HotRod Virgin from downunder

[AussieGman]

G'day to all...
I'm new in the hotrod seen , but been dream is on building a 33-34 Ford Sedan (has to be a sedan need it to move the family on show days) for ages. Finally the the time arrived, After reading many magazines and books on the subject i know the best thing to do is to get a budget and a project plan inplace.
With organizing a budget , could you follow hot rodders give me some ideas on what i going to need and what hidden cost some of you encounter, any ideas on what fiberglass company to get in touch . Should i get in touch with an artist where i could put my ideas on to paper.

all the help would be much appreciate

George

[green34ford]

first off welcome to Club Hotrod. sounds like you have a good for site on wanting to build something for the hole family to enjoy. I have always found for me the budget has not worked out. I always end up thinking this would be nice but this would be better. good luck and glad the hot rod bug has bitten you.

[rspears]

Welcome, George.
I'm at about the 80-85% point on my first time coupe build, and I believe that the biggest budget buster is lack of planning, and even more, changing direction or making major modifications in your approach after you've started. Look at the more experienced builders here, the guys that have been doing custom rides for a long time, and they have detailed plans up front - drawings of the final "look", stance/ride height, and all major (and many minor) components nailed down before they ever start; or they may be building a basic unit from experience, changing details to make them unique. Bottom line, they know up front exactly what they are going to have when they are done. My biggest hit was the power train. I thought I would get a takeout engine/tranny from an old Mustang, and ended up with a custom 347 stroker topped with a new Edelbrock EFI, all coupled to a brand new Tremec 5 spd. It's all great, but a major hit to my bottom line. Another consideration is tools. I had a lot, but I also added or upgraded a lot as I went along. Many things can be found cheap, like my portable hoist from HF, on sale $199 less 20% via coupon gave me 2T lifting capacity for $160 plus tax. Still it all adds up.

All said, I would do it again in a heartbeat! I love the fabrication and problem solving, and the satisfaction of seeing it all come together cannot be beat. I would advise you to plan, plan, plan, and when you think you have it all nailed down review it from the start, see what you missed, and then detail as much as you can into a committed plan that you stick to. I'm into interior stuff now, and I just picked up a fantastic book, Custom Auto Interiors by Don Taylor:
http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Auto-In...1217473&sr=8-1
I wish I had bought this book before I started, as they point out so many things that need to be considered in the planning phase so that when you're ready to finish you've accounted for the details, or so that you don't find your head banging the roof and have to start over with seat frames. You'll see many of these same tips in the build threads here on CHR.

Sorry for the long post I can't help you with a glass sedan recommendation, but I would consider a roller chassis for a first build. Best of luck, and include a camera in your budget - everyone here is going to want to see pictures!!

[Itoldyouso]

Welcome..........nice to have one virgin on the forum! First step should be to decide exactly what final look you are shooting for and then buy your components accordingly. A 33-34 Tudor can be built in so many different ways.......traditional, restomod, streetrod, fenderless hot rod, etc. There is no one, perfect way to build them, it is all what you want.

Whenever most of us start a project we have a pretty firm idea in our minds of what the final car will look like. We will sometimes make concessions and modifications along the way, but we generally stick pretty close to the original plan. Go to a lot of shows, read a lot of magazines, and pull up a lot of internet pictures of similar cars and decide what you like and what you don't like.

You mention fiberglass, and the only company that comes to my mind is StreetBeasts (or whatever their current name might be........they change the name pretty often ) I can't recommend them, too much has been written and said about the quality and service for too many years IMO. Plus, their Tudor "kinda looks" like a 34, but not exactly. There might be other companies making a similar body, I just don't know who they might be.

As for budget..........HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Toss it out the window. Someone on here has a tag line that in effect says "It will take twice as long as you think and cost 3 times as much." Truer words were never spoken. Even for us who have played with these toys for a long time, we never come in at what we think we are going to spend. In addition, 34 Fords are not the cheapest car to build........right up there with 32 Fords. We just saw a repop grille at Daytona and it was going for about $ 2200.00.

With all the pitfalls and frustrations, you will still never find such enjoyment as when you first fire up a car you created with your own brain and two hands, and all the pain goes away. Have fun.

Don

[Bruce lee]

First time hotrod, buy a car already done, or at least a roller. A ground up build on your first car will overwhelm you, and break the bank. Just my opinion.

[blwn31]

First off welcome to CHR Mate! I didn't choose to have a budget, I decide where I would spend my money as I went, still going. I want what I want, and was/am willing to wait for it if I have to. I do agree with rspears (Roger), changing direction and changes eat up funds and time. I have also spent an equal amount on tools. Probably a good 10K worth just to support my habit. In my experience so far, parts selection has put a small damper in my purchases. I even consulted companies before my purchases, but they were wrong. Example, coilovers and sway bars, so far. There is no way to know exactly what you will need when you are building a car for the first time unless you are building a cookie cutter mail order car. Like Roger, I too had a plan for the engine, but like all goods plans, that got thrown out the window. My rodding buddy found an Aluminum Rodeck 350+ Racing Block. Then it was cubic dollars to build, and it backed me up several years to save up and purchase all the parts. I would say it is all worth it. You will work and work and work and seem like you are getting no where, then all the sudden a major leap forward. The best day will be the first drive no matter how short or long it will be. If you get stuck, just ask us here, you will get many answers and advice from people that have been there.

Have fun, plan a little and build a lot!

Good luck!

Keith

[jyardgirl]

Welcome to chr george. I agree with the guys about the budget. There always seems to be something that throws it off. But it is a good idea to have a price in mind when starting any project. Just be prepared to be flexable and that it is going to take you longer than you think. But like the guys also said it is all going to be so worth it when you get to drive it.

[geezer69]

it does take a lot of work on any hot rod and yep,cost more too but there aint nothin like that first ride!!!

[blwn31]

Something I forgot to write in my original reply. If you have a wife, wife and young children, or young children, that will slow your project down 10 fold. At least it has for me and many people I know. Family first, toys second!

Keith

[cffisher]

Welcome to Club Hot Rod. Not to discurage you from a build (because I think everyone should go through the frustrations) but A budget is realy tough to stick with. So is a date of completion. Tools were mentioned man I go to Sears and look at what they have and know I have more than them. You will need a place to do this build know mater how big it is when you start it won't be big enough. Get a plan leave both ends and the sides open for change. There WILL be changes, even if you have it built there will be changes. Other than that roll up your sleves get out in the shop and start building. Keep us posted WITH pictures its one of the unwriten rules. Enjoy the hobby

[rspears]

George,
I did a quick search and it looks like Redneck Street Rods makes a '33 2 door sedan body. Redneck makes a quality product if you are looking for something from the states:
http://www.redneckstreetrods.com/

[tsquare]

Hi George,
Welcome. Have you thought about buying something already in progress? Sometimes you can get a lot more for your money, and then make your own modifications.

Ron

[sfort]

Buy one to drive and enjoy while you are figuring out what you want to build!

[lamin8r]

George,check out Deuce Customs,right in your own back yard,,Aussie..Premium bodies,at the right price,,and its there 30th year of business,so they are doing good prices..be quick,4 weeks left...

[spikeo]

welcome fellow aussie!

you mention being a "virgin" to hot rodding but have you been into other custom cars before? unless you've built a car before you may not know what your in for

you should be able to find a 33-34 tudor or sedan for a reasonable price or maybe even an unfinished car. building a car can be a real headache and take a long time-especially if you have a reasonably tight budget.

Have fun whichever way you get into it!

Singleton NSW?