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Which car to fix?

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kennypinkerton

kennypinkerton

Yoda
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Looks like I'm gonna have some money to spend soon... I'm trying to figure out which car to fix.

The 4Runner - hasn't run right since I replaced the head gasket a little over a year ago. oil pressure is nil, and stutters hard under load. Probably needs a new engine altogether. Basically I'm tired of working on it.

The MGB - I have most of the parts to fix it's mechanicals, but needs quite a few more, and it needs the whole interior and top (including top frame) replaced. Needs new tires too. The wife doesn't fit it well because of her short legs.

The Alfa -
Still not sure what happened to it - replaced the fuel pump and lift pump last year, and it still won't run. I need to replace the fuel lines from the tank to the motor, and replace all the vacuum hoses, get a fuel pressure guage, replace the top, get the wipers working, and get some door panels - wife would like me to fix this one though, as she actually fits the driver's position in it. This one needs new tires also. I can get the seats reupholstered for about $550.


I only have enough for one car, and probably not enough to have a whole new engine put into the toyota. What would you do?
 
Fix the B.
Sell me the Alfa!
 
What year and what would you take for the 4-runner?
 
Follow your heart - unfortunately she's tellng you the Alfa!
 
Actually, my wife is telling me to fix the alfa, I'll probably fix the MG because I have most of the parts to fix it already here. Wish it had OD though.

I have no real clue what's wrong with the Alfa. and I'd love to get the toyota fixed, but I'll bet a new engine will go for way more than $2000.
 
All three have a whole host of issues. As a LBC fan, I've tend towards the MGB, but the Alfa has certain appeal, especially since your wife likes it.

Is this for daily transport, or as a second fun vehicle? Part of me also says sell all three, and pool your funds for one vehicle in better condition...
 
It'll be for daily transport. The B served me well for about 2-3 years before it got bad enough that I had to put her to bed for a while. I know what's wrong with it. Mostly needs new tires, brakes, and a carb. The top frame started losing screws and never fit right (bent slightly out of shape and top was shrunken when I got it). The front wheel bearing need replaced, and a steel brake line needs replaced.
 
Hmmmmm..... Check around for a used engine Kenny. you should be able to find one with some kind of warranty for between $1200-$1500. Or if you have access to a u-pull-it find one for under $500.
Just be sure that before you pull one yourself, pull all the plugs, dipstick, oil filler cap and radiator cap(if still there) and examine them, crank it over by hand to make sure all's well, and, one at a time, hold a finger over each the open plug holes while turning it over by hand (2 man operation) to get a rough idea if it had decent compression.

If the Toyota is wayyy out... Fix the one your sure can be fixed on the $$$ you have.
 
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