to think i could restore a classic car back to health?

[katz]

I've always wanted to learn how to make engines work and really fancy getting myself a hobby.

I'd like to buy an old bettle or mini and do it up.

Is this realistic?

Can i simply buy a haynes manual and do it.

My Dad who lives locally knows a bit about cars and would be happy to help me learn.

I think attending a basic mechanics course is the best start tbh.

We have beetles (one's currently just a shell with an engine in dh's shed),it's not just as simple as buying a 'old banger' and doing it up.

Classic beetles aren't cheap to pick up and have tremendous problems with rusting in the uk climate.You are looking at £1k for a half decent shell with interior without a running engine.One good thing with regards to Beetles is that the parts are pretty cheap and very easy to come by both here and in the US.

Our every day beetle needed a complete engine overhaul and dh has spent over a month rebuilding it from scratch,he has basically just used the Haynes manual and his knowledge (he is a fighter jet engineer ) of engines and used a specific VW forum to ask about any unfathomable issues he came across.

It's now up and running!

It's not just the mechanics of fixing engines but you also need some knowledge of electrical circuits,welding bodywork etc.It's a lot of time and effort involved.

Go on a course and see if it's your bag.