Well out of my depth.

[M80]

Standby for some incoming,

Worth a punt as they say.
Use it as a learner, but hanging back with splashing the cash, for now, means you can learn lots for £300, and then decide on the future.

The wealth of knowledge here is to be taken advantage of. Given freely, 99% of the time intelligently, your (and my) progress is proof we're never too old, once nurse has put my slippers on at least.

 

[Axcontrols]

OP's first question about what to do first.

I would say MOT stuff. Ignore the cosmetics and get it through an MOT (if it doesn't have one). That 40 quid test, even if it fails, will be a great eye-opener as to what you've got.

Working on all the cosmetic stuff is, in itself, rewarding. But the reward will be a long time coming.

There's nothing better that taking it out for a drive. If it looks like sh*t then take it out at 3AM. But going for a blast really will give you incentive to get back to the rubbing, brushing and grinding. And to take it for that uplifting blast you'll need MOT and insurance. So get that first.

 

[LostKiwi]

My suggestion is get it mobile. That doesn't mean sorting all the issues it just means stop it being a brick sitting on your driveway.
Then sort the bodywork and structure...looking at that I'd be surprised if the sills aren't rotten. That would effectively make the car scrap as it really wouldn't be economical to repair.

Assuming it's structurally sound start working in cosmetics.
Yes replace rusty wings (but get decent quality ones otherwise they need a lot of work to get them to fit and will just rust away in no time again.
Once cosmetics are done start working on the mechanicals.
Finally work on the interior.

That would be my sequence.

As for tools Halfords Advanced are decent tools for not much money and do decent sets with Torx bits and e sockets.

 

[mioba]

For 300 notes and with time on your hands and a passion for the project - well done.

My tips - work on one thing at a time, dont start opening a building site working on multiple things at a time.

Take your time. Be patient. Never be ham fisted. If something doesnt move - take a break or you will brake something.

Plenty of resources online.

Invest in a car scanner.

Halfords advance are great - lifetime guarantee.

Wings bolt on and off - reasily replaced

The rear wings is much more work - find a good body shop.

I would also be checking for rust at the jacking points - behind the runners.

The bodywork will cost you the most.

One step at a time - you will do it.

 

[Appingary]

For 300 notes and with time on your hands and a passion for the project - well done.

My tips - work on one thing at a time, dont start opening a building site working on multiple things at a time.

Take your time. Be patient. Never be ham fisted. If something doesnt move - take a break or you will brake something.

Plenty of resources online.

Invest in a car scanner.

Halfords advance are great - lifetime guarantee.

Wings bolt on and off - reasily replaced

The rear wings is much more work - find a good body shop.

I would also be checking for rust at the jacking points - behind the runners.

The bodywork will cost you the most.

One step at a time - you will do it.

Thank you, common sense seems to be the order of the day.

 

[Kudly]

This is a thread worth watching, wish you lots of luck and keep us updated. Love seeing cars restored instead of scrapped.

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome

You'll be fine

 

[Appingary]

Hello and welcome

You'll be fine

Thank you, getting delivered tomorrow allegedly.

 

[00slk]

Thank you, getting delivered tomorrow allegedly.

Be good to read your thread on thread refurbishment

 

[PaulG]

Welcome to the forum. I look forward to seeing your refurbishment journey.

 

[Appingary]

I have no idea why, but I am nervous about it arriving, today it will be in the driveway with a cover over it until I have the garage ready hopefully over the weekend, I will turn it into a runner (he said apprehensively) and get it over to the garage for an MOT. I was at my local vintage car rally at the weekend (Biggar South Lanarkshire) and it has only whetted my appetite!

 

[Pegbasher]

Welcome and interesting introduction thread.... My 1st post I needed help with a headlight!!

 

[Appingary]

Welcome and interesting introduction thread.... My 1st post I needed help with a headlight!!

Funny feeling this could be a 10 year thread!

 

[Wighty]

Welcome and interesting introduction thread.... My 1st post I needed help with a headlight!!

At least you picked something that had a high chance of success

 

[Pegbasher]

At least you picked something that had a high chance of success

Wait for post number 3!!!

 

[SL63 Mark]

Has it arrived yet ?

I approve of the decision not to play golf. I know people who have taken up golf, and you never see them again.

Total waste of time hitting a tiny white ball around the countryside.

 

[mancman]

Have you called Motorway or We buy any can yet.

 

[littlebrooklyn]

I just showed the pics to my other half as he has been buying and restoring old cars since he qualified as a motor mechanic many years ago. He said 'I could do that', I'm just glad he's never brought one home that bad to our house as I don't think I could handle it
These are pics of a 1961 MG Midget he restored a few years ago showing it can be done!

 

[SL63 Mark]

Don't listen Appingary, they're all jealous.

 

[Appingary]

nothing will put me off, I have very little skin in the game, probably a lot of frustration & skinned knuckles, once I waste it, one of this lot can come and pick it up!