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Can Anyone Help Me With My Projects?

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AngliaGT

AngliaGT

Great Pumpkin
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I've got FIVE vehicles that I need to deal with - A LIMITED budget,& too much too do,& not a lot a lot of knowledge. Is there anyone that can help me get my projects going again?I've got a stalled '78 Datsun B210 project,a '68 Cortina wagon,a '67 MGB GT,with a blown head-gasket,a TR6,that needs the M/C replaced,& a '78 Triumph motorcycle that needs much work. - Doug
 
If I were closer we could bang out the TR6 and the MGBGT in a weekend. I'd start with those. They sound like the easiest ones to do. At least then you'd have 2 cars back up and running. Then crate up that Triumph Motorcycle, ship it to N.Y., and worry about it no longer....Grin.....
 
AngliaGT said:
I've got FIVE vehicles that I need to deal with - A LIMITED budget,& too much too do,& not a lot a lot of knowledge. Is there anyone that can help me get my projects going again? - Doug
Click to expand...

Yep, I'm your huckleberry. I've got good news and bad news. The good news is you're half way there, the bad news is you're not going to like the path that leads the rest of the way.

AngliaGT said:
I've got FIVE vehicles that I need to deal with - A LIMITED budget,& too much too do,& not a lot a lot of knowledge.
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You've already completed step one above. You've come to realize your limitations/ max capacity. Your problem isn't that your projects stalled, it's you have too many for your particular situation. Even if you got every project going again it, completion would be painfully slow; so slow in fact you'd never live to see it. What's going to happen is you're going to bleed all of your limited resources of time and money across several things but not gain any noticeable progress or value increase. Your current situation is the same thing as owning a boat in a rented slip, you'll keep putting money into something with zero return.

You need to get rid of some things. Yeah... I know... it sucks however; it's the only way. Look at each and decide how much is worth in their current state. Now look at each and figure out how much it will take in time and money to get it to the point/condition you want. Once you've come up with figures, double or triple the restoration time/costs (seriously) and chop sale value in half. It's gonna take longer and cost you more than you think and no one evey pays you what you think your stuff is worth.

Now that you've done the math, mix and match current value/sale prices of each to get the desired amount to complete one project to whatever standard you'd like. Now sell off everything else and complete that project.

You could also just pick the one you like most then sell everything else however; I don't know if you'll have enough resources to complete it seeing we don't know what that one it is.

Depending on condition I'm with Ben. They sound the easiest, dump everything else especially the Datsun and the motorcycle. The TR6 is the best "investment" wise and sounds like the easiest to fix.

You can either have a little bit of everything or a lot of one but you can't have both. Does that make sense?

Above all else, make a plan and stick to the plan.
 
I agree - take care of the TR 6 and the B. Best value, easiest to repair and being up two completed projects does wonders for the psyche. After that, do nothing and buy nothing and save, save, save to take on your next project. Seems like you like the Cortina a lot so shoot for that as your next project. Sounds like the bike would be a real bear so unless you sell it save for last. Unless there's some real emotional attachment or need, dump the Datsun for what you can and use the funds towards the remaining projects.

Can't say it enough - no more cars/bikes and save $$$ so you can take some pressure off yourself fiancially.
 
Is there anything specific that we can walk you through, Doug?
 
JPSmit said:
Is there anything specific that we can walk you through, Doug?
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If I may suggest, the part where this isn't the first time we've discussed this and the situation still hasn't changed yet would be a good start. :yesnod:

I know we definitely talked about this before at least once and the Dakota thing at least three before something happened.

Doug, much like myself; knows what he needs to do but that's not what he wants to do and gets hung in limbo. I have at least three cars if not four in this state. I don't think this is a rare, how else you think people wind up with so many "junk" cars but nothing road worthy?

A buddy once said, "You can go broke buying good deals".

I have more than I can handle too and need the cash AND the room and this is already down to my "minimum" inventory!

What's the difference b/w him and I? I'd say not much other than maybe 3 1/2 acres. it's really not that big of a deal here although most of my stuff is under some sort of roof. (and in the way)

Doug, at least your TR only needs a m/c, mine need a V8 and a 5 speed! You're lucky, believe me!
 
The GT head gasket is a weekend project at worst. I had to replace a head on my B last year. Ordered the gasket set from Moss, sourced a used head locally on Craigslist, and flying by the seat of my pants, had a running car by the end of the weekend. A new head gasket is a job you can do! All the specs and stuff you need to know are availble here on on the net. You have a safety net here as well. Hap is a phone call away, Doc is ALWAYS here! :D Don't be afraid - the water is great! And the TR6 master cylinder is another one you've got all the support and resources how to do it available here. The guys will give you all the tricks to bleeding, etc. And when you're done, you'll have two running, driving, saleable(?) cars. Think how good that will feel!! :D
 
Silverghost said:
. You have a safety net here as well. Doc is ALWAYS here! :D The guys will give you all the tricks to bleeding, etc. Think how good that will feel!! :D
Click to expand...

If Jimmy and Jose hangin' out all weekend with him singin' songs Doug will be bleedin' for sure! :jester:
 
Update - Got the Cortina back together,& found an exaust leak.
Needs the gasket/studs replaced.The proper gasket is on back-
order for at least a week.
The TR6 - Got an M/C from BPNW (I passed on the Chinese one!),
& got the special set screw for the rocker arm shaft (almost $20 w/shipping).
It's sitting on the workbench,awaiting R&R.
The MGB GT is sitting,until I sort out (or mess up) anymore cars.

I'm sorry,but I'm always hearing about British car people who help each
other out all over our country,& was hoping there'd be someone like that near me.
I guess that's what I get for being self-centered.


- Doug
 
AngliaGT said:
Update - Got the Cortina back together,& found an exaust leak.
Needs the gasket/studs replaced.The proper gasket is on back-
order for at least a week.
The TR6 - Got an M/C from BPNW (I passed on the Chinese one!),
& got the special set screw for the rocker arm shaft (almost $20 w/shipping).
It's sitting on the workbench,awaiting R&R.
The MGB GT is sitting,until I sort out (or mess up) anymore cars.

I'm sorry,but I'm always hearing about British car people who help each
other out all over our country,& was hoping there'd be someone like that near me.
I guess that's what I get for being self-centered.


- Doug
Click to expand...

Hey - congrats on making more car progress!

By the way, people who have the time and money for multiple old car hobbies don't always have like-minded folks living nearby! In those cases, persistence pays dividends when you're working alone. Keep on wrenchin' !

Tom
 
NutmegCT said:
Hey - congrats on making more car progress!

By the way, people who have the time and money for multiple old car hobbies !

Tom
Click to expand...

But Tom, that's what keeps us broke! :highly_amused: Do have a lot of time though!:encouragement: PJ
 
It's not self centered Doug.

How about the people in your club
Ours is always looking for tech sessions

The other week we redid a lot of DPO work in a 71 MGB ,OD, starter relay, horns...
It was all rewired with new switches that just layed on the tunnell
Easier for him to add new than fix the original

We took care of that

Next time I think it is a TR6 Pertronix going back to stock
 
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