Vintage Car Restoration Project: Initial Inspection and Philosophy

A car restoration project begins with the inspection of a potential vehicle by the vlogger and his friends Moeen and Navid. The focus is on a pre-1991 car, intending to restore it to original factory basic condition despite its current flaws and aftermarket additions.

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Key Points Summary

  • Project Introduction

    The vlogger and two friends, Moeen and Navid, collaborate on a car rebuilding project.

  • Car Inspection - Initial Impressions

    An inspection reveals a potentially bent chassis, bad tires, and issues with the paint and door handles, indicating previous repairs and wear. The front appears boring, and some parts are uncolored pieces rather than replacements.

  • Accident History Check

    Pillars are examined to check for serious accident involvement, noting the roof's unpainted condition.

  • Team Introduction

    Mr. Navid's car project involves the vlogger, Navid, and Mr. Mai (Moin), a 22-year-old from Kord.

  • Project Context & Car Selection Philosophy

    Many individuals are restoring cars produced before 1990-91, as these older models are considered excellent and worth restoring, often featuring original imported parts unlike newer, localized vehicles.

  • Previous Restoration Experience

    A prior successful restoration of an '82 jade green Type D car over three to four years provides experience for this second project, which aims for more modifications, a lower budget, and a clean, beautiful outcome.

  • Current Car's Body Condition

    An expert assessment confirms the front and rear chassis are intact, with the roof, trunk, and hood retaining their original, uncolored state. Despite existing stains and dirt, extensive full repainting is necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic.

  • Restoration Goal - Originality

    The primary objective for this car is to assemble an original factory basic vehicle, consciously avoiding aftermarket accessories despite personal preferences.

  • Technical Condition & Core Strengths

    While the car's technical aspects require significant work, its four main pillars, cylinder block, cylinder head, and overall body structure are factory original and undamaged, providing a strong foundation.

  • Engine Issues - Water in Oil

    Evidence of water in the engine oil suggests a problem possibly related to a broken fan, leading to overheating, cylinder head pressure, and a potentially burnt gasket mixing oil and water.

  • Engine Issues - Spark Plugs & Oil

    Greased spark plug heads indicate either an excess of engine oil or a low oil level in the cylinder head. The water circuit was cleaned, fresh antifreeze added, and the engine observed for oil burning, though the exact cause, such as a loose ring, timing issues, or dirty injectors, remains to be definitively determined.

  • Aftermarket Wiring & Security System

    Extensive aftermarket wiring, including an old under-hood anti-theft system that activates flashers, is present and will be completely removed to revert to factory wiring specifications.

  • Wiring Condition Assessment

    Despite the car being an '82 model, some wiring components are still in factory condition, although other sections, particularly behind the lights, are damaged and necessitate renovation.

  • Battery Cables

    The positive battery cable and clamp are new and functional, but the negative battery cable is weak and sulfated, with an additional body connection cable added as an inefficient fix.

  • Headlight Condition

    The headlights, though aesthetically pleasing, are broken and feature matchstick fabric (single reflector) glass, which is not original high-end quality. They are unsealed and have broken bases, necessitating replacement, though their 22-year lifespan is noted.

  • Car Purchase & Initial Costs

    The vehicle was acquired for 187,500, with an immediate expenditure of 4,000 for fuel and minor repairs, indicating the start of further substantial investment.

  • Mileage & Interior

    The car has accumulated 230,000 km over 22 years, averaging 1,000 km annually, considered a reasonable mileage. The factory steering wheel was previously modified, but the original blue fabric on the front interior remains in good condition.

  • Cost Estimation & Project Outlook

    Accurately estimating the total restoration cost is challenging due to the extensive work, but the project aims for a cost-effective renovation resulting in a flawless, original car with reasonable market value for potential future sale or new projects.

  • Audience Engagement

    There is an intention to produce additional videos detailing the car's restoration process from start to finish, depending on audience interest.

  • Final Observations on Car

    Initial work on the car has already improved its feel, confirming its underlying potential despite the substantial amount of work still required.

Our goal in this car was to assemble an original factory basic car.

Under Details

AspectObservationRestoration Plan
ChassisBent, requiring removal and repair.Complete removal and structural repair.
Paint/ExteriorFeatures stains, dirt, many colorless original parts, and sunburned areas.Full repaint and comprehensive paint job.
Technical Core (Pillars, Body)Four main pillars, cylinder block, cylinder head, roof, and body are intact and original.Utilize as a strong foundation with minimal structural repair needed.
Engine ConditionShows water in oil, greased spark plugs, a broken fan, and potential burnt gasket/loose ring/dirty injectors.Diagnose and repair water/oil mix, clean water circuit, replace antifreeze, and address identified engine issues.
WiringExtensive aftermarket wiring and an old anti-theft system are present; some factory wiring is intact, others damaged.Completely remove aftermarket wiring and renovate damaged factory wiring to restore original condition.
HeadlightsBroken, made of matchstick fabric (single reflector), unsealed, and have broken bases.Replace headlights, likely with a similar matchstick fabric type.
Project GoalTo restore a pre-1991 car to factory basic condition.Assemble an original factory basic car, avoiding aftermarket accessories.

Tags

Automotive
Restoration
Enthusiastic
Car
Vlog
Friends
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