Thread: Want to learn...need some help.

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I just figure I have to learn about the components of a car and what each looks like and it's function, then I will understand things that are going on in these threads.

I grew up in San Gabriel and bought my first car, a 31 Model A coupe from a gent in Alhambra. That was 1957 and I paid $60 for it.

Now that we are home boys I'll share some thoughts with you.

The car you are looking at has some good old hot rod style. But, it is chopped and channeled and unless you are a side show freak you are not going to be very comfortable in it. A chop or a channel is OK but not both (my opinion). It may be worth $8K but it will take an experienced rodder to get it ready for the street.

You need to hook up with some traditional hot roders in your area. When I was a kid Pasadena was a hot bed of hot rodding. I understand Blair's Speed Shop at 2771 E Foothill Blvd ((323) 681-8644) is still open. That would be a good place to ask about car clubs and rodding events in your area.

As for learning, the only way is to get dirty. And you can expect to get in over your head several times before you get good. I'd initally avoid engine and transmission building and concentrate on fabrication and body finishing skills. Consider evening VoTec courses.

Attend as many car shows and rod runs as you can. Look at all the cars and form your own opinions about style and what constitutes quality workmanship. You can tell a lot about a car and a builder by looking at welds, fit and finish. Knowing what kind of car you want and what good workmanship looks like will help you see potential in project cars and make value judgements.

There are a lot of books out right now on car building, hot rod style, etc. And magazines for every marque and style of car. Go by your local big box book store and start reading. Once you know what you really want you can start a subscription or two.

You really don't need a lot of tools to start with. A set of Craftsman hand tools will kep you going. Buy the largest set you can afford because they are cheaper that way. And then buy what you need as you go along. Don't cut corners on tools. Buy good stuff and keep them well maintained and secure.

You will need a place to work. A lot of very fine rods have been built in one car garages. But a little more space makes a big difference. Over time you can figure on getting a bench grinder and a small drill press. An air compressor will be indispensable if you do any body work at all and usefull in mechanical work too.

Welding is very useful skill in the car hobby. If you can weld you can do favors for others and pick up some pin money as well. Take a begining welding course at your local VoTec if you can. Welding is an art and if you have the apptitude investing in an entry level MIG set up will be money well spent.

Bottom line. Hook up with some experienced rodders and don't get up off your billfold until you know what you really want.

Wow Bib. That was a lot of helpfull information. I think I will look into the votech courses you were referring to. I feel as though if I learn a little away from a car of my own, then the work I do on mine will be that much better. All in all, great info and thanks for your advice.

Bib, I have a question...

I know what chopping is, but is channelling the same as sectioning? Where part of the body is taken out?

Got one more question for anyone who can help...

Where do you guys go to find a project car?

Originally posted by Timastyle
Got one more question for anyone who can help...

Where do you guys go to find a project car?

Well you can find them anywhere......... I found my latest in my sis's back yard

You could go to the big swap meet in Pomona at Fairplex I don't know when the next one is but they are about every other month or so.... there's always alot there for sale


MM64

www.rgkustoms.com/rambler

are there any internet sites to go look for project cars?

Originally posted by Timastyle
Bib, I have a question...

I know what chopping is, but is channelling the same as sectioning? Where part of the body is taken out?

A channeled car has the body dropped over the frame. If you look at the Model A in the ad you will notice the bottom of the body is aligned with the bottom of the frame rail. Stock was on top. If the frame rail is 6" wide you lose 6" of head room. Combine that with a chop and you have got to squat (now ain't that cute?

got it, thanks.

thanks for the help streets

how to find a project car? Do what I do: spend endless hours searching back lanes and yards...I swear I know of 95 percent of the old cars in my town that are rotting away!

I have a couple more questions...

I don't know how much it would cost to go to a local votech school, but I know going to a local community college and take a couple classes would be cheaper. Do you think it would be a good start to take a class in automotive technology?

My other question...

do you guys think I should take a welding class there too?

Yes, and yes.

which one of the two do you think would be more valuable

does anyone here from so cal know where they have good welding courses at nights or on the weekends? Pasadena City College only offers it in the morning. Thanks