Amazon: My New 131

[Burdekin]

Originally Posted by Steve 940

As always, your work makes one feel rather deficient....😀

Not only do we admire your work, but the tools and equipment are enough to make me envious.

Do i spy a 140 series lurking in the background??

Cheers
Steve

Thanks Steve. I've collected the tools over the years and also a lot of work on the workshop. It's a really enjoyable hobby and place to spend time.

Yes that's my 142. The car is fantastic, love the mustard yellow and retro style. She goes lovely and will be getting some paint over winter.

[SnineT]

Watched your vids and it's nice to see how well and proper you are doing this, mans best friend looks great as well.

I noticed a bit of dent damage on the rocker cover could you dolly them out or do you have another coming later?

The P1800 in the vid of your mates place must be thinking "I hope he comes back for me next"

[Burdekin]

Originally Posted by SnineT

Watched your vids and it's nice to see how well and proper you are doing this, mans best friend looks great as well.

I noticed a bit of dent damage on the rocker cover could you dolly them out or do you have another coming later?

The P1800 in the vid of your mates place must be thinking "I hope he comes back for me next"

Thanks. I have a NOS rocker cover to go on. Just the standard one. A mate has a old cast one I could buy but not sure.

The P1800 has gone into storage as my mate’s moving, he needs to get on and get that finished. Not one bit of rust on that car, can’t be many if any in the U.K. like that.

[Burdekin]

Just a few wee repairs to the wings.

[Steve 940]

Hi Mitch,

Your restoration on this Amazon has been a bit of a source of inspiration, and as I am hoping to drop down to 2-3 days a week of work next April, I have a niggle that I would like to do either an Amazon or early 145 estate restoration with a few creature comforts added.

Have a rather impossible, but no less an important question, as an 'off the top of your head' best guess, what would you estimate as a realistic ballpark figure to allow?? assuming I did all the work myself.

I fully realise it really depends on state of the original project car, and the expectations of what is trying to be achieved.

If you would prefer to keep that sort of information to oneself, I fully understand.... my other half would flip if she knew how much our little hobby really costs

Cheers
Steve

[Othen]

Originally Posted by Steve 940

Hi Mitch,

Your restoration on this Amazon has been a bit of a source of inspiration, and as I am hoping to drop down to 2-3 days a week of work next April, I have a niggle that I would like to do either an Amazon or early 145 estate restoration with a few creature comforts added.

Have a rather impossible, but no less an important question, as an 'off the top of your head' best guess, what would you estimate as a realistic ballpark figure to allow?? assuming I did all the work myself.

I fully realise it really depends on state of the original project car, and the expectations of what is trying to be achieved.

If you would prefer to keep that sort of information to oneself, I fully understand.... my other half would flip if she knew how much our little hobby really costs

Cheers
Steve

An excellent question Steve - the answer might be a bit scary!

[Steve 940]

Originally Posted by Othen

An excellent question Steve - the answer might be a bit scary!

Yes, this mad project idea has been nagging me for ages. I blame all you guys on here posting car porn😀

In reality I dare say it would be not that difficult to spend £40-£50k upwards in restoring a vehicle if you're getting a company or someone else to do it.

Just haven't really got an idea on a DIY project ballpark, I wouldn't want to end up in the unfinished project category.

I suppose in my mind I would estimate circa £10k in parts as a minimum??? I am prepared to be shocked

Cheers
Steve

[Burdekin]

Originally Posted by Steve 940

Hi Mitch,

Your restoration on this Amazon has been a bit of a source of inspiration, and as I am hoping to drop down to 2-3 days a week of work next April, I have a niggle that I would like to do either an Amazon or early 145 estate restoration with a few creature comforts added.

Have a rather impossible, but no less an important question, as an 'off the top of your head' best guess, what would you estimate as a realistic ballpark figure to allow?? assuming I did all the work myself.

I fully realise it really depends on state of the original project car, and the expectations of what is trying to be achieved.

If you would prefer to keep that sort of information to oneself, I fully understand.... my other half would flip if she knew how much our little hobby really costs

Cheers
Steve

Very good question and one plenty of folk don’t appreciate before starting. Prices of everything is going up as well.

My first round spend will be around £5k probably. I didn’t have the weld repairs to do and have lots of spares. I’m not doing engine work at this stage and the car is going back as standard.

Quality paint and consumables are expensive, I will be in the region of £1.5k but considering a reasonable paint job is now £8k plus that’s a big saving. I also am setup already for painting so if you aren’t then you’ll need compressors, spraygun, air fed mask etc which add up quickly. I know of some quality industrial/yacht paints that are excellent quality and would save a good bit off the paint costs. I’m using Mipa OC 2k topcoat, Lechler epoxy and Jotun Jotamastic 80. I’m planning on using the Lechler as the high build as well which I think is a good idea for diy guys as it doesn’t absorb moisture. You want to limit the number of paint products and thickness if you want a long lasting quality finish. There’s a trend now to also add a layer of spray filler over the entire car, but it shouldn’t be needed and avoid using it if you can.

I haven’t done a engine build for a few years but if you have to then parts and machining probably will cost about £3k for a engine rebuild. If going to someone like Tinus Tuning and buying a stroked engine with dual Weber’s look at around £10 to £12k.

If doing all the work yourself and a full resto I think £5k would be a minimum budget if you are already setup but if you need to do lots of welding buying repair sections and new panels, engine and gearbox rebuilds, brakes etc then you’re in the £10 to £15k range I would think.

Time is the other big thing that most folk hugely underestimate especially if this is your first resto. Plan 1000hours plus for a full resto. This is where you really need to be honest with yourself and realistic before you start, have you got the time to commit to that and will you enjoy it. A resto will be challenging but it should be super enjoyable and very rewarding. Having a quality classic that you restored yourself is a joy and something to be proud of but walk away if you haven’t got the budget or time before you start. I really enjoy being at my workshop, it’s my hobby that makes me happy and I want the 131 back on the road next year because driving them is the best bit.

Feel free to ask questions and others will also have their experience to add.

[c1800]

Originally Posted by Steve 940

Hi Mitch,

Your restoration on this Amazon has been a bit of a source of inspiration, and as I am hoping to drop down to 2-3 days a week of work next April, I have a niggle that I would like to do either an Amazon or early 145 estate restoration with a few creature comforts added.

Have a rather impossible, but no less an important question, as an 'off the top of your head' best guess, what would you estimate as a realistic ballpark figure to allow?? assuming I did all the work myself.

I fully realise it really depends on state of the original project car, and the expectations of what is trying to be achieved.

If you would prefer to keep that sort of information to oneself, I fully understand.... my other half would flip if she knew how much our little hobby really costs

Cheers
Steve

Steve, not intending to pry...How old are you? given the excellent description by Burdekin, and the 1000 hrs plus, I can tell you at 62 when I bought my 1800, I was gung ho, but at 70, not so much. I still tend to it, but the things that don't interfere with a weekly drive, no longer get my enthusiasm. I've read many times, buy the one in the best condition you can afford. Good luck in your search.

[Steve 940]

Originally Posted by c1800

Steve, not intending to pry...How old are you? given the excellent description by Burdekin, and the 1000 hrs plus, I can tell you at 62 when I bought my 1800, I was gung ho, but at 70, not so much. I still tend to it, but the things that don't interfere with a weekly drive, no longer get my enthusiasm. I've read many times, buy the one in the best condition you can afford. Good luck in your search.

Hi C1800,

A very valid point, i'm currently 55 and feel up for the task, but as you say, starting with a better vehicle is the best way forward.

Certainly food for thought, and something I won't just jump into.

Cheers
Steve