Want to start my first project....
01-23-2009 | 03:30 AM
#1
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Want to start my first project....
But i don't know where to start. I found one place online that has some old project cars, but all of them seem to be in pretty bad shape. I am looking for a 60's Buick Skylark, or a 70's Camaro. If anyone has any ideas about where to look to find a good, CHEAP, starting point for my first project car, please let me know!
01-23-2009 | 11:38 AM
#6
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Goffstown, NH
Mopar covers dodge, plymouth, chrysler, jeep, and some AMC (the earlier jeeps). Do a search for pics online of mopars, I'm sure that you'll find something you like.
The moderators on in the process of putting a section together so that everyone can start their own thread about each of their vehicles (one thread per vehicle within reason of course). We are just trying to work out some of the details. I'm sure that will help you decide on what you would like to have as a project as well.
The moderators on in the process of putting a section together so that everyone can start their own thread about each of their vehicles (one thread per vehicle within reason of course). We are just trying to work out some of the details. I'm sure that will help you decide on what you would like to have as a project as well.
01-23-2009 | 11:47 AM
#7
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Mopar covers dodge, plymouth, chrysler, jeep, and some AMC (the earlier jeeps). Do a search for pics online of mopars, I'm sure that you'll find something you like.
The moderators on in the process of putting a section together so that everyone can start their own thread about each of their vehicles (one thread per vehicle within reason of course). We are just trying to work out some of the details. I'm sure that will help you decide on what you would like to have as a project as well.
The moderators on in the process of putting a section together so that everyone can start their own thread about each of their vehicles (one thread per vehicle within reason of course). We are just trying to work out some of the details. I'm sure that will help you decide on what you would like to have as a project as well.
http://www.daves-classic-cars.com/Ca...ad_runner.html
68 roadrunner, no engine or trans...Although, i am not sure how good of a deal it is...It just seems that for 5,000 i can get something a little more complete...not necessarily motor and trans wise, but interior. There is basically no interior for that car...
That is my big concern, finding parts for these cars...i can never find a good site online that has specific parts, and there aren't too many specialty shops here in ND..haha
01-23-2009 | 12:04 PM
#8
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
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From: Goffstown, NH
If there is absolutely no body work (a.k.a. rot or rust) and all teh glass was in there, then that would be a good deal. There are other deals out there to be had, you may just have to drive for them. Take a look on craigslist, I have found some pretty good deals on tehre from people that just want the vehicle gone.
01-23-2009 | 12:16 PM
#9
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i think i found a good deal here, on craigslist like you said:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1004414540.html
it has a 318 and runs (apparently)...is a 318 a powerful engine or not? i know it is more of the base model of engine, but could i still get some good power out of it. I will be doing this rebuild on a budget for a while until the economy picks up and i dont' want to have to get a new engine. That seems like a hell of a deal for $800
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1004414540.html
it has a 318 and runs (apparently)...is a 318 a powerful engine or not? i know it is more of the base model of engine, but could i still get some good power out of it. I will be doing this rebuild on a budget for a while until the economy picks up and i dont' want to have to get a new engine. That seems like a hell of a deal for $800
01-23-2009 | 12:30 PM
#10
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puppet master. that 318 would most likely be a 318 wide block. unless u got 
stay away from it. im not saying they are a bad motor. they are a strong runner. im just saying its a different from 67 and up 318,s and parts are VERY hard to come by for those. and fury is a c body isnt a good car to fix up. the only reason i say this is because nobody supports "C" bodies as far as parts go. i have 2 1966 sportfurys and i have a hell of a time finding parts for them, i suggest finding something between the years of 67-74 in A B or E body. parts are everywhere for those.
i beleive others on this forum will agree with me........i think
stay away from it. im not saying they are a bad motor. they are a strong runner. im just saying its a different from 67 and up 318,s and parts are VERY hard to come by for those. and fury is a c body isnt a good car to fix up. the only reason i say this is because nobody supports "C" bodies as far as parts go. i have 2 1966 sportfurys and i have a hell of a time finding parts for them, i suggest finding something between the years of 67-74 in A B or E body. parts are everywhere for those.i beleive others on this forum will agree with me........i think
01-23-2009 | 12:43 PM
#11
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puppet master. that 318 would most likely be a 318 wide block. unless u got stay away from it. im not saying they are a bad motor. they are a strong runner. im just saying its a different from 67 and up 318,s and parts are VERY hard to come by for those. and fury is a c body isnt a good car to fix up. the only reason i say this is because nobody supports "C" bodies as far as parts go. i have 2 1966 sportfurys and i have a hell of a time finding parts for them, i suggest finding something between the years of 67-74 in A B or E body. parts are everywhere for those.
i beleive others on this forum will agree with me........i think
stay away from it. im not saying they are a bad motor. they are a strong runner. im just saying its a different from 67 and up 318,s and parts are VERY hard to come by for those. and fury is a c body isnt a good car to fix up. the only reason i say this is because nobody supports "C" bodies as far as parts go. i have 2 1966 sportfurys and i have a hell of a time finding parts for them, i suggest finding something between the years of 67-74 in A B or E body. parts are everywhere for those.i beleive others on this forum will agree with me........i think
01-23-2009 | 01:11 PM
#12
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get on cardomain.com and check out some mopars or ebay ,challengers, chargers, darts, demons, dusters, barracuda, roadrunner, superbee, (my favorite B body is the gtx) gtx, belvadere, just to name a few. A and E bodies are the lightest just do some looking around.
01-23-2009 | 01:50 PM
#13
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
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From: Goffstown, NH
That car there would be great for a sleeper project. I agree with 66 about the pre 67 318s and the fury.
I'm sure that if you love camaros, that you would love a cuda then. I would also save up and find something that is easy to fix for your first project. Don't jump right into a car that need a lot of mechanical work and body work unless you have the time and knowledge on how to do it. Find something that you know you can handle.
I'm sure that if you love camaros, that you would love a cuda then. I would also save up and find something that is easy to fix for your first project. Don't jump right into a car that need a lot of mechanical work and body work unless you have the time and knowledge on how to do it. Find something that you know you can handle.
01-23-2009 | 03:07 PM
#14
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Great advice guys thanks a lot. And ya, i will probably save a bit and find something that requires not too much work, as i am wanting to get into projects to learn more about cars. I am not a huge car guy, but have had a love for them my whole life. Thanks again fellas.
01-23-2009 | 06:18 PM
#17
Mopar Lover
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 1
OK where do I start.
First find a car you honestly love. This is extremely important, if there is any doubt that you like it (love it) you will never finish the project and it will bitter you for future projects.
Second find a car that runs/drives. This way you can drive and enjoy the car as you work on it. This is very important especially for your first project. You will less likely become overwhelmed and abandon the project. Also if it does run/drive and you become disappointed with the progress or the final/partial outcome you will still have a sell-able car that you will be more likely to sell and recoup some of your investment.
Thirdly, buy something you can afford and something that will allow you to have discretionary spending for modifications and improvements to the car.
Fourth, while everyone on these forums will agree that a MOPAR is the best choice in a classic or muscle car, choose something for your first car that will be more marketable. (in the event you decide this is not for you)
Lastly, forget ever getting the money you put into a car back out. All the new parts you install and all the money you invest is now used parts and attached to a car that somebody before you didn't want to fix and that you now are selling because for what ever reason you don't want it either. It will bring the most money finished, so don't be afraid to keep putting money in so that you are able to get any of your money back.
Good luck with whatever car you choose. And I can't help it, I am a MOPAR fan but I like all kinds of cars as well. another great site is (my screen name) WWW.Crazy4Carz.Com there are other people there that have less taste in cars and like stuff like chebbies, and Furds. Let me know if there is any way we can help.
First find a car you honestly love. This is extremely important, if there is any doubt that you like it (love it) you will never finish the project and it will bitter you for future projects.
Second find a car that runs/drives. This way you can drive and enjoy the car as you work on it. This is very important especially for your first project. You will less likely become overwhelmed and abandon the project. Also if it does run/drive and you become disappointed with the progress or the final/partial outcome you will still have a sell-able car that you will be more likely to sell and recoup some of your investment.
Thirdly, buy something you can afford and something that will allow you to have discretionary spending for modifications and improvements to the car.
Fourth, while everyone on these forums will agree that a MOPAR is the best choice in a classic or muscle car, choose something for your first car that will be more marketable. (in the event you decide this is not for you)
Lastly, forget ever getting the money you put into a car back out. All the new parts you install and all the money you invest is now used parts and attached to a car that somebody before you didn't want to fix and that you now are selling because for what ever reason you don't want it either. It will bring the most money finished, so don't be afraid to keep putting money in so that you are able to get any of your money back.
Good luck with whatever car you choose. And I can't help it, I am a MOPAR fan but I like all kinds of cars as well. another great site is (my screen name) WWW.Crazy4Carz.Com there are other people there that have less taste in cars and like stuff like chebbies, and Furds. Let me know if there is any way we can help.
01-23-2009 | 10:49 PM
#19
Mopar Lover
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 2
From: queensland Australia
good points crazy 4 cars .
i am thinking your a young guy ? with not heaps of ?
remember a lighter car will get off the line quicker than a heavier one .
it costs a lot of $ to make a bigger car go fast , handle & stop . that is why i like A bodys . you could all ways find one with a slant 6 & drive it around , then find a rusted or smashed one with V8 , gearbox & diff exhaust ect , as money comes in spend it on rebuilding your bits & pieces . ect ect oh well happy hunting .
i am thinking your a young guy ? with not heaps of
?remember a lighter car will get off the line quicker than a heavier one .
it costs a lot of $ to make a bigger car go fast , handle & stop . that is why i like A bodys . you could all ways find one with a slant 6 & drive it around , then find a rusted or smashed one with V8 , gearbox & diff exhaust ect , as money comes in spend it on rebuilding your bits & pieces . ect ect oh well happy hunting .
01-23-2009 | 11:00 PM
#20
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Posts: n/a
OK where do I start.
First find a car you honestly love. This is extremely important, if there is any doubt that you like it (love it) you will never finish the project and it will bitter you for future projects.
Second find a car that runs/drives. This way you can drive and enjoy the car as you work on it. This is very important especially for your first project. You will less likely become overwhelmed and abandon the project. Also if it does run/drive and you become disappointed with the progress or the final/partial outcome you will still have a sell-able car that you will be more likely to sell and recoup some of your investment.
Thirdly, buy something you can afford and something that will allow you to have discretionary spending for modifications and improvements to the car.
Fourth, while everyone on these forums will agree that a MOPAR is the best choice in a classic or muscle car, choose something for your first car that will be more marketable. (in the event you decide this is not for you)
Lastly, forget ever getting the money you put into a car back out. All the new parts you install and all the money you invest is now used parts and attached to a car that somebody before you didn't want to fix and that you now are selling because for what ever reason you don't want it either. It will bring the most money finished, so don't be afraid to keep putting money in so that you are able to get any of your money back.
Good luck with whatever car you choose. And I can't help it, I am a MOPAR fan but I like all kinds of cars as well. another great site is (my screen name) WWW.Crazy4Carz.Com there are other people there that have less taste in cars and like stuff like chebbies, and Furds. Let me know if there is any way we can help.
First find a car you honestly love. This is extremely important, if there is any doubt that you like it (love it) you will never finish the project and it will bitter you for future projects.
Second find a car that runs/drives. This way you can drive and enjoy the car as you work on it. This is very important especially for your first project. You will less likely become overwhelmed and abandon the project. Also if it does run/drive and you become disappointed with the progress or the final/partial outcome you will still have a sell-able car that you will be more likely to sell and recoup some of your investment.
Thirdly, buy something you can afford and something that will allow you to have discretionary spending for modifications and improvements to the car.
Fourth, while everyone on these forums will agree that a MOPAR is the best choice in a classic or muscle car, choose something for your first car that will be more marketable. (in the event you decide this is not for you)
Lastly, forget ever getting the money you put into a car back out. All the new parts you install and all the money you invest is now used parts and attached to a car that somebody before you didn't want to fix and that you now are selling because for what ever reason you don't want it either. It will bring the most money finished, so don't be afraid to keep putting money in so that you are able to get any of your money back.
Good luck with whatever car you choose. And I can't help it, I am a MOPAR fan but I like all kinds of cars as well. another great site is (my screen name) WWW.Crazy4Carz.Com there are other people there that have less taste in cars and like stuff like chebbies, and Furds. Let me know if there is any way we can help.
01-24-2009 | 07:44 AM
#21
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I think i found a pretty quality vehicle, one my uncle Roger used to have when i was a kid too:
http://www.daves-classic-cars.com/Ca...hevy_nova.html
It is a 75 Nova...(i know, i know, it's not MOPAR). 400ci engine (didn't know that they used those on novas?)..Almost seems like a scam for $200 a month. Says all it needs is a carb, which is only a couple hundred bucks right? Just seeing what my options are...
http://www.daves-classic-cars.com/Ca...hevy_nova.html
It is a 75 Nova...(i know, i know, it's not MOPAR). 400ci engine (didn't know that they used those on novas?)..Almost seems like a scam for $200 a month. Says all it needs is a carb, which is only a couple hundred bucks right? Just seeing what my options are...
heres a 73 barracuda that is by where i live the guy wants $3500 with out the motor or $5000 with the 340 and four speed
01-24-2009 | 10:56 AM
#24
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...i should just be patient and save money, but that isn't my strong suit...haha
01-24-2009 | 04:19 PM
#25
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
Likes: 200
From: Goffstown, NH
Try to save up as much as you can. If you want a car that you can drive but stil needs some work, expect to pay a few grand at least. I have started to just look around for a project car that I too can drive and fix/build (as long as the woman doesn't see/hear it 
) and I am looking at spending $3-$5 grand. Of course I want something that has very little to no body work (I hate doing body work).
) and I am looking at spending $3-$5 grand. Of course I want something that has very little to no body work (I hate doing body work).
01-24-2009 | 04:33 PM
#26
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Try to save up as much as you can. If you want a car that you can drive but stil needs some work, expect to pay a few grand at least. I have started to just look around for a project car that I too can drive and fix/build (as long as the woman doesn't see/hear it ) and I am looking at spending $3-$5 grand. Of course I want something that has very little to no body work (I hate doing body work).
) and I am looking at spending $3-$5 grand. Of course I want something that has very little to no body work (I hate doing body work).
01-24-2009 | 04:33 PM
#27
Mopar Lover
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 1
I try to pass on my years of experience, and still I cant get through. Please don't buy anything now. If you don't have the money to buy a toy (or mostly) you shouldn't be buying toys like this. The car you are looking at is maxed out its value. If you put another $10,000.00 into it, the value will not change. The 'Cuda is a much better buy. At this time you can't afford either one. Save your money, you'll be glad you did. There I said it, you wont listen, I didn't either.
(or mostly) you shouldn't be buying toys like this. The car you are looking at is maxed out its value. If you put another $10,000.00 into it, the value will not change. The 'Cuda is a much better buy. At this time you can't afford either one. Save your money, you'll be glad you did. There I said it, you wont listen, I didn't either.
01-24-2009 | 06:40 PM
#28
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
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From: Goffstown, NH
I don't think any of us listened when we were young(er). 
If I had listened to half of what my parent's said and what Heather has said, I would have owned half the number of vehicles that I have and probably would have enough saved up right now that my J10 would be done and I could have a dart for a toy.
If I had listened to half of what my parent's said and what Heather has said, I would have owned half the number of vehicles that I have and probably would have enough saved up right now that my J10 would be done and I could have a dart for a toy.
01-24-2009 | 08:40 PM
#29
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[quote=78D200;11104]I don't think any of us listened when we were young(er).
thats for sure... things would be a bit diff if i had listend. but i remember day dreaming about the car i was fixing up when i was younger. point is hey its what you want to do. just crazy4cars makes a very good point.
thats for sure... things would be a bit diff if i had listend. but i remember day dreaming about the car i was fixing up when i was younger. point is hey its what you want to do. just crazy4cars makes a very good point.
01-25-2009 | 07:03 AM
#30
Mopar Lover
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 28
From: MICHIGAN
Welcome to the forums PuppetMaster and like everyone is saying pick what you truly like and stay away from a rice burner , save some money and go pick out a nice car that you will enjoy for years to come as its not like the tv shows where you can do it in a week unless you have the bank roll for parts and time on your hands like 24/7 but just enjoy the one you are wanting to build as that makes it nicer to fix it up knowing you will enjoy it that much even more but if i were you i would go mopar as they are awsome and always look great and the power you can make with any of the motors they have to choose from but you will see a big differance in the cost of parts for mopar vs cheby/ferd but to us in the long run its worth it
