Thread: yet another new guy

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Hi Matt, welcome. '63 and a half Fords are really sharp cars and are cool looking even in stock form. As for making it a "dragster", not so sure about that though. While it can be made to perform really well with engine mods, it is a pretty heavy, large car, more suited to becoming a great old car to drive around in. Don't get me wrong, some of these were made into very potent racers in the past, but the word "dragster" just doesn't fit. Super Stock maybe.

Since this is your first rodeo, I would suggest to you what I always suggest to someone doing it for the first time...........take it easy and do little things. Clean it up, fix the mechanicals like brakes, shocks, steering, engine and driveline, then enjoy driving it for a while. You can contemplate your next move while gaining experience.

If you don't do it this way there is a high mortality rate of people who get frustrated and throw in the towel. Most of us who have stuck with this hobby for 10-20-30 or more years did it in baby steps, and didn't build our ultimate car right out of the gate. It takes years to work up to that point.

In the meantime, evaluate what you have inherited, and maybe have some knowledgable friend help you plan your moves. Go to lots of shows and read lots of magazines and forum threads. If you do it that way you stand a very good chance of actually reaching your goals with this car. You have taken a very important first step by admitting your weaknesses and asking questions.

Don