bluecab
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Posts: 7
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Post by bluecab on Sept 20, 2010 22:10:28 GMT
 Our beloved 304s cab went to a mechanic friend for a restoration project 15 years ago, and never really had the restoration part done. Long story...Which leaves a pretty ropey car. (Pic enclosed). Its high time we got it sorted. It needs a ton of welding around the sills, and around the floor pans. The seats have all rotted in the interim, and will need replacing but at least I hear the cars running! I'm sure my heart is ruling my head in wanting to get this done. I live in London and don't have space to take the project on which will mean paying someone to do it. Do you guys think we should bite the bullet and move on? Cars in really great condition only seem to be going for the £3K mark, and I fear this will be a money pit. I'm loathe to break our beloved car but are we mad to consider taking it on? Thoughts much appreciated! Attachments:
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Post by oldpug on Sept 21, 2010 17:54:38 GMT
From what I can see its all or nothing!!?? Expect the body to fall apart when work is started.A full body restoration and re-spray,new hood?,new seats? done by a professional will cost way above 3K.Then get the mechanics up to MOT standard?? so many things will be siezed or corroded through lack of use.Its a shame and I think you know the answer.Dont scrap it,its worth more in bits for the spares.
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Post by miketippett on Sept 21, 2010 19:26:06 GMT
I would say restore it. But for a car in that condition, you should count on spending at least £10K to do it justice. But then again, what cabriolet can you buy today for 10K that is not going to depreciate at all?
I've budgeted about $30 K CAD to restore my 404 Coupé Injection, but they are more valuable than 304 Cs. It's still a net loser though. But again, just think what you could buy new with equivalent money.
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sochaux
Postman Pat
"First remove the engine"
Posts: 11
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Post by sochaux on Sept 21, 2010 19:49:19 GMT
Hello there
As an owner of a 304s Cabriolet and other classic cars and bikes the relaity is that a restored vehicle is rarely worth what it has cost to restore. I have several motorcycles which have cost me 3 times what they are now worth but when I take them out on the road now some years later the costs are long forgotten when you get them out on the road on a sunny day.
The 304 Cabriolet is now very rare indeed and even rarer in RHD and when I drive mine I am amazed at the superb combination of supple ride and good handling. The engine is very responsive and everybody loves the little car. The car is unthreatening and charming and everybody lets you out at junctions with a smile.
Complete strangers often come up to me and simply say "cute car". My 304c not only gives me a lot of pleasure but it is obvious it gives pleasure to others as well and you cannot put a price on this.
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Post by 504V6Ti on Sept 21, 2010 20:17:51 GMT
Yep, a complete money pit if you do go down the full restoration road but, in the end, the huge satisfaction that you've done it and from A to Z and the joy of driving yours truly 100%.
Yes, it will cost you 3 or 4 times what a good runnning one would do and it will take you many months. This is the only thing to keep in mind before you decide. Then, it's just love or basic reality.
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bluecab
First past the post
Posts: 7
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Post by bluecab on Sept 22, 2010 8:53:40 GMT
Hmmm. All very useful comments, thanks. I've uploaded more pics as it looks as though you guys will make a more informed collective decision than me.. Some welding has been done but its been minimal and over a long period of time. Heres the link; s1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa451/bluecab75/304s/All comments/opinions gratefully received! |
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Post by Piston Broke on Sept 22, 2010 11:01:09 GMT
I'd say restore it. Don't underestimate the cost, but if you plan it and budget one job at a time and stick to the plan then it'll come good.
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Post by 504V6Ti on Sept 22, 2010 23:06:02 GMT
I must admit the front looks in excellent shape compared to the doors and rear wings. The floors looked ok too. I will be expensive but the car is far from deserving the scrap yard.
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corrina
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Post by corrina on Sept 23, 2010 6:46:15 GMT
i have one same colour etc....which im now in the process of restoring, i think mine is in worst condition than yours! In its present state everything is stripped off the car and my boyfriend has started the welding, as mentioned previously the more you work on the car, the more you find needs doing. I admit some days i think to myself what the hell have i taken on, then other days i will spend hours cleaning one item up and have that great feeling of great achievement, i understand that it will be expensive, but if you take your time, and try to do as much as possible yourself it won't be as bad. if you do decide to take on the restoration it would be good to keep in touch and im sure helpful to both of us. my email is corrinarockley@hotmail.co.uk
good luck
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Post by oldpug on Sept 25, 2010 17:32:57 GMT
Just think,you spend 1000`s of Hrs and £1000`s,its all finished,looks and drives like it was when new.Take it to the CPUK rally to show it and go home with a nice trophy.Believe me when you have finished your classic and everything is right you forget the bills and problems and just enjoy it.
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bluecab
First past the post
Posts: 7
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Post by bluecab on Sept 30, 2010 7:59:58 GMT
Thanks very much everyone for all the comments. After much deliberation and conversation late into the night we've decided to let it go, much as I don't want to. Looking at this realistically I think it would be a great project if I had time and the space to keep the car and work on it myself, but I don't. Paying someone else will cost a fortune. I've had 2 kids in the interim years too, so perhaps the saving will need to go towards a nice 504 cabriolet that I've always dreamed of...
Any ideas where I should list it? I'll go for the owners club as I'm a member but what are the thoughts on ebay, or anywhere else? Certainly wont scrap it, there's plenty of parts of use on it still.
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Post by oldpug on Sept 30, 2010 17:22:41 GMT
Frenchcarforum.co.uk and pistonheads.com both have freeads.
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Post by Dave45 on Sept 30, 2010 17:42:23 GMT
If you don't need the space I'd strip it, scrap the shell and sell the bits. I'm wanting the clips that hold the chrome side strips on the bottom of the doors if you're willing to sell.
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Post by Dave45 on Sept 30, 2010 17:55:52 GMT
A couple of people have emailed me wanting a clock and a rev counter. I couldn't help them out, so you may have a couple of sales there.
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Post by trueblue304 on Jan 31, 2011 20:06:50 GMT
Am having the same issue with my '73 304 S Cabrio - restore or break? Most of it is in better shape than blucab's, but the floor is shot, and the sills are well on their way. Good thing it has a very good hard top on it...  |
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Our beloved 304s cab went to a mechanic friend for a restoration project 15 years ago, and never really had the restoration part done. Long story...Which leaves a pretty ropey car. (Pic enclosed). Its high time we got it sorted. It needs a ton of welding around the sills, and around the floor pans. The seats have all rotted in the interim, and will need replacing but at least I hear the cars running!
