How to start hotrodding with little knowledge or money
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==Foreword== | ==Foreword== | ||
| − | The first thing to say in choosing and building your first hot rod project is that there's no one way of doing it. Below are a few thoughts that should be helpful to the beginner. With luck, perhaps this article will become increasingly comprehensive and a good resource/starting point. | + | The first thing to say in choosing and building your first hot rod project is that there's no one 'correct' way of doing it. Below are a few thoughts that should be helpful to the beginner. With luck, perhaps this article will become increasingly comprehensive and a good resource/starting point. |
==Step one: knowledge== | ==Step one: knowledge== | ||
| − | The first and cheapest way to start hotrodding is gaining knowledge, and there are several great resources for this. Books are an excellent place to start. They're available on just about every topic and are generally inexpensive. Although you might first focus on the mechanics of a car ( | + | The first and cheapest way to start hotrodding is by gaining knowledge, and there are several great resources for this. Books are an excellent place to start. They're available on just about every topic and are generally inexpensive. Although you might first focus on the mechanics of a car (drive line, suspension, etc.) it's wise to become well versed on other topics of hotrodding, too. These can include interior design, body work and paint. If you get yourself a good general base of knowledge you can follow conversations with other hotrodders! See [[How to start hotrodding with little knowledge or money#Resources|Resources]]. |
| − | People are | + | ''People'' are a good source of knowledge on hotrodding. You'll find them on any hotrodding website, at [[races]], [[car shows]], [[cruises]] etc. Most hotrodders are extremely open about discussing their projects. If you see something you like at a show, ask the owner about it and you'll likely receive a complete story. |
| − | A note about car shows for | + | A note about car shows for someone just starting out. Some people will have signs on their cars that say "do not touch" and others will not. Regardless, do not touch anything at a car show. Furthermore, be conscious of your zippers and buttons hanging off your clothing. You can lean over a car and drag an open zipper on a car without realizing it. You can even put your hands behind your back when looking at a car unless you want to point something out. It's a way to show respect to the owner's project. |
| − | Another good venue for knowledge is [ | + | Another good venue for knowledge is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocational-technical_school Vo-Tech] school. In some areas, classes on general mechanics, engine building, body work, restoration and other topics are offered. Look at your local community college or technical center if there is one in your area. |
A last note about knowledge is about quality. Although it is fun to go over to your buddy's house and help him work on his project, make sure you're not learning improper techniques. This is why it is suggested to start with books, car shows and classes. You're a lot more likely to learn how to do things correctly. This is not to say that a vast amount of "hands on" learning doesn't need to take place. On the contrary, you'll learn 95% of what you learn about hotrodding from getting your hands dirty. Quality work takes time and having the right plan and techniques in mind before you begin will start you moving in the right direction. | A last note about knowledge is about quality. Although it is fun to go over to your buddy's house and help him work on his project, make sure you're not learning improper techniques. This is why it is suggested to start with books, car shows and classes. You're a lot more likely to learn how to do things correctly. This is not to say that a vast amount of "hands on" learning doesn't need to take place. On the contrary, you'll learn 95% of what you learn about hotrodding from getting your hands dirty. Quality work takes time and having the right plan and techniques in mind before you begin will start you moving in the right direction. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Budgeting time and money== |
| − | Hotrodding is an exercise in restraint. With a $100,000 dollar budget we can all build a | + | Hotrodding is an exercise in restraint. With a $100,000 dollar budget we can all build a Horsepower TV 700 HP Chevelle. The average guy, especially the beginning hotrodder, usually does not have that kind of bank account. In many cases, however, you can build a decent first project for a few thousand dollars. If you have the restraint to spend your money in the areas that matter, and you are willing to learn to do as much of the work yourself as possible instead of taking everything to the shop to have the work done there, you can save vast amounts of money- and gain experience to boot. |
What you'll find is that the more knowledge, resources and tools you have the more money you can save. For example, if you learn to rebuild a carburetor, you don't have to order a new one. At the highest levels of hotrodding, whole panels, frames or entire cars are completely fabricated. | What you'll find is that the more knowledge, resources and tools you have the more money you can save. For example, if you learn to rebuild a carburetor, you don't have to order a new one. At the highest levels of hotrodding, whole panels, frames or entire cars are completely fabricated. | ||
| − | + | When you find that a part needs replacing, the big catalog on the coffee table isn't always the best place for a replacement, money-wise. A donor car or two can save you a bundle in money and time if found right and this is especially true on more unique projects. Sometimes even the local parts stores can round up an uncommon part or two if you can get the guy at the register to dig his books out and get off the computer. | |
| − | When you find a part needs replacing the big catalog on the coffee table | + | |
==Your first project car== | ==Your first project car== | ||
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| + | Often a beginning hotrodder will choose a first project that is too ambitious. What probably works best is to take steps in learning hotrodding. Your first project can be simple and inexpensive. Then make your next project teach you something your first project did not. There are several reasons for this. If you choose a complex project for your first, the learning curve may be so steep that it takes 10 years to complete the project- if it EVER gets done, that is. If the project is ''too'' ambitious, it risks becoming bogged down and there may be a loss of interest; there are semi-finished projects being sold every day by guys who bit off more than they could chew. Not to mention the invested budget may take years to accumulate. This assumes that you maintain interest in the project for this entire time, you're able to have a place to work on it for that long and you don't care about having a finished product for several years to come. | ||
A simpler and less expensive initial project will afford you several benefits. First, you can focus on learning just the aspects of the car that you want to upgrade or build. If you make mistakes, you can easily and inexpensively get a replacement part. You'll finish the project sooner giving you something to enjoy, and given that it will be in more of a complete state during the build process, you won't need an elaborate shop to build/store it. | A simpler and less expensive initial project will afford you several benefits. First, you can focus on learning just the aspects of the car that you want to upgrade or build. If you make mistakes, you can easily and inexpensively get a replacement part. You'll finish the project sooner giving you something to enjoy, and given that it will be in more of a complete state during the build process, you won't need an elaborate shop to build/store it. | ||
| − | Here are some examples of cars that can generally be procured in a whole, working condition, with drive trains and components that are easy to upgrade. F-Body General Motors cars ( | + | Here are some examples of cars that can generally be procured in a whole, working condition, with drive trains and components that are easy to upgrade. F-Body General Motors cars (Camaro and Firebird), second and third generation, are great candidates. G-body cars including the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Chevy Monte Carlo are very lightweight cars that have great parts interchange. Many people enjoy working on Ford Mustangs also because of the large parts interchange, aftermarket and enthusiast following. Less expensive Mopar (Chrysler, Dodge, or Plymouth) projects can also be found. |
| − | Finding a vehicle that is mostly complete and has not been already modified by another hobbyist is more important than focusing on how desirable the vehicle would be to a collector or for resale. It's much better to rebuild existing parts than to try to hunt them down and if the vehicle has not been changed from its factory configuration it will be much easier to work on and make look right when its all done. | + | Finding a vehicle that is mostly complete and has not been already modified by another hobbyist is more important than focusing on how desirable the vehicle would be to a collector or for resale. It's much better to rebuild existing parts than to try to hunt them down and if the vehicle has not been changed from its factory configuration it will be much easier to work on and make look right when its all done. The other side of this is to find a project that was abandoned for whatever reason by the previous owner who's looking to get out of the hobby. If the project was sound from the beginning it may well be a great bargain. |
| − | Trucks are another great place to start hotrodding. Generally they can be had for not much money, are very easy to work on due to the large engine bays and ground clearance and have a great aftermarket support. Trucks don't tend to be as light; however, so overall performance may be reduced depending on the platform. That said, however, a great first project | + | Trucks are another great place to start hotrodding. Generally they can be had for not much money, are very easy to work on due to the large engine bays and ground clearance and have a great aftermarket support. Trucks don't tend to be as light; however, so overall performance may be reduced depending on the platform. That said, however, a great first project for some will be something like a 4x4 mud truck. Another option is to start with a 2WD truck and build it for the street. S-10 trucks and Blazers are popular platforms for V8 swaps. |
==Research and project value== | ==Research and project value== | ||
Once you find what type of car you want to build, do some research. Find out what types of prices they fetch in what conditions and be smart about which one you buy. Always be willing to walk away if you're not comfortable. It's not a bad idea to pay a little bit more for your first project up front. Find something that the body is all there and only has issues in the areas you are already planning on upgrading. | Once you find what type of car you want to build, do some research. Find out what types of prices they fetch in what conditions and be smart about which one you buy. Always be willing to walk away if you're not comfortable. It's not a bad idea to pay a little bit more for your first project up front. Find something that the body is all there and only has issues in the areas you are already planning on upgrading. | ||
| − | A lot of | + | A lot of new hotrodders make the same mistake. They scrape together 1200 bucks or so, go find a car they like and buy it thinking "Wow, I have a project car and I only had to pay 1200 dollars, I'm way ahead of the game!" What they don't see is that even if the car looks "OK" it may need EVERYTHING. The brakes could be shot, the lines are corroded. The engine could need to be rebuilt. The transmission might have a boatload of miles on it. The rear end may be worn out, or there's rust here and there and the paint needs to be redone. Same thing with the interior. Make no mistake, this car could need THOUSANDS of dollars worth of work to be respectable. 1200 + 8000 dollars in parts + hundreds of frustrating hours worth of doing work you have no idea how to do = burnout, debt and a good chance of failure. |
| − | Ideally what you want to find is a | + | Ideally what you want to find is a decent, solid car. Body work is one of the tougher aspects of hotrodding, you probably want to learn some basics first. Find a car within your budget that has a clean body and decent paint. The interior should be all there and in fair shape, if not good. A blown-up engine is not a deal-breaker, but keep in mind its a good idea to be able to drive the car to assess the other issues it has. How is the suspension and brakes? How does the transmission shift? Remember, keep your first project simple! |
==Where to start== | ==Where to start== | ||
| − | Start with small projects on the vehicle. Don't just take the whole car apart and wonder what you are going to do after you've done so. If you have a camera, take pictures beforehand so you remember how it went together. Seek the knowledge of a mentor and have him/her assist with some parts of the project and answer your questions as you proceed with a particular job. Prepare a job list, have the tools and the parts BEFORE starting, be aware of the procedure of the job and | + | Start with small projects on the vehicle. Don't just take the whole car apart and wonder what you are going to do after you've done so. If you have a camera, take pictures beforehand so you remember how it went together. Seek the knowledge of a mentor if possible and have him/her assist with some parts of the project and answer your questions as you proceed with a particular job. Prepare a job list, have the tools and the parts BEFORE starting, be aware of the procedure of the job and proceed accordingly. Know your limitations, and don't be afraid to ask for help. |
| − | + | A key in any project big or small is to gather up as much patience as possible. No matter how big or small the project you are always likely to come up on the bolt that wont turn or you cant get to just right. Or maybe a starter that wont fit back just like it came out and aftermarket parts (depending on the manufacturer) sometimes don't fit quite the same. Take a lot of measurements, photos, and notes and go slow as to help avoid missing the little stuff. Also be comfortable where you work. Nobody wants to be changing spark plugs and get caught in a sudden downpour or have to lay in a puddle to get the plug back in. You never bust your knuckle on that corner until its thirty degrees outside, a good pair of gloves are indispensable. And most of all, ENJOY. The moment it becomes work is when you need to step back and remember your goal and desire. | |
| − | A key in any project big or small is to gather up as much patience as possible. No matter how big or small the project you are always likely to come up on the bolt that wont turn or you cant get to just right. Or maybe a starter that wont fit back just like it came out and aftermarket parts | + | |
==Organization== | ==Organization== | ||
| − | In addition to using a camera, small parts can be easily organized using small, clear plastic bags and marking the identification of the part and/or part numbers on the outside of the bag with an indelible black magic marker. This way you can label which | + | In addition to using a camera, small parts can be easily organized using small, clear plastic bags and marking the identification of the part and/or part numbers on the outside of the bag with an indelible black magic marker. This way you can label which parts or fasteners go where. If you have a digital camera, you can even label the bag with the number of the picture from your camera. |
Keep your tools organized as well. Its good practice to never have more tools out of your tool box than you're using at any given time. If you finish working under the car and move back up to the engine, put your tools away. Get out the ones you need for the engine and move forward. This way you only ever have two places your tools can be, in the box or at your work zone. | Keep your tools organized as well. Its good practice to never have more tools out of your tool box than you're using at any given time. If you finish working under the car and move back up to the engine, put your tools away. Get out the ones you need for the engine and move forward. This way you only ever have two places your tools can be, in the box or at your work zone. | ||
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There are many misconceptions when building for performance. Here are two notable ones: | There are many misconceptions when building for performance. Here are two notable ones: | ||
| − | #Bigger is not always better/faster (except when you're talking about cubic inches). For example, is a | + | #Bigger is not always better/faster (except when you're talking about cubic inches). For example, is a 750 CFM carburetor better than a 600 CFM carburetor? No, not always. In fact, a carburetor that is too large can hurt driveability/fuel mileage. The same is true with intake manifolds, heads, and camshafts. The most common mistake of someone new to hotrodders is to over cam and over carb their cars. See: [[Choosing a carburetor]]. |
| − | # | + | #The motor is often times NOT the best place to start for performance, dollar for dollar. In fact, in many cases the best philosophy is to work from the back of the car forward! |
===Working from the back forward=== | ===Working from the back forward=== | ||
| − | A lower rear-end gear ratio (numerically higher) is one of the best dollar- | + | A lower rear-end gear ratio (numerically higher) is one of the best dollar-to-performance upgrades there is. It is a change that can be felt by the seat of the pants. Furthermore, it complements other upgrades you may make later to the transmission/torque converter and engine. Many cars were built with high-ratio (numerically lower) "open" (non posi-traction) rear ends. And let's face it, none of us are really that impressed with the "one wheel peel!" |
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| + | There are a few ways to go about changing your rear end gear ratio: | ||
| + | *Replacing the gears and/or carrier in your existing rear end | ||
| + | *Finding a rear end with the gears and posi unit you want and putting the whole rear end in the car. Either are acceptable options, but building a rear end takes some precision tools and fair bit of skill. | ||
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| + | Generally a ratio around 3.70:1 is considered a good compromise for performance on the street with a non-overdrive transmission (TH350/400, A-727/904, C-4/6, and the like). Any higher and you may start feeling uncomfortable with the highway RPM. | ||
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[[Category:General hotrodding]] | [[Category:General hotrodding]] | ||
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