Tips For Selecting Your First Project Car

First project cars can either be the most rewarding or most frustrating of hobbies and project experiences. At Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, project cars of all shapes and sizes are our passion. We love the history of old cars and transforming projects into works of art. Taking on a project car is an outstanding way to express yourself and at the end, you will have something cool and beautiful to show off and use in a very direct way.

However, you also want there to be an end to the project, and not one that comes after years upon years of money and rebuilds until there is nothing left of that original vehicle. First project cars should have strong bones and require just a touch of work so you can get on with enjoying the final result (and nurture that rebuild bug to get you quickly on the way to your next vehicle). Before you buy, consider the following key tips for selecting your first project car:

Tips for Selecting Your First Project Car

1. Inspect for rust. Rust and corrosion are the number one killer of vintage vehicles. While a pro automotive restoration shop like ours is equipped with the tools and knowledge to replace and repair rusted out body panels and corroded engine parts, you don't want to have to replace the entire vehicle. So when researching cars to buy, bring a mechanic to inspect everywhere for rust before you start talking numbers (or falling in love).
2. Pick something useful. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but you are more likely to enjoy a project car if is both useful and differs from your other vehicle or vehicles. This is because we all only have so much money and time to invest in a vehicle and so best to do so in something that has a practical purpose once it's finished. For example, already have a pickup truck? Then go for a vintage Ford Mustang. Have a coupe as your daily driver? Then say hello to a vintage Ford Country Squire Station Wagon. At the same time, don't just go for utilitarian. Buy a project car that makes you smile like a kid with a crisp $100 in a candy shop.
3. Know your limitations. One of the biggest mistakes hobby newcomers make is not knowing their limitations. Note that everyone has limitations just as they have the specific areas they excel at. Even at our shop, we have experts who excel at custom paint jobs and we have ones who work magic on enginerestorations. Choose a project car that needs work you either feel comfortable with or one in which you can work with an experienced team such as ourselves with. At least when it comes to the tasks you aren't sure about.

Contact Us at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice to Learn More

Have questions about a specific project car you are either looking at?Contact us at 512-843-5890 and let's get started today!