Thread: Another newbie

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Greetings Club Hot Rod - another newbie here - looking for advice from the pros. I've been a car nut all my life but have been surprisingly passive when it comes to wrenching on stuff, mainly cause money was always tight and I lived in apartments with no place to work on 'em.

I'm actually in the business doing PR work for lots of car related companies.

So now that I bought a house with a good size garage that hasn't filled up with junk yet - and I have at least a little spare change -- its time for a project and I think a rat rod is just my style.

Problem is I have no idea where to begin. I'd like to get something that runs but still has lots of room for tinkering and personalization. I dont know how to weld (guess I should learn, eh?) and I have no access to lifts, presses or other heavy equipment. Not yet anyway.

ANy advice is appreciated: Contacts, clubs, events, whatever.

Thanks and I look forward to learning lots.

welcome dannebrog hope u have a great time here. although u wouldnt think it with all our male bravado , there are some things that hurt some folks. i didnt know it but the R word is not always polite conversation, its kinda like saying some one has a ugly child. for some its like apologizing for having a sibling that is errant or not aware of social responsibilitys, such as common manners. i have my own views of course, but i have been looking for another term to use that wont ignite WW3. i really am most interested in having fun with cars and making friends, not too excited about all the finer points that are "arguable" hope this helps, cause i dont like to argue or rruin someones day. Ives rdhotfrd

Good advice Charlie, You"d think a geezer like me would already know that. I can send him some pictures about how not to do it.We combined 3 houses and a shop into 1 house I have 2 barns,a tack house, out buildings ,carport and a 2 car garage. Yet I have had to do all my chassis work in the driveway. The body is hanging from the rafters in the garage.When You've been a pack rat all your life its hard to get rid of something you might need when you're 99. Working in a clean shop is much nicer that tripping over yourself.Start Clean, keep it that way , it makes life much easier.

thanks everyone for thewarm welcome and start up advice. Tools and workspace are no problem but what kind of car do you recommend as a base considering i wont be able to do anything fancy. BTW, Harbor Freight and Grainger's are all you need to know. 'course, the snap-on catalog is always fun to dream with.

Welcome to CHR!

It might be best to study the mags, and do a few car shows in your area. Hook up with some of the local rodders and see what's available. Someone else's project that is not completed might be a good place to start.

welcome to CHR.