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Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 8:03 am
by Bennythew
Hi all, Ben here.

So after flitting about between cars I think I'm finally honing down to only having two on the drive. And I think I want one of them to be rotary!

My background is mainly aircooled vws. I've had some pretty interesting things over the years and currently have a 1971 bay window crewcab (uk rhd) and a 89 vw panelvan.

The panelvan is currently getting a modern tdi engine put in it and it occurred to me that when it's done the two vans will fulfil the same roll.

So with a love of small cars that like to go round corners I've decided to sell the 71 and buy an FB.

A rare thing in the uk though! I've found one that needs a total resto, welding and all, but I'd be interested in a more finished machine before embarking on a costly project!

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 6:52 pm
by MelloYello
Welcome, a wise choice you have made.

I would say that Chud will be along soon as he has a VW bus in his collection also, so it must be a good combo.

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:43 pm
by richrx
Welcome along,

Be prepaired to fall in love with the rotary, then decide to transplant one into a vw:)

Rich

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:54 pm
by DKWW2000
Hi Ben,
Be prepared to step back in time with the FBs steering (No Power assist & a Steering Box) but apart from that they a great little unique cars - Welcome

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2016 3:50 am
by Kirkosaki
AN FB is a great option. Rotaries are unique for sure.

I dunno about there but here in Canada the GSL and GSL-SE came with power steering :)
But! Who needs power steering anyways? You barely notice it while driving and If you are turning the wheel while at a stand still you don't know how to properly drive. It puts unnecessary tire wear on the front tires :P
That being said, The steering isn't Rack and Pinion. Which is a shame.

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2016 12:58 pm
by codge
Kirkosaki wrote:AN FB is a great option. Rotaries are unique for sure.

I dunno about there but here in Canada the GSL and GSL-SE came with power steering :)
But! Who needs power steering anyways? You barely notice it while driving and If you are turning the wheel while at a stand still you don't know how to properly drive. It puts unnecessary tire wear on the front tires :P
That being said, The steering isn't Rack and Pinion. Which is a shame.
Don't forget over here things are much more crammed up.
That means a lot of manoeuvring at a couple of miles an hour to park etc.

Having said that I've never been to Newfoundland.....I guess it's got wide open spaces but cold right?

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 5:38 am
by Bennythew
Yeah the bus and something sporty combo works well, though my panelvan won't be slow, I'm looking at 180 bhp and geared for 110 mph.

Power steering doesn't bother me, I'm used to simple setups.


So what kind of price am I looking at for a mint example?

And more importantly where can I find one!?

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 11:14 am
by codge
Mint as in Concourse ready with very little TLC? £5/6k would be my best guess.
An easy project with little or no welding and an MOT say £3.5k
A runner but some small repair welding needed £2k
A big resto project £0.5/1k

They're my best guesses in a rising market.

Where to find the mint condition car.....ah.....??

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 12:19 pm
by Bennythew
codge wrote:Mint as in Concourse ready with very little TLC? £5/6k would be my best guess.
An easy project with little or no welding and an MOT say £3.5k
A runner but some small repair welding needed £2k
A big resto project £0.5/1k

They're my best guesses in a rising market.

Where to find the mint condition car.....ah.....??


That's pretty much what I figured.

I guess I just need to wait for the right car to come along.

I know the forum has a for sale section, I'm just not allowed on it!

Re: Thinking of getting into rotary.

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 12:42 pm
by A7RXY
I know the forum has a for sale section, I'm just not allowed on it![


You will be after you have made 10 posts, so get posting. Photos of past cars are always nice to see.

Dibs