Im currently considering buying a street rod as a replacement for my Vette. My wife is having difficulty getting into and out of our Vette and our enjoyment level is nearly zero, plus Ill be able to cross off one item on my bucket list!. A close friend warned me that unless you get a documented rod, dont buy one b/c when it comes time for replacement parts it will be a real problem. My goal is to buy a driver/cruiser for us, not a show car. Is what my friend telling me a real issue for brakes, rotor, ignition parts, etc ??? As Im sure there are many street rods in this category (driver/cruiser) that are not fully documented. Is an issue, what are some of ways I can reduce this kind of risk?? Any thoughts or ideas are of course welcomed. Many thanks!
The seller should be able to disclose what parts were used. I have a list of all the parts/applications I used. On another note, nothing mucks up a deal worse than those that listen too much to their friends advise. "my friend says..."
As long as you get a low tech kind of car you should have no problem. Just get the general info from the seller. Ie. motor trans rear. Keep the owners number in a file so if there are any questions he can help out later. Now if you go the high tech street rod, You might want to get the vin number of the donor parts cars. Also where the builder bought all the things like wiring for the computer controlled fuel injection, cruise control. power equiptment, ac, ect. Here you should keep the builders number in the car, because where this one stops you will need to know what kind of parts it will need after the tow thuck gets there.
check around your area for a good Hot Rod Shop that builds cars. Find out if they will check out your potential new ride, or if they can recommend someone that does that type of stuff. This will be a double plus if you do find the right shop and have someone to help out with repairs or upgrading your new ride. It is easy to get too excited with a pretty paint job, or something, and make a purchase that does not meet your expectations. not everyone keeps their receipts for parts they used to build their car. write up a want list and check here and all of the other Hot Rod Sales sites. as in any purchase buyer beware.
Some words of wisdom, your state is NOT the friendliest as far as title, and registration issues for custom cars, street rods, hot rods, whatever you might consider for a trade option. SHOP WISELY, and DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! Go to the state DMV web-site and get all the information AHEAD of time. Just some friendly advice, I grew up not far from your border with New York, and believe me I've heard the HORROR stories with the Penn. DMV, Best of luck, TR
I'd have to agree with those who say do your homework ahead of time and it already looks like you have started that. Knowing what parts and pieces were used in the car is a good thing and makes repairs and or maintenance a lot easier. I've worked on cars that had mix and match parts that the owner had no clue as to their origin and I have worked the parts counter where customers have needed parts for similar cars that were built by a previous owner or in one case several previous owners had made changes along the way. It's up to you to ask at the time that you are looking at said vehicle though. The folks here are into the more traditional rods and customs that may or may not find favor with your wife. Real old hotrods rather than what amounts to a Corvette with an old car body on it. Some are easy to get in and out of and some are not. I'd suggest figuring out what style of car you are interested in and then seeing if she can get in and out comfortably along with sit in the car comfortably. As the old saying goes if Momma ain't happy no body is happy.
If you buy a street rod with Pa registration make sure it has a Street Rod plate and is registered as such. I think the term now is modified vehicle or something like that. If the seller is willling have the plate transferred to you so you won't have to go through all the enhanced inspection procedures after you buy it. The only way your rod will be "legal" without fenders, hood , bumpers etc if that's what you're looking at is to have a street rod plate. Like someone else said it can be a hassle getting a rod registered in Pa. Took me over six weeks to get my Street Rod plate after going through the enhanced inspection, sending pictures to Harrisburg, getting rejected for blue dot tail lights etc etc.
I see your from Wisconsin.Drop by at BTTF's next year.You can watch my wife struggle to get out of our car due to her disabilities.Feel free to make the same comment.I'll even help you pick up your teeth afterward.
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