Basic Mechanics Course

[Bensds3]

After taking such an interested in cars recently my mum has been pestering me about taking a course to get a better understanding of vehicle maintenance and how things work etc.

Especially when im using their sky+ to watch Wheeler Dealers all the time lol.

Before getting the DS3 I did nothing more than change wheels and add oil and washer fluid. I'm just about to have my 3rd paid for service and then after that I would like to try looking after my car myself.


Anyhow I am going to eventually start an evening course at £99 for 10 hour long sessions which isnt bad.

Has anyone done something like this before and do you recommend it?

Thinking of getting a project car with my dad soon. I want something french but I think we would both agree on a mx5 in need of some tlc.

[Yellow]

I started by just changing plugs etc then plucked up the courage to do brakes. Eventually after many years and buying a project car ( Mk 4 Escort Cabriolet £150 off eBay) I rebuilt the engine and it actually worked, lol. Check what's on the course as I did one once and it was all theory as they omitted to mention they had no workshop for us to use. A Project car and relevant Haynes Manual plus time and you can't go wrong. Pick something 70's/80's without loads of electronics and not costing much in case you give up.

[DS3_JO]

I'd thought of doing one as well. I'm going to go to one of the open days the college does first to see what it's like

[Bensds3]

I'l look for a bargain project car. I'm interested in a cabriolet or a classic van.

Peugeot 205 CTI or CJ (cabrio)
Mazda MX5 (high mileage example probably)
Old Escort/Bedford Van
Citroen 2CV or 2CV van
Berlingo Multispace (cabrio model, must be bargain! (convertible band wagon anyone?))
Mini (probably too expensive)

Anyone recommend any decent convertibles or vans for restoring? My taste is pretty crap I was close to buying a berlingo cabrio once...

[Jimbob]

Peugeot 306 1.9 Diesel - £600
Body X-Reg (2001) Peugot 306 for sale
1.9 Diesel
12 months MOT
130k miles
Service history/receipts
Record and receipts of all past MOTs and Services (13 so far)
There are a few scratches on the front bumper and rear wing but nothing major. See attched pictures

£600

Call Andy Heptinstall for more details - 07872 906564

This might be a good project car - bodywork is good. It's just someone where I work selling it - I have no connection.

JB

[Bensds3]

Ta Jimbob. Seen the 306 diesel project car in PFC mag. Would have to be a little more special than that for my liking. Got to be something my dad wouldn't mind clogging up the garage lol. Alternatively been thinking of converting one of our old ride on mowers for racing. Worlds cheapest motorsport haha. Think i'l do the course first then decide. The mowers looking tempting though.

[Jimbob]

I always fancied building a trike!

JB

[gar074]

I'l look for a bargain project car. I'm interested in a cabriolet or a classic van.

Peugeot 205 CTI or CJ (cabrio)
Mazda MX5 (high mileage example probably)
Old Escort/Bedford Van
Citroen 2CV or 2CV van
Berlingo Multispace (cabrio model, must be bargain! (convertible band wagon anyone?))
Mini (probably too expensive)

Anyone recommend any decent convertibles or vans for restoring? My taste is pretty crap I was close to buying a berlingo cabrio once...

If you want a cheap convertible, there's lots of helpful advice on Barchettas out there, and they're great fun, and v.cool (try www.fiatforum.com/barchetta), although some parts (esp. trim) are now getting pricey.

Or why not go for a kit car? None of that tedious rusty bodywork to sort out.

[Bensds3]

Yeh nice car, thing is were allergic to Italian cars.

[Yellow]

Escort Mk 4 Cabrio piece of piss to work on and parts are cheap just look on eBay. I bought two in the past and neither cost more than £200. If it goes wrong scrap it.