Editing How to find your next project

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==Overview==
Ok, no matter, most of you seasoned builders have your own methods of locating prime rod material, but the younger guys or guys just getting into the old car hobby are sitting there with their latest copy of OSR, thinking "Jeez, these guys must have found all the good stuff already!"

==Where to look==
True, most of the prime iron, stuff that was stored back in the '40s or so, have been found and either restored or 'rodded, but there are plenty of others left to be had, and some more reasonably than you may think.

First, the old adage: "Go out into farm country, back in the woods...", still holds SOME truth, but, the farmers aren't stupid, they know that the old Ford truck by the barn is worth $$$ to the right person, so don't expect to have him tell you: "Iff'in you get it outta here, you  can have it!" Another drawback to farm searches is that the good stuff is either hidden in barns or back on the property, out of sight. This is where a line of communication with utility workers (electric, gas, phone companies) comes in handy...they have right of way access to damn near everywhere, and see things the general public don't.

Just wondering around on someones property could cause you problems- even get you arrested for tresspassing if things go especially badly. It's best to look from the road or public access land in the spring and fall when the leaves are off the trees. Then if you see something interesting, look the property owner up online, at the county offices, recorder, auditor, or who ever is responsible for property taxes; they will know how to get in contact with the owner.

Just because something is sitting out in the woods doesn't mean that no one owns it! The property it's sitting on probably belongs to SOMEONE, so it is in your best interest to find them BEFORE loading it on your trailer. Asking the local postman can lead you to property owners, and possibly other finds, the mailman gets to see what everybody has in their back yards, be friendly to him & ask if he knows where any old cars are.

Be sure to specify the types of "old cars" you are looking for...you don't want a lead to a long forgotten '80 Olds Omega. Let them know '40s, '50s or older, and dont be discouraged if some leads turn sour. Remember ,the more people you ask, the sooner the leads start coming. Make a habit of cruising alleys & side streets, just scanning driveways and yards. Many times, projects are forgotten, pushed to the side, and can be gotten cheaply. Also, watch the curbs on trash night. This stuff can be used or traded, or swap meeted, & IT'S FREE! Most times, someone moves into a place, starts cleaning, & out to the curb go the goodies.

Fully research the car type you are looking at to be sure there are parts available for that great find. A free cool rare find can quickly turn into a hopeless money-pit just trying to get parts to fit (like '61-'63 GM compacts). A lot of times a great looking car that is offered free or for an unbelievable price is just someone else's mistake they are trying to unload.
 
Body shops, towing services and such are good hunting, many times employees have unfinished projects sitting that can be gotten for next to nothing, just to free up space in the yard. Estates are another good source.

Space... something you can't have enough of. If you have the space, you can amass a collection of parts and cars to build and trade with. Many of the old timers are smiling now, looking at their back yards or storage buildings bursting with swag. If someone has older parts, or a car, whatever, and utters the magic phrase "Come get it, you can have it!!!", then GO GET IT! ''Someone'' will need it even if you can't use it, trading stuff always works well for all involved. Even if you can't trade it, pick a swap meet and go throw it out on the ground. After all, you got it for free, so if someone says "will ya' take $50 for this?", how can you lose? 

==OK, lets review:==
#ASK! Everybody and anybody, the more pairs of eyes you have looking, the quicker your new project will be found.
#LOOK! Spend a weekend cruising alleys and such. You'll be surprised what you'll turn up.
#Make sure you have SPACE! You need storage for your finds, be it a complete car or just a fender, you gotta keep it somewhere!
#TAKE EVERYTHING! Be it a set of wheels, a door, or a whole car, if its free, TAKE IT! Someone will need it, and you can trade it for what you need, or swap meet it for $$$!
#Beware of looking at vehicles in the rain or after such because things look better when wet.

[[Category:Garage and shop]]
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