Restore or Buy ??

[PSL184]

Just throwing this out there for suggestions....
I have an amount available to spend (don't want to say right now) and own a 1 owner 1960 Traveller that requires restoration. It needs wood, paint and interior. Mechanicals are all done and are fine (1275, 3.9 diff, 9" front brakes and recon box). Wheels and tyres are new. This vehicle owes me around £500.
I would like to maybe modify the suspension to something more modern (Coils on front and 5 link rear end) and maybe a 5 speed box as it will be a daily driver.
All the work I have done so far has been done by myself, but I no longer seem to find the time to progress any further, so am looking at getting the remaining restoration work done professionally.
So, the question... Do I carry on with the project and complete the resto or would it be more viable to sell on and source another vehicle that maybe needs less work (Body, wood, interior all done) and just "modernise" it....?
I'm going to have a chat with JLH at some time about this but thought I'd get some other views / opinions first....
Thanks

[Dean]

I would recommend doing your homework first. That will entail having a general look around to see what cars are for sale and their condition for what price. Simply compare that with your own car and the cost to bring up to standard. Then there is the balance between trusting someone elses engineering work against doing your own/paying JLH.

I think the DIY version will be the dearer option.

[les]

Sorry to hear time is an issue on this one. I personally don't like letting someone loose on my minors but respect your position. If you have the wherewithall (is that one word?) your mention of jhl seems sound, he appears to be highly thought of. I would have thought it better to 'keep the devil you know' rather than start again, especially if you're happy with it so far.
I really had to push myself to finish my van and keep the quality up, so I know where you're at.

[beero]

The fact that you are considering buying a car that is already restored suggests that it would probably be the best choice for you. Restoration is always a labour of love and not usually the most sensible choice financially.

[StaffsMoggie]

Sometimes you have to accept that restoring a car is very time consuming and not always economical (if that is important) I have 3 Minors, all needing a lot of work, an MGB, Spitfire, and Land Rover to do as well. No way am I going to get round to all of them so I may well get a local Minor specialist to do one Mog and sell the others, I don't want to sell up but must be realistic.