Overhaulin'

I've always wanted to restore a classic car... but how?

I love the classic muscle cars (60's and 70's camero's, chevelle's etc...) and I've always wanted to buy one of these cars and restore it myself on weekends. Only problem - I'm not very mechanically inclined. I mean, I've done minor things myself like oil changes and tire rotations, but noting huge like restoration. First question - what is a good "starter" car to get my feet wet and isn't too expensive to restore, and is somewhat easy to work on. Second question - what websites would you recommend to learn from? I'll be moving in a few months and will have a place to work on a car, so I'd like to purchase one (around 5,000 bucks?) and slowly work on it on weekends... any suggestions on where to start? What cars to consider? Cars to avoid? My wife also thinks I can't do this, so I want to prove her wrong. No rust - thanks. I was thinking about getting a car that at least runs (or close to it.) No hurry to complete project. I was thinking about handing the car down to my son, or have him help me build it as we go, once he's old enough.

Public Comments

1. man... I've seen a LOT of incomplete projects sold because some one decided to buy the car and then learn what to do with it. i would start out with helping your buddy with his restoration. and once you've seen the bull he goes through for each trim piece, you might change your mind. and yeah, i know its not that helpful of an answer... but if you take the advice and wait till your ready, its a VERY helpful answer
2. It's a lot of work and when your done you have a car that you will hardly drive and can't leave it out without you being able to see it all the time
3. the camaro is a good car to restore. so are earlier mustangs. anything that has alot of aftermaket support. where to start..disassembly; use a camcorder while doiing this so you remember where everything goes, and for documentation when you're ready to sell i'd stay away from rust, you need to cut it out and weld i new metal. avoid rust and convertibles as first time cars; the older convertibles liked to sag which car mean a huge problem when trying to line up sheetmetal. get a subscription to hotrod or similar magazine, they have great tech articles. try to find an origional car