Where did you find your project?

I found mine after six months of looking. I find stuff all the time on ebay under incorrect listings. Many people don't know what they have, and don't know how to list something properly on ebay. Some just want some quick cash. It may take you months of searching ebay every day. The more you search, the better you get at finding those hidden deals. I got my 31 Ford with a 42 flathead unrestored, literally sitting in a shed from the 40's or 50's. The car was pretty complete, but it needed to be completely restored. Keep hunting and you will find what you're looking for.

Good luck.

Dowie

 

As a 3x5 card posted on the For Sale board at So-Cal Arizona. The previous owner had started the project, got burned out on it, and wanted to clear out his garage so he could do his woodworking projects.

Somebody's half-finished project is a good place to start. Check the For Sale bulletin boards everywhere...the local speed shop, the local parts store, the grocery store, etc. Any public place that lets you post a "for sale" item.

Check with the local engine rebuilder, too. These guys generally know who is building what project, because lots of people have the rebuilder build up their engine.

Do an Internet search for car clubs and try to narrow the search down to your geographic area. Check out the local Friday or Saturday night car cruise. Talk to people, there and see if they know of something for sale.

Check the paper for estate sales. Lots of restored cars, Model A's, etc. are being sold by the widow or the kids when Grandpa dies and nobody wants to keep his old restored car. Also check the antique shops for bulletin boards. Talk to the store owners and see who they know who has antique car parts for sale.

Does this give you enough sources to check out?

 

found my car (55 belair $1800) in a junk yard saved it from the shredder

 

Found this one when I was up talking to a guy about a chop job on another one.

 

It's called "Networking". Every one of my pals knew I was looking for a fat fendered convertible, and I mean everyone. I got phones, emails, IM's and PM's on a daily bases with leads. Nothing panned out for 18 months. Then in Oct of 2001 a car pal in Florida who I ran into at the GG Charlotte event told me about this "project" Oldsmobile that was probably still sitting in this editors garage because the mag he was doing the buildup for folded. My pal really didn't know what became of the car. Two months later I owned it and have been doing little by little on him over the last 7 years. I can honestly say he's "done".

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I guess I'll just have to keep looking. If I were about ten years older I'd be up to my eyeballs in old cars. My grandfather owned a truck stop and he knew about every hot rodder within 100 miles. Unfortunately, he passed away years ago and all of his contacts are either dead or have moved away.

Again, thanks for the suggestions!

HotRod_Joe

 

Found mine in Georgia through a Hemmings ad.

 

I had a 55 Chevy ordered through a broker who bought them in the states,picked them up,got the paperwork and delivered it. He fucked me around for 6 months with many lame excuses. Good thing he didn,t require a deposit. While waiting I spotted the 57 in the local Super Shopper.A quick trip to see it and left a deposit. Went back the next night with the rest of the cash and a tilt n load wrecker.Wife still wants that 55....

 

My '61 Impala was in a horse pasture. Get out and cruise the byway's and gravel road's. Small town's, repair shop's, ect. Keep your eye open toward open garage door's too.