Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Petrolicious. Don’t be left out—join the ranks of those who Drive Tastefully.
Already a member? Log in
We're glad you're back.
Not a member yet? Sign up
We'll get you back on track.
Journal:
What Car Projects Have You Been Putting Off?
We have quite a few cars between all of us at Petrolicious (some have way more than others!), and a couple of us always seem to have one car or another either in the shop or stationed in our garages at home in various states of progression (or disrepair). As it is with most petrolheads, we always have something more we want to be doing with our cars, but haven’t actually gotten around to doing them.
What car projects have you been putting off?
No it’s the 365GT4’s predecessor the 365GTC4 (it belong’s to my Dad). The most basic explanation is it’s a 2+2 version of a Daytona but it’s actually much more complex than that. I wrote an article comparing the two cars a few years ago http://www.drivecult.com/features/sibling-rivalry-ferrari-365gtb-4-daytona-versus-ferrari-365gtc-4
As to the Daytona colour it still shows up well but it was last painted in 1985 and there are a few areas that need a little attention. The car is 40 this year so as a birthday present to it I might get it repainted. Have to say I like the idea of the blue but my wife prefers the red 🙂
All of them?
I’m restoring a ’73 BMW 2002. I haven’t kept my Project Blog up-to-date on the FAQ (http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,368267/). I currently have it stripped down to a chassis (engine out, subframes removed, etc.). I just purchased a welder, and I need to teach myself how to use it. I think things will move more quickly once I learn.
Go for it! I saw your blog and it looks like you have made a serious commitment. It’s not the destination, but the journey, right?
If it makes you feel better (or worse), I own at least five welders and things haven’t moved any more quickly. Doh!
I own a 1974 tii that is patiently waiting for me to fabricate any number of parts on the list in any order. I think I will start with mounting new tires, so I can just get back to driving the snot out of it.
Oh, I also need to replace the heater core in my ’89 Suburban. I bi-passed the old, leaky one about a year ago, so I’d say it’s about time to put the new one in. Hey, it’s San Diego.
For what it’s worth, I did recently weld up the catalytic converter on my wife’s car, so it’s not like I can put all the car projects off.
It’s definitely been a journey so far. I’ve enjoyed every step of the way, but I really want to drive it.
The exhaust manifold on my 02 shattered a few weeks after I purchased the car. I was backing down my dad’s driveway, the exhaust scraped (the car is lowered), and it shattered the manifold. It was a good reason to purchase an entirely new exhaust system (from IE).
For me, it’s not a matter of drive to get things done, it’s a matter of money. The Spit6 project is coming along at a nice pace ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/81749070@N07/sets/72157632321362411/ ), but there’s so much more I want to do. Some modified builds, others just classics.
List of future builds: Jaguar XJC in Ecurie Ecosse blue with a tuned 4.2 engine (triple carb or FI), Triumph Stag with a 4.0l AJV8, Group44 tribute Mk2 GT6 (white with a single offset two-tone green stripe), Alfa Romeo GTV6, Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV, Alfa Romeo Berty coupe with an Arese V6, 2.0l Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider (disk brakes too), Reliant Scimitar SE5a, Jaguar XJ40 estate, Jaguar XJS V12 manual, Rover P6 3500, Maserati Biturbo 222, Chevrolet Corvair, Datsun 240Z, Alfa Romeo Alfetta 1750, Matra Murena, Peugeot 404, Alfa Romeo Montreal and a Baja-style MGB GT V8.
Enough to keep me busy.
Still doesn’t like the links: http://tinyurl.com/b6f6xt8
The ’71 MGB that keeps the MGA company in the garage that has been torn down to the shell for the last 4 years. It was supposed to be built for my wife and that was the sell job I used when I acquired it. She and it (the MGB) are patiently waiting it’s turn and hopefully one day time and funds will allow this type of frivolity again. In the mean time the “A” is the fun car.
Sleeping in the back corner of the garage is my Cadillac Seville Commemorative Edition. The car and I were born in 1985, the last year for the “roach” or “bustle-back” Sevilles. The General created a handful of specially trimmed, white & blue Sevilles and Eldorados at the end of ’85, bidding adieu to both body styles, and ushering in 5 or 6 years of uninspired, midsize luxo-boxes.
Most folks have a love-it or leave-it relationship with this body style and the finicky 4100 power-plant, but we seem to be in an age where even ugly ducklings are getting due appreciation from the petrol-headed masses; I’m sure rarity plays a large role in giving these orphans their day in the sun. No longer do classics have to be corner-carving weekend warriors, or thundering straight-line thoroughbreds. There’s something deeply endearing about wrenching on the unexpected classic that’s economical enough to drive daily, and receive praise as though it were a $60,000 trailer-queen.
So, when I get around to new vinyl top & windshield my old Seville will again have her day cruising in the sun.
Getting the rusty flour replaced… All of them… I don’t have a welder, or the electrical circuit to use one.
Started her (79 fiat spider), friday night after 2 months of silence only to hear an engine knock…. So now it’s off with the oil pan to check the rod bearings. Floors will have to wait.
