An ascMcLaren forum for 84-86 Capri and 87-90 Mustang based cars modified by Automotive Speciality Corporation, a Division of American Sunroof Corporation. (no affiliation)
I have an 86 coupe dash id #005 all original that I received new off the showroom floor for my sixteenth birthday. It was my first true love! It was stored many year (pickled) in my fathers warehouse and looked like brand new until mid 2000's.
It has since been mostly outdoors in Florida sun and has surface rust on roof and hood spreading rapidly. It was still driving until my last move in 2009. Hasn't moved since.
I have no idea how to estimate the cost of restoring something like this. Body work and paint, no problem. Got that estimate.
Do any of you that have done a complete overhaul know about what it would cost?
It's all here. Just sat outside undriven way too long!!
Thanks for any input, Deb
Welcome to the site. I can't help with estimating the cost as I have never done that. I would have a hard time letting it go after owning it since new. I would definetly miss it. I'm sure you have thought of that as well.
I would love to see pictures of your car. Could help others to figure out what it would need to come up with an estimate.
Good luck with your decision. I can't imagine it being an easy one to make.
It's blue with orange detailing. I have pics on my iPad but the file size is too big to post here. Not sure how to decrease them. I just sent some shots of the worst damage to Hippy86coupe, maybe he can post them?
Welcome! To help with the estimate we need to know what you want estimated. You said that you have a good idea about paint and body. Post some pics we would love to see your car!
I have several pictures but can't post them. Could text or email to someone that knows how. They are full size files on my iPad and I can't shrink them!
Ah ha! I read all the info on posting pics so that will have to be set up tomorrow when I have a computer to work on.
The car has mostly surface rust but a few places its really digging in. There is a hole on the hood I can poke my pinky in!
My main concern is the fuel system. It was last driven across town for a move in 2009 and hasn't moved since. The gas wasn't new then and I'm sure it's all gunk now. Plus I'm sure just the age alone would require all kinds of seals and gaskets to be replaced. That's where I have no clue on price. All that invisible work needed!
I think it might be best to find a local shop that you trust. Talk to them about how much it would cost to drain the fuel tank and get the car back on the road. You will probably need some brake work too. I would guess you will be in the $1000-$2000 range. Cars don't like to sit.
I have run 3 year old gas with no problems in cars. (not ideal, but it doesn't turn to "gunk").
As far as your resto goes, it depends on how much you want to do yourself. The body work is the biggest part of the job but most everything else can be done by yourself with a good set of tools and some time and effort.
-Mike
1985 ascMcLaren Coupe - Midnight Blue
Under Restoration
Now y'all see what I'm trying to save. I went to see my old mechanic today. He's the only person other than my dad who worked on this car. I'm going to have it towed to his shop so he can go over it really well and give me a true idea of what needs to be done.
He also informed me that there is one modification on it. He said my dad changed the exhaust. At the time dad had a 66 GTO and he wanted the mclaren to sound "beefier" like it.
I didn't even notice!
*IF* the only body damage is to the top of the car and *IF* it isn't too bad, it will be a reasonable fix.
In the Northeast, if you see a car like that, IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. The moisture, salt and snow rot out the bottom first. But in Florida, it may be a different story.
-Mike
1985 ascMcLaren Coupe - Midnight Blue
Under Restoration
