This is the first in a four-part series on how to build
your car or truck. The first thing you should do is to
decide on what kind of car or truck you want to
build. I know this sounds very strange to even
mention it, but you have no idea how many times we
see people that will start buying wheels, engines,
and transmissions even before they buy the car.
People will ask, "What should I build?" If it was up to
me, why not start with the car that you grew up
with. What kind of car or truck did your dad drive?
Does that vehicle have a special place for you? What
was your dream car? This should always give you
some idea on what you want to build. This will also
help keep you interested in the build.
Next, is deciding on a theme or type of car you want
to build. By type, I mean if you want to build an
original car, a hot rod, a street machine, or a hybrid.
An original car is just what it sounds like. It is
restored to look and function just like it did the day it
rolled off of the assembly line--the same motor,
transmission, interior, etc. A hot rod usually has a
high performance motor, a somewhat custom interior,
and has a little bit of a ruff look to it. The street
machine is probably the most expensive and the best
of the car types. The street machine is usually
lowered and has some form of custom suspension. It
will also have power disc brakes, a late model fuel
injected motor, AC, etc. Usually, it will have every
late model option that a new car or truck would
have. The hybrid car (not meaning the kind that runs
on alternative fuel) will look like your original car,
might have a set of custom wheels, but the interior
is stock. It would be upgraded to disc brakes, maybe
AC and power steering. It still might have a stock
engine with a late model transmission behind it.
Everything that would have to do with drivability
would be upgraded.
After you have decided on the theme or type of car
you want, you need to decide on the budget. You
know the money you can spend. Don=92t break the
bank or spend the kids' college fund to do it. If you
have some of the money saved up, that is the start
on your budget. Then, you need to decide what you
can spend on the project each month. Also, take
advantage of sales. Everyone in the parts supplying
business runs a least one sale each year. Most of
them are tied into a holiday--Christmas, Fathers Day,
etc. That is the best time to buy a large item
because you can save yourself at least 10 to 20
percent and then you can add that money to
something else you want to buy. Do not, and I mean
this from the bottom of my heart, do not just start
buying parts like there is no tomorrow. Decide on
what is the most pressing need of the car and start
there. Trim and pretty stuff is not a pressing need.
This is the biggest mistake most people make when
starting a project.
This is the end of the first part of our four-part
series. I hope that you have learned something and
are not too confused by our ideas. If you have any
questions on products, tech advice or if you need
help deciding on how to do something with your ride,
do not hesitate to call and ask. That is what we are
here for. Look for the next issue of our news letter in
which we will talk about disassembling your ride for
restoration.
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