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Hey! I'm dean. Im a 23 year old marine and im interested in building my first rod. I want to do it myself, or with a little help from friends. Doesnt have to be a trailer queen or a so called "rat" just something loud, fast ,and fun.

Dean, If you are experienced working on cars, the build can be a lot of fun. If you are limited on what you can do, it is cheaper to buy a nearly complete running car. Paying too many people to work on it a piece at a time, will quickly double or triple the cost for the car.

Also you want to make sure you are happy with the car, so do some research to see what style you might like, depending on whether you will cruise it ....race it ....show it ...or travel in it.

We will still be here when you get ready for some "cheap advise". :-)

first, thanks for your service. second, for my first car, I would get something I can drive while working on. it's easy to lose interest on something that you just look at and work on but can't drive

Welcome Dean, would be best to get some idea of what you want to start with, and as Keith mentioned a driver might work out best for you... or at least something that is a rolling chassis.

Not wanting to be the fly in the ointment, but from a guy that's been doing this Hot Rod stuff a few years, there's a couple things to remember from the start;
1. It's going to take longer then you thought
2. It's going to cost more then you thought

Developing a good, thorough plan and having the patience to work your way through it will always give the best results!!!!!

Dean,
Id start with something with as little rust and bodywork as possible, and preferrably something that runs or just needs some drivetrain work. Modify one system at a time (drivetrain, suspention, brakes) and keep in running and enjoy driving it in beween these small projects. Blowing one completely apart can get overwhelming and cause you to give up if you havent been there before. Starting with small successes will build your skill and confidence.