complete beginner, please dont shoot me.
 

hello.

I have a fiesta mk4 and id like to resotre it back to new and add a few modifications.

first off, i just want to know what order to do things in.

this is what i think i need to do but i could be wrong.

make a plan and design it.
strip it down to the frame.
fix any rust and other bodywork issues.
get it re sprayed

this is where i get stuck,

do i put the engine back in or do the interior first?
what do i do about the suspension arms and all the other bits underneath.?

as you can tell, im not a mechanic but i do have a fair bit of spare money.

if i have missed anything major, please let me know and please dont shoot me for being stupid.

if you are going to tell me to go away and research, could you direct me to a decent place, thanks.

so a full restore then?

the way id do it is...

strip it then bodywork and respray

engine in..and everything back on

then interior

but thats me...

me too... :top: :top:

Dirty stuff first, then put clean stuff in :D

thanks.

once ive done some research and made some plans, ill make a project thread so you can all see what a mess i make of it:)

youll also see me asking alot of questions that are probly very simple but i dont want to do anything wrong.

make sure it's the right car to start with, or sell it on and buy one that is... make sure it will get to where you want it.

what do you mean?

like if its too rusty chuck it out? please could you explain a little, i feel rather stupid.

when it's done will you be happy with it? is it a feasible project or is a better alternative available, you aint gona try putting 3dr rear quarters on a 5 door when a 3 door is available in the first place etc. how much can you do yourself and how much time do you want to put into learning? just general things to think about?

oh ok.

well i basically want the car to be as it is now but with a nice interior and a slightly better engine.

and maybe a subtle bodykit.

i think its do-able and i will put in all the time i need to to learn.

Keep in mind that any car you restore will cost a fair old whack and you'll never get your moneu back on it.

But, in my opinion, the MK4 fiesta is the least likely to fetch a decent price when done. Just make sure you really like the MK4 and that it isn't just the fact that it is the car you own.

Keep us posted on the work and get some pictures up.

Matt

it was my first car- i dont want to sell it so the resale value doesnt really concern me.

i just dont want it to sit there and rust. I am willing to put alot of money into it too to make it like new.

im not planning to put a big RS turbo in it or anything like that, i just want it back to as near perfect as it can be:)

Go for it buddy... Just be methodical about what you do, get lots of margarine tubs to keep all your nuts and bolts in and mark where they came from...

If your a bit unsure you'll remember how to put something back together, take lots of pictures of the part as your taking apart for reference.

Get haynes manual, they can be really helpfull.

if its your first time take shit loads of pictures when you start pulling it apart.. all helps when you start putting it back together again.. good luck :top:

i did a simular restore to mine lol but i made it look better rather than pulling it apart :cry:

just try to be methodical mate - plenty mk4 fiestas in scrappy the now for bits if need be :top: