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Restoration Cost


roba

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Hi guys,

Just about to restore my MK1 spitfire.

Can anyone tell me what amount of money I should forecast for a total restoration of parts only. I'm keeping the engine, carbs have been already restored, apart from that everything will get replaced or restored. I've already go a price for respray so don't include that, or any labour charges.

Also it's a MK1, so will I devalue it heavily if I drift too far away from its originality? For example, the original gear-box has no synchro. If the new gear box gets upgraded with synchro box which is a a non-visual better part - does that devalue it. Or is it only the visual stuff that does that, such as sticking the wrong seats in it?

Be outstanding in everything you do, even if you're a farmer, be outstanding in your field.
cheers
Rob

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Intended use of the car.
Where in the World you live.
How much mechanical work you may be doing yourself.

These are very reliable little cars if EVERYTHING is in original condition mechanically.

The original gearbox does not have synchromesh on first but I have not found this to be a problem. With normal driving it is rare that you require to engage 1st gear whilst moving but the all synchro box would be an advantage as the straight cut 1st gears in the early Spitfire boxes I have worked on have all had surface damage on the teeth.  Probably related to the way they had been driven as this is not as common in the equivalent Herald boxes.

Whilst the original clutch was probably OK, a lot of the replacement parts, now available, are not, so changing to a diaphragm one would be worth considering. (People on here will provide information on what is involved.)

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Anything that doesn't impact visually or change the driving feel significantly, I cannot imagine would devalue it at all, some things may even increase it (I personally would pay slightly more for a MK1 GT6 with syncro on first). Hard to say really without naming the modifications in particular.

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Gearbox won't be an issue unless a real anorak is going to buy the car. But do thecar to the specification that you want, maybe with a thought to originality (ie late spit seats look horrendous in roundtail spits IMO)
As to parts, some will be difficult, but I am guessing 3K if things go well, 6k if badly. But there are so many variables. Like you may stumble across NOS doors for £50 each, or may have to pay £250 each to get yours repaired.

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Your not dealing with an Aston Martin or a Bentley,  even a well done spitfire you'll be lucky to sell for 15k.
Unless you bought it for a steal and it requires very little work,  it's doubtful you'll make much of a profit in a timely manner.

That said,  build it how you want,  especially if you plan on keeping it and enjoying it.  I'd say keep it as original as possible,  but upgrade some things.  Unless you want a well sorted, concourse car.

bottom line-make yourself happy.

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As an example, MY Mk3 which had been restored to A1 visually most cosmetic parts are new ( it turns out the engine was a complete bodge but that was the restorer previous to the one I purchased it from) cost the restorer approx £12K in parts and labour I have the invoices about £4k was body work labour and £2k for paint. So I would guess that you are looking at £6k+ in parts as most of these parts were purchased some time ago the car was in restoration for 15+ years.

I purchased this car for £5800 so don't expect to make any money and will now need to put in another £1 - £2k to properly sort the engine, depending on how much work I do myself.

Regards,
Andy

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However it is worth remembering that you can always keep any original parts you "upgrade" in case you sell later on!!

If the car is original, and I was going to use it I would probably go down synchro route, better seats etc as I desired, but keep the originals in storage. Our cars are not that big in the first place, and hence parts shouldn't take that much space (Notice I do say Shouldn't!!).

Cost - this will really depend on how much work needs doing! Post some pictures maybe? Probably worth taking it to a specialist for a rough quotation tbh, least that is what I would do. Obviously they will not be able to give an accurate figure, but they can certainly put you in the ballpark!!

Cheers,

Phil

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