Hey, I’m new to the hot rods but am looking to get one. I built a 62 cj5 military grade jeep in the past but always loved old muscle/hot rods and vintage trucks with a modern day motor/ride. But since I’m new I am looking to find a 30s style coupe 5 window. But don’t know what I’m really looking for. I like the channeled look but other than that, what motor do I stay away from, gears,suspension, etc? Upgrades should I do first off? What about comfort? I mean what are some basics I should look for and ones to stay away from. Shaun
Everyone has their own thing. You will have to find yours. A good place to start is at car shows. Around here, the only things we discuss are pre 65 traditional hotrods and customs. No modern LS engines or Mustang II suspension s allowed. Think old school, like your Dad & Granddad.
Are you looking for a finished car or a project? The old school guys here like flatheads, early Olds, Cadillac and such. The more progressive guys will say you can't go wrong with a sbc. Look thru the threads here and the adds to show us what you like, and we will be happy to discuss.
I was kind of looking around the site and classifieds. I don’t mind a project car. Do not want to start from frame up again so something like just about half done projects that I can still add my own touches. But not shying away from finished ones if price is right. I know what it took to complete my jeep ground up with a running engine and 8k later I have a 10k old jeep. So not wanting bare knuckles but like model A style or deuces. Chevy/ford/Buick really doesn’t matter to me as much.
good article. (one of many!) https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/building-my-first-roadster-in-san-francisco.1204990/
Welcome from Cleveland, TN. Some things you should consider if you're going to start a project. Read the Guidelines. They are the rules for all things HAMB. After looking at the varieties of cars on the HAMB, what trips your trigger? Do you prefer coupes, roadsters, sedans or something else? Do you weld well enough that your welds are safe or do you have a friend who can weld? Do you have access to someone who is a machinist because at some point, you're going to need one. This is going to sound very personal but, how big are you? Height, weight, the length of your legs will determine what vehicles you are going to fit in. I'm 6' plus and 225#'s. I'm building a '27 T Roadster and it's going to be a tight squeeze. I'm not trying to put you off with these questions. Some thought and a plan will make things a lot easier for you.
I’m 5’10” 220. Not into roadsters being in Ohio and from MI. I have a 62 jeep so it’s a squeeze as well even with tilt steering wheel. I would want a more modern engine like SBC/V8c etc. I like the flathead/nailhead/etc but not what I would want to keep as I would eventually upgrade that. I’m ok with 3 speeds manual, like th350-400 or any automatic for convenience.
Go to shows. See what trips your trigger. Try to put your ass in the seat. Ask the owner questions. Then look at ones for sale. Bring a buddy that KNOWS what he's doing. Ask seller questions, listen to your buddy. Don't worry about paying too much. This hobby will force you to do it which ever way you go (project/finished). Don't buy what somebody else wants, or to just to fit in.
Is there a local car club in your area? One that is geared towards hot rods (not new Camaros or Mustangs, etc). Most club members will be wiling to help out a newbie. One may even have a car for sale that you will fall in love with. Like others said, go to as many car shows as you can. Ask a bunch of questions too. Most guys love to talk about their cars.
"Not sure what I'm looking for" It would take a thread hundreds of pages long for the hamb to get you to the point that you know what you're looking for. Then hundreds more pages to get you to where you know why. Then hundreds more pages to get you to where you know how. Do lots of research. Searching the hamb would be a good start. Enough information and discussion over the past years to keep you busy for good long time. Good luck. Have fun.
Okay... to get started. Begin by looking at the different eras of automobiles to determine what you might prefer. Each year was a progression, and there were exceptions, but we can loosely group the various styles. 1920s model T's and A's through 1931. Think of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Gangster cars. Basically "square" shapes. Lots of wood construction framing in the bodies. Especially GM models. 1932, 1933 and 1934. Still squarish, but rounded edges and a little bit of tapering. The most refined and beautiful "square" cars. That's why those three years are so popular. And expensive. And that's the year Ford came out with the first V8. 1935 through 1940. Rounder shapes now. But still with running boards and tall grill shells and separate headlight pods. What many call the "Art Deco" years. Much less wood in the bodies now. Sheet metal stamping capabilities improve and full steel turrets/roofs are produced. 1941 through 1948. Getting even smoother and rounder now. What some call the fat fendered years. Grills start getting shorter and wider. Headlights start to be incorporated into the fenders. Running boards start disappearing under the wider bodies. Think "potatoes". 1949 through about 1952, 3, 4. Stretched potatoes. Think "torpedoes". Rear fenders become non-removable, integrated with the body. The first overhead valve V8s. No wood construction now. 1955 on... slab-sided junkers Welcome to the HAMB Don't say I never did anything for you. LOL
The Jalopy Journal
