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Journal: What Project Are You Working On?

What Project Are You Working On?

By Michael Banovsky
October 31, 2016
29 comments

We recently featured the story of a Volkswagen Beetle that has been with its owner so long that he doesn’t remember a time when the Bug wasn’t around. Based on the number of modifications and changes the car has undergone, it’s both a rare tale of lifelong ownership and a lifelong project car. What we spend time on says a lot about us—what project do you have in the works?

One of the aspects of Michael Adams’ Beetle I definitely relate to is in having a nearly 30-year “attachment” to a vehicle, though my family’s collector car wasn’t modified at one point into a pseudo-Baja machine…which I will say sounded like a lot of fun.

A project doesn’t have to be an entirely new body or concours-grade paint job—it could be as seemingly easy as tracking down the correct lens for a vintage marker light. Speaking of, I should be working on the 914, but instead I’m typing this story: what project are you working on?

For those of you who see light at the end of the tunnel as far as your project car goes, feel free to send us its story!

Photos by Alexander Sobran & Tad Orlowski

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Brian S
Brian S
5 years ago

1976 Jaguar XJ6C is getting a full engine rebuild to high compression E type specs with triple SU carbs. Detailing the engine bay in preparation for the return of the engine. Completing re-commissioning of a 1978 Porsche 928 that sat in a barn for 25 years… silver 5 speed with pascha interior and sunroof delete. Needed complete fuel and hydraulic system overhaul. New steering rack and hoses, vacuum lines, etc. 1967 Triumph TR4A IRS that I bought from the original owner in 1988 is coming back from extensive body repair and welding soon, will need paint and re-assembly. It’s going to be a busy summer!

0
Peter Inshaw
Peter Inshaw
5 years ago

1959 Alfa Touring Spider. Replacing 283/4speed lump with a 2.0L turbo/8 sd from
2017 Alfa Giulia Maybe a bastard but at least all Alfa. Wish me luck. also finishing up 67 GTV racer adding back interior & basics to flog up in the hills when I need a break. Pondering the feasibility of putting the red leather Giulia seats in as well. More beer required.

0
Steve Briscoe
Steve Briscoe
5 years ago

The Novetta, my homage to the 60’s sports racers is nearing completion. Custom frame, highly modified 60’s fiberglass body with cues inspired by the Alfa TZ2, 250 GTO and such. SOHC 2.0 engine with side draft Dellortos. Handmade stainless header. Custom aluminum radiator. Tubular front, custom 4 link rear, with coilovers all around. Handmade aluminum dash. Wheels powder coated to evoke rough magnesium. Vintage tail lights, Altissimo marker lights and vintage Lucas meatball lights. . Aluminum flip gas filler and Raydyot mirrors. Handmade 917 style shift knob and genuine F.I.V. wood wheel. Drilled pedals. Period style diamond pleat upholstery. Paint will be non-metallic, single stage 65 Ford Boxwood Green. As I am a writer and filmmaker video will follow…

0
Dan Hansen
Dan Hansen
7 years ago

Currently I´m restoring a 1957 MGA Roadster, made into a tribute to the cars racing in the 1951 Lemans.
It was sitting in a barn 23 years, when I found it, taken apart, every bit and pieces was put on shelf and in boxes, so you can say it´s a 1:1 diecast model.
The frame are assembled with the undercarriage etc. Ready to drop the drivetrain, before the body are put on top of it.
Besides the doors, front and rear bonnet, the floorpans and gear tunnel are handmade in aluminum.
The car will stand on 72 wire wheels, painted in a Dark Racing Green, from Jaguar, same color as the body.
Interiore will be burgundy red leather only on the seats and the cockpit rails.

2
Cameron Magbee
Cameron Magbee
7 years ago

My wife and I bought our first project car as a couple, so I’m trying to get a 1956 Nash Mertopolitan running. The previous owner made a few questionable choices in wiring so I’m getting it working in preparations for an inevitable wiring harness replacement. I’m also preparing to disassemble my Vespa P200E to take it to paint and start cleaning parts. It’s going to be a busy few months.

1
david ferreira
david ferreira
7 years ago

My brother and I are restoring a 79 Ford escort mk2 together! He is 22 and I am 18 so it’s the beginning of some projects between us!
It’s a 1.6 with twin dellortos, coilovers in the front, and some more goodies! Just car to have fun in!
Love from Portugal

2
Bram van Houten
Bram van Houten
7 years ago

Currently working on a Land Rover 2A (1971) and a Volvo 245GL (1981). Not really restoring, but keeping them up and running. When I’m older and have the space I’d like to do a Jaguar XJ6 (Mk1, gorgeous nose on that one) from the ground up.

It’s just that I like to drive them so much, that would keep me from restoring..

1
Nils Wenzler
Nils Wenzler
7 years ago

I’m about to start the teardown of my 240z. It is still running an registered (for now) but somewhat tired. Over the next 2-3 years it will have a ground up restoration – this winter I’ll take it apart to the bare chassis which will be the only thing outsourced to be welded & painted. I might even consider acid bath and KTL as I really only want to do the chassis once in my life. The spare E30 cylinder head is already bare and off to be cleaned and pressure tested – If it comes back in good shape the real fun begins, lots and lots of grinding…

1
Vintage Son
Vintage Son
7 years ago

1971 GTX, not my own car but helping. Most recently have been installing additional 2 speakers but it’s an on going job since an accident with the previous owner. It’s going to be a long time until it’s complete, especially trying to get the radical paint job replicated.

1
Michael Hammonds
Michael Hammonds
7 years ago

I’m working on my 1971 Leyland Mini Clubman van and my 1966 Sunbeam Imp. I just installed a rebuilt motor into the Mini and have completed 800 miles on it so far. I am also getting close to having the Imp on the road since being off the road since 1974.

2
Thomas.Reed
Thomas.Reed
7 years ago

Been working on a 73 240z for a while now. Putting a BMW S52 into it with a Z4 6 speed and a Subaru Diff as well. As it turns out, ground up restomods take longer than you think. It’ll be neat when it’s done though.

1
52Muntz
52Muntz
7 years ago

A 1952 Muntz Jet. I had been looking for one in my price range for many years. The one I found had been sitting in a warehouse, across the country from where I live, covered in dust and rat debris. My price range means it needs extensive work. After I bought it and shipped it to my house, I started tearing into it and discovered the previous owner had made significant mods to the structure, so the project has shifted from a restoration to a resto-mod. I’m doing as much as I can in my two car garage. I hope to make it look original on the outside but all new below the skin.

4
Eba Normaalne
Eba Normaalne
7 years ago

a 1989 RX7 Turbo, 3.5 years of work, hopefully gonna run the engine this weekend.

4
Lee Boatright
Lee Boatright
7 years ago

I’m slowly restoring a real 1966 Mustang GT Fastback in Springtime Yellow. Backstory is that I spent ten years trying to acquire this car what was being stored in a neighbors carport. When the P.O. passed away, the son saw my long list of notes and business cards and called me to offer the car. Now she resides in my garage and is about to go onto the rotisserie that I have owned for 25 years but never used.

2
Gundars Zemitis
Gundars Zemitis
7 years ago

I love old Audi’s and my icon is Audi Quattro. As I am no where wealty as most other users here, my first car and now project is Audi Coupe 1986. Objective is to upgrade it to Coupe GT standard, changing engine from 1.8 to 2.2 liter. Repaint it back to one of the original paints, upgrade interior to Coupe GT standards. It will take a lot of time and money, but I am ready to make till end.

4
Claus Targa
Claus Targa
7 years ago

I´m currently trying to get my 1986 Porsche 944 on the road again.
After buying it for (maybe too) cheap money first the head gasket blew, after fixing this (including installing a sport camshaft) I started worrying about all the burnt oil that left the exhaust just as the engine started to make some unpleasant noise…
So I am into engine out and engine rebuild, not really the things I dreamed about, but that´s how it is with old stuff and I am already looking forward to drive the technically absolutely sorted (engine out, also new clutch in !) underrated Porsche, which can be driven rather fast really relaxed.

Kind of masochistic to enjoy Old Car Ownership, but it pays !

2
Ron Peters
Ron Peters
7 years ago

’37 Ford PU (hot rodded, 3″ chop, small block Chevy, 5 speed), ’69 Porsche 912 and a ’29 Ford RPU…

2
Christopher Gay
Christopher Gay
7 years ago

I am about to design and fabricate an exhaust for a VW (Meyers Manx), then design and fabricate some carbon bits for a friend’s Sabot.
Also looking for a donor motor that my students can tear down and rebuild.
Thinking I should finally get into the Kugelfischer pump on my 2002tii. There never seems to be any time for my own projects…

2
Douglas Anderson
Douglas Anderson
7 years ago

Laugh at me if you like , but my latest project is trying to understand and use all the technology in the 2010 Lexus RX 350 I must bought. Jeesh, it’s a lot for a 72 year old man to get used too . I am told later generation cars have even more whiz bang tech in them 🙂

6
Mike
Mike
7 years ago

Thanks for referencing my story! I always have some project Im working on. The current one is a 64 Nova 2 door sedan. It still needs a lot of work but the plan is to auto-x it and make it fun to drive. It will have a Muncie 4 speed and 327 SBC in it. Eventually, Id like to do either ITBs on a small LS swap and a 5 or 6 speed trans with lots of suspension work.

3
Bryan Dickerson
Bryan Dickerson
7 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike, check out a business called TCI. They make coil over front end kits for old Novas etc. Apparently they make old Fords and Chevys handle amazingly well.

2
Clayton Merchant
Clayton Merchant
7 years ago

Keeping the MGA on the road is a constant matter of upkeep, it really is very dependable but I’m always finding things that I want to add or staying on top of the maintenance.
Currently working on an ’83 E21 that I picked up a few months ago, correcting the indignities of a couple of careless previous owners.

2
caprigls
caprigls
7 years ago

I’ve got a ’73 Plymouth Valiant I am slowly working on. It might be an unconventional vehicle, but with a few simple improvements I want to make, it will make an even better daily driver.

3
rama
rama
7 years ago

Almost done with a MG Sprite for a elderly neighbor that needed a motor rebuilt, need to get the carbs dialed in. Have to finish putting in a new motor in a 260z, and then structural work on a 240z. Sometime in between that we have a e30m3 that needs its cooling system looked at, a e34m5 that needs everything. And a Honda CB550 that needs to be finished….

not enough time in the day.

3
Bryan Dickerson
Bryan Dickerson
7 years ago

Slowly building my ’93 Volvo 245 into a 16 valve, 5 speed, IPD suspension car. Also getting my ’69 Datsun 510 wagon together. Because of the demands of being a farmer, these projects are on the sloooow track but I’m used to delayed gratification.

4
François Martinez
François Martinez
7 years ago

Currently working on my two ’79 Mustangs. After sorting the mechanical issues die to 25 years of storage, it’s time for them to get a fresh paint job. I’ll stay stock for the most part, with a few simple mods.

3
Loukas Mexis
Loukas Mexis
7 years ago

A 1987 Lancia Delta LX, which might be the “boring” one (a mere 1.5lt engine putting out 100bhp by a few) but you know what. It is perfect in my eyes and in my life as a daily commuter.

4
wemattson
wemattson
7 years ago

My son’s and I are currently working on a couple of projects; a 74 Triumph TR-6 and a 54 Pontiac Chieftain. I’m also helping my son’s on their projects as well, which are a 82 Supra and converting an old Ducati Desmo to electric power. Before the Ducati purist get wound up, the bike was donated without engine and drivetrain so my son thought it would be a great idea to go electric just for fun. Someday he may try and restore it back to internal combustion.

5
Eduardo Palandi
Eduardo Palandi
7 years ago

currently working on a 2-door Volvo Amazon, going restomod with it. since the original B18 engine is long gone and to source one in Brazil is virtually impossible, I decided to throw in a late-nineties turbo 5 and some amenities.

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