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Hey guys. I need help with cars. Basically, I don't know anything about cars, except for the fact that I want to get a hot rod and fix it up. Like I said earlier, I don't know anything about cars. I wanted to see what steps you guys would suggest I take into becoming more knowledgeable and productive. I have my eye on a '31 Ford Coupe I'm looking into getting. Thanks in advance
31 ford coup sounds good,just make sure thats
what you really want because $20.000 will not
go as far as you think. i have had many cars and
have kept one for 18 years it is a chevy 57 2dr ht
belair, and i still go into the garage and look at it.
thanks for the advice streets. Sounds like a plan.
Dogtone, here's the link for the car I have my eye on... http://adcache.collectorcartraderonl...9/74483179.htm
I want something I can drive every day and be able to take care if something is wrong with, but first I need to learn about cars, engines, etc.
rut-roe.... I think he's telling you that you can do better for your money, no- that was me, well any way don't be in a hurry to spend....R E A D all you can first.
Good Luck either way....
I'm not in a hurry in any why. That's why I'm here asking the question of what the best way in getting to learn about cars. I know most people have learned throughout the years from their dads or people close to them who knew about cars, but I don't have that luxury. I have to do it all on my own. I mean when I say I'm car illiterate, I mean exactly that. I have never really did any research into cars, but I really think it's about time, because my love for hot rods have been there for over a decade.
Then Rock & Roll Bro......
besides this site, where do you think I can learn about the parts of a car and how each work? Then I can start to get deeper into repair and restore right? What do you guys suggest
Hey ya wanta learn how to block sand a car :D :D :D
Well thought I'd take a shot....... cheap oops! I mean good help is hard to find :3dSMILE: ..... jus kid'n
I'm not far from ya if ya wanta come by and see the project
MM64 :cool:
www.rgkustoms.com
I just might do that sometime Mr. Mopar. Is that your shop or what? Would you be willing to teach me what I need to know? Thanks
i come from a family of mechanics and the last thing dad told before i left home was son stay the ( h-e double hockey sticks away from automobiles) and l said huh what!!!. i couldn't beleive he said it to me he would never let me help or even near it to watch.... so i left home at 17 and in that time i have had to learn by myself , i have built up three rods, 2 for which were mine a 66 chevy pick up and a 79 camaro they were majour baskets cases and it was a chore but the money spent was worth the looks from all the pretty ladies !!!lol. but there are a few in you community that are more than willing to let you get your hands dirty with them or answear q & a from you. in a project or two see if a friend that has done it once or twice and and knows a fare bit . all i really did was read as many tech manuals as i could possably get my hands on try that it helps a lot and just stay here and read all the threads you can big it will come to you but nothing will ever match hands on experiance and trial and error i have learned the hard way and been stuck on the side of the hiway a few dozen times...( self induced stupity on my part of coarse).. lol if you have a friend that works in the car industry talk to them more to see if they would help double checking anything you do as they are the ones who know.... Best of Luck to you
Timastyle,
Advise is free and sometimes overpriced at original cost but here is my 2 cents. Go to car shows in area and soak it all in. When you meet the folks and they are more important than the cars as cars always change - people don't so pick people.
When you click with someone offer to help with next build item and learn all the tricks they have picked up over time. You get to install parts they paid for while learning ta boot. When you find right project they will return favor and the ball is rolling. I could not build my toys without all the great people and favors past back and forth over the years plus the deals and insider trading that goes each way. Networking = makes it fun and affordable FRIENDS make it happen.
Nope got no shop........Quote:
Originally posted by Timastyle
I just might do that sometime Mr. Mopar. Is that your shop or what? Would you be willing to teach me what I need to know? Thanks
As far as teaching ya......
After 35yr of do'n this I'm still learn'n ;) but you might be able to pick up a thing or two around here :D
MM64 :cool:
thanks guys. a lot of great info.
any more advice will be greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, I don't have any friends who are into cars for me to learn from them. i was thinking of talking to some local hot rod clubs and seeing if i could kind of tag along on their projects and learn the ropes. I don't know how well that idea will go.
if you guys know of any good books that would help me get started, please let me know.
Thanks guys. You've been a great help
Hello Timastyle, all I would suggest, not understanding where your automotive knowledge begins and ends, is soak up every minut bit of information you can, apply it to a real car and try things. Oh, and as I would in a heartbeat, take Mrmopar up on his offer. My friend Smallblock and I decided to paint our rides ourselves and he has his done. I have learned alot by just being around it.
brickman, my knowledge of cars is nothing. I know the names, but I probably couldn't tell you what their functions are and how they look (ex: camshaft, manifold, etc.) I will probably take Mrmopar up on his offer. Where do you suggest I pick up every bit of information I can? I don't know anyone that works on cars, let alone hot rods
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?
Well you can find them anywhere......... I found my latest in my sis's back yard :DQuote:
Originally posted by Timastyle
Got one more question for anyone who can help...
Where do you guys go to find a project car?
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 :toocool:
www.rgkustoms.com/rambler
are there any internet sites to go look for project cars?
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?Quote:
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?
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! :3dSMILE:
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