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Buying a project car can be a fantastic way for you to increase your overall experience as a home mechanic. You can learn about the ins and outs of the vehicle and you can also get to grips with how the car works as well.
Bodywork
When checking the bodywork of a project car, you need to be meticulous. There are so many rusty cars for sale, but the bodywork can quickly become the most expensive part of the car. Welding is expensive and you need a good, solid foundation to start with. Everything else is easy to fix when compared. You also need to check underneath the car, even if this means getting on the ground. This will help you to find out if there is any rust and it will also help you to know if there is any bubbling. Some people will try and use a filler on rotting bodywork. They will then give it a fresh coat of paint. If you spot one area that is a lot shinier than the rest, then ask the seller what they have done with it. If you want to avoid all of these checks then try and buy a used Mercedes 4×4 from a reputable dealer.
The Engine
Now is the time for you to pop open the bonnet. How are things looking inside? Is the wiring tidy? If it has been taped up, then this could be a red flag. If the oil is looking milky then this could indicate that there is an issue with the head gasket. If you think that the engine looks okay then start up the car and listen to how it sounds. You need to make sure that the engine is starting from cold, or else you might not notice issues.
The Numbers
If you are looking for a classic vehicle as an investment, then you need to check the number for the car. You also need to check the rear axle, the transmission and even the engine to see if they match the documentation and the VIN number. If you don’t do this then someone may be trying to make more money than they should out of you, and this is the last thing that you need.
Consider Size
You will want to make sure that you have enough space to store the car. After all, if you are going to be working on it for quite some time then you will need room to get around it and under it as well. Storage might be a consideration if you don’t have any space at home, but that being said, the cost can be expensive. Consider if it will be a project you can fit inside a home garage or if the vehicle will be stored elsewhere.
Buy Good Tools
Don’t be tempted to try and save money by purchasing inferior tools. Trust the long standing, well known brands and you won’t suffer any surprises down the line.
