Hot Rods Recommendations for a new builder?

I'm interested in getting into traditional period correct hot rods. I'm skilled at welding and know how to turn wrenches but I would really appreciate some input.

What platforms/engines do you recommend for people new to traditional hot rodding?
How long will the older stuff run before it's shot and new castings/parts will be required?
What are some pitfalls to avoid for someone who is starting out?
Are there any clubs for the hobby in the northeast?

Thanks!

 

need more info on what area that you live in to be able to refer you to someone not too far from you - what style of older cars do you like? a lot will depend on how big of a hurry that you are in to have a finished ride & how big that your budget is

 

X2

Northeast is a big area.

 

Many clubs and hotrodders up there.More Profile info needed.....

 

Pitfalls- buying a pile of rusty panels if your not really a panel guy. Trying to start from virtually nothing if you don’t have experience and all the contacts for parts. Buying a car that you have no knowledge of without an “expert” with you.
Paying for anything with other than cash and the parts in your hand (PayPal otherwise NO other way)

Good ideas - buy a restored Model A or T (whichever you like) or do a trad T Bucket from a complete kit. If you buy restored still take the expert. Engines etc depend on what you want to build? Buick nailhead flathead?

 

Western New York

 

What ya want built?
Post a pic of what you have in mind

 

Buffalo area?

 

There are a lot of choices to be made within the period correct traditional hot rods. Look around and find an era you like, then choose a vehicle you like in that era.

The era, and the vehicle you choose from that era, will have a large part in how long things run before things need to be replaced. The more modern the age of the era you choose from will have a huge difference on how things hold up to time and usage. There are also more acceptable vehicle choices as the age of the era becomes more modern. As one would expect, there are fringe vehicles in every era. Fringe vehicles tend to stand out more, but also can be more difficult to find needed parts and pieces for.

A new person to the hobby could be best advised to choose a more modern time period, and a vehicle more common (but not necessarily the most popular vehicle) to that period, but be aware that the popular vehicles of any era have a much higher buy in price.

I dislike being so broad with my comments, but your questions were pretty broad. You will find the HAMB to be more responsive with more refined questions. Gene

 

Yes

 

Buy this and study it:

 

Like pulling hens teeth for info

 

Well cars and trucks whizzing down NY thruway usually have the body panels flapping in the breeze so you probably know watch out for structural rot, bondo etc. Maybe an early 60s Nova with a buzzin half a dozen

 

Buy an original running car (maybe an older restored car) and make small modifications. Don't start with big mods, just small hop ups like a kid might have been doing in the Fifties.

I'd recommend a nice 46-48 Ford coupe or sedan. Install a dropped axle, lowered springs, hop up the flathead with bolt on parts. Much of the work will just be rebuilding the stock mechanicals. And those cast iron parts will outlive you if you don't go beating on it.

 

#1 if you are smarter than the average bear then inspect, inspect and inspect. Still never hurts to take an experienced hotrodder with you. An extra set of eyes as well as a buddy who will pull the reins back on you is a great idea.

 

Magazine collection.. if you want an accurate representation of a period there isn't much of a better way.. At times opinion can vary on a point in time.. low hot rods always seems to be a topic that comes up..

Period correct and inspired always seems to be an issue that gets mulled over and where the line should be drawn to what is accepted as a trad car.. can be difficult at times as the past was a lot more divers them some would lead you to believe.. part of the power of a magazine collection..

Don't tell anyone I said this but a lot of modern period builds are neo-trad.. personally I don't mind but can be a source of amu*****t for myself when combined with an elite at***ude... a true historic car can be tough to pull off in terms of design execution and parts sourcing.. some cars from the past are so great there nearly impossible to reproduce on a level of authenticity cl*** appeal ect.. not that that should stop anyone from trying..

I personally like survivors, genuine cars from the past.. period reproductions and traditionally inspired cars but that can differ from some as there more concerned with repros..

If you can't find inspiration also a reason a mag collection comes in handy.. get a couple hundred if possible study find your favorite car and build it, great way to build a great car..

Not sure of your skill level but Ford model A can be a somewhat affordable platform to a cool car.. pic for reference..

 

As to how long they last...very few of us wear out our old cars these days. And if you can manage to do it, it's a badge of honor. There still seem to be far more old engines either that have been rebuilt and are getting very little use, or are needing to be rebuilt, but haven't yet found someone with the gumption to tackle them. So don't worry about raw material scarcity, just yet.

 

my lucky 13 tips would be:

1. Figure out your budget and your skill level realistically along with if you have a place to wrench.
2. Figure out what years you like. this forum goes up to 1965 and so covers a huge range of body styles.
3. Get a car that runs with no rust. Rust is a great way to kill momentum on a build.
4. Drive said car for a bit before you start ripping on into it with grand plans of epic proportions.
5. Period correct is great but make it safe for you & those that ride with you along with other motorists.
6. Fix the mechanical before you do the pretty work. All very nice having a shiny *** paint job but that wont help you much when you brake down on the side of the road with your bird flapping in the front seat crying doom.
7. Take photos and videos of everything. before and after you take each bit off the car. These reference photos can save a huge amount of time when you go to put it all back. this might not be days or weeks latter like you originally thought but may be years latter.
8. Dont cut corners trying to do it on the cheap. Use the right kit, measure right and do it once. under stand that said project even if you brake it down doing a bit at a time will take a long time. If you think a year then add another few on as well.
9. Try to get your broad/better half on board. it will make life much easier if she is somehow involved. let it be her decision that perhaps the spare parts should live in the spare bedroom.
10. If something aint going right. put down the grinder. walk away. stop trying to 'fix' it. give it some time(days/months) and try again.
11. Can be easier to work on latter cars of the bigger brands due to there being more parts. Saying this there is a huge amount of after market **** for old 30s fords.
12. When purchasing take a light, magnet and if possible a trolley jack. get under the car take a good look. from under the doors to floors to frame. look for any modifications , changes of paint, ripples etc that may mean rust, collision repair or other hidden problems. use the magnet on the bottom of the quarters, doors and where u suspect bog may be.
13. Have fun. dont over invest if you cant afford it. dont lose heart in the project. really will help if you get the missus caught up in the build.

 

I'm considering a new build and this time I'll look for a project where the hard work is done. Go to a few cruise nights and ask around, often cars will be for sale at them.

 

The most important thing is your { WANT TOO ! } Secondly take the time to know what make model and year that you love. Your only 30 so time is on your side. With the HAMB, and your skills, building a cool, and fun Hot Rod will be no problem . Enjoy the hunt for parts and also the build. Don't spend over your budget. But never settle for a car or parts just because their cheap. There again time is on your side. Start a build thread here, and ask LOTs of questions. Maybe you will build a Rod that you {LOVE } and enjoy driving for a life time. The more memories that you make with it, the more valuable she will be to you. I've been married to a couple of mind for 40 plus years. Good Luck! { here's one my old loves } Ron...

 

That is why I went to bed. To better answer your question, buy an OT mid 80's to early 90's Fox platform, go bracket racing to see if you are even interested. DON'T spend money on something you know nothing about.

 

I do all my builds on paper first. Make a complete list of things I want to incorporate into the build. It goes into a folder, that 's also where I keep receipts. I also keep a money record on my computer so I'll have it when needed to get my inspection.

Know what you will have to do to ***le/license the car from the beginning if you are not starting with a currently ***led/licensed car. That ***le can be worth a lot in some states.

Create a theme with a common thread running thru it from beginning to end so it's all in harmony. Carry that theme thru the entire build.
IE: Don't start to build a traditional rod then fall in love with a set of 24" wheels and rubber band tires and slap them on. Stay true to your theme.

Read, read, read, read.....did I mention read the HAMB. Search function works great as thoughts pop into your head. Search and research for information. Don't commit to a car until you know it's THE car for the build you want to do. Research, read, save pictures that are what you want so you start your own reference library.

SPark

 

Thanks for all of the helpful replies. You guys really know your stuff. I'm in the Buffalo area. I have training as a welder and machinist. I've been involved in drag racing late model Mustangs for the past yen years. There are a number of different directions that I have an interest in pursuing (of course, not at the same time for obvious money and time reasons). Particularly, I'm interested in 50s Hemis and 30s-50s Ford and Chevrolet trucks. I have access to a lot of older Mopar stuff so I can see myself going that way, but my options are open.

One thing that I'm kind of unfamiliar with is how these older engines are going to hold up since many have been rebuilt once or twice. Don't really know what to do if most of thse are already overbored to the max.

 

Thank you so much

 

Thanks Ron, those are beautiful cars!

 

how many miles do you plan to put on this car? you can get away with a ring and valve job on many old engines, and it'll last 10,000-40,000 miles. Not many guys drive their old rides this much

 

Plan to use it as a daily driver.

 

If i was gonna build a daily...from your list...and location...(I grew up just down the lake from buffalo) I would go with an early 50's chevy pick-up. Probably with a mildly built straight 6.
Parts are available in the aftermarket and it is possible to build one on a reasonable budget.
If it will be a 4 season daily i would undercoat everything and have a heated garage with a floor drain...or some sort of climate controlled washout booth.
Also take the extra time to get the heater/defroster in top working order.
But that's just me...at the end of the day, build what you want, drive it, break it, repair it, repeat....
Chappy

 

You should know the answer to these questions like the back of your hand before setting up shop , sorry to be a **** but that’s paying your dues , I been in it a long time .. it requires a lot of historical work , looking at old pictures , studying old cars , talking to old rodders , etc it’s a p***ion..

I have people tell me all the time I want to learn how to build a traditional car, there really isn’t an answer besides having a artistic eye, and a respect for history and good mechanical knowledge.

The tardel book is the best trad rod 101 book out there ,but even then... I have watched 10 different guys build cars using that book and only a few build something right...

Most of it is trying to build a cohesive representation of a old hotrod using new and old parts, that’s where the artisan aspect comes in handy

 

Blocks can be sleeved back to standard, sometimes new blocks are available, sometimes extra oversized pistons can be found. If you have the $$$ anything can be saved. Maybe pick a common block so you have a huge choice of cores for rebuilding.