Thread: getting started?

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im just getting started building. i have a 31 Model A, i dont really know where to start. i would really appreciate some advice on the first steps i should take for the build (engine, frame, suspension, etc.....) thanks

You didn't say if this is a stock frame. If it is , you need to strengthen the frame by boxing it. Then you have to figure out what rear you want to use. Then ,type of suspension ,front and rear. The frame has to be the first thing you do. Once that is done, then you can continue with motor & trans. With the motor & trans you will have to also decide what motor you want to run, Chevy,Ford or Mopar. Then figuring out how to mount them is the next thing.
You seem to be a novice at this and with all the fabrication this may need, you may want to have someone who can TIG weld and know how to do the things I mentioned.

Just not enough info to give you any suggestions that would benefit you, Need to know what the finished product is going to look like..........ie, fenders or no fenders, channeled, not channeled, body style, engine preference, etc, etc. Also, what style are you after, like street rod, or hot rod, or what??????
Don

strip it down , blast it and epoxy it is what i do first. then build it on paper.

“.......Just not enough info to give you any suggestions that would benefit you, Need to know what the finished product is going to look like..........ie, fenders or no fenders, channeled, not channeled, body style, engine preference, etc, etc. Also, what style are you after, like street rod, or hot rod, or what??????......”


What Don wrote is your first step. You probably have at least a vague idea of what you want, but before you buy a part or spin a wrench, you need to figure out what the final product will be as it drives all the areas you will need to modify to make that happen. Doing a search on similar vehicles and seeing what others have done is always a good start.

BY the way welcome to the board.

Getting started is easier than getting finished.

Good that you're asking because you don't know what you don't know. Start with the vision of what you want to end up with as has been suggested, THEN you can get advice that will help you.

i was thinking a of a 350 chevy small block. no fenders, chop the top, i've drawn it out on paper already i know what i want it to look like. i don't know what type of rear to use or what kind of suspension. i know how to weld so i'm ok there. thanks for the advice

Do you want IFS or a straight axle on the front would be the first question... Once you figure that out, then some research and start listing the parts you'll need. Going to run a SBC engine, then what transmission do you want behind it, manual or automatic--overdrive or direct?? Lots of things you'll have to decide on, then start selecting parts.

An overall "theme" for the car should be first, what era do you want it to be representative of? Do you want lots of chrome an billet or painted parts? A well built Hot Rod must first be a well planned and thought out Hot Rod!!!!!

Keep asking questions, that's how we all learned!!!

How about a picture? Let's see what you're starting with.

I agree. A picture would be very helpful. It would also satisfy our insatiable curiosity.

i'll try and get one up by the weekend