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I am new to the world of Hot Rod, and have been toying around with the idea of getting more involoved. I am open to any suggestions any of you might have for me to get started; type of car that would be good for me to start a project on, any additional sites that I could use for help, things of that nature.
Well let me sart by welcoming you to the world and this forum, there is good times to be had in both places, as far as a car , that really depends on what you like. I would suggest to start going to car shows , looking at books, the internet, and start getting a feel for whats out there, different syles , things of that nature, then once you find a style you like , start looking for a prodject or, if you prefer, find a running car, and start from there. I have found that 9 times out of 10, most rodders are great folks, they will be more than willing to help you in your new found desire.
Have you done any work on cars? Some types will require either major skills, or a big checkbook to build. If you have no skills, you will want to buy a running car, or go with a mild modification, on a newer model.
JB,
welcome. If you are new to any sort of "Hot Rodding" at all please allow me to introduce you to a term you are most likely to here a lot....
"Speed costs money, How fast do you want to go".
Very good advice before my post here. Check out some car shows and have a digital camera ready. When you see something that "Tripps your Trigger" take a pic, Post it here and ask questions from there. The only DUMB QUESTION was the one you DID NOT ask...
Hope that helps...
The guys have said it already, the very first thing you have to do is give an honest appraisal of your skills, tools, and finances. This is the toughest thing for anyone to do, because we humans are essentially optimists. But if you don't do that, you are doomed to failure...........that comes from me falling on my face lots of times building a car.
If you do not have fabricating, welding, and mechanical tools at your disposal, I really feel the best way to get into the hobby is buy a running, driving car, and make improvements and changes to make it your own. You can be driving it while you do that, rather than laying on your back for 2,3,4 or more years while you build one of your own. Then, use that car as a stepping stone to the next one. Every member on here will tell you it takes many years most times to get a car built and running.
What it is akin to is the first time boater who goes out and buys a 36 foot cabin cruiser. He would be better off buying an 18 foot outboard, learning the ropes, and then moving up. By jumping in with both feet, he will have many problems, (costly problems) lose interest, and end up bailing out at a loss.
As suggested, go to lots of shows, look at lots of cars, and talk to lots of people. You will find that you are either an open car kind of guy, or a coupe type, or maybe a '50's or '60's car lover, etc. That is what makes this hobby so great, the diversity. In the meantime, you have taken a very good first step in joining an excellent forum and asking questions.
Welcome.
Don
Welcome to the club. The other guys are leading you on the right path, with the carshows and determining your skill level before getting into a project. It will save you a lot of time and money.
When you do decide on a vehicle, post some pics. If you need help, the guys here have good answers on just about everything.
Good luck with the search!
I recomend a Camaro!:D :D :D
Welcome to CHR!! Other than looking at pictures we love to offer opinions and to answer your questions. :LOL: :LOL:
What has been said before is all good info. One of the first things you need to figure out other than the availability of time and money, is what age cars are you interested in? "Hot Rod" covers a lot of territory, but usually conjures up the thought of a 1920's to 40's era car. Once you make that decision, then start the regiment of looking and shopping. As the others have said go to shows and events, talk to the people there and get a good feel for what you like.
My first choice would be to buy a finished or nearly finished car. (Is any car ever really finished?? :confused: :LOL: ) You can sometimes get good prices on them and right now it's a buyers market for street rods. You can get a nice one for probably less than half of what it would cost to build one. Of course if you have lots of time and are mechanically inclined, getting a project car and completing the build might be a good way to go.
In any case, welcome to the forum and join in as often as possilbe.
I think JBAUTO has left the building, no post other than his first?
Jack