Need to hear it here from rodders

That's exactly what I did, buy a Shoebox to take the whole family in and build the coupe or roadster later when your budget allows.You can get a descent Shoebox for between 5k and 10k, plus then when you get your A you'll already have a flatty for it.

 

I, too, agree with Mazooma and Chili Phil. I also highly recommend having something like an early fiftys four door..maybe a Ford. There are plenty around. Something that is almost in driving condition. Imagine spending evenings in the garage with the kids, rebuilding brakes, making it safe (steering), and generally safe fun to drive. Then one day, not too long after you start, you load the family and go off to be part of the car show. There is more to it than the cars you see in the magazines. You do not need great paint, primer works fine and it easy to spray. Interior, fit covers on the seats. Engine, make it reliable. You'll all have a ball. And great advice, join the other guys, a club. Don't sweat it, it CAN be done and, I think you'll do it.

 

You've got the same problem most of us have: big ideas with limited funds. You can build a rod on a budget if you are patient and keep your eyes open. There are many deals out there. I just saw a complete '47 Ford chassis sell on CL for $550. Complete with flathead, bango rear, juice brakes, pedals, etc. You run across crazy deals on bodies once and awhile too. I read a thread here yesterday where a guy got a Model A RPU for free. Granted you probably won't be that lucky. Take your time and make collecting the pieces part of the fun.

 

I agree with this ^ ^ ^

Also, make friends with a few guys that have 32's & A's. Once you know them they will likely be more than happy to give one or both of your kids a ride in their car.

Also at car shows, most car guys will let a kid sit in their car & "drive" if you ask. most of us rodders have a soft spot for kids. the key is to ask first. if you just open the door on a car without asking you will likely get yelled at (or worse). I will let anyone who asks sit in our coupe. no shiny paint (yet) and a rubber floor mat so n it ain't going to hurt anything with someone sitting in it.

you would be surprised how much a ride or even just sitting in a hot rod can affect a kid. Gotta get them hooked early.

 

Great advice from Tman, I agree.

 

I too am a big fan of Dave Ramsey.

I'm in a similar boat. I'm 41 and have 1 1/2 year old little boy, my first. To say my priorities have changed is the understatement of the century. I'm also building a 32 Ford chassis right now. I say buy something cool you can afford to play with now and have fun with it. Something like an old suburban, panel wagon or delivery. Haul the family around and have some fun too. Fix it as you go then when things free up sell it and build the 32. By then there may even be more steel repop bodies available and prices may have actually gone down. It's only a matter of time until someone takes on Brookville head on. You will always be able to build a 32 of some kind and the aftermarket will only get cheaper as time goes on.

I'm most likely going to build a quality glass car. Can I swing an original 32 or build a Brookville? Probably, if I compromise my priorities. But I don't want to do that and I don't need that much car anyway. If I build a nice glass car I can do it on a budget (relatively) and keep it insured. If it gets stolen or burns to the ground I can take the money and build something else. I'm tired of stressing over freakin' cars. I'm havin' some fun with that little boy and that's all that counts.

-Ron