Classic car advice
Discussion
Hi all,
Im new here and apologies if this is not the right place for these kinds of threads.
I’m a young professional living in London and have been a classic car enthusiast for a very long time. Unfortunately, living in London means a small flat with no off street parking facilities for me at the moment. With this in mind, I wanted to ask fellow forum members; is there any practical way for me to own and maintain a classic car at all?
I’m not a mechanic, but happy to take on classic car maintenance as a hobby and learn everything that comes with it. With this in mind, I can deal with maintenance/servicing of the car however the part that worries me is the fact that I don’t have a garage and therefore, rust.
The car would need to be parked on a relatively quiet public street, kerbside. Ideally I don’t want to put a car cover over it, however I would consider covering it over the winter months or particularly rainy weeks. I plan to drive once a week or at worst case once every other week. I absolutely don’t plan to have it sit for several weeks.
Is there anything I can do to help the cars stand British weather? Frequent car washes? Paint protection film? Ceramic coating? Under seal? Some sort of preventative maintenance? I have a mk3 mx5 that rust a lot but making sure the drain holes are cleaned and not blocked, using a trombone brush does wonders for it.
The cars I’m looking at are:
An MGB Roadster which has a smaller barrier to entry (financially) and there’s lots of them about. I’ve heard/seen way too many rusty examples which is worrying though, also there’s the “British reliability” to consider.
A classic Mustang soft top which is more expensive of course but I imagine more reliable? I’ve not seen as many rusty examples of this but I’m not sure if that’s just because there are fewer of these on the road in the first place?
I wonder whether an mgb is more likely to rust than a mustang? Or is it literally the same situation given they’re both classic cars? Perhaps there’s some chassis design flaws in one or the other that makes one more susceptible? Whatever I get, I’m happy to put in the effort for preventative maintenance but if it is just a recipe for disaster leaving it out on the road then I may reconsider.
Any thoughts welcome, and thanks to reading!
Im new here and apologies if this is not the right place for these kinds of threads.
I’m a young professional living in London and have been a classic car enthusiast for a very long time. Unfortunately, living in London means a small flat with no off street parking facilities for me at the moment. With this in mind, I wanted to ask fellow forum members; is there any practical way for me to own and maintain a classic car at all?
I’m not a mechanic, but happy to take on classic car maintenance as a hobby and learn everything that comes with it. With this in mind, I can deal with maintenance/servicing of the car however the part that worries me is the fact that I don’t have a garage and therefore, rust.
The car would need to be parked on a relatively quiet public street, kerbside. Ideally I don’t want to put a car cover over it, however I would consider covering it over the winter months or particularly rainy weeks. I plan to drive once a week or at worst case once every other week. I absolutely don’t plan to have it sit for several weeks.
Is there anything I can do to help the cars stand British weather? Frequent car washes? Paint protection film? Ceramic coating? Under seal? Some sort of preventative maintenance? I have a mk3 mx5 that rust a lot but making sure the drain holes are cleaned and not blocked, using a trombone brush does wonders for it.
The cars I’m looking at are:
An MGB Roadster which has a smaller barrier to entry (financially) and there’s lots of them about. I’ve heard/seen way too many rusty examples which is worrying though, also there’s the “British reliability” to consider.
A classic Mustang soft top which is more expensive of course but I imagine more reliable? I’ve not seen as many rusty examples of this but I’m not sure if that’s just because there are fewer of these on the road in the first place?
I wonder whether an mgb is more likely to rust than a mustang? Or is it literally the same situation given they’re both classic cars? Perhaps there’s some chassis design flaws in one or the other that makes one more susceptible? Whatever I get, I’m happy to put in the effort for preventative maintenance but if it is just a recipe for disaster leaving it out on the road then I may reconsider.
Any thoughts welcome, and thanks to reading!
Hi, welcome to PH. This is a great sub forum with some very knowledgeable people so hopefully your questions will be answered .
Personally I’d start with the mg, purely due to spares availability, initial outlay for a good one, ease of maintenance and the huge amount of knowledge out there that people are willing to share. I also think most parts for mid to late 70 MG’s and onwards are available as either re manufactured or as new old stock (NOS). I may be wrong, but i think it’s possible to buy anything froma brand new chassis for them right up to a reconditioned fuel guage.
As for rust prevention, that’s all part of the fun in owning a classic. My route would be to buy the best rust free model I can find, or get one already treated and then clean it back and treat the hell out of it again with decent products like the ”Bilt Hamber” range, as well as keeping on top of it but applying a good quality wax and try to avoid driving it on treated roads during the winter. In fact, it may be best to lay the car up for the winter (plenty of guides to show you how to) in a storage facility outside London and then get it out when the weather improves. I’m not sure if this is going to be economically viable, but if it’s at a storage facility, there won’t be the danger of other vehicles spraying up salt and grime as they go past in the wet and winter conditions if that makes sense, plus it reduces the chance of vandalism to the car from malicious types who see a long term parked car as a target.
MG’s can also be tuned up a bit for better performance, they are easy to work and cut your classic car teeth on. Mustangs are cool, but they’re not easy to get spares for, plus the spares will have to come from the USA, so getting and off the shelf water pump or starter motor might prove troublesome .
There are plenty of choices, personally I’ve a soft spot for MG’s so I may be a bit biased towards them.
Personally I’d start with the mg, purely due to spares availability, initial outlay for a good one, ease of maintenance and the huge amount of knowledge out there that people are willing to share. I also think most parts for mid to late 70 MG’s and onwards are available as either re manufactured or as new old stock (NOS). I may be wrong, but i think it’s possible to buy anything froma brand new chassis for them right up to a reconditioned fuel guage.
As for rust prevention, that’s all part of the fun in owning a classic. My route would be to buy the best rust free model I can find, or get one already treated and then clean it back and treat the hell out of it again with decent products like the ”Bilt Hamber” range, as well as keeping on top of it but applying a good quality wax and try to avoid driving it on treated roads during the winter. In fact, it may be best to lay the car up for the winter (plenty of guides to show you how to) in a storage facility outside London and then get it out when the weather improves. I’m not sure if this is going to be economically viable, but if it’s at a storage facility, there won’t be the danger of other vehicles spraying up salt and grime as they go past in the wet and winter conditions if that makes sense, plus it reduces the chance of vandalism to the car from malicious types who see a long term parked car as a target.
MG’s can also be tuned up a bit for better performance, they are easy to work and cut your classic car teeth on. Mustangs are cool, but they’re not easy to get spares for, plus the spares will have to come from the USA, so getting and off the shelf water pump or starter motor might prove troublesome .
There are plenty of choices, personally I’ve a soft spot for MG’s so I may be a bit biased towards them.
A mate of mine has dailied a TR6 in London for 25+ years. The insurance co tells him to keep it under a cover so he does, overnight.
He had a bare metal respray 3 or 4 years a go and it still looks good although the inevitable bubbles are reappearing here and there.
I've also seen Mustangs kept on the street - there was a great dark green notchback near me for years.
He had a bare metal respray 3 or 4 years a go and it still looks good although the inevitable bubbles are reappearing here and there.
I've also seen Mustangs kept on the street - there was a great dark green notchback near me for years.
I would also second the joining a club suggestion. Experience and knowledge in one place and most likely the route to a good car.
I have no experience of either car you suggest, but a loose interpretation of classic covers many 90’s cars these days. (I can not believe I am typing this) perhaps an MG f/tf as an MG and entry point. You will still tinker, have access to parts and clubs, but less likely to rust/destroy it’s self left on a street in London? Personally mk1 mx5, as you also learn about rust.
You may well find through a club that they probably have a shared garage space as well?
Last point for me, is reliability. Damp conditions outside with little use is ideal battery killing conditions. Where as you can protect all the earths and other electrical components the battery will be your Achilles heel I feel. I don’t have a solution other than to carry a booster/jump cal each week/drive out?
I have no experience of either car you suggest, but a loose interpretation of classic covers many 90’s cars these days. (I can not believe I am typing this) perhaps an MG f/tf as an MG and entry point. You will still tinker, have access to parts and clubs, but less likely to rust/destroy it’s self left on a street in London? Personally mk1 mx5, as you also learn about rust.
You may well find through a club that they probably have a shared garage space as well?
Last point for me, is reliability. Damp conditions outside with little use is ideal battery killing conditions. Where as you can protect all the earths and other electrical components the battery will be your Achilles heel I feel. I don’t have a solution other than to carry a booster/jump cal each week/drive out?
I’d avoid parking a convertible on the street in London.
Batteries might be an issue if it’s left for any period and, if parked on the street, you won’t be able to run a trickle charger to it - jump starter packs are all well and good but batteries don’t like going flat. Perhaps fit quick connectors and remove the battery if it will be left longer than two weeks.
Batteries might be an issue if it’s left for any period and, if parked on the street, you won’t be able to run a trickle charger to it - jump starter packs are all well and good but batteries don’t like going flat. Perhaps fit quick connectors and remove the battery if it will be left longer than two weeks.
I wonder if you might be better off getting a car that is in sound mechanical condition, but isn’t necessarily in great shape bodily. The rationale being that you can test if classic car ownership is for you with a sensible outlay AND you’re not obsessing too much on maintaining its condition parked on the street.
That’s not to imply that you should just let it rot away with no TLC and that brings me to my second point. In my experience of old car ownership there is always something which needs fettling, whether major or minor. Would your parking space facilitate that? Do you have some working space around the car? Will your neighbours be amenable to you laying out tools and bits of car on the pavement?
Good luck with whatever you decide to do
That’s not to imply that you should just let it rot away with no TLC and that brings me to my second point. In my experience of old car ownership there is always something which needs fettling, whether major or minor. Would your parking space facilitate that? Do you have some working space around the car? Will your neighbours be amenable to you laying out tools and bits of car on the pavement?
Good luck with whatever you decide to do
Out of your 2 choices I guess the MG would be more “sensible” albeit I would go for the Mustang. If I was in your location/situation though I would not even consider owing a classic and parking on the street, to me, the stresses/inconvenience of doing so would spoil the fun of ownership.
That’s just me however so if you do go for it, good luck.
As an aside isn’t your beloved mayor trying to remove older cars from London?
That’s just me however so if you do go for it, good luck.
As an aside isn’t your beloved mayor trying to remove older cars from London?
I'm old enough to have used MGs as daily transport in London (Ealing) in the '70s and yes they failed to start on cold, damp winter days, not often but occasionally yes. A good fully charged battery is essential. As for rust, they do, but then all classics will rust and I assume Mustangs rust just as badly. You don't say what your budget is but personally I'd be looking at an MGB GT - hardtop would be better on street in London, as someone said.
Mark A S said:
Out of your 2 choices I guess the MG would be more “sensible” albeit I would go for the Mustang. If I was in your location/situation though I would not even consider owing a classic and parking on the street, to me, the stresses/inconvenience of doing so would spoil the fun of ownership.
That’s just me however so if you do go for it, good luck.
I agree, with not even bothering tbh, coming from someone that was born and bread in London, and lived there for 55 years. One of the reasons I moved out was the ever increasing problems with car ownership, classic or otherwise. That’s just me however so if you do go for it, good luck.
Just trying to maintain a classic 'at the side of the road' in London, even a quiet residential street, now could be problematical. What we did as the norm 30-40+ years ago, will now seen as not acceptable by many of your neighbours if my experience in West London is anything to go by, and that was 10 years ago! You will soon tire of the hassle.
However, if you are going to try it, I agree with the MGB option as the best, from the pov of you can getting everything for them in terms of spares, including a new bodyshell if needs be. Its probably one of the best, if not the best classics in terms of support there is.
I wouldn't even think of trying to keep a 'classic' Mustang on the road in London and not in a garage. 25 years ago maybe, not now. That is of course, if you mean 'classic' Mustang as a 1960's era one, and not a 1980's or 90's era one?
Plus 1960's era Mustangs are now very expensive, and you'll need about 4 or 5 times the budget for one than a really good MGB..! You don't want to be leaving a £40k plus classic parked on the road in London I'm afraid.
As said, MGB's like to rust, but given many have now been rebuilt with new Heritage bodyshell's over the past 20 years, picking one of those up would hopefully mean the dreaded tin worm won't be much of an issue (to begin with, as if its kept outside, it will become and issue over time)
MGB GT V8 with rubber bumpers (ie '75 onwards). Rubber bumpers are ideal for warding off parking nudges. Make sure you have (1) electronic ignition (I like 123 distributors) to avoid points, rotor arm, condensor, ballast resistor etc failures as modern foreign made ignition parts are not up to the job (2) electric fan and (3) rust proofing.
As it happens Silverstone Auctions seem to have two of these coming up for auction.
Simples!
As it happens Silverstone Auctions seem to have two of these coming up for auction.
Simples!
Hi all,
Thanks for your responses, they all have been really helpful.
Okay so I am discounting the Mustang, yes I agree with the comments, it’s just not going to be practical.
I think the MGB seems like the right idea if I do decide to go with a first classic car. The point above about the rubber bumper is very good and fits really well with the idea of me having to park it on a public street, however, I just really love the chrome! Definitely a good point to weigh up though.
The V8 MGBs seem really nice but I think I’d want to get a standard one with the thought that parts would be more common.
Re the MX5… So, ideally I’d absolutely love to have a mk1 but Sadiq Khan wants £12.50 a day for me to drive it. I wish there was something I could do about this… it’s not even the money, it’s just mentally dealing with the fact that, oh, take the miata for a spin? £12.50 please thank you very much. So a car that’s 40+ years old for exemption takes me to the MGB roadster, basically.
Joining the clubs is a really good idea, thanks for the suggestion.
I’m really excited about this. There is a small part of me that thinks I should just suck up the ULEZ charge and get a mk1 MX5 but I think an MGB is quickly becoming the answer to my first introduction to classic car ownership.
If I was able to leave the car off-road under a breathable cover over the winter months, would this cause any significant problems that can’t be fixed easily/cheaply? For example I’ve heard the handbrake can be stuck on if left for a while. Alternatively, I’d be leaving the car on the road all year round, but driving it as normal (minimum every other week but realistically once or twice a week)
Thanks for your responses, they all have been really helpful.
Okay so I am discounting the Mustang, yes I agree with the comments, it’s just not going to be practical.
I think the MGB seems like the right idea if I do decide to go with a first classic car. The point above about the rubber bumper is very good and fits really well with the idea of me having to park it on a public street, however, I just really love the chrome! Definitely a good point to weigh up though.
The V8 MGBs seem really nice but I think I’d want to get a standard one with the thought that parts would be more common.
Re the MX5… So, ideally I’d absolutely love to have a mk1 but Sadiq Khan wants £12.50 a day for me to drive it. I wish there was something I could do about this… it’s not even the money, it’s just mentally dealing with the fact that, oh, take the miata for a spin? £12.50 please thank you very much. So a car that’s 40+ years old for exemption takes me to the MGB roadster, basically.
Joining the clubs is a really good idea, thanks for the suggestion.
I’m really excited about this. There is a small part of me that thinks I should just suck up the ULEZ charge and get a mk1 MX5 but I think an MGB is quickly becoming the answer to my first introduction to classic car ownership.
If I was able to leave the car off-road under a breathable cover over the winter months, would this cause any significant problems that can’t be fixed easily/cheaply? For example I’ve heard the handbrake can be stuck on if left for a while. Alternatively, I’d be leaving the car on the road all year round, but driving it as normal (minimum every other week but realistically once or twice a week)
ismiatatheanswer said:
The V8 MGBs seem really nice but I think I’d want to get a standard one with the thought that parts would be more common.
Your set on a B then, not a BGT?The earlier suggestion of a rubber bumper BGT V8 is a good option, if in your budget.
ismiatatheanswer said:
Re the MX5… So, ideally I’d absolutely love to have a mk1 but Sadiq Khan wants £12.50 a day for me to drive it. I wish there was something I could do about this… it’s not even the money, it’s just mentally dealing with the fact that, oh, take the miata for a spin? £12.50 please thank you very much. So a car that’s 40+ years old for exemption takes me to the MGB roadster, basically.
You do realise, that, its very likely that 40+ year old classic's will only be getting a stay of execution, as when the ULEZ is replaced by road charging within time, you'll be paying to use the MGB as well. There's a rumour that could be as soon as 2026.....especially if Comrade Khan gets in again next year.....ismiatatheanswer said:
If I was able to leave the car off-road under a breathable cover over the winter months, would this cause any significant problems that can’t be fixed easily/cheaply?
No such thing as a breathable outdoor cover, no matter what all the sales pitch says.They are all pretty damaging to paintwork on older cars if left on for any length of time, as they are all in contact with the car. Only one of those outdoor carcoon type tents or one of those drive tents that leave a decent air gap over the car will work...and they need space.
Edited by aeropilot on Monday 20th February 15:50
how about something cool like a Porsche 914? They have a hardtop targa that fits in the rear compartment.
Probably more fun to spank around London then the other two. Air-cooled VW Type 4 motor so should be pretty robust and can go years between valve clearances.
Obviously rust will always be an issue but if you get a restored / solid one and keep it well fettled and rust proofed it should be ok.
Probably more fun to spank around London then the other two. Air-cooled VW Type 4 motor so should be pretty robust and can go years between valve clearances.
Obviously rust will always be an issue but if you get a restored / solid one and keep it well fettled and rust proofed it should be ok.
roca1976 said:
how about something cool like a Porsche 914? They have a hardtop targa that fits in the rear compartment.
Probably more fun to spank around London then the other two. Air-cooled VW Type 4 motor so should be pretty robust and can go years between valve clearances.
Obviously rust will always be an issue but if you get a restored / solid one and keep it well fettled and rust proofed it should be ok.
Its finding one though. Not exactly abundant, unless you are OK with LHD, and even then left-hooker's are getting on for 20k plus and are hardly growing on trees......Probably more fun to spank around London then the other two. Air-cooled VW Type 4 motor so should be pretty robust and can go years between valve clearances.
Obviously rust will always be an issue but if you get a restored / solid one and keep it well fettled and rust proofed it should be ok.
I'd also opt for the MG, and I would also look to the GT rather than soft top, unless you HAVE to have a soft top, or perhaps a soft top with removeable hardtop (MGB ones fairly rare, in my experience). I wouldn't wish to leave a soft top outside all year; modern ones are generally watertight, older ones less so. Hard tops are also more secure.
The choice will depend on your budget but the availability of spares, knowledge and 'specialists' is a major plus for an MG and rather than a full cover you could consider one that just covers the roof/windows.
The choice will depend on your budget but the availability of spares, knowledge and 'specialists' is a major plus for an MG and rather than a full cover you could consider one that just covers the roof/windows.
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