A lot of guys put down a lot of good advice here. I'd also recommend getting the best condition vehicle you can. Usually a Stude Lark, Dodge Wayfarer or what-have-you can be got in a pretty decent 4dr for way less than a shitty '55 chev or model A basket would set you back. And you can drive it today. And get a knowledgable friend or 2 to look at something with you. I want to get a motorcycle someday soon, and am damn sure going to have other people look at them with me. I still have people look at cars with me when I can, and I've owned a dozen older cars, and worked as a mechanic for years. But two heads are still better than one. Especially this one! With limited funds (my ongoing story...), I tended to stick to mopars; now the '60's ones are getting too expensive. But the little forties and fifties dodges and plymouths with flathead sixes can still be picked off reasonable. Drivetrain parts are easy to get. They used the engine in boats and machines, and the engine and trannies went in fork lifts and tug carts. If the thing's all one color (flat black got popular for a reason ) and doesn't smoke or break down, you'll probably have an easier time with the 'significant other'. A Mexican blanket over some burlap works okay. If a car is old and shitty looking, but runs okay and doesn't cause problems, it's (IMAO) way better than something 'cool' that's in a garage, or doesn't run (like my pickup...). I had more fun with my '49 Plymouth than the law oughtta allow. Ugly, peeling black paint; rusty chrome and missing/bad upholstery. But I drove the shit out of that car. Got lots o' thumbs up, and had a great time. One more thing: I use money I get from side jobs, horse trading, or OT to pay for the car fix. Not the paycheck. But that's just me. I found that kept spousal approval up quite a bit. Best o' luck -bill
good driveable 50's cars are still out there, but it depends on what you are looking for. my suggestion is don't settle on a car that you don't really like, only because the price is right. i know that price is a big subject here tho, so that may limit what you are after. there are some cool 60's cars still around, that make excellent candidates for easy mild customizing. but i have no idea what they are selling for these days. i guess it all depends on what you can afford to buy, and what you can fix(or customize) yourself. i would suggest staying away from a project car...go for a car that is driveable.... one you can drive home after buying it. in rare instances you can find cars, that you can buy cheap...it depends on how hard you look. it can be done on a budget...sometimes it just takes time...the right car will come along, and you'll know it when you see it. by all means, have someone who knows about cars like this go with you for a second set of eyes. he may spot something that you may overlook. chrome wheels can take away from the fact that the car has no brakes on it. i got my 55 pontiac by horsetrading. i did some labor for a guy, and as payment...i got the car. i drove it home, and am still driving it 8 years later. these deals are out there....you just have to be lucky enough to run across them i guess.
Be real careful with Harbor freight, I spent a few grand there on tools before starting my project, at least half of it was junk. Pawn shop and garage sale Craftsman or other affordable but quality name tools would be a better way to spend your money. It doesn't matter what it cost, if it breaks, it ain't a bargain! Better yet, do a members search by city and find some H.A.M.B.ers in your area, find an old timer who alredy has tools to help you out and hold you over while you accumulate your own tools. Offer to trade whatever non-automotive skills you may have to offer, or at least help him around the house/garage, cut his grass, have your wife bake him cookies.This is also a way to find a deal on a car and parts, I met a H.A.M.B.er who lives a mile from me and we have become great friends. He's about 20 years older than me and has lots of old cars/parts/tools.
I forgot one other thing: it's waaaay less painful to miss out on a dozen great deals than pick up one shitty one. Don't ask how I know...
My .02 would be to buy a car that has good sound body and chassis. The engine work you should be able to handle with the help of your local machine shop. I hate body work so buying a sound car is important. Also, have you taken her to some shows? Just walk around and see what comments she makes that indicate which cars she likes. Maybe a open wheel A isn't her style but a 50-60 car would be. You don't want to start a full blown, ground up build with your limited assets...you'll be setting yourself up for failure. Once you kinda narrow it down to the type that you both like, then start looking. Tell your wife that you need her help with the colors and uphostery and that sort of stuff. She'll get involved and take that part off your shoulders. Let her make those decisions and you'll both appreciate it more. When your married, it's a team effort. Do not tell her that your going to fix up this old car and make a mint when you go to sell it. I saw a guy do that and it didn't work out and they lost there as(boat deal) consequently he had a whole lota explaining to do. Stay away from the "investment" line of bs. Make it a hobby...the sooner you can get in and drive it to events and the driveins on Sat. night the sooner she'll start to love it. Remember the hot rod is competing against jewelery, dining room sets, and shit like that. Anyway, start out with something that you know you can handle...work your way up from there. Patience and give it time. Good luck.
Just curious, what is your range? Guy on here last week had an 8K budget. Lots of good stuff was offered up, some of it included 6K in change. State you goal, someone might have a deal that fits. Also give us an idea of what you want. Most prewar is pretty pricey. 50/60's stuff can be cheap, as someone pointed out, if you go with 4 doors, long roofs, off brands, etc. What's got you fired up - power, show car, hot rod, off the wall, nostalgia for a certain era? What, if any, talent/tools/experience do you have? Do you have a place to work on a car, without putting your wifes car in the street? Have you discussed this with her at all? With a little more info we might get you the car you want, without moving to the doghouse.
I guess this is where the rubber meets the road and i have tell all! sh*&. anyways. my budget is dependent right now on a bike dealership giving me some cash back ,but that's ok. i'm saying right now no more than 4000. I'm diggin the 50 sytle ford,chevy's,plymouths etc. something along those lines anyways. Not really wanting something from the 60's. I know some people with shops and probably any kind of tool i would need, from riding bikes etc. If it came to it, i could park my daily driver in the street or the heep in the backyard. She just doesn't want me to get in over my head, i'm sure she will alright with it because after all it's my money. As far as skills yeah they are lacking ,but i have lots of friends with the now how and hopefully i can meet more on here.
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