Just getting my feet wet in the rod world in Boston

Excellent forum guys. It was recommended to me by my buddies on the Telecaster Discussion forum. I've been into Rockabilly for a decade, isn't the proper next step cars? :)

My time frame is to purchase next spring. I'm interested in pickups from the early 50's and before. I feel I have a decent knowledge of modern cars but have never done any serious part replacement, engine work, nor metal work. I'm hoping to find a solid running, decent looking, pickup in good shape with which I can learn.

At this point I'm trying to see what's available to purchase and then researching what it might need. I've learned a lot on here the last several weeks. Hadn't realized there weren't turn signals nor seat belts on these old timers. The things one takes for granted.

So I'm here and completely willing to admit I have a lot to learn! The NHRA car and rod show is 1 mile from my home this weekend but I sadly have to be in the studio working. I walked around it for 30min this morning while they were setting up. Spoke with a few very nice people and got a pinstriping business card -- looking into having a guitar pinstriped.

Is there a Pickup resource or forum page here I can immerse myself in?

Gretsch, some good places to start is some local car shows in your area, or check out the Auto Trader/Truck Trader mags. The net is also a good source too. Good luck. and welcome to Club HotRod
Larry M

So far you have done precisely what 99% of first time rodders should do.........look for a done or almost done car to start with. So many start out by attempting to build one from the ground up and get in way over their head, get discouraged, and bail out. You are being very smart to do it the way you outlined.

Good luck with your hunt and let us know what you find. (pictures too :D)

Don

Smart to start with a functioning truck. It is easy to get overwhelmed with your project, if it cost a gazillion dollars to do anything on it. My truck project is slow but steady. More than I thought it would take, but fun, and progressing. Talking to people who have been there and done that is very smart. The hardest part for me was figuring out where to start in a logical progression that makes sense. Next was how far to go, and to what level of perfection. At some point, I figured I might as well use all new or rebuilt stuff, instead of unknown used parts and questionable reliability, once down that road, the dollars started to stack up, but in the end it hopefully will be reliable like new!
The folks here have been very helpfull as have the guys at fordtruckenthusiast.com. On this forum you usually will get quick responses to your questions, from people who have been modifying cars for a long time. At the other site you may get slower response, but more specific to you exact build ( modifying a 48 Ford truck in my case). Once you pick a project post some pics, and welcome here, Steve.

For Stripping ..you need to call Charlie ..AKA ..ONE ARM BANDIT ,,Tell him Big Al sent ya

http://www.onearmbanditpinstriping.com

He was at the show on Sat

Deuce, awesome site man, thank you. I've gotta get some pricing from these striping guys.

Everyone, thank you for the kind replies. After years of just admiring, I'm excited to finally be looking at stepping into this world and actually owning an old timer. My wife and I had the conversation over the weekend and we're going to wait until next Spring before we go out looking. Will give us time to save a little more and look into the logistics of owning a 3rd car -- without the garage space for it mind you. So there will need to be a way to store it in the Boston area over the New England winter.

My plan is to study up on pickups and once I find one I'm interested in, pay someone for their time who is very knowledgeable to join me for a day and take a look at it and give an okay before I buy. Then have a solid, dependable truck on which I can learn and slowly alter as I see fit.

It will be an adventure. I am very happy I found this site.

Stovens, I'm heading over to fordtruckenthusiast.com to take a look around.