What are the easiest classic cars to repair? Owning a classic is a dream many of us have at some point in our lives – you probably own a 'daily' car for commuting, the school run and shopping but fancy the idea of buying something special you can use at the weekend and to take on road trips.
It can take a few years to save up for that special classic, so you don't want to make the mistake of buying something that's going to turn into a money pit. Sure, all cars need maintenance if they're to perform at their best, but classic cars tend to need more regular care than 'moderns'.
You could get a specialist to do the work for you but a Haynes manual will show you how to do the essential care yourself – it's hugely rewarding to do your own maintenance (especially if you're a first-time restorer) and you'll save hundreds of dollars on labour charges.
Classic car repairs – things to consider
There are a few things you should do before you start searching for a classic or vintage car to work on yourself:
- Join a classic car club or forum
You’ve probably got a rough idea of what you want but you may not be clued up about a specific model or engine. This is where long-time enthusiasts can help – they'll have years of ownership experience and will be happy to share their knowledge with you.
That could include which body style and engine to go for, where to find parts and how much to pay, how to refurbish or even fabricate parts that are no longer available… the list is endless. You'll have to pay to join the forum or club, but it'll be worth it.
- Look for something with basic tech
Older cars tend to use older, less complicated technology, especially when it comes to electrics – an absence of computer processors and modules will save you a lot of troubleshooting time!
- Availability and price of parts
There's not much point in buying a car that's so rare that parts are impossible to come by or cost so much you'll be forced to sell it. So do your research and find out if your prospective purchase is going to be a wise buy. Again, the expertise of a classic car club will really come in handy here.
- Invest in the right tools
You may already have a decent tool kit if you do all the maintenance on your daily driver, but if you're a first-time restorer with little experience you may need to spend some money on improving your collection.
Here's a good list for starters. Don't skimp on tools – pay a little extra for a quality item and it'll last for years; buy cheap and you'll buy twice.
- Know your limits
Working on your classic can be fun and you get a great sense of achievement, especially if you're learning how to change or fix something for the first time.
But there may be times when some jobs are too big and complex for you to complete, even with a Haynes manual to hand. You may need an extra pair of hands. You may need a specialist workshop that can carry out some metal work or rust treatment – there is absolutely no shame in admitting that a certain task is beyond your skill set. Sure, your wallet may not thank you but your pride will be intact and your enthusiasm should remain undented.
Top 10 classic cars that are easy to repair
Which classic car you choose may be heavily influenced by a fave TV show you saw when you were in a kid. In this case, it'll be The Rockford Files, which ran during the 1970s. Private eye Jim Rockford drove a Mk2 Pontiac Firebird Esprit. In fact he changed to the latest version from season to season.
The 911 has been on sale for decades. While its styling has evolved at a glacial pace, it's undergone some major changes under the skin. This Haynes manual covers the F (1965-1973) and G (1974-1989) models.
The air-cooled 'people's car' was a massive hit and there's no shortage of parts. In fact, it's an ideal first classic project. Check carefully for rust on and beneath body panels and suspension mounting points. Later cars had a dynamo, which is preferable to the dynamo, while the rear-mounted engine is easy to access.
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Known as the MX-5 by the rest of the world, Mazda's tiny two-seat roadster was a dynamic delight from day one, and proved that you don't need a whopping great V8 under the hood to have fun. Yes, it's a 'modern classic' but it's simple to work on but, like the Beetle, is prone to rust so check before you buy.
Before Mazda came along with the Miata, the Brits were pretty handy at churning out sporty little numbers, although the Triumph Spitfire pretty late to the party. Still, it sold well on this side of the Atlantic, which means there are still plenty of great examples around – some in GT6 form, with a hardtop.
Any mention of the original Ford Mustang is sure to conjure images of Steve McQueen in a Highland Green example being chased around the streets of San Francisco by a pair of baddies in a Dodge Charger. This original 'Stang is the best to work on, but if prices are too high for you opt for one of the later models from the 1980s.
The Nova is a tale of two cars. Initially marketed as a compact model, it wasn't long before V8-engined SS variants turned it into a proper muscle car. This Haynes manual includes coverage for those V8s.
The late sixties Cutlass muscle car may be more fondly remembered by enthusiasts, but this later version sold in bigger numbers, which means there's more choice and less to pay.
Yes, Toyota had already proved that the Japanese could make amazing sports cars, with the 2000GT. The Datsun 240Z simply underlined the fact. The later 260Z, 280Z aren't as good to drive but may suit tighter budgets.
With a history stretching back to the late forties and into the eighties, the world is your oyster with the CJ. Countless gas and diesel engines have seen life under the hood - our manual covers the former.
