Classic Car Rebuild?

[Burchamj]

Hey all. It's been a little while since I've posted anything on INGO, but I am looking into picking up a new hobby. I am looking for a car to fix up. I am interested in the 50's and 60's era of muscle cars, but I am also looking at that era because of the simplicity of the vehicles. I'm no mechanic, but I want to learn more about vehicles. I am in no means going to fully restore an old car back to factory, but I would rather just build it into what I want it to be. I had been looking at the 2nd gen chargers but can't find any without making a long trip out of it. And I've also been looking at the early 70's mustangs but haven't found much either. Anyone that has done this type of thing, is there anywhere in particular you search to try and find a good car to fix up or is it just luck of the draw? Also, is there any advice you would give to someone new at this? I've been searching all of the online car sites, but they only have fully restored cars for $40k or more. I'm fine with it not having an engine or transmission as I want this to be a learning experience and I am fully prepared to struggle with it. My biggest worry is gonna be major body rust or frame damage as I know that is gonna be a big price to fix. Thanks for any tips anyone can give me.

 

[femurphy77]

Check out the burnouts for distance thread, quite a few gearheads in that one. I'm currently working on 3; a 66 mustang, a 63 galaxie fastback and an 89 mustang gt convertible. I don't really consider the last one a true classic but it does meet the definition of at least 25 years old.

Burnouts for distance

 

[femurphy77]

If you're new to the hobby with that budget I'd suggest just buying a finished project or a nice original and make it your own. Chargers under 20k are a bad project investment waiting to suck your will to live and your bank account.

Nice mustangs of early 70's vintage are a relative steel: https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/d/monroe-1973-mustang-mach-1-code/7069501564.html

 

[KJQ6945]

Like Femurphy said, buy something closer to done. You will still spend as much time working on it as driving it. It will be a labor of love though. A project car will steal your soul and most of your money.

 

[churchmouse]

Like Femurphy said, buy something closer to done. You will still spend as much time working on it as driving it. It will be a labor of love though. A project car will steal your soul and most of your money.

Oh yeah...….

When you make this journey you need to seek out like minded people with skills that will either share knowledge/help and basically develop a support group.
Tools/skills/shop space/tools/skills repeat.

 

[boogieman]

Most "project" grade vehicles in this part of the country are going to have rust issues. If you want a clean rust free project car you will need to go to the desert southwest (west Texas, southern New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Cali). Both of mine came from southern New Mexico and are basically rust free. Up here the salt and humidity kill those era of cars if not left alone.

 

[gregkl]

It's a fun hobby but these days you will either get a car with plenty of rust (which for me is a deal stopper) or like Boogieman says you will need to travel. I travel on business a lot and even in the south, there is too much rust. Out west is your best bet.

I have done cars from the ground up and basic rebuilds. My next one will be an 80%'r that I can mostly just tinker with; re-paint an alternator bracket, detail the undercarriage and engine compartment, polish, tires, exhaust, whatever. No more frame off stuff.

I don't know your age or financial situation, but project cars can be a huge time and money suck. There are a lot of people out there with partially done cars sitting in a garage or worse sitting outside. The owner put a bunch of money into it initially, then realized it wasn't for him or he can't afford and now it sits. It doesn't bring him any happiness and he can't get his money back. If you are going to do this, look for this car.

 

[Mongo59]

Try Butch's Classics in Shoals, Indiana.

He is on the east side of town and has what seems like an unlimited supply.

These cars were bought years ago and stuffed in barns and warehouses around the state and are now being brought out and sold.

 

[churchmouse]

OP......your choices are going to automatically put you the High money bracket.
Best bet is start to frequent some auctions. The cars are on display for you to look them over. Meet the owners if possible as they tend to stay close.
Many cars will be on the block in different stages of completion due to lack of interests/funds/insane spousal involvement etc. The early days of a Mechum show will have these cars on the block. Or late Sunday.

Mustangs and Chargers demand big money. And take big money to re-build. They all take big money but some is "Bigger" than others.

 

[boogieman]

I just saw that Christys auction house on the south side of Indy is going to be selling some this Wednesday. They have a couple of camaros a nova a 64 elcamino a 55 chevy 210 and a couple others. Might want to check it out.

 

[Bennettjh]

Here's my '64 El Camino. Started with frame and a shell of a body. It took 4 years and not sure about money. Really don't want to know. The car has been in my family since I was little and I love it. It takes a lot of time but it's enjoyable. You'll know every inch of the car when you're done.

 

[bobzilla]

Buy it done. It’s not an easy chore. It’s definitely a passion project.

 

[gregkl]

Here's my '64 El Camino. Started with frame and a shell of a body. It took 4 years and not sure about money. Really don't want to know. The car has been in my family since I was little and I love it. It takes a lot of time but it's enjoyable. You'll know every inch of the car when you're done.

That is really sharp! I like the lines, paint and wheels. Nice work! Please tell that is not a high mount stop lamp in your rear window though!

 

[Bennettjh]

That is really sharp! I like the lines, paint and wheels. Nice work! Please tell that is not a high mount stop lamp in your rear window though!

Thank you. Yes it is a brake light. The single 1157 in each taillight does leave a little to be desired. People are used to seeing big LED brake lights so it's just an added measure. I shopped around to find just the right light though.

 

[churchmouse]

Thank you. Yes it is a brake light. The single 1157 in each taillight does leave a little to be desired. People are used to seeing big LED brake lights so it's just an added measure. I shopped around to find just the right light though.

OK that is just nice. Period.

 

[gregkl]

Thank you. Yes it is a brake light. The single 1157 in each taillight does leave a little to be desired. People are used to seeing big LED brake lights so it's just an added measure. I shopped around to find just the right light though.

Yeah, that's cool. I was just having some fun. That is the type of look I like. Stock bodies, nice paint, nice wheels. Keep it simple. Very understated awesomeness!

I am on a continual search for my vehicle for my retirement years (still about 10 years out). I have thought often about an El Camino. I would have a cool ride, but could haul some stuff if necessary.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Thank you. Yes it is a brake light. The single 1157 in each taillight does leave a little to be desired. People are used to seeing big LED brake lights so it's just an added measure. I shopped around to find just the right light though.

I don't blame you for the extra "self defense", but unless they're looking up from their phones, will it really matter?

Gorgeous car btw.

One of my favorite tv shows is "Counting Cars". Now granted, they usually go way above and beyond a simple restore, but I'm still just amazed at what they can do with some of the stuff they start with. Of course I'm sure having a syndicated tv show, casino contracts and being able to get the prices they do for the stuff they sell probably helps.

 

[churchmouse]

This is our 64. Frame off. All after market suspension. Super charged BB Chev.

It was pretty quick.

You can see the huge sway bar under the back. Car handled extremely well.

 

[Bennettjh]

OK that is just nice. Period.

Yeah, that's cool. I was just having some fun. That is the type of look I like. Stock bodies, nice paint, nice wheels. Keep it simple. Very understated awesomeness!

I am on a continual search for my vehicle for my retirement years (still about 10 years out). I have thought often about an El Camino. I would have a cool ride, but could haul some stuff if necessary.

I agree, keep it simple. Nothing flashy.

I don't blame you for the extra "self defense", but unless they're looking up from their phones, will it really matter?

Gorgeous car btw.

One of my favorite tv shows is "Counting Cars". Now granted, they usually go way above and beyond a simple restore, but I'm still just amazed at what they can do with some of the stuff they start with. Of course I'm sure having a syndicated tv show, casino contracts and being able to get the prices they do for the stuff they sell probably helps.

Thanks. Those guys usually go all out and they look nice no doubt. Money and manpower always help.

 

[Bennettjh]

This is our 64. Frame off. All after market suspension. Super charged BB Chev.

It was pretty quick.

You can see the huge sway bar under the back. Car handled extremely well.

That is sharp. Not too many '64's around. I would imagine it was a tight fit getting a big-block in between those rails. My small-block with regular hooker headers is extremely close to the upper control arm mount studs.

They do handle surprisingly well. So many aftermarket parts for A-bodies, you can make it drive like a new car.