What's the life expectancy of my car?

[Kett]

This has been bothering me for some time. Much as we all love these appreciating modern classics... are they safe and reliable to drive?

I had a good chat with SGM and we were both of the opinion that Tann’s restorations were ‘on another level’ - however, our mission was simply aligned to replacing/protecting vulnerable ‘low rent Renault’ components.

As you all know - I’m an aesthetics freak. Here’s a brief insight into SGM’s hard graft. No doubt his Facebook blog will follow....

 

[Duncan]

I guess life expectancy is all down to such preventative maintainance. Everything degrades over time, Regardless of mileage or even use, so you need to replace/refurbish worn parts on it to keep it reliable and ultimately for it survive.

I think the v6 will have pretty high survival rate compared to its peers. Some of them will rot away over the next 20 years, but most owners will and do carry out the necessary to keep the cars in good nick. Especially those who have the skill/ knowledge to work on their cars or those who have a great relationship with a specialist who like SGM who is very keen on properly maintaining them.

Most v6’s look great on the outside, but some are rotting away underneath so I suspect the next 10 years will see lots of cars receiving restoration.

 

[rustedandrotten]

Also depends on whether you want to turn a Phase 1 into an Infirno :rofl: :rofl: :race: :race:

 

[Kett]

Most v6’s look great on the outside, but some are rotting away underneath so I suspect the next 10 years will see lots of cars receiving restoration.

I think I somewhat ‘jumped the gun’ taking this on now, but foresaw that some components will be even less available that now. Another factor was that I was due Cambelt plus new starter motor, so I was committed to a programme of works. However, I’m very happy with the results.

 

[MrBlueSky]

That looks great and I can appreciate that faced with an engine out, might as well get other stuff done to protect for the long term. Don't mind admitting that Scott had some rot to cut out on mine last year, but with the quality of repair I'm hoping should last for another 15 yrs.
Starting to think of my relationship with the Vee like some old bloke with a Bristol or Alvis had forever and sends back to the factory every 15 years for a full re-commission. "None of these modern turbo/electric whotnots do it for me"

 

[redraven]

Looking very nice that.!! :salut:

 

[Tannman]

Big improvement kett and it’s now lookIng fresh :approve:
Roll on the next 20 years :race:

 

[Adrian]

Very nice :approve:

 

[Kett]

Don't mind admitting that Scott had some rot to cut out on mine last year, but with the quality of repair I'm hoping should last for another 15 yrs.

Scott showed me examples of particular areas where the factory underseal on Ph1 was applied haphazardly. I’m afraid that unloved examples will be going to the dogs.

 

[DaveL485]

[post]226891[/post] Scott showed me examples of particular areas where the factory underseal on Ph1 was applied haphazardly. I’m afraid that unloved examples will be going to the dogs.

Indeed, i've just caught a couple of small areas on mine too, particularly the back bottom outer edges of the rear wheel tubs. Ive seen a few that have been properly bad, falling apart in fact so pleased to have put a stop to mine before any serious issues or perforation!

 

[Lankan]

Good stuff Kett. :approve:

Guess the AY now looks great on the inside as well as the outside....

 

[scudRS]

Looks brand new Kett!

 

[GTTurbo]

Awesome Kett :bow:

 

[Brett]

Nicely done Sam and Scott. Keeping cars in this great condition both mechanicaly and structually is the point people should realise that even low milage, hardly used "investments" still need money spent on them at a specialist such as Scott or a lot of hard work and time personaly. Its simply not a case of using them lightly and then squirelling them away.

 

[Big Iain]

Are we seeing common places for rot then? Where have you all found some?

 

[Big Iain]

If I can find some decent new sill stickers my sills will be coming off for a freshen up.

 

[Kett]

Are we seeing common places for rot then? Where have you all found some?

You’re not going to get many folks owning up to having rotten Vees!

I’d say that ‘ALL’ could do with an overhaul though. Leigh Tannaman last x2 makeovers have been on hyper low mileage examples and they really benefitted from his expertise.

If you don’t already, it’s well worth following SGM on Facebook. He gets all-sorts and the situation is gradually getting ugly.

I wonder if there’s a technique to drilling the sills, draining any water, and injecting with Jenolite-type product before replugging?

 

[ed_harland]

What a strange forum........... We've had loads of talk over the years regarding values and how to push them up ! Only to decrease values by having made it a requisite that the cam belt must be changed every five years ! What nonsense !
Now apparently most vee's are rotting away and need a total rebuild to be worth much at all !
I'm sure it is a good idea to quietly point out the areas where corrosion MAY set in so that checks can be made at service intervals or on purchase but to put out horror stories on this forum and more publically on facebook seems to me not to be of sound mind and would only benifit those wanting to offer a service restoring or selling a restored car.
I have an early phase 1 and a phase 2 and can assure those that are worried about their own cars that both are in excellent rust free condition EVEN after all these years !
My son's phase 1 is similarly in great condition [smilie=icon_eek.gif]

 

[DaveL485]

Condition (corrosion wise) depends massively on how the car has been stored and where in the country it lives, far more so than age.

 

[ed_harland]

Condition (corrosion wise) depends massively on how the car has been stored and where in the country it lives, far more so than age.

Exactly, which is why we should not be tarring them all with the same brush.