One of the items on my bucket list is to build a car. I have a couple of problems though... 1) I don't know a thing about cars 2) I don't have a lot of money 3) I don't have a place or even space to build a car 4) I don't have any tools So what I was hoping to hear were maybe some words of wisdom and a story about building your own car. Or you can list your own bucket list.
5) You do have a lot of excuses. Go buy a car and start turning a wrench... the rest will work itself out.
Maybe start with a vintage bike? #2 and #3 will be satisfied #1 only comes by doing not by creating bucket lists and #4 is easy to obtain (possibly via estate sales, ebay, etc...).
X2 No maybe about it! Bikes are easier to store and typically cheaper on parts/tools. I started with a late 60's triumph, another guys project that he lost interest in. The build cost me a little over $1200 before I was done, traded up for 2 other brit bikes.... the bikes were a common connection amongst hot rodders I ended up learning alot just hanging out and listening.
First, count your blessings! You live on the West Coast... Minimal rust vehicles. Second, If you cant buy a project.. Build whatcha have... Your D/D. Third, If you dont have a daily driver..... Buy an old VW Bug!! Parts are plentiful, cheap, and they are fairly simple to work on. Still a fat fender,(somewhat) car, and can be pretty cool. I have personally built several Bugs, Even built a Turbo VW that would hang with the V8's. Just a thought. Whatever you build, have fun with it and keep us all updated on what you start on, and good luck!! As for my bucket list..... I have two things left. 1) Drop a ton of money in Vegas with no regrets. 2) Hook up with Britney Spears. Dont think my wife would be to hip on the second item, so I will try to stick with the first!!!!
Make it a priority to go to lots of car shows and cruise nights. Then make it a point to talk with folks whose cars you like.
Get crackin', get tools, get something to wrench on even if it's only a bike or an old junked washing machine. Along the way you'll fall in love, or not, with a project.
Never to late to learn. Start by getting some tools. Try garage sales if money is tight. Hang out with car guys and offer to help. Consider someones discarded project with all the hard stuff already done.
Thanks for all the info. I get it now. JUST DO IT ALREADY! I'm probably gonna go to the Long Beach Swap Meet again. I'll look for a cheap car to work on. But I'll probably end up going the motorcycle route because I just don't have the space. Thanks for the info guys.
Your in Long beach for Christs sake,do you suppose there are any hot rod people in that town that you could hang around,help, learn from. DO IT !!
LOL, chubbie!! Just be forewarned. You can buy a very nice car of any description you like for less money than you can build one...........unless you can weld, paint, build engines, etc. Even then, it's sometimes a stretch. You'd better enjoy "the journey". Keep reminding yourself that it is a journey, not a race. You'll enjoy the destination when you get there but there's no reason to hurry.
I'm not real strong on #1 (one of the reason I like the HAMB!), have the same problem with #2 (don't most of us need more $$) some problem with #3 (no garage, but a driveway and carport), wish I had more of #4 (most of us do, I'd like to get a welder one day, and know how to use it). For years, with money and family commitments I did not have a hobby car. I still enjoyed old cars. Go to car shows, cruises, swap meets, etc. etc. Work towards getting a hobby car. It goes not have to be a 32 Ford or 57 Chev. Work on getting an old car and have fun working towards it. The HAMB is a great start!
If you want a old car, why would you buy a bike??? That to me would defeat the whole purpose in the first place. Get something you want or you will never see it through.
I have a couple of problems though... 1) I don't know a thing about cars 2) I don't have a lot of money 3) I don't have a place or even space to build a car 4) I don't have any tools 5] I would get a new hobby !
1) I don't know a thing about cars....books, GOOGLE, car meets,shops, friends are all a sourse of info 2) I don't have a lot of money.....spend as you can.....it's not an over night thing to do. 3) I don't have a place or even space to build a car....backyard? in Cal a tent and plywood to lay on? 4) I don't have any tools.....rent, ask Santa. Santa a GREAT source!!! 5)Be prepaired to make misstakes and to learn from them. Then move on. Local collage many have courses on welding, body work, ect. 6) If building a car/truck/bike is your new hobby......enjoy!! PS...knuckles bleed!! Get used to it. Have fun Fish
You dont need alot of money just the love of cars and the will to try new things i am building my 1950 ford shoebox in my one car gragage and if there is not rom in there i work out side in the dirt.
1.This is a great place to start,Read,Read,READ!! 2.And... 3.So... 4.See #3 5.Look for posts about get-togethers.Cruising Van Nuys,Bob's or one of the MANY other Southern California spots. 6.Make friends 7.Offer to help someone out that might have the Tools/Space/Car in Long Beach. 8."Bucket Lists" are for Idiots....
I did have a place to work but fell in the same other categories more or less. I bought a salvagable 1938 Allis Chalmers Model B tractor for next to nothing and restored it. Learned some mechanical rebuilding the really simple 4 banger engine, a little wiring, some body and paint and a little odds and ends. Gave me a basic set of tools and the confidence to take on a more complex project.
Well, probably the first thing you are going to learn is that hot rodders are probably one of the most friendly "cultures" out there, and we just want to teach to everyone who doesn't know and learn from those who know more. Find some guys who have cars that you like or that will let you hang around their shop. Ask questions, even if they're stupid-who cares? Get used to getting picked on and ribbed-its part of the fun. You will get cut and burned-body parts heal. cheap tools can be had (and sometimes even found) for very cheap, and you might be able to make friends with someone who will let you use space or rent some to you in their shop/garage. You just have to start by going to events and seeing what you like and making friends. I think starting with a bike is a good idea, but only if you want a bike. Like someone else said earlier, if you don't really like what you're working on, you won't finish it. This is evident by all the unfinished projects for sale. find something you like and just commit to it. now...GET OFF THE FREAKING COMPUTER ALREADY!!!! haha
Move out of CA to somewhere where it is cheaper to live. This would allow you the money to buy the tools and the car. You could also find a nice space to work on it.
my suggestion would be spend less time worrying about something you can't afford and focus on improving your finances so you can, have a place to work on a car, afford to buy a car and afford to buy tools, as far as learning about cars, best way to learn is do it. even a minimum wage job part time can provide you with an extra $100 a week, with $400 a month you can rent a garage, buy a project and afford parts and tools
DO YOUR HOMEWORK-know exactly what you want and as much as possible, what to expect before you buy a car or a bike. Know find out the good and the bad of owning and old vehicle, and specifically the one you want. THEN jump in.
All of your outlined problems/hurdles ("bucket list") to overcome are an issue, but not unique to just you. Like anything in life, when you have to really work for it, you appreciate it more. My advice would be to research (parts availability, costs, etc) the cars you like-brand, body style, year/s, etc. then find a good complete car to start with. If your not passionate about it, don't even start. If you are passionate, you will get it done, one way or another. Good luck.
1) This is a great source of info. 2) Eat hotdogs rather than going out, shut off cable TV. 3) All you need is a parking spot. 4) Start with a small set of basic handtools and add as needed. Everything works out in the end, but you can't have an end till there is a beginning.
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