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The short answer is that absolutely anything is restorable, but it comes down to whether the car warrants the cost and effort, who will do the work etc. If you aren't planning on doing pretty much all the work yourself, then you are guaranteed to spend more than a replacement car would cost. If you love the car and can't bear to part with it, and want to keep it forever, then maybem but it will take four times longer and cost six times as much as you expect!
The only limits are as stated. Money and labor. Oh, mix in skill!!!!
Circa 1958, I built a 23 Ford T speedster. All from junk. The "big chunk" was the remnants of a "field trap". Engine and chassis and a flat bed. It served as a seat as well. Purpose to service equipment in the fields. .
The engine grew from a short block in a farmer's yard. The remnants of a car that perished in a barn. Main bearings had great Babbitt. a huge plus.
An "A" carb and Jeep distributor made the T far more lively... In black and yellow it was slick and ran accordingly. Oh, fond a way to sue 21" A wire wheels. Looked like the unaavailble "T" wires...
it will take four times longer and cost six times as much as you expect!
THIS is the only certainty with a restoration. The deeper I get into my car the more I find wrong. Now it's gotten to the point where in a few months the engine and transmission will be coming out to get freshened up, and both suspension subframes are coming out to be completely redone.
The satisfaction when it's all done though.. worth it!
dont know if this helps , i was told my XJS was beyond restoration, it is a rare car and i needed something to do! money no object! LOL. before before before after after after
Got to love that car Ron... unbelievable amount of work to get it to that point.
Snapper, keep the updates coming... should keep us all entertained for some time. I wish I had the skills to undertake such a rebuild, OH and the time, Oh and the money, Oh and the garage, Oh and the equipment, Oh and the Dad who wants to and can help.... sometimes life is not fair!
Got to love that car Ron... unbelievable amount of work to get it to that point.
Snapper, keep the updates coming... should keep us all entertained for some time. I wish I had the skills to undertake such a rebuild, OH and the time, Oh and the money, Oh and the garage, Oh and the equipment, Oh and the Dad who wants to and can help.... sometimes life is not fair!
If It wasn't for The DAD,. I would never be able to start it LOL
if i wasnt for my dad i probably would never been involved with cars at all!
He taught me so much! Old irish helps!
Ron
yep my dad got me into cars. He had a 1971 mustang mach1 w/429cj, and a 1975 280z datsun. Both i got when he passed. Both of which i wish i still had but both were stolen. And at 2 different times.
Man I wish I could just give you my parts car. In fact I will give it to you...Just come get it...in Florida ..hahaha Big Tease...sorry.
You have really taken on a project...Good Luck with it.
If you were in the US, I would immediately say, "yes, that's beyond restoration!"
However, in Ireland, and your particular circumstances, it could be another kettle of fish. On this side of the pond, there is still an excess supply of rust-free cars that were neglected mechanically that are better candidates for restoration. That said, once restored, there isn't enough of market here yet to justify a full restoration, whereas in Ireland a well sorted XJS would probably be a rather rare beast.
With your dad on the case, and rising values in the UK and the EU, there might be light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it might be an oncoming train, but it's still a light... ; )
...and at the end of the day (or years) it doesn't really matter if it works out as financial windfall, it matters if you enjoy the journey. At this point? Why not? Go for it!
my XJS is up for sale , i'm gettin on in yrs,so fast cars have been put on the back track! also its RHD right hand drive! side view ALL 12 cylinders exit from one outlet
When is a car gone too Beyond Restoration
