original or messed with?

[penpontgreenwoodwork]

Having now gone over my recently purchased sj, it got me thinking about some of those sj's on ebay that go for mad money and look really mint. My vehicle has been rewired, lift springs, welded, changed axles, many parts replaced. However a 25 year old vehicle that hasn't been touched is still 25 years old and steel, plastic, rubber, copper will deteriorate over that time wherever it's kept. I know people buy cars for lots of different reasons but if it's to use, I'd go with enthusiasts car over collectors car, know what I mean?

[Edweird]

Having now gone over my recently purchased sj, it got me thinking about some of those sj's on ebay that go for mad money and look really mint. My vehicle has been rewired, lift springs, welded, changed axles, many parts replaced. However a 25 year old vehicle that hasn't been touched is still 25 years old and steel, plastic, rubber, copper will deteriorate over that time wherever it's kept. I know people buy cars for lots of different reasons but if it's to use, I'd go with enthusiasts car over collectors car, know what I mean?

Haha! Yeah, I found that out. Mine was virtually showroom original when I got it, but it left the showroom thirty years ago. The tyres were cracking, the arches are going, the rear end electrics were playing silly buggers, the plugs and leads were shot, the carb was fubar'd, rain comes in around the windscreen, the front springs didn't last long etc. etc. etc.

It even still had tungsten bulbs in it!

[ScottieJ]

But then there's original and looked after, where people have serviced and maintained all the bits that wear and deteriorate.

The main thing that adds the value in my opinion is the bodywork, if it's straight and has never been welded then you are onto a winner

I presume that's what you mean as an enthusiasts car though, one that gets used and serviced, not just dry stored and bought out for shows.

[penpontgreenwoodwork]

Yes I suppose I do, a used and serviced car that goes for a reasonable price as opposed to "barn find" original condition car that has an unreasonable price. I appreciate what you mean about a good shell tho!

[Tramp]

Personally id pay more for an original car, just because id rather get something that was unmolested rather than something that i have no idea about. Luckily, when I ignored my own advice it wasn't so bad!