Thread: '37 Ford Rod

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Okay,You spent your weekend at a Goodguys event. You want a hotrod more than ever. Your mind is racing. Your heart is pumping.It's a huge task that will consume your life and your checkbook. Should I do it or not? Do it and join the rest of us. Some days are fun and rewarding and some days suck, nothing fits or works. Looking forward to pics if you do it. Good Luck, you will get lots of help here

The very best of luck with your build. I've seen many of the OZE/Coast to Coast and a couple of others - and most have been very nicely done cars. One thing does run through most of those '37 phantoms that I've talked to the owner is that they have been professionally built.

I had done a couple of cars in the past but for the most part they were an OEM restoration into a rod with a couple of years in building. My current project car is a ground up that I felt would take me 2-3 years to build. Boy was I wrong. This is the end of the 7th year. It isn't done yet, but that date is now within sight as it is ready for the upholstery to be installed (the upholstery is about 90% complete). As far as budget - that's shot completely and has been for a couple of years. Actual weekly time varies as the enthusiasm - there were some weeks that I didn't even look at it, but currently in an effort to complete in the next couple of months, probably my time on it is ~24 - 30 hours/week. The basics most of us tend to not put into the build equation is the fact that you really do have a life, and most of the time a wife, a house, your daily drivers, a job, your other children, a vacation just to mention a few. Then the level of tools you need. These are some of the reasons why there are so many unfinished projects that show up on evilBay and Craigslist. I saw several unfinished cars for sale at a swap meet this past weekend - and most - well they were ill conceived and built and with a decided lack of skills and even money. And money - these cars, are seldom built with quality parts for under $50M, and often exceed $100. And yes, there are some that can and do build nice cars and don't spend lots, but somewhere along the line, they have expensive and expansive tool boxes, a big shop and friends that help with 'donations'

Please don't take this as a pessimistic view on a car build, as these are some of what I've felt and seen as have a few people I've talked car builds with in the past

Originally Posted by hotrodtrux

Okay,You spent your weekend at a Goodguys event. You want a hotrod more than ever. Your mind is racing. Your heart is pumping.It's a huge task that will consume your life and your checkbook. Should I do it or not? Do it and join the rest of us. Some days are fun and rewarding and some days suck, nothing fits or works. Looking forward to pics if you do it. Good Luck, you will get lots of help here

OK, how did you get into my head???? Why do I get the feeling you have been down this road before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for your thoughts.


IC2,
Thanks for your response. What you say is so true, which is why I have not pulled the trigger YET. The older I get, the more I do my homework to minimize the downside of whatever project I have in mind. SOMETIMES it works. This bug has bitten me big time, but I still have issues to deal with (no, not mental issues, "well maybe", space and $$$$$$ issues). One of the biggest heardles (sp) I have crossed is the wife. After 2yrs + of talking about this and countless books and magazines left on the kitchen counter, she is ready to cave in. I tried selling the our dog for some extra cash, but she won't buy it!!!!!!!!!!!! This will be awhile down the road even when I lose my sanity and actually do something.
Again, I appreciate any and all input. THANKS

Go for it!!!! About 7 years ago I built a 34 Ford kit. I was hesitant at first, but once I started building it and realizing I'm actually BUILDING my own car, enthusiasm and joy really set in fast! That helped me out through the "What the heck was I thinking?" moments that came up all over the place. And yeah, they came up a LOT. But when family and friends would come over to check on the progress and always walked away amazed, you look past the small stuff. Unless it's not small stuff. Then you just don't tell them about it. My kit was complete, or so they told me. But being flexible, creative, and having a lot of patience (even though I'm half Irish) really helped. Remember, you're building a hotrod. There's really no construction manual except the one in your head. With your son by your side, it'll be a great experience for you both. One thing you'll figure out quite quick is you really have NO idea exactly how many parts make up an entire car until you build one yourself from scratch. I've always wanted to build another hotrod. Either a 32 full fendered roadster, a 37 convert like you're doing, or a 55-57 Chevy touring car, but been too occupied with muscle cars as of late. Keep us posted and ENJOY!!!!

Do it, Do it, Do it.......
Honest to god, the first time you drive a hot rod you built, PRICELESS....

It seems some folks get a little ahead of themselves, worry to much about color, rim styles and interior color. Or hurry the build so they can drive it. It's easy to burn yourself out, pace, an hour a day is what keeps me going, sure some days are more, but I don't let it consume my every being. I want to get done, but done right for many years of trouble free driving. I'm coming up to 3years now, almost done, took 4 years on the last one. Good luck!!!!!!!