Startup questions

[slotrod]

Hi,

After years of bolt busting on 'new cars' from the 1950s, and 1960's, I am looking to build a hot rod, and I am hoping you guys can help me get some of my thoughts sorted out... at least with some direction.

I want to build a traditional jalopy. No fiberglass, no billet, no disc brakes, no a/c, no color changing paint, not even a V8. From years of looking at rods, I guess what I want is loosly called a tub: Yep, no top, no fenders, no hood, a back seat, and that big round butt. I have been searching the net for info on this type of rod, but everyone seams to be building 32 roadsters...

What I have been able to find are a few pics of sedans chopped into tubs, and touring cars. Based on what I have found, I think that I am looking for a 27 T touring car.

What is the best way to start a project like this? Should I buy a beater frame/body and go from there? Or build a rolling chassis before getting a body?

I will be building this myself, under the watchful eyes of the Dominatrix of Finance (my wife) so I will be low buck as hell. I am looking to build a fun car, (I painted my 54 chevy wagon with lime green and white rattle-can spraypaint... how fun is that?) so I am not after a Coddington look.

Thanks in advance!!

Phred

[SinisterCustom]

Welcome to the board. I too am looking for a project. Probably going to find a body first, then a frame and every thing else should fall in place. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Josh

[slotrod]

I forgot to add... my motor of choice is a 235 inline 6. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, I had a couple of 235s with shaved heads, Fentons, dual/triple carbs, and other period goodies in my fat-assed Chevies. (1951 2dr post, 1954 wagon, 1961 Impala) Fentons make a 235 sound like a B17 trying to take off with a full bombload... I love it!!

Phred

[steevil]

http://autohobbypage.com/show/03/hamb/hamb110.jpg

I am a relatively new rodder myself.

Here's what I did;

1, Establish what it is exactly you want.
2, Allow yourself a margine of compremise.
3, Establish a maximum initial budget.
4, Buy the most complete, rust free car you can afford.
5, Cruise the internet classifieds.
6, Grab a flatdeck trailer, a fistfull of cash and cruise some of the country backroads. Vintage iron is usually picked pretty bare just off the highways, you need to drive off the highway for a few miles to spot some of the really great finds.

*Beware make sure you approach the landowner first before you set foot near any "field cars". It is both appropriate and ensures your longevity.

Consider buying an unfinished project car.

Hooking up with a local hot-rod club can lead to all kinds of info on hidden treasure and information.

Make sure you are realisitic with your abilities and level of commitment. It can get real expensive real fast if you have to farm out everything.

I wanted a 32 ford tudor sedan, what I ended up with is a 30 tudor sedan. It was virtually done (albeit not to my tastes) and saved me a great deal of headaches.

What you are looking for may need to change. Example, Ford Touring sedans or phaetons aren't exactly falling off the trees anymore. You may need to settle for a similar model that isn't as popular as a Ford.

24 DodgeBros tourer pictured below

http://www.carnut.com/show/01/pbo/nat178.jpg

Sometimes it's worth it to buy a new aftermarket frame if you've neither the time or money to make an original one worthy.

good luck and welcome to the HAMB!