PDA

View Full Version : New member on the lookout - do tidy cars exist?



simundo
10-04-2015, 14:51
Another boring post from someone thats joined and is on the hunt for a decent Williams. Slowly learning and using all the useful information on this site.

Do cars exist that don't need "heavy" work. Ideally I want one I can look after and cherish without changing body panels / welding etc.

Am I being totally naive or do you think its possible?

Thanks in advance

katbloke
10-04-2015, 16:04
You will get what you pay for but have to go hunting in all the areas for rust, especially in the places you cant get to easily, sills, rear bean moutning points, arches front panels etc, be prepared to spend time on your back with a torch having a look around

PhilW
10-04-2015, 19:10
You will get what you pay for but have to go hunting in all the areas for rust, especially in the places you cant get to easily, sills, rear bean moutning points, arches front panels etc, be prepared to spend time on your back with a torch having a look around

Just to add to Katblokes good advise.
Ensure that you ask permission before removing prospective cars fuel tank, rear axle, wheel arch shields, engine, gearbox and interior trim, as it tends to piss people off if you dont ;-).
On a serious note, its buyer beware, these are great cars but are prone to corrosion and can hide it well, if youre looking for a corrosion free car for a small outlay, forget it.
There is a car on eBay at the moment that looks nice, it may be very nice or it may have been tarted up, it would need to be checked out carefully.
Cars do come up on this forum from time to time and you have probably got a better chance of getting the right car as you will have a level of history through the forum.

Sign up as a full member to this forum, it will give you access to a lot more info on projects and restorations that people have carried out and that way you will be able to see what to look out for. Take your time and make sure that you go into any purchase with your eyes wide open. Good luck in your search

simundo
10-04-2015, 19:59
Thanks for the replys. I'm more than willing to pay very good money for a decent one so as you say I'll get fully signed up and take me time. Cheers

Standaman94
10-04-2015, 20:21
I spent £5000 on a W1 with the body completely redone. Could have been worth more but a lot of electrics don't work and the wheels have been painted wrong.

Meanwhile you can buy a fairly average one with slight rust in the usual spots for £1.5 - £3k, or a heap to use as a project for around £1k.

Arguably the best condition Williams you might find is probably the W1 #0001 lovingly looked after by Renault, which is probably worth around £10k for a rarely-driven showroom condition show car.

You get what you pay for :)

simundo
10-04-2015, 21:21
I'm hoping to pay around 5-7k I guess.
I think 001 would sell for a lot more than 10k, always love seeing it in the press.

Are there any companies that specialise in them? Need someone with knowledge to check over any I find.

Standaman94
10-04-2015, 21:36
My car is currently at Mark Fish Motorsport who know every inch of the Williams by heart, as well as every Clio since then (and Renault 5s). Based in Harlow they do repairs/services etc but they do a lot of motorsport prep too.

If you're in the area I highly recommend them for diagnostics and things like that.

ianbirch
11-04-2015, 11:48
Maybe this....

http://williamsclio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?44783-1995-Williams-3-Low-mileage-74-000-miles

Cheers Ian

no_data
11-04-2015, 18:54
Mark Fish in Harlow is indeed very knowledgeable but it is worth checking it is actually him doing the work as one of his employees did the cambelt, tensioners etc on my Williams & did not tighten something up, as soon as I drove it, bang! Mark Fish had to collect it on a trailer & repair it.

simundo
11-04-2015, 20:57
Thanks for the responses guys. Can't decide to hold out for a Williams or just buy the best I can whether that's a 2 or 3.
Decisions....decisions.

Danno
12-04-2015, 00:21
Thanks for the responses guys. Can't decide to hold out for a Williams or just buy the best I can whether that's a 2 or 3.
Decisions....decisions.

Sit tight mate, something will come up.

simundo
20-04-2015, 19:03
There's a few about but nothing biting yet. Anyone looking sell please pm me.