My first tip would be to stop watching those high dollar hot rod shop shows on cable and watch Iron Trap Garage and Johnathon W on RU-vid. Your tip on buying a rough car with a good drive train is spot on. My buddy bought a 49 Ford shoebox and drove it to cruise night and car shows while he collected parts and built his model A coupe. When that was ready he pulled the drive train from the shoe box and finished the model A. Then he sold off the rest of the shoebox to a guy who put the drive train from a fox body mustang in it. Win, win I think.
Good tips there Matt. I have also found over the years, don't be afraid of giving something away that is of no particular use if it creates a friend who will help you out or give you something in return later on. I did this for someone I had just met, and guess what, we are now nearly 40 years down the line and we are still friends to this day, having swapped parts, stories, gone scrounging parts or cars. It helps to make good mates.
Make friends with old guys. There is a wealth of information just walking around to be had for free, after all we (I'm 68) were the ones that built these cars originally. I have had "Kid's" stand around and pick my brain on one thing or another and I completely enjoyed it. So don't be afraid to take advantage of what's left of that old mans memories.
Guys like you are important to this hobby. As a guy in my 50s I've seen how things were 30 years ago and will most likely be here to see what our hobby will become in 30 years ago. We need more young guys!
Old guys buying cars and parts with their emotions instead of their brains are preventing us young guys from being able to afford shit. And I'll give you a big fat for instance: I tagged along with a buddy to an auction looking to buy anything from the 60s that was driveable so that he could just replace things here and there and still cruise it on weekends or whatever. We found and examined a 72 Chevelle with a 10 bolt rear, and fender badges calling out a 307 backed by an automatic. It ran alright but you could smell the burning oil and see the leaks. A few dimples here and there but, the body was straight. Paint was all sun faded with the clear peeled almost entirely off. We figured it was a $5,000 car but, the auction would drive it to $7,500ish. It was in pretty rough shape but, appeared safe to drive. Wouldn't ya know it, a damn bidding war broke out, and some jackass dropped $16,500 on that car.
Great tips! The whole deal with hot rods was they took what was uncool and made it cool! The model T was used up junk that they could get cheap so they did. Finding a old guy that wants to keep the Hot Rod stuff going and ask him to fill you up with what he knows! Not everyone was a James Dean look alike! Real roddin is just the state of mind! 70's 80's and even some of the 90's have plenty of good cars to alter to make a cool hot rod! Traditional doesn't have to mean certain cars but it does mean why you thought about doing a particular car! Hot roddin is all about working with what you got! Love your channel!
Your spot on Matt, in general Hot Rod guy's are great people and usually very willing to help. Most important thing is being Patient ! Break the project into segments so for example the frontend has new king pins and the spring and shackles are done paint it and put it aside. When I started this type of thing kept me motivated . Thanks for another great video !
Matt, exactly right. I got a 42 Ford 2 door sedan, Super Deluxe. Bought it at a good price, still fighting with Indiana on the title. My only regret is the week before I found it the kid pulled the original v8 out of it and put a 49 truck v8 in it. Hope to be on the road soon. My goal is a 50s early 60s cheap street rod. Primer now, originally a medium blue, the store was the car was take into the Navy for the war. The 42 wasn't made very long. Wish me luck
I appreciate this kind of content. I didn’t grow up wrenching on cool cars but I love rat rods, I want to build one and not just buy one. And I know there’s a massive learning curve ahead of me (which is part of the appeal). Taking time to give the noobs a welcome to the community is appreciated.
This is all interesting information. Yes, I am something of a packrat myself. I have a '41 tudor sedan project I am working on. I have some odds & ends type parts. Like my fathers '30 horn, that I plan to use in the 41. Some other items that I am thinking about how I will use them, like more taillights. I redid the guage pannel. This will be my driver when it is done. You guys do alot of interesting cars, as far as I am concerned, the more old iron the gets back on the street, the better! Thanks for the videos..
Another good source for big cubic inch engines are old motor homes! Just bought a dodge 440, engine, transmission,radiator, ect with 55000 miles for 275 bucks. Started it up while still in the motor home before I got it. Like you said, it’s going in my 1960 dodge coronet.
I get big block blower motors from old motor homes. Some I have gotten for free. Gotta 440 ,460 and a 454. Friend of mine has a 440 with a blower in a 1965 Belvedere and he has been driving it for 15 years on the street. Does 10s
I already own it. I have the intention “to make it fit.” Lol but I haven’t decided to pull it yet. If we did it’d go in a Box Chevy truck. From what I can tell it has the LS style low deck/intake. I’m more worried about the massive transmission fitting since it’s a 36 foot RV it has a huge trans. I’m not a Chevy guy so my brother can figure it out. Lol
Thank you Matt. That is the best information I have heard with respect to this "hobby". I know it will of most help to the young ones, but it does help us old farts too. I am 72 years old. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching, I know I missed a lot of other tips but I think this was a good start and a lot of other great ideas were given in the comments!
Really great advice. I gave a guy an old trans that I wasn’t using. In turn, he now will trailer my car whenever I need it. Love this channel. One of the best! Gary
I'm retired and poor. Build ing a1950 international pickup, it's on a 1959 Willy's frame with a flathead 6. And 30s REP GRILL SHELL. I'm happy. Agree with ya Matt. TY Newk from Kentucky
Mr.Jim. You are exactly right! To the you people starting to get in to hot/ vintage rodding. If you have a question just ask. We were all there at some time of our lives.
Really good advice. Someone mentioned joining a club, the resources there are tremendous. If your restoring then is a must as no matter how old or good you might be, you’ll always find people with more experience and knowledge AND parts.
Thanks Matt, that is some really great advice for anyone wanting to get into this Hobby. Nice to see someone wanting to share their knowledge with others..
Good advice Matt. My father has told me countless stories of how he dug through junkyards as a teen in the late 40s-50s just to find bigger engines, they didn't care which manufacturer it was just as long as it made the car go fast! I have continued that tradition, every car I've built has been from scrounged rusty parts and castoffs from someone that wanted shiny new parts. Love the videos. Matt - Mojo Speed Shop and Lounge
Matt a lot of good info. When I was a younger man a friend and I had junkyard days every other saturday this was just to keep our ride on the road, Of course yards were different then but the cars and parts are still around you just have to beat the bushes harder. But man those were good times, still are really. Rod on people!
This advice is pretty universal. I mess around with 60's 4cyl Volvos here in Sweden and I use a lot of the strategies that you mention. One of my favorite things is getting into parts & styles that most people don't like, that way you can snap up cool stuff that goes under the radar. Like steelies with various stainless trim - so many possibilities!
Nice tips! Resources are a major key to success in this game. Save names and numbers and even leave a note in the contact info of who they are and what they have. One thing I’ve learned is to study the market first..instead of pulling the trigger because it’s available. Too many times I’ve bought something just to learn a friend had the same part for half the price..and local.
I agree with you Matt... It's super important to make friends and get to know people. Also I'd say never be ashamed of being a "new jack" or beginner, we all have to start somewhere. None of use were born into this and knowing everything. So with that don't be afraid to ask questions from people you look up to, those who you admire their work or from people you know have successfully done what you're currently trying to accomplish. Remember y'all like Gene say's... "Everyday is a school day!" At any rate, once again as always great video and good advice.
Mr. Matt. Good tips . It warms my heart to see the younger generation getting into the older car and trucks. But something I always say , we don't scrap old sheet metal. Because once it's gone is gone. For the new people getting started as long as you are having fun with the older cars. Get them out and go driving ! And if someone out there has a question about your old car just ask us older guys. We have been there before.
I save as many parts as I can when I replace something, in case someone else needs it. Great for trading or selling. Early Mopars used mohair pads under the rubber floor mats so the pans are usually gone. Many of the Ford replacement parts are close enough to modify to fit. Most people ignore the early Mopars because of the floor pans, making them cheap to buy. In my area I have the only 41 Plymouth, so it makes it popular.
Matt, the one thing you forgot and most important, YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLEASE ANYONE BUT YOURSELF. If you like what you built it doesn't matter what someone else thinks. I have heard so many times, boy I wouldn't have done that like that, simple, it's not your car I don't have to please you, just myself. Thanks for the videos Charlie Bryson National Field Director National Street Rod Association
Great tips Matt! I've found that hanging out with like minded people can help also. The guys I hang with are always willing to help out or teach someone. Thanks for the channel! Loving the 39 hot rod!
Over the summer I purchased a 1941 Ford Fordor Sedan Model 11A with Suicide Doors for $600. The body is in excellent shape with some dents in the fenders, but nothing that I can't work out. It came with a Flat Head V8 but it was a newer engine than the original. So I chose to go with a Resto-Mod. I was able to trade the Flat Head and Transmission for a 1988 Ford 302. I then acquired a 1989 AOD Transmission for $200 from Craigslist. Rebuild kit for AOD $169, Shift Kit $30, AOD Tranny $399. I recently found a Ford 9" Rear-end that I was able to trade some things for that were actually in my way. I am a little (a Lot) picky about certain things and that is going to cost me more money, but I am okay with that. Thanks for the Videos!
great tips, I'm only 30 but I'm lucky enough to be a 3rd generation car guy, but my advice from my dad or my grandfather that has stuck with me other than what you have said, don't be afraid of 4 doors or wagons, they are more acceptable nowadays than they ever have been and they are great if you want to chuck a few of your mates in and go have have fun, they are usually heaps cheaper and can also be great donor cars older restored cars can be a bit more initial outlay than a body and frame but they make a great base for a project ( especially a traditional styled car as a lot of era correct cars can be classed a s a hopped up stocker) especially if you want to keep it driving while you work on it, plus if you do tear it apart they can give you entire drivetrains that you can usually reclaim a lot of your Initial investment I'd you sell them off
Right on Matt! Since the dash repair video you did I picked up a metal dash cheap. Making friends at swap meets is A plus. Great info and a parts resource from these new friends. One posting I just read said join a club. I meet a guy I at a funeral on Monday who is a Modifier Club member. Another Avenue for parts and knowledge. This is a great hobbie and one day soon I'll be done my build. Thanks Matt.
Really good video, valuable wisdom for new guys. I tell youngsters to get a project that they can drive and modify along the way. I bring them to my house and we'll work on it
Buying a whole car just for the bits is what i do over here in the uk with minis... makes so much sense! Makes ya money back and ya get the bits you want for free or well cheap... i dont get why a lot more people do it.. more money than sense i guess... keep up the cool vids.. your haul from the auction the other day made me super excited for you! You lucky ass 👍
I know I've said it before, but how does this channel not have more subs? I appreciate all your effort, and I'm doing my little part to try to help you get this channel over the next hump.
That's some of the best advice I've heard in years, the 30's body's are hard to find in my neck of the woods but there are lots of early 50's around for decent prices us poor old guys can search out the few junk yards that are left, Freddie out !
Great tips Matt, thank you so much for sharing knowledge. your shop looks totally sick bro, love the faded blue panel truck. Im 98% finished building my first 57 Chevy 210 LS...took me 9 years, learned so much and made many great new friends. Im very interested in 30’s and 40’s cars but have no money. You gave me such valuable insight into getting started...they look really fun cars to wrench on. Thanks again pal
I COMPLETELY agree with your list although Your #2 is my #1 when I talk to younger folks about getting into the Hot Rod/Muscle Car/Custom car hobby is to find the oddball car that you can afford that not everyone wants, you'll get them cheaper. I'll just give you 2 examples. Last winter a young girl (she's 28 but she's young to me) that I work with wanted to get into cars and while talking to her she said she REALLY wanted a 71-72 Chevelle so I told her good luck with that and to think about something else a whole lot cheaper, a couple days later she told me she had found a car and asked me to go look at it with her that weekend, it was a 75 Malibu that not only ran and drove but was currently inspected and licensed and she paid the $1500 the guy wanted and I drove it home for her she's been working on it since. 2nd story.... I just bought a 1953 Dodge Royal 4 door, why a 53 Dodge 4 door? because it was dirt cheap, The 241 "Baby Hemi" is basically not much more than the block and the owner wasn't sure about the transmission either, I'm going to pull the block and the trans along with the front bench seat and I'm going to just donate them a local restoration business that does alot of charity stuff, I don't need it, I'm going to build a budget hot rod by putting a 318, 3 speed auto trans and rear end out of 69 Dodge Dart that my buddy had sitting around doing nothing that I swapped for a 97 Cavalier that ran that I had and honestly don't remember where I even got for his sons first car. The body and frame is in phenominal shape because I live in Arizona and it's an original Arizona car so it just needs stripped and repainted the original Silhoutte Green but I'm going to paint the roof white and make it a daily driver/ cruise-in/cars and coffee/ local car show car.
Matt, you are 100% right on. I scored a 315 Dodge Hemi a few years back that came out of a 1959 Dodge Dump Truck. The truck was owned by some government agency and showed 55,000 actual miles. The motor was stuck, so the junk yard wanted $200. I took it apart and it was like brand new inside. It took some persuasion to get the pistons out, but it was stuck because the rings were all carboned up.
One of the best penetrating oils or rust removers / engine unstickers you can get is diesel fuel. The detergents in it are great at breaking up carbon and rust. I've used it and a single gallon goes a long way!
At Hawaii on business. Driving on highway 2 from Waikiki to the North shore and Matt comes on and explains how affordable hot roddng can be! Got to love it
Good tips. I pretty much take anything I can get. You never know when you might be able to alter something to make it fit your build. I see most of the comments already touched on anything I might add. I TRY and build for a hobby that I enjoy doing. It is very hard to do this due ot my experience is not on point. Something I struggle with is think about what you want to do and stick to the plan. It is easy to convince yourself of a change away from what you initially wanted to build. For instance I want to run a Flathead in my project. I found a 283 that needed some TLC and picked that up. My initial idea is a 50s era build. I have some other hot rod stuff like Norm Grabowski shift knob (nice thumbnail for the video) that I plan to incorporate into my build. That being said I started to think 283 with a 4-71 blower would look pretty cool. Not my 50s build, but still cool. My wife was the one who actually made me start thinking this way. She said you need to build what you want cause at the end of the day that is all you started out trying to do. So do it. I am looking for people in the Pacific NW that I can partner with to bring my knowledge to the table along with the input and ideas from others. A bunch of guys getting together building cool cars is something I am looking for. A sounding board of fellow Hot Rodders is a good sanity check sometimes.
I still have the first car I. Bout . It is a 29 mod. A 2dr sedan, bout it when I was a junior in high school. I am now 74. The car as unrestored and still runs fine.
An International??? Oh ugly... Just kidding Lol. Never care for'em when I was young (50 yrs. ago) had to be Ford or Chevy, but now I think all them older trucks had really cool lines to them and look sharp done right or maybe patina look. Sweet 👍
Awesome video. Biggest hurdle I see is lack of space. Currently keeping my eye out for a Cj2 or 3 because I think I could fit it in my garage, and because I like em haha
Finally a normal hot rod mechanic, its easy just to buy an engine and new rims and all the package obviously if u have money and pay someone to do it, but to rebuild and old engine and using parts u have by your self is what a real hot rod mechanic is, and the feeling you get from doing it your self is the best
Great video Matt, lots of great info for the intro hot rodders, my problem is we are into big inch drag race cars....as soon as this disease is out of my system we will be doing a street rod on the cheap!! Keep up the great video's!!
Good tips Matt. I'm king of the cheap builds. A couple of things that have worked for me. 1) Start with a pickup. They are plentiful, cheap, simple, and handy. The AD Chevys rule the market right now, but don't be afraid to look at a Pilot House Dodge. Buy a clapped out Diplomat and swap the drivetrain into the Dodge. Do the outside up with period wheels and some accessories and you could have a really cool cruiser for short money. I built my 1946 Studebaker M5 truck for about $4000. It runs a junkyard subframe, AMC 258 straight six, and some period wheels and accessories. It's in primer, but I've put over 30,000 miles on it in the last 20 years and have driven it everywhere. 2) Collect the parts first before you begin the build. If you just start a build with no inventory then you're forced to buy a lot of parts new to continue with your build. My last few builds I collected parts for at least 2 years before beginning the projects. This allows you to look for good parts for deals at swap meets, sales, trades, etc. 3) Look outside the box for parts that work. For example I found that a 1979 Ford F150 6 cyl radiator will fit inside a 1928-1932 grille shell if you trim some excess metal around the core. The hose outlets are in the correct location to run a SBC engine. I bought my last two of these radiators at the junkyard for $20 a piece. That's way cheaper than a $200 Chinese knockoff aluminum radiator or a $800 Walker. If you're starting out be prepared to make a few sacrifices. If you want to build that 100 point period correct 1932 Ford you're not going to do it for $5000 unless someone gives you the car and all the parts first. Case in point, I wanted to build a period correct Model A coupe. I wanted original paint. I couldn't find a nice coupe body with original paint for under $8000. What I ended up with was a 1931 Sport Coupe body, with no top and the doors welded shut for $1400. It had original paint and was solid. I cut the body completely apart, put new subrails in it, got the doors working again, and reassembled it without hurting the paint. I built the chassis using two partial Model A frames grafted together. Both cost me less than $40 each. I scored a complete 1936 front and 1938 rear axle on Craigslist from street rod projects for $100 each. I built my own 5 window top by cutting down sedan door tops to make the quarter windows and using a coupe rear window. On the outside of the car everything is pre-1948. I'm running a nice A grille shell with a stone guard. I have swap meet scored Guide 682 lights on the front and '47 Buick lights on the rear. The wheels are wide 5 Ford with Firestone tires, 6.00s and 6.50s. I made a sacrifice for the power plant. I threw in a $100 Mustang 2.3L 4 cyl and T5, but painted it Ford green and did the air cleaner and accessories up in a period look. Eventually I want to put a 59AB in the car, but for now, with the hood down the car looks like something a kid would have had running around the back roads in 1947-1953. There is now interior yet, but I just found some original door panels cheap, and will have my buddy make me a seat cover in distressed vinyl. I've had this car on the road for 5 years, have put over 6000 miles on it, daily drive it, get 22 mpg, and have a total of $8000 in it. That includes the $800 Walker radiator, and $750 in Coker tires and tubes. Is the car 100% period? No, but it looks the part enough for me, it's cool, and I can drive it for not much money invested. And I can always improve on it with the flathead as time goes on. A build like this would be totally doable for a younger person getting into the hobby. You don't have to have the best car at the start. Even the best builders started off with a beater or 4 door when they were first getting into the hobby. Just get out there, build something and have fun!
Didnt go through the video yet but two of my biggest tips are stay motivated and BE PATIENT, not everyone has all the time in the world with enough pocket change to magazine order a whole hotrod to their doorstep, im 18 years old and im the second owner of a 1946 chevy 1/2 ton shortbox, its getting tubbed with 19” wide tires, LS/700r4 combo, mustang 2 with coil overs, ive owned the truck since october 13 of last year and ive only been working on it for about 4 months but the chassis is almost fully done and ive got steering and brakes done inside the truck, its easy to lose motivation, sure there are fast weeks and slow weeks, make a plan and stick to it, ive been building this truck on 250$/bi-weekly and if i can build a badass prostreet truck with that slim budget then, with a lil time and patience, anyone can stay motivated dudes 🤘🏻
A tip from me would be join a good car club, a good car club has “work days” where all the guys get together and help someone work on their car, or just help you with knowledge you’re lacking
That's why I left the club I was in. I'm 27 which made me the youngest. Everyone else was in their 70s 80s and 90s and have done it all so they didn't do anything anymore. Every meeting you eat and talk about the new club jackets and plan the next autorama. It was making me lose interest in the hobby
@@tacobob4664 that's definitely why it's important to hang around first and then be a prospect to make sure that particular club is right for you and that you are right for that club as well. To many people just want to be a part of a club or something that they jump in and in a matter of a year or sometimes less they aren't feeling it. And trust me I know everyone's different, some people don't want to be in a club that works on shit constantly and others don't want to be in a club that isn't working on shit. At any rate like I said it's definitely super important to put in the time and work and make sure it's a good fit all around.
@@bruceficalora5433 they're definitely out there though. My club is more than just that, we are a family. And for me that's why I love it as much as I do.
Great video Matt, most of us common folk have a budget when it comes to building our cars. I think a lot of people have been priced out of the hobby and channels like this show how to build a car and still be able to pay the bills. Love all of the videos and I am really enjoying the Cushman project. I need one of those to haul in the back of my truck. ~Pat
Matt A tip that sometimes pays off is to find a boat that had the early ford side Oiler engines or big block chevy engine. For example when i was building my 55 Chevy I bought a 74 flat bottom that had a LS 6 Mark IV 454 engine. Bought the boat for short money pulled the engine and resold the boat. A lot of lakes now have speed limits so those engines are out there. Now building my 40 coupe in late 50s early 60s style. A couple pictures attached. Still looking for my old chopped 40 sedan with built caddy. Jahns pistons, Thomas rockers and esky E900 super drag cam. That was 1960 and one of the early rods in central NH.
15:40 I agree. I had a Harley springer for sale and a guy rejected it because it had a split. I told him it just needed to be welded and he said he wouldnt trust a weld. uhhh, the split is at the factory weld! I was told the split was caused by rain freezing and expanding in the leg. I welded it and it looked nice. Took it back to the same swap meet the next year and the same guy bought it.
This was good. I was little bit skeptical because you do your car perioid everything... But here was some good words. I have turn shit to gold just these kindof methods. Thanks for good show keep it comming!
Another consideration in finding a project car is vehicle identification number / tag and getting paperwork for that vehicle. You could save yourself a lot of frustration by purchasing a car with a registration or title. Every state's requirements are different , so spend some time talking to other people in the hobby and find out what may be needed to get it through your states DMV process, if there is no tags or paperwork with the car.
heres another tip: if you tae something apart, either put it back together soon, or take pictures of the process and label the bolts. i have screwed myself plenty of times by talking stuff apart and leaving it for months, only to come back and not be able to remember or find a bolt.
Have built engines and rebuilds for many cars over the years. Lots of brake work and cooling with bigger new radiators. Worked in a car museum for 15 years : junk barnfinds to "Pebble ready" cars. 20's to 80's (280) cars ..35 to 70 cars driven EVERY WEEKEND. Getting to be friends with fellow car guys is a must. For leads and parts and information. Also a must is a " interchange manual" . There is on for wheel cylinders and hoses.master cylinders (use disk brakes in place of cable brakes.) Also always replace to whole wiring harness and use a fuse box. And age and the desire to learn is always rewarded (any age) .PS. get a good marine cut off switch for the primary Negative if Gm or Positive to ground for Ford's Packard's battery cables. If 6 volt mostly original wiring. Have fun guys!
Great tips!!!!!! I'm not in this hobby, but very practical advice!!!! I know that's how the WWII soldiers built their cars after returning home after serving. They had next to no "disposable income" to throw at a rod. They made do with whatever they had available..
@@joek1960 no, not for me...no budget, minimal income, no storage for any cars. Bad back, and, mental issues now. I'm 63, recently divorced my wife. The only cars I CAN build are model cars. Thanks anyway though..
@@joek1960 I currently have 22 built models, 8 if which need repair after a shelf failed, and the hit the basement floor. If I can only deal with this depression.....perhaps soon..Thanks. Yes, they take up less room than real cars..
@@howardkoster4026 bummer about the shelf. I think you may have inspired me to not moan about the cold this winter and take time to pull out a one of my stalled 1-25 scale projects and finish it up. Much warmer in the house than the garage.
I agree there are some "Big Deals" around the car scene but the vast majority will happily help with advice and knowlege. That's why I've been a lifer.
Goes the other way as well, as this comment section demonstrates. I see a lot of hate and snobbery from self titled "real" rodders. "Built not bought" etc... I see this attitude in all hobbies, and I just don't get it. We all love hot rods, stop pretending like you're better than someone else, and just appreciate that we are all passionate about these things in our own way.
Matt, another fine video. Your advice is spot on as usual. And then there is your shop! OMG! It almost makes me think of moving back North! (Not going to tho!)
Like Dirty Harry said, "A man has to know his limitations." If you haven't done a lot of mechanical work, join a car club, help someone building a car gratis, take a night course on automotive repair or body work, learn to weld. I had taken welding years ago and learned to stick and gas weld. A buddy talked me into buying a wire feed welder. I took a night course at the local Community College. Best money I ever spent. Two nights a week I got to burn their wire and have an experienced welder guide me. I think the biggest mistake people make is jumping into a big build that is over their head. Start small and work up to the big build; just don't be afraid to start. Building a hot rod is a learning experience. Never be afraid to learn. Also, you can't ever have too many tools; only in your wife's opinion.
"Only in your wife's opinion"...LOL...I hope when I die my wife doesn't sell my equipment for what I told her I paid for it....somebody will get a hell of a deal
Just picked up a free 49 ford f4 with a free turning 8ba and really solid cab. Picking up an F1 frame for $100. So far I have a cheap F1 conversion. It helps to know people in the junk business
I salvage every early Ford part I can find. I have salvaged front and rear ends from old trailers. Don't throw away anything because those original parts are not made anymore. Sometimes you can find full chassis from street rodders. You can build some cool stuff out of cast-off parts.
Don't underestimate the power of paint. Plain Jane valve covers and air cleaners can really pop with new paint. Faded but solid seats and trim can come back to life with dye.
Great stuff! Been doing this for multiple cars! I had to chuckle because with 2 different "wives" I could drop $1200 on a new rifle or shotgun and hear nothing. I make a deal and trade for a transmission, +$25 bucks, and oh my gosh it's the end of the world! LOL!! Great info, appreciate it! Thanks!
Agreed on all points. OK, I'm an old guy. I was around building cars in the late 50's and 60's. Yeah, it's a shame that all the good old wrecking yards have been sold and a lot has been crushed. But they are still out there. 1.) Out west in yards near the Indian Reservations, there are tons of old cars and trucks. They never throw anything away. 2.) Hot rods were always evolutionary - always. No one-time builds. Always built with what was at hand and then modified as deficiencies were uncovered by going fast and having issues. 3.) Old pick-up's cut down real nice. They have stout frames, can handle a lot of power and stay straight, and they can be the core of cool builds. 4.) Nail Valve Buicks always go well on the street. The TQ curve is excellent on the street. Anything from 322 to 425 and they are narrow and will fit up side the steering box. 5.) Make friends with drag racers. There is a resurgence of Gasser builds. They are gutting cars to get them light. Buy their dashes and interior parts, old engines, tranny's and rear ends. 6.) Mopar 8 3/4 pumpkin rears are as tough as they come. Many were smooth with hydro-formed and welded housings. They fit in lots of stuff and are cheap (D-100 pick-ups), narrow easy enough and weld well. 7.) If you wanna play with Y-Blocks, look to the marine industry for aluminum timing covers, dual side draft manifolds, etc. Marine cams run well too :)
Words of wisdom! I bought my 52 ford to build a early 60s gasser for 300 bucks. Had to build new floors and what not but sold the trans and engine and made money out of it. Not a flathead would have kept it haha Now it's sporting a 390 FE with a top loader 4 speed and a 9" from a starliner. But next build is gunna be older for sure....
