Following on from a rather briefer question, I would like to throw this open to the collective on here, hoping for a bit (lot) of advice regarding a possible GTA purchase. Apologies now for the length of this post.
I have admired these cars for many years and this particular one belongs to a life long friend.
I am a reasonably competent DIYer, age 59 so am able/ prepared to tackle most jobs but have limited garage space.
But enough about me…
The car itself
A G plate turbo, hasn’t been on the road since 2002, it suffered some head damage (crack) but that has been professionally repaired. Stored in a dry unheated garage. There is 90k miles on the clock.
It starts, runs sweetly, clutch works.
I gave the car a good look over last night and taking the owners list and adding my own notes:-
The chassis has a very thick coat of flaky rust but appears basically sound in the areas that get mentioned on this forum – rear turrents and A pillars. No paint left on chassis. Can I stop it getting any worse or will it ultimately require major surgery.
Most suspension components are similarly rusty but probably serviceable. Suggest heat required to free off most nuts/bolts. Threads lost under the rust.
Most suspension rubbers in poor condition. Will require replacing.
Brakes binding - likely to be seized. What is the cost of replacements and new flexis. (Solid brake pipes seem coated in something protective)?
One headlight glass cracked, one de-bonding from nosecone, nosecone distorted around headlight.
I believe these are rare and megabucks, is there a cheaper option, polycarb or similar?
One dipped beam light has a corroded reflector, are these specific to the GTA or semi universal?
Screen scratched/scored by wipers on passenger side (If not an MoT failure it must be close, are replacements available and what is the cost?
Drivers side door mirror shell broken. GTA Specific?
Drivers side window inoperative, can be pushed up/down. It’s a pull it apart and see I guess.
Both doors about 40mm from the top edge, and leading edge of roof have a strange line under the paint, like a run but I don’t think it’s ever been painted. (Minor flaking of laquer not enough to worry about).
Steering wheel requires re-trim – believe someone on here has had one done recently?
Drivers side beige leather seat requires re trim. Both bolsters worn and split.
Olive green carpets require clean (minimum) or replaced (preferred as worn). Are sets available?
4 new tyres required (standard turbo wheels). Would consider dropping a tyre size to avoid replacing wheels due to cost.
A few cam bolts and a wheel nut required – guess someone on here has a box full….
Elecric door opening inoperative, mechanical operation works but sticks due to lack of use. As long as MoT man isn’t worried I wouldn’t be.
Heater or heater pipes leak. Didn’t strip the car to find problem, is heater accessed from inside car or luggage area?
Cooling fans not checked
Needs a service obviously
I won’t say at this moment what he wants for it as it’s still open to discussion and as hes a good mate. I neither want to rip him or me off.
It seemed like a good project car until I looked at it last night then started to add up the possible costs of this lot. Suddenly the car seemed not such as good an idea, when what would seem reasonable examples come up for sale at what seems very little, when you consider it’s an interesting, 4 seater performance car.
Hope this hasn’t gone on too long, if anyone can offer any specific advice about any of the above I would appreciate your guidance.
Thanks
Tony H
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