What are the top 5 things you learned from your first build?

As I near the end of my complete drive train build that has become hell on earth or should I say hell on my wallet, I've thought about what are the top 5 things that I take away from this build and so I would like to hear y'alls?

#1- Do the research on what all of the parts needed are going to cost then add maybe 10% for incidentals. I started with a goal of 4K and now I'm close to 6K.

#2-Just because your buddy says that he knows how to do something does not mean that (A) he will come over and do it (B) do it right and (C) won't make you feel bad for doing them. I just spent several hundred buck fixing one of my buddies f ups on the car.

#3- Make sure that you have a VERY cool old lady that won't get pissed when you stay up all night trying to figure out how in the hell you are going to install your gas pedal where you want it or give you shit for spending more $ on the car than on her!

#4- Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete the project unlike me who has two days before my car HAS to drive into my wedding reception and I still have two weeks worth of work to do on the car. Which means that tonite will be a late night. Which brings me to the last one.

#5- This is the most important one I think, thank everyone of your buddies who comes over all the time and helps all that they can with your build. I would never have been this far on my project if it wasn't for Nick aka TcNotch, Richard D, Adrian from Los CoChinos, Neil Dezzotti and my Buddy Joe. These guys have spent tons of late nights helping me get my 52 back on the road.

So let's hear yours........

Sam Navarro

 

Don't compromise, don't take short cuts, when you really know better. You know what I mean: you want something a certain way, but it is easier and quicker to do it this other way, which isn't so good, and then you regret it forever.

 

1. Always start with the best radiator you can afford. Along with lower engine temp, you will achieve lower blood pressure.
2. If the oil pressure gauge reads low, there is a reason for it and it will only get more expensive if prolonged.
3. Fill up at 1/4 tank, not less.
4. Buy the best tools you can afford, even if they are slightly out of reach--or you will be doing it again soon.
5. Buy double the size of shop air compressor you think you need.

 

Cheaper isn't always cheaper.

 

1. Don't be scared to redo something your not happy with.

2. Ask someone or look up information on things you don't know. I have even bought books and movies for how to learning.

3. Don't rush or you will be redoing it later.

4. If you can't afford what you need for the project, wait, build somehow or find a part of the project that doesn't take money now.

5. Try to stay on task......... Try to now have too many projects at once..... If I could only listen to this one.

 

Brakes are important!

 

I don't think I learned a damned thing, or I'd have quit and taken up golf!

 

Have more money set aside for the build$$

 

Build the car you want to drive, don't build a car that others think you should build, by the time you finish your car they will be driving different shit anyway.
Do not sell your first fully completed running car to begin your second, finish building your second and sell your first to pay for your third, otherwise you will be no car dork forever.
Driving a 700 cubic inch car to the Hunnert from Chicago will cost 800 dollars, but it's only 425 to have it flat topped back.
If you lie to your wife and tell her that the next car you build is going to be for her so you can get it funded you will be building that car for your wife.
I have been working diligently on a product that comes in a spray can, this product is designed to be sprayed on offensive or offending parts on the motor vehicle. It has the effect of making any post 64 part look old, any billet look like sculptured stainless steel, and AC compressors look like ancient world war 2 german turbo chargers. Any person who notices this gets a quick spritz in the general area of their face. Within moments they will see the world as perfect regardless of how jazzed it may be. The FDA is giving me a touch of trouble due to the fact that it also makes hookers look like nuns, road apples look like taffy apples and many other minor but similar complaints, that and the people trying to fly thing but thats minor. Perhaps it would have been scientifically easier to just not have put the objectionables upon the auto, the jury is still out on this.

 

1. its going to take way more than you planned on spending.
2. its going to take way longer than you thought.
3. see #1 and #2
4. you can go a long time without food or sleep
5. flowers don't go as far as you think with a neglected spouse.
6. I'll never do this again.

 

Quality has nothing to do with how much parts cost.

The only downside to using salvaged parts is cleaning them up. If one doesn't mind the extra work, after cleaning/repair/ most are as good as new ones.

If one an imagine/visualize a result, it can probably be executed. Don't believe everybody that says 'that can't be done'. More 'experts' (than not), that say something can't be done either 'have a better way' they want to sell you, or simply haven't a got a clue.

If you are good at something, don't make excuses for doing it. A lot of people make fun of D.I.Y. in an attempt to pull everybody else down to their level of thinking, or baiting you to buy their product/means of doing it instead.

'New and Improved' is generally bullshit.

 

Dont throw away ANY take off parts until its all done. They are REAL pricey to buy back!

 

1. Lots of research
2. Lots of money
3. It will take alot longer than you think, but its worth the wait

 

I don't recall a lot about my first project. I'm sure if I learned something I still learn it every time I start a new project.

 

1) Make your best estimate of cost...then double it.

2) Might as well do it yourself...at least when you f it up yourself, you aren't out the labor charges, too.

3) Its going to take a lot longer than you think.

4) OEM electrical systems on old cars suck ('57 Chevy in my case)- even when they are new.

5) Don't rely on a seller's description of parts for sale...don't know how many "Muncie 4-speeds" I looked at that weren't. Know your casting #s and other ID methods. Google is your friend.

 

1. Start with the best car you can find. Little or no rust,in running and driving condition. 2. Plan on spending 3 times your first estimet. 3. Use all new parts inside your engine. 4.When YOUR progress slows down,spend some money and get some professional help. 5. It may be your car,and your dream,but keep in mind that some day you will want to sell it(build it right,don't use unpopular colors). 6.If you can't afford to buy a finished car,don't start to build your own.

 

The last 10% of the build takes 90% of the time

 

1. Do Not use 1/2" of bondo or more. My 64 C-30 had that, everywhere. 1/16 is my limit, use a hammer and dolly.
2. Make sure you have oil pressure if an engine has been sitting.
3. ATF the intake if it has been sitting, ATF is cheaper than a set of rings+time.
4. Make sure the brakes work.
5. Get any wiring fixed and whipped into shape.

Those theories I have learned, and make damn sure of when doing a project.

 

1) shit snowballs

2) dont double your estimated cost....X3 or 4...stuff will be much more expensive and take longer than you planned...
3) dont throw nothing away until the projects done. X2...yes it will cost much more ....Thats if you can even find it....

4) parts suppliers lie....bolt on parts rarley just bolt on...hell most of the time they dont even fit...

5) do not compromise on what you want.build what you want ...your vision.....dont listen to what others say if its not what you really want...........................whid

 

Lets see: #1 One project at a time
#2 Take your time and do it right the first time
#3 Dont be afraid to ask someone for help or advise
#4 In my case,yes working that 2nd job is needed
#5 Not everyone will like what you built,so just walk away
#5a Surround yourself with fellow car guys and girls that get it ,really helped me!!

 

Try to have the RIGHT tools or have someone to borrow them from !!!!

 

*Sleep loss
*Money loss
*Women loss (she says you spend to much time in garage)
*Beer loss (gets knocked over by floor jack)
*Tool loss or gain (barrowing tools and never returning them)

 

Damn that has been 45 years ago and I can't seem to remember a thing. What was the question?

 

Don't rebuild the engine first. The car may take a few years.
Keep the packages together until mounting. It is annoying to write people asking for replacement widgets.
Get your seat early before chopping, channeling or moving the drivetrain up.
Tack weld everything and check before finish welding no matter what the instructions say. Don't be afraid to heat and bend an arm if needed.
Get the flow from the cowl to the grille shell right, then get a radiator to fit.

 

takes twice the amount of money you thought. it would

 

#1..Any Vintage part made by Ford, is at least twice the quality of anything made by the aftermarket.

 

Since so many have covered good stuff, this is IN ADDITION to them...
1. You will find out who your real friend are. Make sure you repay them.
2. Try to think at least a couple steps ahead, and plan buy for them while still a few steps back. Having to buy something ASAP means it costs more and won't fit. It's also amazing what pops up when you spread the word.
3. There is always something to clean and prep. If you get stuck, go do something else.
4. Bag, tag, pictures! Save addresses and print out info you will want later.
5. A man's gotta know his limitations. The project can often turn out better if you get some pro help. Sure you might be able to learn the task, but the pro has already, and can turn out better work faster and often cheaper.

 

Never enough money
Never enough time
Never one right answer
Never turns out like you expected
Never give up

 

1. Plan the build.
2. Follow the plan.
3. Review the plan frequently.
4. Revise the plan accordingly.
5. Follow the plan religously.

 

1. Vent windows look better and are more useful than the slab of glass that replaces them.
2. A Camaro sub is about 2" too wide for a 41 Chevy.
3. Transmissions will smash the hell out of a finger.
4. Welding two piece hoods together is a lot trickier than it looks.
5. Don't get so excited about the first motor firing that you forget about the oil pan plug. Do you have any idea how much kitty litter it takes to sop up 5 quarts of oil?