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Where to start?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Ace_ChopShop, Aug 18, 2013.

  1. Ace_ChopShop
    Joined: Jul 26, 2012
    Posts: 23

    Ace_ChopShop
    Member

    Well first and foremost... I have had a lot of time off working on hot rods and classic cars. My first build was overwhelming and I really had no self-direction so I scrapped it. If your wondering it was a 51 Plymouth Cranbrook 4 Door. It would have been the perfect learning car for myself as it needed floor repair as well as a lot of other things. I did find that the engine did crank. I also restored the entire dashboard and gauge cluster.

    Well now that I have my military career with the United States Marine Corps putting me in a place to pick up Staff Sergeant and continue down the road with the rest of my career I know I am ready to start on a new project. I am really undecided. I really like the look of the 32 Ford 5 window coupe but I really want a full body car like my 51 Cranbrook was. I also like the 63 Impala 2 door so I can remake a Junior Johnson replica car. I did find a truck I could make into a shop truck like a 51 Chevy its really nice.

    Let me know what you guys think would be a good easy learning car. I was thinking about the 5 window since it seems easier to find parts (re manufactured) I am trying to get a nice look on it. No I am not a welder by all means but I am willing to learn. :confused:
     
  2. since you asked for opinions.....if you found your first project overwhelming and scrapped it , i suggest you not do a `32 ford 5 window as you next learning experience

    find a " full bodied" car that you like that is currently running/driving and make small improvements and learn as you drive it
     
  3. Voodoowagon
    Joined: Apr 5, 2007
    Posts: 353

    Voodoowagon
    Member
    from Fort worth

    From one non welder to another I highly suggest you take 36-3windows advise, find a running driving car. This way you can enjoy the car and still learn at your own speed.
     
  4. Rocky
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 17,617

    Rocky
    Classified Editor

    40s and 50s cars are cool and really simple to work on. I'd chose a late 40s-early 50s common car like a plymouth/shubox ford or even a 52-57 ford...same year chevys and olds/Pontiac/buicks.
     
  5. Ace_ChopShop
    Joined: Jul 26, 2012
    Posts: 23

    Ace_ChopShop
    Member

    Is a 51 Fleetline Chevy common? I really like the look. No I dont plan on chopping the roof but maybe cutting a coil or 2 off the springs and put a block on the rear leaf spring to bring it down! Re doing the brakes to hydraulic and probably keeping with the inline 6 just so I can drive it around till I remember (from high school) how to put a 283 or 350 back together with a 3 speed.
     
  6. BRENT
    Joined: Jun 22, 2005
    Posts: 252

    BRENT
    Member

    Well at least you don't have to convert it to hydraulic, I think chevy's been juice since 36. Also those inline 6 look great with a split exhaust manifold and dual carbs. Good luck with your build whatever you choose!
     
  7. Rocky
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 17,617

    Rocky
    Classified Editor

    A 51 fleetline is a perfect car for you. The 6 banger will get you around 'till you can build a small block. There are a few tricks to make them better drivers. One is to replace the old bushing-style steering box with one from a 53-54 chevy. They are built with roller bearings instead of bushings.
    My old 50 delivery came to me as a stocker with no motor/trans. I built a big smallblock [406 cu in] and used a 4 speed. As a po-boy I scrounged most of my parts from the salvage yard..like the clutch linkage from a mid 70s ford pickup and a freebie 10 bolt from an 83 Olds gutlass...it all made a fine hotrod I drove all over the western US for a few years.
     

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    Last edited: Aug 18, 2013
  8. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 33,995

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    take your time and find a body style that really excites you, and is not a '32 Ford. keep an eye on the Cars For Sale here for a project that has been started at a price in your budget. budgets can very quickly be wiped out if you are not careful.
     

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