Screw worrying about being HAMB worthy. Get a late model car like a Neon, Cobalt, or Focus. Something cheap on gas and dependable and easy to fix. As mentioned, you can buy a toy when you're done with school.
I think this thread is funny, you keep going back and forth, figure out what you want. You started out wanting something pre 50s, then you talked about getting a VW, then you talked about getting an 80s boat, and for some reason you think 90s era cars are ****. Figure out what you want, figure out your budget and find what fits between those two. You are also talking about wanting something reliable, and you have it narrowed down to GM???? listen to what people are saying, get a honda or toyota and be done with it.
You can jump start a 6volt from a 12 volt, do it with my '52 Chev without problems, but you can't jump start a 12 volt from a 6 volt. Drum brakes work alright in most instances if your not doing warp speed in a heavy car.You have to keep them in good repair.Those old Elcaminos are getting expensive ,even rough ones.Lots of old 49-52 Chevys,but unless they are in good shape,are no joy to drive.Look around,who knows?
I am open to everything. As stated in the beginning I would really want an A coupe of '49 - '54 Chev. But am pretty much open to anything. I am the kind of car guy who appreciates all cars. I only really like the Cutl***es from the '80's otherwise '80's cars ****. I have had so many '90's - 2000's cars in my life you don't even understand. I live in a country were I have the oldest car within 30 minutes of me which is a '91. People call it an antique here. I want a change. I am going to be living my dream in California and want something a little cooler than a '91 Camaro.
I cant believe I read this whole thread and NO one mentioned an A body Mopar (Dodge Dart, Plymouth Valiant, etc.) with a slant six and a torqueflite! Dead on reliable and darn near bullet proof. Anywhere from 1963 to "74. Get a two door or a wagon and put a set of early mopar rally wheels on it. They all look good like that......
i had a bug once.... it lasted me 1 month. but i am a huge fan of the slant 6. when i needed a cheap ride a few years back. i bought a plymouth valiant with a slant six, i commuted 60 miles a day in that car for two years. it would only do about 60, but it got me to work and back. i only missed 1 day because of a dead battery, but that was my fault. i should have put a new one in it when i got the car, because i knew the old one wasnt going to live long. so my suggestion would be an early dart, or plymouth valiant with a running slant six.
AFTER SCHOOL and after finding a decent job... thats a whole other topic, then you can live the dream, get through school first. yeah, in the parking lot, you dont have to enter a car to enjoy a car show.
Interesting, I want to offer another perspective to your dilemma. I am the first instructor the students see coming it to the Automotive Technology program. My first cl*** is the prerequisite for the rest of the program, which used to be Boise State Universities program up until last year when it was taken over by the local community college CWI. I am also the last instructor they see by course schedule. I see students with your frame of mind every day. Every semester new ones arrive. Each having grandiose ideas of what their education will be like. None have any real grasp and it comes at them like a whirlwind. Most think that having a set of tools and liking cars will make them a good mechanic. THAT is no more true than going to McD's will make you a hamburger. Trust me when I say you have no idea what you are in for, and the last thing you should be concerned with is your type of transportation. No one really cares what you drive to school. If they do, then chances are that student will be sub par the entire time due to the lack of effort caused by distractions. What should be on your mind is your education and learning to be professional. THAT includes commitment, both time and energy. Your only concern about the transportation you drive is that it can and will get you where you need to go the entire time without causing a distraction from your commitment. PERIOD! Learn first, play later. I doubt you will take this advice either.
haha, you beat me to it by 1 minute. you can tell im a fan of the valiant. just look at my 63 wagon! 3,000 miles since ive had it with no problems.
I took a 55 Chevy to college. It was nice car I built with my dad. I had to fix it when it broke, but nothing major. 327 w/ 4 speed. Most breakage was from drag racing it with slicks. no a/c. Had heat. expensive gas hog though. I would recomend finding a nice 4 dr 55 - 57 Chevy someone has swapped an LS motor into with a/c. It will most likely cost you at least 8 to 10 grand. at least you can change the spark plugs!
I know but I have some friends in clubs and stuff. I am living in a total new school yuppie country now. I am into rockabilly, hot rods, etc. and I finally get to get into the scene and live the dream. We all had dreams as kids well this is mine.
I don't recall that being a requirement to going to Wyotech. Only getting thru your cl***es with knowledge of working on cars. Studying about cars.
Blah Blah Blah, ya ya your a hipster rockabilly flannel shirt wearing straight bill hat wearer with Ray Ban shades, so what. You can enjoy the "scene" ride in your friends cars that are in the clubs and stuff. How old are you? you have your whole life to make your dreams happen, I bet most guys here with their dream car have worked very hard, and many years to get to that point.
Well, I tried looking for 4 door tri fives. I found an ugly *** brown '57 with a worn out SBC. They wanted 14,000 for it.
No, you are trying to start a thread on doing everything you want in life NOW. Worry about school, you should not be worried about having a cool car, spending time in a car club, spending time going to car shows, spending time working on your ride. SPEND TIME FOCUSING ON SCHOOL, and working (if you will have a part time) It doesnt look like you will get it, typical young kid not understanding how life works. How old are you? And what is your budget going to be for a car? have you figured living expenses in?
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