How to find a solid Project car
Posted by Possible-Cicada-9662@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Looking to do as the title says but I have no clue where to start. Im somewhat mechanically inclined being able to do Brakes, oil, fluids but U don't have any real experience with engines.
I do have almost all the tool I need since my Dad was a mechanic but as I said I have no experience buying cars or working on engines.
Mainly looking for a rear wheel drive manual that is a enjoyable car to drive. I also live in New England (Northen USA) so I know to look out for rot and major rust but what else should I look out for.
BarnBuiltBeaters@reddit
It really depends on what you want as a project vehicle. Some people say their project is a running and driving vehicle they throw some bolts on onto. My project has been literally exploded in my garage for the last 5 years. Neither is right or wrong. If you want something to drive and mod, buy something with minimal rust and that runs well. Itll cost you more. If you want something that requires a bunch of tinkering with, it'll probably cost less.
Personally I get more enjoyment out of fabricating and restoration than I do driving. Others might not.
alltheusernamesargay@reddit
1st step, figure out what era you want. An American muscle car from the 60s is an entirely different animal than a Japanese sports car from the 90s. 2: set a budget, then double it, and add some. 3: travel somewhere in the west/ southwest and buy the car there.
Possible-Cicada-9662@reddit (OP)
The first and second steps seem reasonable but im not going to be able to do drive to a western state. Its already like 6 hours to NY and 12 to VA.
everyoneisatitman@reddit
It will be more than worth it to ship the car. Even if it cost $3+k more. Rust will make you want to curl up into a ball on the concrete and cry. Engines/trans can be swapped in a weekend. Poor paint jobs can be driven without seeing them from the drivers seat. Rust repair time is measured in seasons. There are also hidden factors in rust repair no one thinks about. Where are you going to put the cars worth of stuff that you have to take out to properly weld in floors ect. Just thinking about this makes me feel rust dust in my eyes.
alltheusernamesargay@reddit
The cost of travel and the extra cost of a rust free car is worth it in the long run. Trust me on this one.
wetblanket68iou1@reddit
Running driving car that doesn’t have rust. Whatever it is. Interior bullshit can generally be replaced. But rust and paint. Gah. Just me.
Natedoggsk8@reddit
There’s lots of relust free cars in the south in fact we hardly ever see rust that goes through a panel and when we do it from my car up north
RiftHunter4@reddit
Pick a car you like and start diving down rabbit holes. See what owners say and look up what people do with them. Check parts prices, etc. Watch some videos.
The more research you do, the more you'll get a feel for the kind of work you'll need to do on one as a project.
It's not uncommon for looks to be deceiving when it comes to how easy or difficult a project car is. For example, an R34 Skyline sounds daunting, but a ton of rich guys maintain them so parts aren't too hard to figure out. Whereas a 90s Taurus SHO? Not so easy despite being a US domestic. It's less popular so there's fewer parts, fewer tutorials, etc.
sladebonge@reddit
Hit a place like Maple Motors and buy something mostly done that already runs and drives, drive it as-is for a while, and then decide what you really want to do with it or of you even still want that particular car at all.
graytotoro@reddit
Buy the nicest car in your budget. Everything about this hobby can and likely will cost more than you planned so start off on the right foot.
What do you need with this car? Is it just to drive on the weekends or do you plan to drive it everyday? Do you like off-roading or driving in the mountains?
Upstairs-Fan-2168@reddit
I'd consider an NA or NB Miata. For project level examples, they should be cheap.
Rust is my primary concern just in general. It's skilled work and tedious to fix. Expensive to get it fixed professionally. It's a lot easier put a different engine in than it is to fix a rotted car.
With Miata, there is tons of aftermarket available. The engines aren't the strongest stock, but the parts that can't be changed are strong. Built blocks can make lots of power of that's something your interested in. Most of them from this era will likely be manual as well. They are light, and handle well.
salvage814@reddit
Anywhere really. Just start looking around.