Hi guys, I’m not sure if this should go here or in tech.
We’re looking at buying our first VW (Type 3 fastback), pre 70’s. We are either going to:
buy a fairly good one straight up (if we can find one),
or
a “rougher” model which I’ll either restore, or use it as a “learning experience” with the view of selling and upgrading in a year or so.
For the later, I need some advice (or some information/people/links I can access) on key areas I should be looking out for (other than the standard rust etc).
We’ve found a couple of cars we’re half keen on but are no longer registered and/or haven’t been driven for a number of years (stale fuel, old plugs + old filters + old oil – to start with).
I’m concerned is that I’m going to be up for thousands just to get a roadworthy as I have no experience in getting roadworthy certificates, or I’m going to have mechanical issues with a car that hasn’t been driven in years.
I guess it really comes down to 2 things
What are the key elements in getting a car that hasn’t been driven in years (but was mechanically ok beforehand) back on the road?
and
Roadworthy issues (I’m in SA).
I’ll try and get a local mechanic to take a look prior to purchase (and to potentially get the car back on road). We’ve heard Debiasi are the go in Adelaide?
Any help would be appreciated (sorry for the long message).
things that you usually forget - Horn, warning lights on dash, and seatbelts that arent frayed or excessively faded. frayed brake hoses (or cracked if theyre the rubber type)
Reimagined/Recycled/Upcycled Cool
Cars that have been sitting for years generally suffer from rust worse than cars which have been driven, especially if they have been left outdoors. You have to ask yourself why it has been left sitting. Obviously your best bet is to buy one with a roadworthy, or at the very least, one which is registered. If you are new to dubs and don't have alot of mechanical knowledge, it's false economy to buy a cheap one with the hope of doing it up, it will cost you way more than buying a good one.
If you're not experienced with roadworthy issues, your best bet is to take it to a mechanic who is licensed to issue roadworthys. It costs around $50 for an inspection, at least that way you know what you're in for before you buy.
Keep in mind that they are at least 30 year old cars, so almost anything can be worn out. If they haven't been looked after, this can include lights, brakes, engine, gearbox, suspension, tyres, interior etc etc.
Ain't nothin' like the wind in your hair.
Looking for a relatively straight type 3 fastie speak to Fastfoo on the other thread
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=49957
Agree with purpleT3 though, cars that sit (in my experiece) generally rust away out of sight. Not sure what particular issues fasties have though, sorry.
'Ah, whatever................'
In my experience (not all VW) cars that have been sitting for a couple of years often have some extra problems.
Things like.
-Rusty Fuel tanks
-perishing rubber component not just door and window seals but also grommets, brake hoses, suspension rubbers,exhaust rubbers, engine mounts and the list goes on.
-brakes siezed on / off
-rust
-possible engine problems (rings stuck in grooves) leaking gaskets etc
.
Most older car are sold without roadworthys but if the car has been in regular use prior, them most mechanical items will still be in functioning order.(maybe)
I believe it is best to spend as much as you can and buy the best possible car to start with, registered or atleast running and driving rather than a car needing thousands just to get it on the road.
To start withh you really want to get something you can drive home (registered or permit) and that way you can drive it to get work done and inspections rather than buying a trailer load of parts and begining and expensive jigsaw.😢
Jeremy
Bought my square registered (love to know who did it, they'd pass anything)
But it may as well have been a barn find ($650)
Spent upwards of what I could have got a real nice one for, getting it right for the next rego..
*all shocks, 3 brakes, two new tyres, a week off to treat and bog rust,new fuel pump, new wiper blades, extensive seat repair, door, bonnet and hatch seals rotted (still), main gasket replaced, fresh air vent de-mucking etc..etc...not to mention the time/ trouble and learning curve.
I was lucky I had six months to do it and knew an honest mechanic who liked type 3's.
Lucky it had a good reco engine from four years ago, still going strong, and lucky I like getting in there and doing stuff myself.
My only consolation is that I love my car and probably saved it from the scrap heap.
I think it was worth it but could have done things a lot easier in retrospect.
Have read elsewhere that a typical problem with long term sitters is rotted fuel line rubber..
a possible cause of engine bay fires.
bog'n'grumble
Hi Guys,
Thanks for your comments. Sounds like if the cars been sitting around for a while I should be pretty carefull.
Will keep searching for a good pre 70's fasty.
Cheers
As wel as looking in the usual VW rustspots.....take particular notice of the rear pillars
Kathy
If you can't laugh at yourself you can't laugh at anyone else! Because life is to short not to LAUGH
buy the best one you can afford
doing em up costs more than a good one
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