Advice to a young hot rodder

[dieselgeek]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

I vote for the truck v8 swap. how mechanical are you? you can put together something very quick, very inexpensively.

Well im sure im an beginner compared to most on this site, but ive been working on cars in my shop class for the past three years. I am state certified in Engine Repair, Steering and Front End, as well as Brakes. I have helped pull an engine out of a Chevelle (and i dissasembled it) as well as a 73 Camaro. I have also rebuilt an engine for an '83 Escort 1.9 L.

So not all that amazing compared to what some of you guys do, but i can normally figure stuff out

in my opinion, you have a great head start!

[STINEY]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

I agree with all the input so far - but want to add a more general "life situation" point of view.

Don't go through life waiting for a better opportunity.......take the one in front of you and do your best with it. And when that one is over guess what? Usually another opportunity presents itself.
Just be prepared to recognize your opportunities when they present themselves and you'll do OK.

My experience anyways.

Good luck with your decision ;)

Later

Chris

[KeithTurk]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Chris... that is truly Great advice...

Keith

[Fordplay0621]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Check out the website

https://www.jagsthatrun.com

JTR covers V8 Conversions for all types of cars. Especially the S10 truck conversions. I used thier Motor mounts and part numbers when I built my 1994 S10 and it helped alot. The books they have also have templates that you can use to build brackets and Tranny mounts. There will be Cooling issues you may run up against. I used the Electric fans and moved the Radiator Brackets forward to gain extra room so I could use a short shaft or long shaft Water Pump. Header selection, and Trans Tunnel modifications are covered to. I also used a Remote Oil Cooler and Dual Oil Filter setup to help with the Cooling.

I like the Datsun, Volvo and Jag conversions too.
Hope this helps a bit.

[HoosierGTA]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Still recommend waiting for the camaro .Most of the best opportunities I my life are missed because I bought what I thought was a deal and then found a better one shortly there after.Now if your going to do the s-10 thing fine you'll have a blast. People you don't even know will come up and ask "whats in that thing " at gas stations and stuff if you have turbo mufflers or flowmasters # 40s Deffinitely get the jtr book

[shaggn]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Whatever you decide/whenever you decide to do it,make sure it's what you like.Don't rush out and buy it because time says you can,sometime waiting brings along a project you like.Also,check into insurance costs of projects as well!That can change drastically up here for young drivers.Last of all,use the opportunity as others have said to share the project with Dad,even if it's only in conversations,and not hands on.My Dads involvement was similar,and made me the gear head I enjoy today!!Good luck however it works out.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

I recommend a different hobby :D
thak god my parents were patient when I was a kid , but , if they saw the stuff we did when they were on vacation .........cutting torches snuck into the house , parting cars out on the manicured lawn , good thing they had a house and a yard , I would not have a race shop to experiment in
it takes a lot of work , and investment , and experience to build cars , the best way to get experience is not to spend 30 g at one of the auto diploma mills that have you in book learnin , the best way is to pick a car and learn as much as you can , online , dang , there is lot of guys here to ask , and buy serv manuals .
and don't work as a mechanic , you would never afford to have a hot rod with the crappy pay
so , keep up on your studies , go to college , get a good job , and you and your pops can spend quality time , building a project car

[OldUsedParts]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

My $0.02 - - if it connects you and your Dad, then any decision is the RIGHT ONE 8)

[fahrenschnell]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

My $0.02 - - if it connects you and your Dad, then any decision is the RIGHT ONE 8)

AMEN.

[Woodward_Dreams]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Thank you all for your help and comments. Im going out of town for a week (i leave saturday), so im not going to rush out and make a decision right away.

And for the connecting with my dad- he has always supported me and working on cars. This project will be no different. Although he isnt the most hands on type of guy, i we always talk about what im planning to do. He's taught me a lot about life.

Again thanks for the input. Ill be sure to let you guys know what happens.... every step of the way

[min301]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Just remember, I'm just over in Lansing, should you need a hand on something.

[Woodward_Dreams]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Thanks min301

Actually my sister lives there too. I can make it there in 40 minutes.... crap i didnt say that....i meant 55 minutes.... :D

[RickSSR]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

My $0.02 - - if it connects you and your Dad, then any decision is the RIGHT ONE 8)

AMEN.

Ditto.....

RickSSR 8)

[DanStokes]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

I had a dad that fought my "car thing" every step of the way. He just didn't get it. I'm so happy for you that yours in on board with you and ready to have fun with you.

Something that no one mentioned - your first build (assume that there will be many more) is a learning experience. When it's "done" (which is a relative term - they're never truly done), you'll see a thousand things you wish you had done differently. Because of this, I often suggest to beginners that their first build doesn't have to be their ultimate dream car. This is the one to learn on. That said, beat on it until YOU are proud of it, even if it isn't perfect. Your self pride is the ultimate goal for any project. And don't worry too much about everyone else's opinion - you are the one who has to like it, and to hell with "Them".

And Have FUN!!!!
Dan

[grancuda]

Re: Advice to a young hot rodder

Why not go with a '60s or '70s muscle car? I don't personally care for the mini trucks(s10 / ranger) w/ V8 conversions, for one thing, they don't hook up. You can get a good old Dart/Nova/Firebird or any old muscle car for a decent price. When I bought my car I have now I could have bought another '69 Dart complete less motor/tranny for $500 and it was a clean rust free car. Deals are out there, don't settle because you think older car is going to too high of price. Also, the older cars are easier to work on to because they are built way more simple and they can be very dependable, I drive my '71 GMC daily and have no issues with it.