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grsymes

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Hi, I'm in Dun Laoghaore, Ireland. I have signed up to this forum to get information and advice.
I'm currently rebuilding a 1949 BSA 250cc motorcycle and I think I've caught the restoration bug; if there is a cure I don't want it!
I am interested in possibly getting an inter-war period Austin or maybe a Morris as a restoration project. I'm not set on a model yet, just nothing too rare/expensive.
My first question is what is the availability of parts, is there still a good supply of NOS, anyone making new parts, availability of items like gaskets and bearings?
I'm also looking at Ford Model T's but the prices are a little higher, at the moment anyway.
 
Welcome, you'll find lots of help here. There are lots of new parts avail depending on what you pick. NOS parts are a little harder and usually found with much looking
around on the web. In my case I found a man who is sitting on a lot of MGC parts, including 2 replacement NOS blocks. Since my Austin 3 litre shares the same engine, I would like to pry
some out of him. If I understand you, you want a car built between 1919 and 1939. My gut reaction is these will be real expensive purchase wise and parts wise. So if you manage to find something
like an Austin 20, things like engine gaskets NOS are probably history. But there are people who can make one for you at some expense. I am not one to give advice as that is a dangerous thing, but I think if you are considering a car , don't get a project, get the best one you can and spend more at the beginning. The cost of bodywork gets out of hand very quickly. I have a friend who restored a mid 60's BSA twin. Gas tank was dented in two places, could not find a replacement and the bodywork to fix is was 500.00. If you are skilled at that, different matter, but in my case I pay the piper
to get it done professionally. I do have a question for you. Have you ever driven a Model T? I did it once and it was an adventure.
 
I don't have a problem with using new parts, although it is nice on visible areas to try and use original parts. Things like gaskets you would probably what to go with new ones anyway. There is a good few guides on making your own ones out there. I found one suppler of new Austin parts alright and I'm sure there are others.
Cost wise from what I've seen I can get a decent starting point car at, what seems to me to be, a reasonably price.
I don't see the point in buying a car that is fully ready to go, where is the fun in working on it. Although it is good to try and get something complete as a good starting point.
I'm actually looking forward to trying my hand at bodywork, so that's not a major issue - petrol tanks are probably one of the harder item for dent removal because you can't get inside easily ÂŁ500 does seem a bit steep, maybe it is the going rate?
No, I have never driven a T. Getting a T as a project is looking expensive to get a decent starter. Parts aren't too much of an issue with 16 million car made, plus spares and reproduction parts there are still plenty of parts out there. I have seen a few T's although probably the same ones several times at different shows.
I'm 36 and don't actually have a drivers licence for car or motorcycle, most of what I need has been within walking or cycling distance. I've worked with a yacht club for nearly 10 years and have a good bit of experience with inboard diesel engines from small Yanmar's up to a Caterpillar bulldozer engine.
 
Welcome to the BCF grsymes! There is lots of help to be had here, although I think that motorcycle experts may be a bit thin on the ground.

I think that if you can decide which marque of inter-war car you want, you'd be able to make some good contacts in the marque club for it in the UK. Austin is probably a good choice, but certainly there are many others.

If it is the work you enjoy the most, a Model T may be fine, but if you're hoping for an enjoyable driving experience, I can't recommend them.

Good luck.
 
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