Fun first project car

[King Nothing]

Ok, say I have $5k to throw at a cheap car. Something that I can keep in the backyard or the shed, doesn't need to be assembled at all times as it is a spare car.

I want something that I can have a tinker around with, clean it up, do some mods myself. Doesn't have to be a potential ball-tearing monster (and it wont be for $5k ). I want a car that I can make some mistakes on while learning about restoring them, so when the time comes for an XW-XC I won't make so many beginner mistakes!

I'm not really concerned with what badge is on it, as long as it has the potential to be a bit of fun. Criteria is as follows;

1. Preferably rwd
2. Preferably v8 (will consider a strong 6 or something turbo)
3. Plenty of spares available at a reasonable cost (leading me towards jap/local)
4. Creature comforts are a bonus, but by no means a neccessity!
5. Preferably manual, or possible manual option from factory

A quick look around shows me a hell of a lot of vn-vp's. Damn ford and dropping the v8, there is hardly any fords in this range. So what do you people suggest?

[MotherNatureVer2]

Go the EB/ED V8 ..... you will learn a heap and have the potential to have a great car at the end ;)

Spares galore, easy to do basic mods (even I can do these), All the wanted points are covered depending what variant model you get

[Powdered Toast Man]

Also consider XD/XE, that's what I'm thinking about getting as a project car.

Otherwise like MotherNature said, EB/ED V8s are good to tinker with. You may find a 5L EB GL or Fairmont for under 2 grand if you look hard enough and are lucky but they will be auto. Manual V8 will be very hard to find and most are more expensive. But saying that there are a couple of manual EB XR8s on carsales ATM for around the 5G mark.

[fairBA]

get a VN - no matter what you do, It wont be any worse,

[Barry_v]

Originally Posted by King Nothing

so when the time comes for an XW-XC I won't make so many beginner mistakes!

why not just get an XB/XC sedan? available cheap and relatively easy to get parts for. plus at the end if you keep it tasteful it will retain value, unlike a VN or an EB which have limited appeal.

[vandrsxr6]

How about this one. http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...1&page=1&pp=25

Looks very clean.

[Falcon_Phill]

Get what you like. Your the one that has to do it in the end.

[King Nothing]

Just looking for a bit of inspiration, and to see if anyone suggests anything I didn't think of. The problem (that I see anyway) with the older X series is rust can be too much of a problem in the cheaper cars. Not saying that cheaper early e-series doesn't have their problems either though

[AndyZH]

Nothing beats a ZH Fairlane.... you just need space...

Spotted this ad - I bought my current ZH off this same guy about 4 years ago, he wasnt selling his other ZH at the time due to sentimental reasons (was his fathers car, purchased new). I ended up buying the non-running ZH next to it in the farm shed, which turned out to be the best rust free example i have ever seen. The duco on this green one wasnt as good, but it was all great underneath!

http://allclassifieds.com.au/c/ac?a=vc&i=924984476

[Falcon_Phill]

Originally Posted by King Nothing

Just looking for a bit of inspiration, and to see if anyone suggests anything I didn't think of. The problem (that I see anyway) with the older X series is rust can be too much of a problem in the cheaper cars. Not saying that cheaper early e-series doesn't have their problems either though

XC/XF/XT had more rust than any of my 3 XP's ever did. Rust is only a problem if someone hasn't looked after it. You can get whatever you like, just don't get one with starting rust and you'll be fine.. as long as you fish oil it up and take care.

[Fairlane]

One Word....

VALIANT

Cant go wrong with Slant 6 or Hemi 6 oomph.

other wise i suggest some of the usual suspects

Torana or 250 Cortina
XD/XE Falcon
VB-VK V8 Commodore

Something out of left field might be a Crysler Centura, Mitsubishi Starion/Scorpion/Sigma Turbo or maybe a Toyota Cressy/Crown

[BAxtER]

get an XF, my mate had one as his project car, (he was an auto electrician and brother was a spray painter) so it was easier for him in a way, but in the end it just looked awesome.

[Jock260]

Well, anything from a HQ-HZ. TONES of parts, very simple cars, and can turn out very very clean.

[cuz]

You can buy my XC for that. I'll even deliver it to you.

[XR8putts]

I'll go against the grain and reconmend an R32 Coupe. (Turbo)

RWD, light, tough Inline 6, Bathurst winner, parts fairly cheap and a hell of a lot of fun.

Twas my first car, how I miss it so :(

[RG]

A Corty, easy to mod, easy to stick a V8 in and there is plenty of info about on them. Lighter than a Falcon too so it will be quicker.

[[dave]]

x serirs maybe?

dont worry about rust just gives u more practice at fixin it

[Scone]

See if you can find a V8 P76 you should get a reasonable one for 5k and a manual. Look for a Super. The Executive is auto.

Parts are getting a bit scarce but there are a few clubs about that will help. 4.4 litre all alloy and a big unit!! I can tell you that they go. I am looking for one.

[schnoods]

Originally Posted by Fairlane

One Word....

VALIANT

Cant go wrong with Slant 6 or Hemi 6 oomph.

other wise i suggest some of the usual suspects

Torana or 250 Cortina
XD/XE Falcon
VB-VK V8 Commodore

Something out of left field might be a Crysler Centura, Mitsubishi Starion/Scorpion/Sigma Turbo or maybe a Toyota Cressy/Crown

Get a Val or xd or xe.

You can pick up a registered regal 318 (or 360) for around 5 grand, same for the XD-XE.

Doesn't take much to maintain, parts are available and reasonably cheap.

[Scott]

LC/J Torana. Similar vintage to your next car, same materials, pretty cheap to buy, worth a few bucks restored to get the next one sooner.

[daniel_rossy]

I say ED, if you can find one for the right price.

[Werd.]

s13 silvia.

Cheap turbos, cheap car, rwd, easy engine transplants, handle well...
I don't see why you would go for anything else.

[juve_fan14]

And i don't see why this thread is in a non automotive related chat topic, lol sorry, hate to be a kill joy but things are a little neater when everythings as it should be.

[cowboy]

Originally Posted by Fairlane

One Word....

VALIANT

Cant go wrong with Slant 6 or Hemi 6 oomph.

other wise i suggest some of the usual suspects

Torana or 250 Cortina
XD/XE Falcon
VB-VK V8 Commodore

Something out of left field might be a Crysler Centura, Mitsubishi Starion/Scorpion/Sigma Turbo or maybe a Toyota Cressy/Crown

Pretty well exactly what I was thinking.

[LUXO_8]

Originally Posted by [dave]

x serirs maybe?

dont worry about rust just gives u more practice at fixin it

this is a damn good point, i think i read earlier that this project car is a practice project before you get an xy or something?

dont go nuts but get something with a little bit of rust so you can learn how to properly cut it and replace it....

you are going to need the practice later on, so why not do it on something thats relatively despensible