A couple of months back I bought my first 306.
Its a Phase 3 1.4 LX.
Just before Christmas it failed on a few thing that I was able to repair myself, But also failed horribly on emissions. It has finally passed, so I'm on the road again, but I want it to pass again next year.
Ive really enjoyed working on it and learning how to fix things, so much so that i now consider it a hobby.
So Im going to work to get this thing back in to top condition. Not in any attempt to make money, But for something fun to do and to learn new things.
I figure a To Do list is in order. As I complete each job I will upload photos of the progress. I guess striking out the list and linking to posts with the job ive done.
So here it is, the flaws:
-External:
-¬ Paint work peeling on several panels. (Will learn how to repair bodywork myself)
-¬ Some deep scratches on several panels.
-¬ Drivers electric mirror not working, self adjusts with vibrations.
-¬ Dented, now mountainous looking bonnet. (My mate rolled over it back and forth and f*cked it up
)
-Internal:
-¬ Passenger foot well damp. (PRIORITY. Not sure if the damage this could potentially cause would mean its worth working on the rest of the car.)
-¬ Indicator faulty when indicating left, Needs cleaning out.
-¬ Driver window is slow.
-¬ Ceiling makes sticky noises when cornering fast. (haha)
-¬ Steering wheel needs replacing, as it feels like a cheap toy.
-¬ Glove box is the smallest thing I've ever tried to store something in. (not sure what i can do about this... Might create more storage within the car)
-Functional:
-¬ Head gasket is on its way out. (I will either replace the engine or the head. Both items cost about the same to purchase.)
-¬ First and second gear are difficult to select. (Could be a simple transmission fluid replacement, gear linkages or clutch problem? I plan to replace all three anyway.)
-¬ Battery mount is broken, Not held in tightly.
-¬ Rear brake cylinders are on their way out.
Not bad really for a 15 year old car that was owned by a kid who "used to think he was a racing driver". haha.
Along side this, I also want to:
- Fit alloys, after restoring and painting white.
- Lower car slightly.
- Replace the speakers that are apparently made from toilet paper.
- fill the indented line around the bumpers to make them look smoother, and with that maybe remove the clip on trim on the sides of the doors.
- Replace exhaust system. New manifold, Up front catalytic converter as opposed to a mid one and the rest.
- replace wing mirrors with full colour ones.
- de-badge the rear.
- Replace seats.
- install alarm.
- Replace any parts that are just looking a little old, if they cant be cleaned up.
- And eventually, once the car is running like new, Look in to getting a more impressive engine in there. (I passed in August this year, So im going to keep that insurance down for a while.
I cant wait to get started. I love this car, and this its worth putting some love in to.
Also, Once the weather stops being so brutal outside, ill get some photos up!
Would love to hear suggestions or questions too!
(Might be a little slow getting started with this since im attempting to find different job.)
Its a Phase 3 1.4 LX.
Just before Christmas it failed on a few thing that I was able to repair myself, But also failed horribly on emissions. It has finally passed, so I'm on the road again, but I want it to pass again next year.
Ive really enjoyed working on it and learning how to fix things, so much so that i now consider it a hobby.
So Im going to work to get this thing back in to top condition. Not in any attempt to make money, But for something fun to do and to learn new things.
I figure a To Do list is in order. As I complete each job I will upload photos of the progress. I guess striking out the list and linking to posts with the job ive done.
So here it is, the flaws:
-External:
-¬ Paint work peeling on several panels. (Will learn how to repair bodywork myself)
-¬ Some deep scratches on several panels.
-¬ Drivers electric mirror not working, self adjusts with vibrations.
-¬ Dented, now mountainous looking bonnet. (My mate rolled over it back and forth and f*cked it up

-Internal:
-¬ Passenger foot well damp. (PRIORITY. Not sure if the damage this could potentially cause would mean its worth working on the rest of the car.)
-¬ Indicator faulty when indicating left, Needs cleaning out.
-¬ Driver window is slow.
-¬ Ceiling makes sticky noises when cornering fast. (haha)
-¬ Steering wheel needs replacing, as it feels like a cheap toy.
-¬ Glove box is the smallest thing I've ever tried to store something in. (not sure what i can do about this... Might create more storage within the car)
-Functional:
-¬ Head gasket is on its way out. (I will either replace the engine or the head. Both items cost about the same to purchase.)
-¬ First and second gear are difficult to select. (Could be a simple transmission fluid replacement, gear linkages or clutch problem? I plan to replace all three anyway.)
-¬ Battery mount is broken, Not held in tightly.
-¬ Rear brake cylinders are on their way out.
Not bad really for a 15 year old car that was owned by a kid who "used to think he was a racing driver". haha.
Along side this, I also want to:
- Fit alloys, after restoring and painting white.
- Lower car slightly.
- Replace the speakers that are apparently made from toilet paper.
- fill the indented line around the bumpers to make them look smoother, and with that maybe remove the clip on trim on the sides of the doors.
- Replace exhaust system. New manifold, Up front catalytic converter as opposed to a mid one and the rest.
- replace wing mirrors with full colour ones.
- de-badge the rear.
- Replace seats.
- install alarm.
- Replace any parts that are just looking a little old, if they cant be cleaned up.
- And eventually, once the car is running like new, Look in to getting a more impressive engine in there. (I passed in August this year, So im going to keep that insurance down for a while.
I cant wait to get started. I love this car, and this its worth putting some love in to.
Also, Once the weather stops being so brutal outside, ill get some photos up!
Would love to hear suggestions or questions too!

(Might be a little slow getting started with this since im attempting to find different job.)