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The real value of "old" cars?

143 messages,  Last post on Oct 05, 2010 at 6:53 PM

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What is this discussion about? Coupe, Convertible, Truck, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 11 of 15

#95 of 143 Re: Austin's anyone? [isellhondas] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 02, 2010 (7:20 pm)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 02, 2010 5:50 pm)
You can have the master cylinder bore re-sleeved if it's too pitted, so that's fixable even if it's ruined inside.
 
I would certainly creep around in 1st gear as these are non-syncho 1st gear transmission and usually first gear is not sounding too good.

#96 of 143 Motorcycle Jackets by mariajim

Sep 03, 2010 (2:48 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 02, 2010 4:50 pm)
I was comparing the parts sourcing and resto work performed by the mechanic on Andre's DeSoto and LeMans vert. What project car doesn't get a mechanic's touch to handle some of the needs?
  
The Austin is +50 y/o british tin with numerous "adaptations." If dad/son get in over their head with it, would most mechanics even touch a project like that?
 
Thanks
 
Maria Jim
Motorcycle Jackets Manufacturers

#97 of 143 Re: Austin's anyone? [Mr_Shiftright] by isellhondas

Sep 03, 2010 (8:09 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 02, 2010 7:20 pm)
I've been exchanging emails with the Austin seller and I can tell he's really a decent upfront guy.
 
I guess he was thinking that our son is 16 and this was to be his first car. Our son is 30 but he didn't know that. He tried very hard to talk me out of it.
 
First of all, it's a right hand drive which kills it for me.
 
He said it does run quite well but it's a handful to drive. He said it leans and wallows through corners. He said it has primitive turn signals with a switch in the center of the dash and they are non cancelling like an MG I once owned.
 
He said the windows don't have winders and they have to be opened manually. It has a very low ratio rear end and although it could drive on the freeway he would never attempt this. It has a Morris Minor engine that he says runs very well.
 
He cited a couple of clubs and said that parts have never been a problem.
 
Sounds like a very nice guy who is just tired of this old Austin.
 
Anyone?

#98 of 143 Re: Austin's anyone? [isellhondas] by fintail

Sep 03, 2010 (9:09 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 03, 2010 8:09 am)
All depends on what your son can deal with I guess. It would have to be a sunny Sunday putt around town car.
 
With the inop brakes, I'd be making him an offer a bit lower than his asking price. No brakes, non working windows, RHD, probably some missing unobtanium (in NA) trim pieces , all work against the rarity and awkward coolness. It's approaching project car hell eligibility.

#99 of 143 Re: Austin's anyone? [isellhondas] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 03, 2010 (9:28 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 03, 2010 8:09 am)
Picture yourself in a RHD car of this type trying to pass someone on a 2-lane road!!!

#100 of 143 Re: Austin's anyone? [Mr_Shiftright] by fintail

Sep 03, 2010 (10:03 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 03, 2010 9:28 am)
I don't know of any 4 wheeled vehicles that thing could pass
 
But think of how easy it is to parallel park!

#101 of 143 Re: Austin's anyone? [fintail] by isellhondas

Sep 03, 2010 (10:32 am)

Replying to: fintail (Sep 03, 2010 9:09 am)
The windows do open and close but they slide from side to side I think rather than wind up and down.

#102 of 143 Re: Austin's anyone? [fintail] by isellhondas

Sep 03, 2010 (11:35 am)

Replying to: fintail (Sep 03, 2010 10:03 am)
I was just thinking.
 
Me, in an Auto Parts store...
 
" I need a water pump"
 
" Sure, what kind of a car?"
 
Well, it's a 1957 Austin but I think it has a Morris Minor engine in it"
 
" What, exactly is an Austin and what is a Morris Minor?"
 
Fumbling through catalog pages.....
 
" Oh, I do see a Morris Minor...what year is the engine?"
 
" I'm not sure"
 
" Well, what size is the engine?"
 
" I think it's around 1000 cc but I'm not sure"
 
" You'll have to pull off that water pump and we will have to send it to England to see if our NAPA partner over there can match it up"
 
He switched the mechanical rear brakes (!!??) and put in hydralics but out of WHAT??
 
I think this would be like stirring in a pile of you know what. The more you stir, the worse it stinks!
 
Hey Fintail, how about you? Just a few miles away from us!

#103 of 143 Question... by isellhondas

Sep 03, 2010 (11:37 am)

Have any of you ever ridden as a passenger in the front seat of a RHD car?
 
I had the most HARROWING ride of my life when I was very young. It was an old VW Bug on the freeways of Los Angeles.
 
No seat belts, semis on boths sides of us.
 
Everyone should try that one time!

Messages Page 11 of 15

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