Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[mini_enthusiast87]

Hello all and thanks Rick for setting up my log in so quickly, there are two reasons why i have joined this forum.

1. I love classic cars whether they be sports or saloon, big or small, powerful or not.

2. I have recently finished a motor sport engineering course at college and was looking to get into the car restoration business as the hustle and bustle of motor sport doesn't appeal to me unless im actually driving

So good people does anyone know of any jobs going and if not what would be the best way to go about looking?

I'm in the south west but would relocate if i found a good job so don't let that deter any suggestions.

All advice welcome,

Dan.

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Welcome to the forum, What classics are you interestedin/got?

I am 21 and have worked at a classic car resto firm for a while, I looked for courses to do etc, and th ebest thing I found was body refinishing, a aprenticeship or job in a body shop would be my advice first, where you learn about the body side, or a job as a mechanic to learn about that side. You will then be able to specialise and find a job much easier when you have experience in my oppinon.

Other option is if you are already experienced start up on your own or do this when you specialise in a few years time.

I found jobs in resto work are very few and far between, there are people out there, but finding a place that is taking people on is hard!

Good luck, and let us know how you get on, I also look forward to hearing about your interests!

Cheers

Dave

[Rick]

I'd imagine finding a garage to work in, and learn older technologies (like setting ignition points for example) could be tricky, unless you make a point of finding an olde worlde establishment, with a few 'old boys' still circulating who could pass the info on. However it sounds like you're well past this level of training!

R
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[buzzy bee]

Hi

Teach yourself is my theory, I have learnt hell of a lot doing my Ford and still am doing! Buy a classic to restore! It is a good exuse to have another car if nothing else!

Cheers

Dave

[mini_enthusiast87]

I have sort of been teaching myself, i have a Mini that ive been doing both minor and major repairs on.

I've seen body repair and panel beating courses advertised in classic car mags so i might do that to get myself some experience to give my CV a bit of a boost.

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Mini you say????

I have a couple of minis, A mini Sidewalk, and a 76 mini Clubman Estate, the Estate has been in mini mag and has been in Intersection magazine, and the Sidewalk has just been overhauled mechaically, and later this week is having work done to the front end after a large 4x4, Ex military reversing into it!

Cheers and look forward ot seeing pics of your mini!

Dave

[mini_enthusiast87]

Poor Mini getting assaulted by a brutish 4x4

I will get pics up of it when its in a fit state to be seen, its a later Mini, 87 to be exact but the design has hardly changed so i still consider it a classic!

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Yeah still a classic, and if it is the same as mine, still needs as much maintenance as a 1959 mini!

I look forward to seeing her, don't worry about the condition, my Ford is a bad as any, or was a while ago!

Cheers

Dave

[mini_enthusiast87]

Yup, still needs plenty of maintenance and swearing im affraid

I think i have some pics of it kicking about somewhere, will have a look tomorrow.

[buzzy bee]

Hi

I look forward to them.

A little bit off topic, but where did you do motor sport?

Cheers

Dave

[mini_enthusiast87]

I did a season in an MGF in the Total Butler Championship in 2006 and i did one round of the Ginetta Championship this year and promptly ran out of money.

Ive also been on Tour Auto 3 times with my dad, twice in competition and once i regularity.

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Hey looks good, but as you say, very dear! You could have 4 or 5 classics for the price of that!

Cheers

Dave

P.S... My mate is doing a degree in motor sport at Preston, in his final year. Did you go to Preston?

[mini_enthusiast87]

No i didn't go to Preston, i did a BTEC at Wiltshire College.

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Ah right I did a 3 year Btec in agricultural engineering a few years ago!

Cheers

Dave

[old gto]

Jumping in, and backing up just a bit, but Buzzy is wise beyond his years. I agree with him....buy a classic to restore yourself. This will satisfy your need for a classic, teach you methods & materials, and more importantly, will attract other classic lovers to you like MAD! "Word of Mouth" advertising will get around that you do work on older cars, and soon you will be turning work away, from being too busy.
Restoration shops here in the states are booked as much as 2 years out! They stay busy, and do not have to advertise. One of my own cars was in a shop for a year & a half getting new metal put in. (And the charge was $50.00 per hour spent actually working on it....PLUS parts!)