so I just wanted to some input from the more experianced fellas around here. I've been into cars all 25yrs of my life, but either didnt have the money, time, or space to finish any of the big projects that I've attempted. I'm also lacking experiance, my dad helped me build my first motor from scratch and tought me the basics of welding. now I'm at a point where I've settled and want to get another project, but live two states away from my dad and have no friends into old cars like me that can teach me. I'm good at teaching myself, but dont know what kind of project to look for. Most of all dont want to get too far over my head and have a car sitting in the garage for many years, I want to drive it for a change! Anyways, figured some of you guys would be able to offer a little advice on where to start.
I'd get a project that someone else started, that runs and drives and just needs some basic upgrades and a little finishing. It's tough to get one going from ground up, it's hard to stay focused on one project and tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel!! Browse the Hamb cl***ifieds!!
I would suggest finding an old driver that you can play with. I got my ol 54 for 2 grand. Then you can start with minor motor work, cleaning ect.ect., paint steel wheels, interior work by yourself, body and suspension, lower it and just work to learn about the car, then move onto change motor, more extreme body work, chop and whatever you feel like. Get out to local shows and find people with similar interest or local car club and make friends. Lot of good HAMBers in your area. Good luck
You're in STL...there's tons of rodders there. Find the local hangouts & events, meet the people, make friends. Start with a project that's within your abilities to finish. Don't go in over your head for sake of a "good deal".
I'd second that. Figure out what style of car you want and then hunt for one that has the hard stuff done and done well. P*** on the ones that have a lot of that you don't want unless you can work a deal where the seller keeps those parts and gives a considerable discount. Snoop around a bit and see what you can find that fits your plans and fits into your plans. There are a lot of guys with nice running and driving half finished cars that put them up for sale just because now that they are up and running they are more interested in the next project. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
thats whats I've done in the past. always bitten off more than I can chew, but I dont want to be that guy that bought a finished hot rod that knows nothing about it except it has a 350 in it. I miss the fun of working with my hands, but without my dad around to mentor me I feel lost in what I want to do. Funny how I hated him at times growing up and now I know he was trying to keep me in line, lol
I agree definitely stick to a vehicle that is drivable and take the top down approach...Dont get a car that is gutted and you have to manufacture or scavenge parts for...Maybe some minor body work, possibly some patch panels involved...
Getting a project that has been started, but not quite finished is a good idea. The trick is to find one that is going in the right direction. Finding one that has most of the correct pieces placed in the correct location....Look for that. . I bought a 1933 ford pickup, most of what I wanted for the build was there. This includes the frame, engine, front suspension, cab, doors, grill, rear end, and a bed. All the parts mentioned were in a mock-up stage..............and not done very well. I could have been better off starting from scratch. The time it has taken me to correctly put this pickup together has been extensive, as far as parts go, it was what I wanted. I knew what I was getting into, but if this was my first rodeo, I would have bailed long time ago.......be careful of what you pick to build, especially if its already been started. What I mean is, make sure what has been done is done right.
tuff question. I always like customs because they showed the builders/owners tastes and style. So I've been attracted to the early 50's chevy coupe or shoebox. I also was influenced by my dad and his high power engine building interest so the idea of a 55/56 straight axle chevy to use as a shell and put build motors in sounds like fun too. I do have a weakspot for the 32 coupe and sedan, but its a little bit more than I want to spend usually. I'd save that for when I'm older and want to do a frame up build just a quick list of my past ones... '65 fairelane 500 52 f2 then got into road racing and did imports for a while, everything was off the shelf and seemed so generic.
Well, then you should do exactly that. Find you a 55/56 chevy. You should really love the car you pick, because if you dont, then it will never get finished.
thanks guys! I have to say I've been lurking for a while here and it has to be one of the best communities!
the best advice so far has been not to buy just because it's cheap and available if you don't love it. can not second or third that any better. research your intended ride, plan it out step by step, and then go find it. i don't care what you're looking for, there's one out there in your area if you can beat the bushes and keep your patience. and any car that's driveable AS-IS when you buy it, will put you miles ahead (literally!) than buying a box of parts. if a Shoebox Chevy is your meat and potatoes, don't buy a Big Mac to tide you over.
Don't be in a big hurry and buy something you'll regret. Narrow your field of cars you would want down. Take in some cruises and shows and talk with folks. Many of them are very helpful. If they act standoffish, find someone else. You never know, they might have what you're looking for sitting in their backyard. Good luck and keep us posted.
start with a driver ....get something that runs..so you can mess around with the ride height head light tail light and grill mods ..than interior ..best thing to do is get some books on how to ver haul engine ..electrical..light body.customizing
Decide on the exact car you want and don't settle for anything else that might just come along cause it's convenient. Pick the vehicle and hunt one down, even if it take a year...or more.
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