiennaMan
04/27/2020 at 20:42 |
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Man, t otally forgot about this post!
This is a good approach. I’m planning on building such a “barn” soon ish, to store my lawn mower and other stuff that it’s currently outdoors. I could contemplate some additional space for parts. Thing is, I went to see a $1500 rust bucket today. It runs and passes inspection. Biggest downside is precisely rust, it isn’t extremely bad except for a fist-sized hole in the rear quarter panel. It’s mostly surface rust seemingly from rain and sun exposure (underside looks great, ironically) . The thing is, I have no hearth to dismantle it. It’s right on the edge of what I’d consider restorable.
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VehiculusIgnorantus
> SBA Thanks You For All The Fish
04/27/2020 at 20:42 |
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My biggest fear.
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VehiculusIgnorantus
> Just Jeepin'
04/27/2020 at 20:44 |
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True, especially if your restored car is not worth much to being with.
The problem comes when you you have that eventual need and you can’t find the part.
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Just Jeepin'
> VehiculusIgnorantus
04/27/2020 at 20:58 |
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Not an easy call. I suppose if you can commit the time as soon as you buy it to take it apart and sell the bigger stuff you probably won’t be able to use...