$5-6K restro project suggestions? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

brzninja · 05-03-2013, 08:24 PM

I'm starting to get the restoration bug again (previously partially restored a Datsun 240z a few years back).

My parents are building a new house and will finally have a double garage which means I can store a project car and work on it with my Father. My question to you all is this:

What can I get for around $5K-6K that is moderately in good shape that will be a fun restoration car? I was thinking of getting another 240 or 260, a '75 corvette, or a triumph spitfire. I'd love to have you all share your experiences with your restore projects or suggestions what what to get.

Thanks in advance!

dem00n · 05-04-2013, 01:10 AM

I'd get something different, the ones you posted are kinda typical.

I am a hipster...

Heres a crazy thought.

Why not import a car?

For example, one of those crazy unheard of Japanese cars from the 50's, 60's and 70's? I'm sure you could pick up something cheap.

Australian muscle?

Just go Italian, go restore an Alfa. Maybe a Fiat?

Everyone loves a Fiat...

Mandy · 05-04-2013, 01:15 AM

Before I even opened the thread I was going to say 240/280z.

I still stand by the suggestion. Maybe a bug if you want something easy to work with that you can unload on a whim.

Sonolin · 05-04-2013, 01:53 AM

Mustangs are always easy to make fast on the cheap :-)

Supermassive · 05-04-2013, 02:08 AM

Datsun 510, imo one of the coolest cars to come out of Japan.

Wes B. · 05-04-2013, 02:28 AM

Jeep CJ

EarlQHan · 05-04-2013, 02:45 AM

Buy my Datsun 2000! Seriously...

bcj · 05-04-2013, 03:16 AM

Second a 510. I have a preference for some of the 'Goons on Ratsun.

Re~Mix · 05-04-2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlQHan

Buy my Datsun 2000! Seriously...

Now that, is a cool little car!

gatorbushmen · 05-04-2013, 12:48 PM

If money is an issue, I'd go for the 240 just because parts are relatively cheap. Even though I think you implied that you already have a 240? I think you know what I mean abot parts being cheap.
Yea they're pretty common, but I always appreciate/gawk at nice 240's whenever I see them

Supermassive · 05-04-2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brzninja

I'm starting to get the restoration bug again (previously partially restored a Datsun 240z a few years back).

My parents are building a new house and will finally have a double garage which means I can store a project car and work on it with my Father. My question to you all is this:

What can I get for around $5K-6K that is moderately in good shape that will be a fun restoration car? I was thinking of getting another 240 or 260, a '75 corvette, or a triumph spitfire. I'd love to have you all share your experiences with your restore projects or suggestions what what to get.

Thanks in advance!

I'd also suggest buying a car from the Southwest to avoid rust and the like, buying cars from the Northeast is a huge gamble due to rust. Of course if you are good at metal work and replacing rusted panels then theres no reason not to, but if you'd like to keep the rust to a minimum finding cars out in the dry regions of America is the best.

m.wood0213 · 05-04-2013, 01:08 PM

get something unique, no mustang or Datsun.

rice_classic · 05-04-2013, 01:34 PM

Honda S600 with a modern engine.

Classic Mini with a B16 (more than your budget)

Build a Caterham?

brzninja · 05-05-2013, 12:09 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions! I just found out about the Opel GT which is a pretty cheap car to buy. I'm looking into getting something by next summer so I have a lot of time to think it over!

The Honda S600 and Datsun 2000 are also nice looking and made my list!

05-04-2013, 01:10 AM	#2
dem00n Member of the year - 2016 Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: Scion FRS Location: New York Posts: 3,575 Thanks: 788 Thanked 2,427 Times in 1,111 Posts Mentioned: 23 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I'd get something different, the ones you posted are kinda typical. I am a hipster... Heres a crazy thought. Why not import a car? For example, one of those crazy unheard of Japanese cars from the 50's, 60's and 70's? I'm sure you could pick up something cheap. Australian muscle? Just go Italian, go restore an Alfa. Maybe a Fiat? Everyone loves a Fiat... __________________ Friends don't let friends Plastidip

05-04-2013, 12:48 PM	#10
gatorbushmen Amateur Drifter Join Date: Apr 2013 Drives: '13 FRS Location: Saint Augustine Posts: 355 Thanks: 220 Thanked 222 Times in 72 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	If money is an issue, I'd go for the 240 just because parts are relatively cheap. Even though I think you implied that you already have a 240? I think you know what I mean abot parts being cheap. Yea they're pretty common, but I always appreciate/gawk at nice 240's whenever I see them __________________ i like 2 drift https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvo...pU-TkCZZcTh61g

05-04-2013, 01:34 PM	#13
rice_classic Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: Nevermorange FRS Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 4,171 Thanks: 757 Thanked 4,206 Times in 1,807 Posts Mentioned: 78 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Honda S600 with a modern engine. Classic Mini with a B16 (more than your budget) Build a Caterham? __________________ SCCA T4 - FRS

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05-04-2013, 01:15 AM	#3
Mandy I came from a motorbike Join Date: Jan 2013 Drives: Firestorm 2013 FR-S 6MT Location: FL, US Posts: 447 Thanks: 243 Thanked 390 Times in 124 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Before I even opened the thread I was going to say 240/280z. I still stand by the suggestion. Maybe a bug if you want something easy to work with that you can unload on a whim.

05-04-2013, 01:53 AM	#4
Sonolin Banned Join Date: Sep 2012 Drives: 2013 Scion FR-S Location: SoCal Posts: 885 Thanks: 1,489 Thanked 289 Times in 176 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Mustangs are always easy to make fast on the cheap :-)

05-04-2013, 02:28 AM	#6
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05-04-2013, 02:45 AM	#7
EarlQHan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Drives: Subarus Location: Nowhere Posts: 189 Thanks: 20 Thanked 129 Times in 66 Posts Mentioned: 4 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Buy my Datsun 2000! Seriously...

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