Thread: About to (maybe) buy my first hotrod. Please school me on 1931 Ford Coupes

Tweet

HOT ROD BUYING CHECK LIST
This is my basic list of estimated costs when looking at hot rods, sometimes it prevents me from making stupid impulse purchases;

Tires = $500.00 to $1,000.00 (sometimes even more), look at the DOT codes (after 5 years tires are questionable, 10 years done)
Wheels = $600.00 to $2,000.00 (sometimes even more), look for bent rims, or style you don’t like
Brakes = $100.00 to $1,000.00 (sometimes even more), pedal firm and stops well, no noises, visual wear at rotors
Body work = $1,000.00 to $10,000 (sometimes even more), damage, rust or signs of excessive bondo use
Paint = $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 (sometimes even more), checking, peeling, lack of luster, or color you don’t like
Interior = $3,000.00 to $6,000.00 (sometimes even more), needs repairs, out dated or you don’t like
Motor = $2,000.00 to $6,000.00 (sometimes even more), smokes or makes noise (don’t be fooled by fresh fluids)
Exhaust system = $400.00 to $2,000.00 (sometimes even more), check for wear, rust/corrosion and leaks, or you don’t like
Radiator/Cooling system = $400.00 to $1,500.00 (sometimes even more), look for damage and cooling operation (don’t be fooled by fresh fluids)
Transmission = $800.00 $2,000.00 (sometimes even more), check for slippage and shifting problems (don’t be fooled by fresh fluids)
Suspension = $200.00 to $2,000.00 (sometimes even more), squeaks, knocks, shimmys and vibrations
Sound system = $200.00 to $2,000.00 (sometimes even more), listen for blown speakers, or you don’t like
Misc = $10.00 to $1,000.00 (sometimes even more), broken antenna, mirrors, signal lights exc

If more than two of the above are present, I start negotiating costs accordingly. Body, paint and interior are my weak areas, so I try to avoid cars that need them or negotiate it in my favor. Set a budget for what you expect to pay and be prepared to walk if it doesn’t fit the budget. And remember, it is OK to tell someone their car is not for you.

After purchase, I try to budget $100.00 to $200.00 a month for for upkeep and misc., not counting fuel costs.