#Project cars go tips how to

Support: Bad days are inevitable throughout the ownership of a project car, so it helps to have the support of those around you to keep you going.

#Project cars go tips how to

Whether that’s understanding how to turn a wrench or familiarizing yourself with the principles of a powertrain, knowledge is power in any project. Knowhow: There’s no prerequisite to buying a project car, but it helps to have a solid base to get you going. Are they easily available? If not, do you have the mechanical ability to make your own? Consider your car’s need for any specialty tools. Sure, budget sets will save you money in the short term, but with the potential for improper clearances and poor build quality, they could result in a much bigger problem down the road. Tools: Get yourself a solid set of tools. And in the event you need to do a significant body repair, you’ll be far better off dropping in a new panel than you would trying to fab it on your own.

What’s more, donor cars make for inexpensive fixes - assuming they’re in serviceable condition. Cars that are more readily available are cheaper up front. While it can be tempting to seek out rare and unloved models in order to distinguish yourself, it doesn’t make for the best budget build. And should your particular car present a problem unique unto itself, you’ll at least have the backing of fellow wrenchers to advise a plan of attack.Īvailability: Everyone envisions rolling up to a car meet with a unicorn in tow. If you find yourself stumped on how to go about repairing your project, have a look at the forums - chances are good that someone has asked the same questions you’re thinking. Even if you can’t buy new OEM parts, a transplant from a donor car could be just what you need to get your ride back on the road.įorum Support: Although insider knowledge was once something exclusive to owner’s clubs, the internet has allowed for a thriving online enthusiast community. Before you know it, you’ll be looking to offload your build in order to hop to another project. Because the longer a problem persists, the more likely it is to go unfixed.

There’s no feeling worse than successfully diagnosing a fix only to discover that the part is out of your price range or no longer produced. Parts: First and foremost, you should consider the availability of aftermarket and replacement parts for your project. Rather than whiling away the day, wondering when you’ll get around to tackling a build, have a read and see what we’ve picked for the best budget project cars. Moreover, not all cars are intuitive to work on, and you can quickly find yourself in over your head. But having so much choice can make it difficult to tell an ambitious project from all-out money pit. With so many options available on the classifieds, it’s not hard to find a buy befitting your budget. The good news is that project cars don’t have to break the bank.

For no matter how confident anyone is of their ability, all it takes is one pop of the hood to test their chops. In concept, it sounds like a fun, educational experience in practice, it can make for an overwhelming commitment. However, not everyone is born with a mechanic’s intuition, and intentionally buying a project car can be an intimidating prospect for the uninitiated. Sure, buying a car off the lot makes for immediate gratification, but the reality is that it’s a fleeting enjoyment at best. Far more of the process comes down to knowing a vehicle inside and out, replacing parts as needed, and making upgrades as they arise. For gearheads, ownership is only a small step on the path towards the acquisition of a dream car.