Hi all, I just joined this forum and have been looking at the posts. Looks a like a lot of you are automotive experts. I am very impressed by what I have seen so far. I love to work on cars but I am by no means, an expert. So far I have been just a parts exchanger. I would like to start my first project, something that I can work on for a while and learn as I go along. I like the looks of 40's and 50's 4 seaters. I would like to restore one and ultimately use it as a daily driver. What car would you recommend that is relatively easy to work on and has an abundant supply of parts available. Thanks in advance for your help.
1st off welcome to the HAMB. Any project you choose should be one that you really like and not somebody elses idea of what would be a good choice. Tri 5 chevies have a crap load of parts available as do some of the 40-50's Fords. You can also buy a project right here from another member and help both of you out.Lots of parts here too but your car in my opinion needs to be something you can get really involved with and something maybe you've always liked and or wanted. Just my 2 cents
i agree , buy something you like...55-56-57 Chevys are nice , but expensive. Fords and Chevys of the 40's and 50's have good parts availability. a shoe box (1949-51) ford would be a great start in your budget, buy something that is a nice as possible and as complete as possible...cuts down on frustrations and searching for missing parts that can get $$$$. if you find one that's running and driving you can enjoy it while you work on it....nothing dampens new enthusiasm for cars than spending money and time on something you can't drive whatever you get , take someone along who you trust and knows cars to get an honest opinion on your potential project. get it up on a lift and check it for rust....from body mounts to rockers. a car can look great on the outside , but could be a bondo'd up mess underneath be honest with yourself ... evaluate your skills , budget , tools , place to work and free time to work , what stuff you will have to pay to have done ...then factor that into your decision
Buy a bunch of magazines and go to some car events and get up close so you can experience these cars. You'll get a better idea of what speaks to you. Then find a recurring event in your area, go to it every time, and get to know the dudes around you. Maybe offer to help at a shop night (bring beer). You'll learn a ton and the guys around you will be willing to throw you their expertise when needed. Lastly, scour the HAMB 24/7 til you want to throw up. There is more info here than anywhere else. Good luck!
Unless you find a really nice one, stay away from 4 doors. They will eat through your wallet in repairs/restoration work just like a 2 door, but the return on investment wont be there in the end. Like the other guys said - wait for the right car that you really want. They are out there, don't settle for anything less, unless you just want to flip it. Typically though, once you start putting money into something, its a losing proposition - you just wont make it back, especially these days. Good luck!
"They are out there, don't settle for anything less" Best advice so far. I've seen a lot of time and money get wasted on cars that friends have bought because they were not patient enough to wait for the right car. I've owned lots of 'em and learned the hard way myself. If you wait long enough and really really look the right deal will come along. Good luck.
49-54 Chevy!! I'm a little biased but hear me out. First off GM offers great interchangability from year to year moters, trannyect.49-54 are popular and plentiful enough that just about any part you need is obtainable. Tri-5's are way more expensive but do have a good aftermarket support. Also, save your money and get a running,driving project you will be happier in the long run. Also, don't buy the first thing you come upon. You may wish you hadn't. (Ask me how I know). Here's a link to what I learned on my first project car. Todd http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283516
In my opinion you should find something with very little rust .Make sure your heart speeds up when you see it that will help you want to keep at it.Jump in its only metal .My last 2 cents
Find a car you like, fords and chevies of the 50s have great aftermarket support. The more solid of a car you have at the start means the nicer it will be at the end, unless you're a really great metal man. SERIOUSLY inspect a car you plan on buying for rust in fenders, quarters, floors, and rockers. Do research on a car you want to buy, and know where the problem areas are, like the front crossmember in any Ford made after 1949, aswell as headlight eyebrows, and quarters. Also know what aftermarket suppliers there are, and have a general idea of what they don't sell. The most important thing is, have fun with the people, and have a car you genuienly enjoy working on and looking at, and (for the most part) driving. Good luck, I'm about to start finishing up my first project here in the next few months, and will probably try and keep mine forever(its my first car, and I'm lucky enough to be able to do what I've done)
Thanks guys, good advice. I will start looking to see what is out there. I am not in a hurry and will certainly take my time. Appreciate all the good advice.
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