so, some suggestions please on what to build for a first timer

I;m starting to go crazy this winter not having a full time job and needing something to keep me busy.

So, I know this varies much but I'd like to hear some suggestions on what to build (or not to build) for my first project. I'm decent at fab work, so I;m hoping I can put together something on a budget. I'd like to try to keep the build under a couple grand, yes I know but I'm cool with not having a 'popular' car.

At one point I thought a old falcon would be cool, but then finding a unibody car here in michigan that is fixable is tough. At one point I was offered a 54 chevy 4dr, but that deal fell through and maybe for the best after finding out they have a closed driveline and babbit engine bearings.

So, I;m here on the HAMB now, I;d appreciate some direction here and perhaps learn a bit from of what not to do.

 

Falcons,Chevy II's,Darts,probably most 60's cars are going to be the least expensive to get on the road. HRP

 

i think any 60's truck makes a great progect

 

The best project is one that needs the least amount of new parts. What I mean is get a project that is fairly complete parts wise then you can use your skills and cash to make it your own car. Then just find a car that you like.

 

Get something you really, really love.
That way you don't get burned out and will have a passion for building it and keeping it.

 

I'd say stay away from the four doors. These projects usually end up taking more time and money than first planned / expected, and while there are a few highly desirable four-door cars out there (Lincolns and Mercs mainly), the vast majority of American cars are worth the most in 2-door form.

Now that's not to say some people haven't made unique projects with a non-2-door, but if you want to pour your heart and soul (and pocketbook) into something, it's a sure bet that a non-four-door will bring you the most value when you're done.

The smart $$$ is on vehicles that have the most resale.

 

yeah but for cheap 4 doors are better. simple fact is every one wants a 2 door so they command higher prices.. and most of the time the 4 doors are the same underneith how bout a 60's valiant? basically anything they made large amounts of

 

your best bet is to look on craigs list and try to find a 60's style clost to done , your only working part time and car rebuilds cast money swo that's an issue , and under 2 grand ? a good paint job will cost ya atleast 3 grand , and don't do the flat black things its been done to death , I know here in ohio there is a swwet early 60's chevy with new paint and just needs some tinkering for 2 grand and I would say 1500 would drive away in it . unless you like the looks of a hotrod truck ((( I MYSELF DON"T ))) then I would stay away from trucks ... make sure you can afford it before you srart , if you start on it and then you have to wait a year before you can afford a certain part then you'll loose intrest , so start out with a running driving almost complete easy project

 

find something that has as much as posible with the car, it can get costly getting enough parts to finish

 

Build what you want but also be real.

That includes a real budget estimate to get the car driveable, and a real plan to get those funds.

This also means look at how you're gonna use it. An early hot rod is a hard thing to secure in a movie theater or apartment complex parking lot. A closed 40s/50s car is a lot easier to secure during daily duties. Many HAMB cars are like living with a motorcycle, so if you want a car, make sure you're not building a motorcycle with doors.

Don't just start with what's available. The starting point is only a fraction of the end result (time and money), so start right even if it's a lot easier to snap up a car like the 54 chev described.

Good luck!

 

A good running 4 door beats a P.O.S. 2 door. Bargins are out there, but think twice before you buy. As someone with fabrication experience you know to measure twice, cut once. You can do that with your budget, too.

Are you a real first timer or have you been around project cars and want one of your own? If you're totally new to this, make damn sure this is how you want to go broke. Even done on the cheap this game ain't free. It can be done for under $(pick your amount-insert here), but in the end would you rather have something else for that money? No sense building something unsafe, if you wouldn't let your Mother drive it, DON'T ENDANGER THE REST OF US ON THE ROADS WITH IT. Build it right the first time.

Also, I joined the Minnesota Street Rod Association years ago. The $20 a year is money well spent for the newsletter and networking. There's a Michigan Street Rod Assoc, too. Check them out.

Not to be an a-hole, I'm just trying to help. GOOD LUCK!

 

yeah, man - get a 60's pickup.

 

Well, first timer in the sense of having my own old car. However, I've had a few friends over the years that I've helped them out with the welding and mechanical work on their own old cars.

 

He has decent fabrication skills, so I see no reason not to build a budget T bucket, particularly as unfinished projects are plentiful and cheap. With a donor wreck for running gear, wiring, maybe seat frames, maybe steering etc, it should be possible to put something together super cheap.

 

Man you can really tell who owns a 2 door and who owns a 4 door lol...

If you've only got a couple grand... scour craigslist for 2 things.

1. A car/truck with minimal rust and hard to find parts intact

2. A car/truck with clean paperwork that was registered and on the road recently. This can even be a few years out of date.

Reviving something that hasn't ran since 1958 will cost you more than the couple grand budget you gave yourself.

After you've narrowed down a selection of cars using those guidelines... then pick out the one that just speaks to you the most. Whether that be a car/truck - 2 door/4 door.

Good luck, and be sure to post up whatever you buy!

-Chris

 

What kind of cars do you like...? If you get something just for the sake of getting a project that isn't always the best thing to do... You may not be able to get your dream car but be realistic about what you like, what you can afford, and what you can really do.... sit down and figure out how much you can spend on a car, the better the car the more it will cost up front but you will spend less getting it going and you will be driving it sooner..... sometimes a nice simple driver is the best car to have.....

 

Hey Kenny did you get my Pm's

 

What's wrong with a hot rod truck? Usually solid frames, usefulness, and you can hang a gun rack in one...

 

Dont build anything, get as far away from the hobby as possable

 

Avoid rust!

Oh yeah, you want to do this all for under a couple of grand.


Not going to happen for so little coin.

 

49-54 Chevy is extremely cheap to build, even with an open driveline conversion and a motor swap. Lots of parts suppliers. Good way to get your feet wet. The 49-51 Fords are similarly cheap and easy to build.

 

Studebaker Larks are dirt cheap, even 1950 Studes, well all Studebakers!

 

Chevy AD pickup '47-'55 or Ford F1-F100 '48 to '56. Simple to take apart and put together, huge aftermarket support, cheap to buy, millions and millions made. Not to mention they look great and are very cool.

 

DON'T buy something you dont like. No matter how cheap your heart just won't be in it right from the start. Sometimes the hunt is just as much fun as the purchase. It's a buyers market for the most part so don't get caught up in making a snap decision. No harm with sleeping on a potential purchase and making a lower offer will only net you a "NO".

Frank

 

Good advice right there.

 

Be sure to buy something that you want to work on, do not buy something because it fits a budget, as stated earlier it's a buyers market... take your time and do your research... you'll find what you want at your price, research replacement panels and parts for what you are seriously considering purchasing before hand.
Remember most of all once you have your new project home have fun working on it! that's the most important part...

Matt

 

Yes, Michigan is the land of rust. That I fear will be my biggest problem.

I'm sure that to get a professional-type build that its going to cost way more then I want.

However, I don't think that one can't do it. A couple years ago I helped a buddy fab a frame for his homemade rosadster, Sure he got lots of free labor from me, but he had about $3,000 into it.

Yes, I know that a pro paint job costs a bundle, but on my own car I'd use Valspar industrial acrylic enamel with hardner and be a couple hundered into paint. I've used a bunch of that enamel when I worked in the shop and once you get used to it, it lays down pretty good.

 

Get a car in another state and ship it back. You will be miles ahead. You can pick-up minimal rust driver falcons/darts or similar for dirt cheap out here.

for example

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/1551527890.html

this one needs a harness but is clean
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/1544440545.html

 

I would say look in the classifieds and think what you have as far as a budget and try to get a runner driver that fits your taste , you can always personalize it !

 

For a first build I would sugest an old chevy. Chevy engines and transmissions are cheepo and all around, huge after market and performance support, and alot of parts that swap from year to year with ease. For example a 1953 truck hell on any given day I will see 6 or 7 at a car show. They are out there as are there parts.
Good luck!!!!