Im looking to start my first build soon.I wanna do a 1940 ford tudor sedan. Just looking for some helpful tips and tricks to the trade because im pretty much a newby but i got the heart lol
Once you get your ride pick a direction you want to take the car in and go with it, if you are stuck on something do a search all the answers to lifes mysterys will be found here good luck.
take what you THINK it will cost and throw it out the window......and have fun dont get in over your head and get burned out or overwhelmed
Your three best friends; 1. Digital camera- take lots of before pictures and things will go back together easier 2. Plastic baggies- When you take something apart stuff everything you can in a baggie, even if you do not plan on using it. That way when replacing bolts or screws you will know what sizes to look for. 3. Black Sharpe felt pin- great for marking on metal and labeling those baggies. Good luck and keep those photos coming our way. Don't forget to ask questions when you get stumped.
DO NOT CHOP IT!!!!!!!!! Lots of first builds get stopped in their tracks when the owner thinks the first thing that needs to happen is to cut the ****ing roof off the poor thing. No real tricks to building a hot rod, just lots of work. Buy a good welder, learn how to use it... add to that some dedication and the BIG THREE, time, talent, tender and you will be on the road in no time. One more thing..before you buy something, if you are not sure, post a pic, and we'll give you all the advise you need.. Good luck, -Abone.
thank you very much guys yall make it sound so much more fun and real.I tell alot of people i wanna start my hot rod but they always try to discourage me its good to hear some good words hopefully i can get a body soon and put some pics up
Since you know what kinda car you want. Start looking for ***embly manuals, service manuals etc. This will help so much! I would just "study" whatever I was going to work on. So when time came to do the work I knew what I was lookin at. Remember building a car is like EVERYTHING in life... it all starts with a good foundation. Get her going safe and reliable. I found that a project is a million times more fun when you can drive it.
Don't worry about it too much .people in the 40's,50's,60's and so on built hod rods with out many tools or experience. Just do what you know how to do then ask for help on the rest. Keep it simple to start out.
Dont let others discourage you! I had a lot of people just laugh or tell me I couldnt build my first bike, guys telling me leave it to the professionals, give me a bag of money and I'll build you a bike, you work in an office what do you know about motorcycles, etc. Look in my gallery here, if I would have listened... Not that I'm a pro, but I have been asked to build bikes for other people now, I have built a few bikes for others plus my own! I've even had a few featured in magazines. Now I have me truck and I am giving 4 wheels a shot. Just do it, just start, it takes time, ask a lot of questions and when you take that first ride or drive, there is no feeling in the world like it! Do your thing!
The Jalopy Journal
