so, I'm thinking about getting into my next project, and I thought id put a little back on here by starting right at the beginning- with the planning/parts aquiring stage. basically what I want to do is show you its a lot easier than you might think to make something very cool for a reasonable outlay- and hopefully maybe get some of you who've only played with newer stuff to take the plunge and build something a bit older!
I don't know if this is in the right section, but its not really a build thread yet, and will cover a lot more than just the build, so I thought id stick it in here and it can maybe be moved as it develops.
so, ya wonna build and drive a hot rod do ya?
lets face it , who doesnt- its one of the more common postings I see on here-
'id love one of those one day'
or
'thats what id be driving if I had the time/money/skill/knowledge to build one'.
what I'm trying to do by spouting all this spurious drivel is move that goal a little closer for a lot of you, by showing it can be done for no more than building your average 80s 'retro'.
well then, let us begin.
before you get in there with the grinder and welder and get chopping things up, or indeed buy anthing to actually chop up, there's an awful lot to think about.
it really pays to not jump in feet first, but plan what you're doing a little as it will not only save you time and money, it might even determine whether you finish the project or not, or if you do finish it, whether you can actually legally drive what you've built without getting mucho hassle form the feds, vosa, and 'the man' in general.
STEP 1
so where to start?
first thing I did was set a budget. its the first thing you should do too, cos this project is gunna go no further if you simply cant afford to build it.
this is more important than it sounds as you only want to be spending what you can afford on the build. be realistic about this, as you don't want to have to stop halfway though cos you simply cant afford that part you need to move on any further cos the missus insists on eating that week instead. don't forget to factor in any tooling you think you'll need that you don't currently own, as well as basic raw materials and consumables like sheet steel and cutting discs, welding gas, etc. I know of people taking out loans or credit cards to build cars, but to me thats an incredibly stupid thing to do.
work within your means.
for my project, and what I'm writing to go with it, ive set the pot at what I would call a 'realistic' figure of 2 grand. thats for everything, not just initial vehicle purchase. I think this sum realistic as is within the means of most people (even the younger members) if its spread over about a year, and is easily achieveable if you already have a car/bike/project/other tat to sell to fund it. plus, its not too so low as its not sensible to be able to buy all the bits you'll need.
so I will write most of the rest of this based on a budget of 2k.
STEP 2
next step is legislation. lets face it, its quite boring at times and was oft ignored by rod builders in the past.
its now a big subject, as things are being made a lot tougher for us rodders. there is absolutely no point ignoring the 'rules' and building something that is really cool, but gets referred to VOSA the first time you try to MOT it, then sent for an inspection it simply cant pass without major modification.
you just cant get away with a fiberglass model A shell on a home made chassis running around on a '40s austin or '50s ford V5 anymore, so you need to consider this when planning your build, and spending your money on a project or parts.
at this point, you need to decide something- are you going to take a complete stock vehicle and modify it from there within the rules so it doesn't need to be inspected, are you going to take a complete vehicle and modify it to the point it does need inspecting, or are you going to build something from a mismatched pile of parts, and get it inspected? the first one is obviously by far the easiest option, but you wont have as 'radical' a car at the end of it- this doesn't mean it cant be cool though.
if you going to build something that needs inspecting- get a copy of the regs FIRST, and read and understand them so you know what you can and cant do within those rules, and how your build will work within them. indeed, no matter what you build you need to get a copy of the regs to make sure you are staying within them, if that is your plan. get on the ACE website and get all genned up. this kinda leads into step 3, as it will all have a bearing on what vehicle you choose to build, so here is-
STEP 3
next, you need to go away and decide what you want to build. peruse the interwebnet, look at lots of show pics, and see what tickles your fancy. but, be realistic. you ain't gunna be building an all steel flathead powered trad '32 if your budget is two-large. you're gunna have to start out with something a little lowlier and maybe work your way up to something like that- but that doesn't mean whatever you build cant be a really cool ride when its done- just look at the latest incarnation of rubellion- I believe I'm correct in saying not a lot was spent on that build, yet it commands more attention at shows than an awful lot of MUCH more expensive rides.
there's may options out there, and the commonest ones can also be the cheapest- ford pops, morris minors, VW beetles (yeah, volksrods are included here too!)- basically small british saloons. plus, youve got a strong parts backup when it comes to the stock bits like trim and repair panels and stuff. you will more than likely pay a strong premium for anything american, but don't precude them from your search, as you may turn up something unusual and cheap- obscurity can be your friend here.
then, there's the whole world of fiberglass bodies. there's lots of cheap second hand A, T, and 32 bodies out there, all begging to be turned into a cool ride in a cheap and imaginative way- a T-modifed body on a stock-ish pop chassis would be a good example.
id say you should factor to spend about a third to a half of your budget on your base vehicle. 700-1000 quid will net you something quite decent to build from. BUT, one very important factor is to buy based on the condition of the parts you need. if you need a decent rustfree bodyshell for your build, then make sure you buy the best one you can afford. its far cheaper, easier and less time and resource consuming to buy good in the first place than repair bad. having to spend hundreds of hours chasing rust out a car just to get it to the stage where you can start to mod it isn't anywhere near as much fun or as rewarding as spending hundreds of hours doing cool modifications to make your ride stand out.
one thing to note here, is that unfinished/abandoned projects generally offer better value for money than stock cars. but, be REALLY careful, as they can be a total minefield. there's a lot of questions to ask yourself about an unfinished project. why is it unfinished?
inveriably, it'll be lack of something- time, money, skill, motivation, direction, etc.
if its lack of skill, has whats been done done to an acceptable standard?
there's nothing worse than re-doing someones shoddy work.
if its lack of cash, check corners haven't been cut already, again meing having to redo work.
also, check how whats already been done fits in with any legislation you plan to follow. its pointless buying a car if bits have been cut out that you'll have to put back in!
also, do the modifications already done fit in with your direction for the car? if not you'd be as well buying a stocker and modding it to your own taste, wouldn't you?
*phew* I think that'll do for tonight!!
its all got quite heavy already hasn't it, and we've not even bought anything yet!!
let me know what you think so far, and if it all makes sense, etc.
ile be adding more to this pretty soon, covering the next issues- skills, automotive engineering theory, themes and styles, and the fun bit- buying stuff!!
so there you have it, if youre on-board, your homework assignment is decide what you want to build within your budget, and get on the ACE website and gen-up on the new IVA rules!!
I don't know if this is in the right section, but its not really a build thread yet, and will cover a lot more than just the build, so I thought id stick it in here and it can maybe be moved as it develops.
so, ya wonna build and drive a hot rod do ya?
lets face it , who doesnt- its one of the more common postings I see on here-
'id love one of those one day'
or
'thats what id be driving if I had the time/money/skill/knowledge to build one'.
what I'm trying to do by spouting all this spurious drivel is move that goal a little closer for a lot of you, by showing it can be done for no more than building your average 80s 'retro'.
well then, let us begin.
before you get in there with the grinder and welder and get chopping things up, or indeed buy anthing to actually chop up, there's an awful lot to think about.
it really pays to not jump in feet first, but plan what you're doing a little as it will not only save you time and money, it might even determine whether you finish the project or not, or if you do finish it, whether you can actually legally drive what you've built without getting mucho hassle form the feds, vosa, and 'the man' in general.
STEP 1
so where to start?
first thing I did was set a budget. its the first thing you should do too, cos this project is gunna go no further if you simply cant afford to build it.
this is more important than it sounds as you only want to be spending what you can afford on the build. be realistic about this, as you don't want to have to stop halfway though cos you simply cant afford that part you need to move on any further cos the missus insists on eating that week instead. don't forget to factor in any tooling you think you'll need that you don't currently own, as well as basic raw materials and consumables like sheet steel and cutting discs, welding gas, etc. I know of people taking out loans or credit cards to build cars, but to me thats an incredibly stupid thing to do.
work within your means.
for my project, and what I'm writing to go with it, ive set the pot at what I would call a 'realistic' figure of 2 grand. thats for everything, not just initial vehicle purchase. I think this sum realistic as is within the means of most people (even the younger members) if its spread over about a year, and is easily achieveable if you already have a car/bike/project/other tat to sell to fund it. plus, its not too so low as its not sensible to be able to buy all the bits you'll need.
so I will write most of the rest of this based on a budget of 2k.
STEP 2
next step is legislation. lets face it, its quite boring at times and was oft ignored by rod builders in the past.
its now a big subject, as things are being made a lot tougher for us rodders. there is absolutely no point ignoring the 'rules' and building something that is really cool, but gets referred to VOSA the first time you try to MOT it, then sent for an inspection it simply cant pass without major modification.
you just cant get away with a fiberglass model A shell on a home made chassis running around on a '40s austin or '50s ford V5 anymore, so you need to consider this when planning your build, and spending your money on a project or parts.
at this point, you need to decide something- are you going to take a complete stock vehicle and modify it from there within the rules so it doesn't need to be inspected, are you going to take a complete vehicle and modify it to the point it does need inspecting, or are you going to build something from a mismatched pile of parts, and get it inspected? the first one is obviously by far the easiest option, but you wont have as 'radical' a car at the end of it- this doesn't mean it cant be cool though.
if you going to build something that needs inspecting- get a copy of the regs FIRST, and read and understand them so you know what you can and cant do within those rules, and how your build will work within them. indeed, no matter what you build you need to get a copy of the regs to make sure you are staying within them, if that is your plan. get on the ACE website and get all genned up. this kinda leads into step 3, as it will all have a bearing on what vehicle you choose to build, so here is-
STEP 3
next, you need to go away and decide what you want to build. peruse the interwebnet, look at lots of show pics, and see what tickles your fancy. but, be realistic. you ain't gunna be building an all steel flathead powered trad '32 if your budget is two-large. you're gunna have to start out with something a little lowlier and maybe work your way up to something like that- but that doesn't mean whatever you build cant be a really cool ride when its done- just look at the latest incarnation of rubellion- I believe I'm correct in saying not a lot was spent on that build, yet it commands more attention at shows than an awful lot of MUCH more expensive rides.
there's may options out there, and the commonest ones can also be the cheapest- ford pops, morris minors, VW beetles (yeah, volksrods are included here too!)- basically small british saloons. plus, youve got a strong parts backup when it comes to the stock bits like trim and repair panels and stuff. you will more than likely pay a strong premium for anything american, but don't precude them from your search, as you may turn up something unusual and cheap- obscurity can be your friend here.
then, there's the whole world of fiberglass bodies. there's lots of cheap second hand A, T, and 32 bodies out there, all begging to be turned into a cool ride in a cheap and imaginative way- a T-modifed body on a stock-ish pop chassis would be a good example.
id say you should factor to spend about a third to a half of your budget on your base vehicle. 700-1000 quid will net you something quite decent to build from. BUT, one very important factor is to buy based on the condition of the parts you need. if you need a decent rustfree bodyshell for your build, then make sure you buy the best one you can afford. its far cheaper, easier and less time and resource consuming to buy good in the first place than repair bad. having to spend hundreds of hours chasing rust out a car just to get it to the stage where you can start to mod it isn't anywhere near as much fun or as rewarding as spending hundreds of hours doing cool modifications to make your ride stand out.
one thing to note here, is that unfinished/abandoned projects generally offer better value for money than stock cars. but, be REALLY careful, as they can be a total minefield. there's a lot of questions to ask yourself about an unfinished project. why is it unfinished?
inveriably, it'll be lack of something- time, money, skill, motivation, direction, etc.
if its lack of skill, has whats been done done to an acceptable standard?
there's nothing worse than re-doing someones shoddy work.
if its lack of cash, check corners haven't been cut already, again meing having to redo work.
also, check how whats already been done fits in with any legislation you plan to follow. its pointless buying a car if bits have been cut out that you'll have to put back in!
also, do the modifications already done fit in with your direction for the car? if not you'd be as well buying a stocker and modding it to your own taste, wouldn't you?
*phew* I think that'll do for tonight!!
its all got quite heavy already hasn't it, and we've not even bought anything yet!!
let me know what you think so far, and if it all makes sense, etc.
ile be adding more to this pretty soon, covering the next issues- skills, automotive engineering theory, themes and styles, and the fun bit- buying stuff!!
so there you have it, if youre on-board, your homework assignment is decide what you want to build within your budget, and get on the ACE website and gen-up on the new IVA rules!!
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