Tips for Buying Used Hot Rods

Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we get asked a lot about what makes a good hot rod. While every hot rod is specifically modified to enhance speed and performance, not every hot rod is a good buy. This is especially true for car buyers who want a vehicle that's a touch vintage on the outside, but still has the capacity to be a stunning vehicle underneath the hood. The older the car, the more likely you are to run into trouble. The following are a few of our biggest tips to help steer you away from money pit vehicles and towards promising classic cars and hot rods:

4 Tips for Purchasing Classic Hot Rods

1. Stick to the desert and plains areas. You know what they say: it's all about location, location, location. In terms of car buying, you will have better luck with a vehicle from Las Vegas instead of Houston, because desert-based cars are much less likely to have excessive (and expensive) body and component rot. Of course, no matter where you buy, you'll want a full inspection for body rot, with a particular focus on the underside of the vehicle.
2. Consider the long-term costs of American vs. European cars. There are exceptions to every rule, but in general, European cars offer a higher long-term value, but replacement parts will be more expensive and harder to find. In contrast, an American hot rod may have a lower valuation, but it will be much easier and more affordable to build it up to become the performance car of your dreams.
3. Drive it (preferably with a mechanic friend). While this may seem like obvious advice, we get a lot of business from clients who simply fell in love with a vehicle from photos on the internet and had to own it, only to end up disappointed. We get it -- we've done it ourselves! -- but when looking for a quality hot rod that you want to invest time and money into, love at first sight is not always the best guide. Instead, we suggest doing whatever you can to test-drive the vehicle first. Never buy a project vehicle if you don't enjoy how it acts from the driver's seat. The goal with hot rod restoration is to enhance, not completely change. You should also grab a mechanic-minded friend for a second opinion, and keep your eyes and ears open for things like odd vibrations or sluggish gear shifts.
4. Don't be shy -- be thorough. Restoring classic hot rods is a major investment of time, money, and energy. Even if you partner with an experienced hot rod shop like ours, your car is still your baby, so it's a good idea to understand your project timeline and estimated restoration costs so you don't become overwhelmed. Know what you can expect from the start by being thorough with the buying process. Ask questions and investigate any questions you have (such as differing VIN numbers) before you buy.

Interested in restoring your hot rod purchase? Contact CHRA today.