| If you don't already have your project car this | | | | just a good way to make sure everything is legit. |
| article will help you decide on a good car to start | | | | As you look the car over it is a good idea to take |
| with. I love restoring and modifying cars because | | | | pictures and make a list of what you see. Write |
| to me it is an art, it is an extension of yourself. | | | | down the options the car has (power |
| You can do whatever you want to do with the | | | | windows,seats,air conditioning), What size motor is |
| car because you are the only one who has to like | | | | in the car? Look at the rust on the body, how |
| it. That being said, I will provide you with incite on | | | | bad is it? fenders,quarter panels, deck lids can be |
| the restoration process from the beginning to the | | | | replaced so what you are most interested in is |
| end from my years of experience. | | | | the rocker panels (The small section of body |
| My first piece of advice is to pick a brand or | | | | under the doors) if the car does not have a full |
| make of car such as Ford, Chevy, Dodge etc. | | | | frame under it the rockers are a structural |
| There is a lot of brand loyalty out there so I am | | | | support. also bring an ordinary refrigerator magnet |
| sure you already have something in mind. For | | | | and go around the car to see where there is allot |
| your first project you should stick to the major | | | | of filler. |
| brands because parts will be much easier to come | | | | Take in the overall condition of the car, is it sunk |
| by. Don't set your sites too high, lets face it, we | | | | up to the door in the ground or is it sitting on |
| all want a Hemicuda or a Shelby but you just | | | | inflated tires. Ask the owner as many questions |
| aren't going to find those "hot ticket" cars on the | | | | as you can think of, remember the only stupid |
| side of the road for a cheap price. You should also | | | | question is the one that is not asked. Ask is the |
| have an idea of the type of build you want to do, | | | | motor runs, is it seized up? When was it last |
| such as a muscle car, hot rod, or a 50's cruiser | | | | driven? Why was it parked? Was it stored outside |
| because this will narrow the year and type of car | | | | or in a barn or garage? you will find a better car if |
| you will be looking for. You don't have to have a | | | | it was parked on a hard surface like concrete |
| definite plan yet but have an idea. | | | | rather than a dirt floor. Does the owner know |
| Once you have an idea of what you are looking | | | | any history about the car like where it was |
| for the next step is...to start looking! It sounds | | | | originally purchased or who the original owners |
| easy enough, but, where should you look? A good | | | | were, every car has a history and the more you |
| place to start are your local car clubs, someone is | | | | know about it the more you will enjoy the car. |
| always looking to get rid of something. Also try | | | | Always get under the car and check out the |
| your local restoration shops their technicians | | | | under carriage, make sure the frame is not |
| always have a line on some of the best | | | | rotted away, there will be surface rust but you |
| restorable cars, especially if you offer a finders | | | | do not want to see large holes in the frame. Look |
| fee. | | | | at the suspension and where it mounts to the |
| Don't forget to check your local paper classified | | | | car, make sure the mounts are still good and that |
| adds, auto trader, Ebay, and one of the most | | | | the suspension isn't going to rip through the floor |
| successful things I have found, take a ride in the | | | | when you tow it home. Look at the floor pans |
| country! you would be surprised how many people | | | | from under the car and from inside the car, you |
| have old cars sitting in their fields, especially old | | | | are going to find holes but just make sure that |
| farmers. I went horseback riding with my wife a | | | | the structural parts of the floor are solid, like the |
| few years ago at a farm in New Jersey and the | | | | transmission tunnel and the inner rocker panels. |
| farmer had five or six late 60's broncos in one of | | | | I don't stress motors too much just because |
| his fields. | | | | there are so many after market parts and ready |
| Once you find something you are interested in | | | | to run "crate" engines available. So if you aren't |
| here is what you should do, Get the VIN (vehicle | | | | looking to keep it 100% original there are a lot of |
| identification number) and make sure the owner | | | | options. The only thing left to do is buy it! If you |
| has the title because if it can't be titled again | | | | are not sure if you are getting a good price you |
| there is no sense wasting your time. If there is no | | | | can check the blue book value on the car or call |
| VIN for the car just walk away. You can find | | | | up the local car club for that make of car and |
| many different sites on the Internet that will help | | | | they should be able to help you decide if you are |
| you de-code the VIN number and that will tell you | | | | getting a good deal. |
| allot of good information such as the original color | | | | If you follow this advice you should be able to |
| and motor size, body type, where it was made | | | | find a good, restorable car to work with. |
| and what it is. I suggest you decode this | | | | Ready...Set...Go hunt for your future hot rod, have |
| information before you buy the car because | | | | fun and good luck. next time I will cover how to |
| many people have been scammed this way. It is | | | | plan your project. |