G’day from Australia
Pretty sure this group is mostly US-based, but keen to hear from anyone who’s done something similar—not just for profit, more out of actually liking cars.

I’m young, got time, and there’s heaps of info out there.
Is it basically just a case of sticking at it and learning as you go?

Just picked up my first project car — a Toyota Hilux 2004
5L-E 3.0L diesel (non-turbo). From what I’ve read these things are pretty bulletproof. It’s done 325,000km, so definitely up there, but I paid $5k AUD from a family friend which seemed fair.

If I wanted to flip it quick, I could probably throw \~$2.5k at it, get it roadworthy, and sell it for around $11k.
But that’s not really the point — I actually want to take my time and learn doing it.

Stuff it needs:

• Clutch is pretty worn (thinking of tackling that myself)
• Rust in a few spots
• Brakes have surface rust
• Bit of surface rust on the chassis
• Panels have the usual dents/scratches

Got a repair manual and I’ve started learning welding too, so just planning to work through it bit by bit.

Main goal with money is just not to lose any.

One thing I’ve been thinking — sell the tub + canopy for \~$600 and build my own flatbed/tray out of steel (powder coated).
Has anyone done that before?