Bad, meet worse...

[dalekboy]

So, it's been a nuts day. Painter arrived first thing to deal with the damage from a leak we had a while back. However, unlike we'd been told, he wasn't going to just touch up the damaged area over the kitchen table, he was going to paint the entire ceiling of the kitchen and lounge area. So much moving of crap had to take place in a very short space of time. That knocked me around a fair bit.

Then I had to take my car down to the mechanic's for roadworthy looksee and a major service. And brain-damaged cripple-old-man had to walk an hour to get home. Think that didn't take a toll?

And I've just had a call from the mechanic... He doesn't think the car can possibly pass ACT standards to get a roadworthy. We were warned about this before we moved up here - ACT regs on cars are exceptionally strict, way harder than the regs in the various states - so even with tonnes of work done to it, it may be impossible to get it to pass a roadworthy here. The mechanic suggested I try to keep it registered in Victoria, that way I bypass the problem.

Of course, it causes other issues, and opens a can of worms if I have an accident.

I love my old car, as anyone who has read my 100 Days Post on The Belwood would know. I've been driving it... well, bits of it... on and off... for twenty years. It is a large part of my identity, my past - droving, my dad, etc.

At the same time it's just a car.

So, do we throw money at it and hope to get it to a point where the ACT would let me have it registered here? If so, how much do we spend before it's a case of diminishing returns? And what if we spend the money and it still won't pass muster? Do we simply leave it registered in Victoria? With all the potential for problems down the track? Do we get rid of it (could possibly get between $1500 and $2500 for it, depending on buyer) and purchase another car? I could look for a similar one, but unless I find one already in the ACT, and roadworthy, I'm likely to strike the same problem. We would only ever be likely to buy a second hand car of any type, old or new, and even with a roadworthy and a check-out you don't know what you're going to get. So do we buy a new car that may be reliable, would likely be more environmentally friendly, but also may not be any of these things?

I love my car, I get happy just walking out and seeing the damned thing on the street. I love that it's been driven by people who I love, admire, and who are important to me. I enjoy driving it, even if it's just down the road.

The biggest problem is, my car, rough though it is, works. It can run when it's low on oil, it's still not too hard to get parts for, and it can be fixed by any mechanic around, without the need for a computer or specialised parts. Plus, it's a tough old thing, it's literally done thousands of kilometres on dirt tracks and corrugated roads. It's been through potholes that drove my head down through my pelvis. Other cars hit it and they get dented.

It makes me feel, in some small way, like I'm still out and about droving with my dad.

But it's still just a car.

There's a point where I have to be practical, and this may well be it.

Comments

[dalekboy.livejournal.com]

Well, it needs a new engine - there's no way to overcome the oil leak on the old one - there's rust that needs taking care of, but the thing the mechanic was most worried about was the play in the steering. Quite acceptable in most older cars, but may not pass ACT regs even if everything else is perfect.

First thing on my list would be a new engine. A secondhand 186 will probably cost $500, a reconditioned $2000-$2500... So lots of thought to go into it. Currently considering ringing Automasters in Perth, the best mechanics I know, and asking them what they could source before I come over. Assuming I make it.

[rendragon.livejournal.com]

I've just gone through the "fix the play in the steering" saga with my Renault. If you have a Haynes Manual (or equivalent) and someone (or a few people) mechanically minded, it's not too hard to change steering/suspension parts over and replace bushes. And I'm guessing you'll have a much easier time finding parts than I did :)

The rust is harder - perhaps someone knows a friend of a friend who might do it for you for a slab? I got the Renault done by a guy working out of his backyard (on recommendation from a professional) - took longer than a pro, but the job was just as good, and cost me less.

As for the engine, I rebuilt the one I had (and was without a car for 2 weeks) but it was well worth it. Go with a reconditioned one if you can make ends meet, it'll save you money in the long run.

All up I've spent about $10k over 5 years on a car that I paid $400 for and would get $400 for if I sold it (nobody knows what they are). It's a "love job". I love my car, so in the end the money doesn't matter (though it always hurts when the bill comes =P )

[paul-ewins.livejournal.com]

Pretty much everything you need can be sourced from Rare Spares: http://www.rarespares.net.au, so there shouldn't be anything that *can't* be done. A reconditioned engine is the right way to go, but buying it in Perth may make a warranty claim difficult if the car is back in Canberra when the problem occurs.

If the steering is the show-stopper then get that done first. Rare Spares had change-over steering boxes for $400+ so it doesn't look cheap but the rebuild kits were around $60 so a local specialist could still do the job. There are a couple of Australian magazines that cater to older cars and they usually have lots of ads for specialist mechanics.

Once you have a change over motor there won't be much left to go wrong given the simplicity of a 60's Holden. In my experience the big killer for older cars is blown head gaskets due to faulty cooling systems. A broken diff or a stuffed gearbox just gets unbolted and replaced for not much money. Worn out parts are just a fact of life, you would still need to replace brakes pads and discs, bushes and shocks, water pumps and fan belts etc. etc. etc. on a newer car at some point anyway.

I can't see the point in replacing the Belwood with another HK as it won't be the car that figures in your memories. In any case you would just be starting from scratch with another car full or nearly worn parts that will need replacing. Better to fix the one you have (and love).

As for buying a newer secondhand car, well I wouldn't recommend anything much older than 10 years. Anything from the 80's will be a complete lottery and I wouldn't recommend a small four cylinder if you drive on bad roads. The mid 90's are where the useful stuff like ABS became common and the bigger cars are now only worth $5000 - $6000 and if you can get one with LPG they will be cheaper to run than a mid size four cylinder car. If you want a bench seat in the front the Ford Falcon will be your only chance.

So, you might spend $4000 fixing the Belwood, or you could spend $5000 getting a secondhand car that would be nicer to drive but will be starting to wear out. The Belwood may still be the cheaper option and given the sentiment involved probably the better option.