Hallelujah! The HAMB has already worked it's magic. Stick around and get a feel for what we're about. I've been at this for decades and I'll learn something new here everyday. There is a lot of knowledge here and folks who are willing to share it...but we don't do rot rods. You could end up having a very cool ride out of that Buick.
I HOPE I AM WRONG ABOUT THIS, OH GOD PLEASE PLEASE LET ME BE WRONG ABOUT THIS... But I think this is some kid who has never done any kind of restoration on an old classic, especially one in this condition. Yes, he has come to the right place for help, and I'll even help him any way I can, but I don't think he really knows what he's getting into. PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG, as I'd love to see it come together, but I'm willing to bet you'll see it for sale on CL before too long. Or, it'll sit and rot because the OP didn't have a clue just how much it costs to bring a classic back from the dead. OP, you have to make a commitment right now, or another classic piece of American-made iron will go to waste. Are you going to be able to put this car back together physically, financially, and safely? Are you in a position to spend AT LEAST 10 grand, maybe more, to do this RIGHT so that you don't injure or kill yourself, someone else, or someone else's family? If not, do it a favor and get it to someone who can. There's no shame in admitting you're in over your head, but there is if you KNOW you are and do nothing about it. I'M NOT TRYING TO DISCOURAGE YOU, and like I said, I'll be happy to help you any way I can. In fact, I'm HOPING this sorta lights a fire under your ass, and you say "Hell yeah, just watch and see RagtoipBuick66. I'll SHOW you that I can do this..." But I don't want to see another new hot rodder turned away from the hobby/lifestyle because he had an overwhelming experience with his first ride. The road to that first drive under its own power is long, expensive, and frustrating, but that first drive makes it all worth it. Are you sure you want to start with something SO FAR from taking its first drive?
Get the 454..............and trade it for a running 250 six and a 3sp OD. or a SBC. Thats a big project, but you can do it if you get serious about it. It takes quite a commitment. Look into the Jag swap. complete cars sell in the 5-600 dollar range. You have to be quick on them though, that is nearly scrap prices. just missed out on 3 myself, for my '41
some people like patina. whatever. clearcoat over the rust, i don't give a shit. put a bbc in it over a camaro subframe, not my preferred route, but i understand why you might do that. personally, i'm much more interested in not seeing this car get ruined. i'm not sure if you're even thinking of doing it anymore, but i want to say this once and for all (and not just to you): NOT ALL CARS NEED A CHOP TO LOOK GOOD. 40s buicks do not need a chop to look good, and if you start one, the truth is that you'll never finish it and the car will be, optimally, a carson-topped best-of-a-bad-situation, and that's if it ever gets on the road at all. do what you must to get the thing running and driving and safe, and you'll actually have a car you can use. try to chop it and chances are you'll never drive it. my two cents.
Holy shit did i make a mistake opening my mouth im not chopping it i have mechanical experiance and friends that can wield i didnt plan on doing a full frame resto on it and didn't plan of having it done in 3 months i know projects take time and money and i can do it... in time .. i just had questions bout getting the running bbc in there and suspension ideas but if you want to put your time and money into my car then by all means have at it!
I know guys that have started with a lot less. Looks like you have most all the interior. I cant believe the radio is still in the car. These are bitchin, and if you took that home, blew the cob webs off it, scrubbed it with comet and put four rollers under it, it would easily bring 500 dollars. have fun and dont ruin it. I know what I would do with it, but that is my opinion. Enjoy, and remember, do no harm!
The guy was literally getting ready to crush it and i save it and im the bad guy? Lol i guess if i have a question and it doesn't get answered ill ask elsewhere i was told this was the place to go for anything
This is the place if you're into traditional rods and customs. Read this before you get discouraged... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466490
WHO IS CALLING YOU THE BAD GUY?!? Holy shit, we're all willing to help, but we need to know what YOUR level of experience is. You haven't told us shit except "I got this car for 25 bucks and I'm gonna rat rod it on an S-10 frame... blah blah blah" After your opening remarks, you should feel PRIVILEGED that there are guys who still want to help you! So drop the little kid mentality, quit you whining, and build a damn car! Jesus...
calm down, dude. last i checked, it didn't cost anything to post questions on a forum, and there's no reward for answering them. this is absolutely the place to go if you want great advice on nearly anything automotive, but don't forget that it's a forum for traditional cars which employ traditional building methods in their construction. there is nothing at all traditional about a minitruck frame swap and a big block chevy in a '48 buick. HOWEVER, as you'll recall, the only thing i voiced my opinion about was chopping the top. late 40s cars are extremely hard to cut up and put back together properly, even if you do know people who can "wield," and i have personally seen several get ruined by enthusiastic but inexperienced builders. and anyway, your buick looks great stock. good luck with the build, do it right and enjoy.
Wow you guys are working hard to get this thread closed too, obviously this guy has confidence in his skills but wanted some motivation and inspiration and got the whole "your gonna f this up rat rodder bull shit" that is really making the hamb kinda down lately. If you have an idea post it but down crap on the kid, gently say hey that's not the direction of the forum. Not everybody has the time under their belt in this scene or even the experience technically that others do, some dudes are in their teens and some on their 60s. But we can all get along together
At least he saved this thing from getting crushed!! Lighten up guys. If this is his first build good for him. Everyones always bitching when we think there's no one else to continue this hobby. Lets give him some of our advice and knowledge as long as he's willing to listen and abide by the "we fucking hate ratrods on this forum so don't even think of building one! or sayin the word!" But if you can't do that bye bye to you....
This POS is riding on a S10 Chassis!.....and i'd give my left nut for it. and this is a badass Buick.....on Jag suspension. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=4536
Thanks thunder im gonna scrap the ratrod look and 454 and paint it but like they said earlier i need to get it home before i got nuts
Never use r.r. word or s10 frame or sure as fuck dont say anything about owning a harley ! Wrong forum for that! But have fun n dont worry we all made those same mistakes except for porkn beaner whos forgot more then the rest of us will ever know!
I realise some guys on here are tough, that's cool, just get the car home and start building. Start a build thread and ask questions regarding engines etc when you get to that stage. Good luck with this great project!
Being from Iowa hes already got enough problems just like me! Hell just build it n have fun doin it! And if you got any questions ask your elders theres some very bright guys on here excluding me! And smart asses including me! And some cranky fucks so pic your friends wisely n enjoy!
Must be the heat. Nice score and its your score, first and foremost. Theres some really competent hands here and plenty-o-knowledge gladly shared. Ya might not want to mention "kit car" here either. Just in case.
The general tone of this thread is very like the reaction I get when I go to Black Eyed Pea on a Sunday wearing my Pornstar t-shirt. I'm just wondering how many pounds of oats to feed those high horses. Sheesh.
A case of beer where I live costs more than what you spent on that car, cool find and good luck with it. If you want it bad enough then you'll get there.
Seems things have gotten off to a rocky start. You've got a cool car to start with and your in a good place for a wealth of information so lets regroup for a minute. The best thing you can do is get the car home, use the search function and check out builds of similar cars. This is not so you can be brainwashed into building a cookie cutter car or because you are a no-nothing but because you'll get to hyper learn meaning you can take advatage of the knowledge that others have aquired through failure and success before you mispend your hard earned cash or cut shit you wish you didn't in 6 months. Good luck with the build. If you keep it simple and focused you'll get to drive it someday.
Welcome to the HAMB Koderboy. Baptism by fire....... I'm not afraid to admit that I think the patina on that car is awesome! My plan of attack would involve a bullet-proof running gear and a few cans of Gibbs - & I'd call it done. You could easily spend $20-$40K and several years making it "perfect" or you can spend less than 10K and be driving it it summer '14. Either way, I hope you stick around here. I'd love to see it come together. Post more pics when you get it home! JH
Nice score! Don't pay any attention to the tradition police, they have a ton of knowledge to offer but you won't get anywhere with them if you don't claim to be doing it their way. You got your hands on a fine piece of iron and it sounds like you have the gumption to make progress on it. My only advise; don't be in any rush and learn to enjoy the journey. ...I'm still working on that one myself.
Welcome to the HAMB , ....Now iffin I had bought that car and wanted to get it going I would focus on making it drive first. maybe something as simple as a six banger and the original rear end etc. As far as the patina , if it's a work in progress it doesn't matter, hell half the stuff I own looks like that..... for now. As far as being in over your head, that's just bullshit. I'm sure some were born with all the knowledge they will ever need and have built 100's of traditional rides but most of us learn from doing. I love a low budget build best. Look around on here and you can find the know how to do all that your new ride will need.
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