New friends I made through the BMWCCA gave me the knowledge and confidence to try to fix a few things. A good repair manual and the collective wisdom & experience of this site will have him shade-tree mechanic-ing in no time!
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John in VA
'74 tii "Juanita"
'85 325e "Ol' Blue"
'86 535i "M-POSSTR"
'00 328i "Fern"

I WISH my dad and I had restored a car together. We both love cars, but neither were mechanically inclined. I am getting there, though. It's not so much the car as it is the time, memories, and bonding that will stay with both of you a lifetime. Plus, it's a family heirloom since it came from his uncle. And 20 years from now when he and his new bride are off on their honeymoon in it, you will thank yourself for having the foresight to have done it. 20 years after that when he passes it on to your grandkid, you will shake your head in disbelief that something as simple as a little old BMW could carry with it such power. It's a little piece of the family that ought to be preserved, even if it doesn't seem so clear right now. KEEP IT!
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1973 2002 (still) Sahara "Inga"
1982 e21 Saphirblau "Max"
1987 e30 Zinnoberrot and still nameless...

"Why would I pay that much money for a 1981 BMW that looks...like a 1981 BMW?" -Charles William Jones, Jr.

I second the KEEP IT sentiment.

1. Buy a manual.

2. Buy some basic metric Craftsmen tools. (wrenches, sockets, ratchet, and screwdrivers)

3. Visit this site often.

4. Watch the teen become obsessed with the car and not have enough money to buy drugs or get into too much trouble other than the ticket for speeding or no inspection sticker...

John
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I suggest you sit down and dedicate a couple of hours to this thread. OOPS! NEW LINK! TRY IT NOW
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2224141&page=1
#1665778

in my family... it would be considered extremely rude to just turn around and sell something that was given as a gift... especially a special car like that.

if it's something your son is not interested in having (some people aren't natural 'car guys'), then best thing would be to explain it to the brother and maybe kindly give it back. He wants to see your son have fun with the car, not just grab the cash and run.
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1974 2002, 4224479, #74 EP/FSP, daily driver, track toy
1983 Yamaha RX50: 7hp/70+ MPG, in town run-about
1992 Miata: #43 CSP, winter beater