Car restoration project?
(2010-05-30 20:13:46) 1. Says: Hi there, i know this isn't a quick question but i would just love an opinion....I want to restore an older car (my dad had a 56 ford when i was a baby) or even just a muscle car from the 60-70's...just wondering what a very simple car would be to get started on, one that i could pick up idealy with the body poor and the engine not running (to get one cheap) i dont really care about resale value, and i also dont overly care about using original parts, i just would like to know a few older (preferably ford but open to whatever) cars that should have easy access to aftermarket parts, and easy to work on. I just basically would like to have a nice sunday car that i actually re did myself...would like to find something, pull out the engine/tranny, pull off the body, and go from theredont mind travelling anywhere in US to find something
thanks
Corzy2. Says: Consider an MG roadster or even a Midget.
Midgets can be found cheaply, parts are easily available and they are fairly simple cars to work on. They are also quite fun to ride in, generate a lot of interest and because they are so small and low they feel as if they are fast!
Your better off to find any project with zero rust, even if it is minus the running gear. If you don't care about originality, motor/transmission set ups can be from anything.
Trucks are also probably more simple to restore than cars, but either way you need to seriously asses your abilities and available cash for your project. Figure out what you have to spend, then triple that amount and go for it!
E-Bay has a section for antique and classic rebuild-able cars. Also check out Hemmings Motor News.3. Says: theres nothing really cheap past the 70's anymore but something not bank breaking I would go with a Ford Maverick. 4 door variants are cheaper but neither the 2 or 4 door are as expensive as other cars of the era (yet). mavericks were made from 1970-77 and you can also buy its cousin the mercury comet for generally the same sticker (just shop around ebay/craigslist).
anopther fairly reasonable ford to buy is the ford falcon.
mopar's are expensive and most you will find are rusted out. the plymouth duster isnt as high in price as other mopars but is rising alot every year. a plymouth duster would be a good investment but would be the more expensive and probably most work to do.
the only cheap chevy i could think of would be the nova, mid-late 70's models are cheap but not everyones taste. you can find 60- early 70's 4 door novas for good deals.
i restore ford mavericks. fun car to work with, small (straight six or small block 302). get looks everywhere i go and a good community of people on the web of people who could help you out with a restore. ever since i started browsing mavericks the prices go up every year. jump on before they get out of reach.4. Says: Try and picture yourself in any type of vehicle. What would make you the happiest? Now go from there. If you are going to change motor / tranny then use general engines that are common.
As for the body condition...invest some time in your search and try and locate a car that has minimal rust. This WILL save you hours of headache, and a foul mouth. Hate working on rusted parts and busting knuckles over them.
Southern cars are of-course in better condition due to lack of salt used on roadways.
Interior can be re-done your way so this wouldn't be a factor on parts avaliability.
The car you choose may make a difference if you complete the project. Loosing interest in a car because you just aren't quite satisfied with what you bought. So, again, search for what you want, not what is cheap. You can redo stuff on anything yourway and save tons.
Good luck. Tag: Car restoration project?