How many first time builders are out there?

I've wondered this for a while as I'm working on my first car. I'm so green at most of what I'm doing, it's like a glow in the dark green. And when I complete a task, regardless of how big or how small, the green seems a little less bright.

My brother John is walking me thru most of the stuff that I've never done before and it's a common occurance for me to call him several times a day throughout the weekend. Most of these conversations end up very short as most of the time I figure out on my own what I'm calling him for either right before or right after he answers the phone.

So who's out there doin it for the first time? Wow. that sounds kinda weird, huh? What are you working on and what do you do when you get stumped on something? Who do you call?

Vance

 

Although I've owned several old cars over the last 10 years, this project (50 Chevy Styleline) is the first one I'm actually taking seriously and doing more than just keeping it barely alive. I've finally gotten the balls to start from scratch and "do it right".
This will put all of the knowledge I've accrued to the test, from the tinkering and basic engine work I've done to the metal sculpture classes in college. I don't feel the need to run screaming for the hills when I encounter something that needs a weld now!
I'm really grateful for the HAMB to answer those little and BIG questions that pop up faster than I can find a ready/reliable solution.

 

yah i am a first timer with my 53 bel already thinking of what i am going to do up next

 

Shaved some handles and reverse lights on the Olds last weekend for the first time. Turned out ok, except for the impatience of sanding the filler after the welding

 

This is my first build also. Every thing about it is new and a learning experience. I have done redone and redone again on every little detail. Every single thing is a modification. My questions are answered by friends research in books and the internet. Most of my questions have been answered right here. When I am afraid to ask a stupid question. lo and behold someone asks it for me. So now I just ask. It has been the best learning experience I have ever had.

 

I am a first timer with my 54 chevy.. it was a four door now a chopped,dropped,fenched,shaved,nosed,decked 54 custom... I have a freind in phoenix Az that helped me out and answered my questions via emails and myspace.. I found a few cool guys here in Houston who further helped me out when i felt "stuck" but as my new freinds say.. "You did a hell of a job for not knowing what you were doing" I feel good learning alot on my own...

 

My model A coupe is my first build. I have used Mike Bishop and Vern Tardels book alot, and I have had alot of help from a couple of friends, I have also learned alot from talking to the old timers at car shows especially about flatheads. I do alot of searches here on the HAMB and that almost always turns up the info I am looking for. I posted pics some time ago, still got a long way to go and alot to learn but I'll get there!

 

Well, sort of first time. I grew up working on cars with my dad. We always had cool old cars and my dad pays nobody to do something he can figure out himself. I have always drove old steel and maintained them myself. But this is the first time I have gone down to the frame. I have to admit it was very exciting when the body lifted off that first time. Now I can't imagine doing it any other way. I am new to this board, but very grateful for the knowledge out here. And the validation that I am not crazy. Think I would lose it if I wasn't in the shop on the weekend.

Fred

 

I have built my Firebirds but never as far as my 1929 Whippet. I cant wait to get started but Im building my 40X42 Barn first.

 

sign me up on this one. i'm a first timer, too. i'm working on a '26 dodge underslung RPU (was a 4dr sedan) thats gonna be hot and ready to rock and roll next spring. hoping to have it going for Back to the 50s in St. Paul next june. and a '61 unibody pick-me-up (mild custom, just a little something to disturb the peace until the underslung is done).

ncg

 

Just bought my first project a couple of hours ago... 56 buick roadmaster 2dr hardtop. 322 nailhead and a dynaflow. No trim, but otherwise pretty clean and a great interior (besides the color...). Hopefully a starter rebuild and it will at least move under it's own power.

I'm sure that I will be getting all kinds of info off the H.A.M.B., and my buddy Steve and the other rodders in his car club.

 

Whle I did help in the 70s on a friends 23 T that we raced. The 48 Chevy Coupe that I now own is actually the first car I have worked on that incorperates my ideas of what a rod should be.

 

I've worked on a bunch of cars before. My model A is my first ground up project that requires fabrication, not just bolting something on. I really am learning as I go. Mistakes are almost the best teacher, I figure if I fuck something up, the world will continue to revolve. The HAMB has been by far the best resource for knowledge and ideas. Thanks to everyone for their contributions.

 

This is my first one from the "ground up" although I am 59 years old! I've been working on cars and planes for a long time but the HAMB kind of got me brave enough to do one my way. You guys have already saved my ass a couple of times! I hope I can return the favors!

 

I was going to restore an old mustang and thought the hell with it, what I really want to do is build a car, so that is what I am trying to do. I am starting out with what I thought was the easiest project, a cab only pickup hot rod. Just got a welder so learning to use it is slowing me down a little, but I am moving right along.
CHAZ

 

Yeah OK I'll admit it. Worked on a '57 Chev years ago, never finished it. Did a front clip graft on my '52 Chev. Well I didn't do the rails but rehung all the sheetmetal, made lots of parts, installed a 327 PG and 9".

But my 401 powered A is my first real Hot Rod. When I get stuck my friend the HAMB helps me out. (Usually Squirrel or Bruce)

"The HAMB...we're always open!"

Pete

 

my first time too....50s pontiac

 

This my first time building a car this old my 53 bel-air

 

Also my 1st build ( not always alone ) ....... I have a couple guys that work in our buisness that have been a great help even though they don,t build old cars they have engine and fabricating ability...... When the 3 of us are stumped we turn to the Hamb as here on this site is a tremendise amount of car knowledge and I appriciate the co=operation I get from other Hambers and there techs....

 

My first build. I don't have any really good pics to show. I have the wheelcovers on and I need to put the hood on. the struggle continues though.

Ken

 

My '46 is first build, 9 years and counting.

 

im on my first old car build. Im just starting out on it too so I havent done a whole lot yet. Hopefully It will be the first of many for me, because I want to go pro when Im older. Lots of work aheaad of me though!

 

I've modified almost every car I've ever owned to some extent, but I've never bult a 70 yr old car from a custom-built frame up untill now. I did design and help build a custom 45' motorhome with a built-in garage for my Dad's Jeep on an International cab and chassis most of these custom BBQ pits.
http://www.lighthousecharityteam.com/equipment.html

 

This is my first time...

I originally picked up a '26 Ford Model T, but I'm putting it off for awhile because I really want to build the Model T right & want something to break myself in on first that's a bit easier. I picked up a late-teens to early 20's Dodge Brothers tub, it was a 4 door but someone hacked off the body behind the front bench seat, so now it's just a 2 door tub. There's a bit of rust on the rockers, so I'll be patching those and then building the Dodge from the ground up.

I'm going to build a Dodge pickup from what started life as a Dodge 4 door sedan. 10" tall windshield, opened top & a cut-to-fit bed from a 40's Dodge with the old-school text of 'Dodge' on the tailgate.

I bought some 2x3 rectangular tube for the frame, will be picking up the 500 CID Caddy motor this week, have the TH400 trans, have the Ford 9", just picked up a Model A front axle that will be turned into a suicide setup, etc, etc. Flat black paint, red-oxide spoke wheels & WWW tires.

Lucky for me I can see the finished product in my head, that provides a lot of motivation for me. I'm hoping to be into the finished product under $2500. I'm getting parts cheap as possible, doing some trading along the way & just trying to get it on the road by next spring. We'll see what happens.

 

The first of my own as well. ive done some rust repair here and there on some muscle cars and one complete resto on a mach 1 mustang for a customer at the shop but as for a custom this is my first. really love it too. Also there is a local guy here that has been building customs for 20+ years and he's always willing to help when i need it or answer questions.

 

My falcon gasser is my first car and building experience...I'm already hooked and dreaming of other builds.Saving up for a big block Pretty soom I hope to be doing something from the ground up!

 

I'm onto my 2nd car right now...which was actually my first...but i got frustrated with it and built another one instead between then and now....then back to this one...
my first finished car turned out alright but its still not "done" as theres alot that i sort of half-assed to be able to drive it...its getting there little by little
but my current project is my first car that i bought and also my first car that i had completely taken apart every single body pannel down to nothing and started over with them all mixed up in a different configuration....
Zach

*sorry for the links...im at work and dont have pictures to upload*

http://www.rodandkulture.com/stories_issue006-zach.html

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1282268#post1282268

 

I've built motorcycles before, but never a car... just done motor swaps, etc. I got my truck in late July/early August 2005, and am currently making motor mounts for it:



I've been posting info on my build on my website: http://www.henrysrodshop.com
and put a few videos about doing the volare front suspension swap there too.

It's been fun, and I've learned alot... most from this board, or from some local guys. Hoping to have it road worthy this winter, and ready to drive for spring!

Ben

 

I've built 2 motorcycles before, but never a car. I'm only 1 month into building a chopped 46 Ford Coupe. Prior to this, I've never done anything beyond basic auto repairs.