Overhaulin'

classic car restoration?

Hi, my name is blaze and my dream is to own a classic car. When I first started looking i wanted a 67 mustang fastback like the one from gone in 60 seconds but that was pretty much shot down because of money. Even a 67 not running and has a lot of rust was like 6000 well for a fastback. I almost got a coupe that was not running but just needed a few things like a new carborator and other stuff and one little spot of rust for only 3500 I thought the guy was crazy but I didn't want to argue with him ha ha .So now my first question: since the mustang is not affordable, what is a cheaper way to go for a stylish, affordable classic car. I also have been looking for a old firebird , trans am and camaro like 69-74, also I would like to add that I want to drive this car everywhere. I wouldn'd just keep it in my garage and only drive it one day a week. Also if you know what kind of engines these cars have . and which is the best for them for,MPG,price,performance. one last question I am not that mechanical I mean I have been toying around with my little POC dodge neon but i hate it! it doesnt work well and its always dieing and I pretty much know every part of an engine and their purpose and how engines work, but not how to install or uninstall them.one last question, is there like kits for the unexpienced for like engine where they send all the parts to build and engine from scratch and drop it in my 74 trans am or maybe camaro.thanks for all the help

Public Comments

1. can I ask how old you are?? didn't your father teach you anything? or was the tv on that day?? I am the father of 4 boys and they new all of the question that you asked by the time they were 10.. what a shame.. as far as getting a classic car my friend,, buy it already done. cuz. if you dint know anything about cars. you will never ever get the thing restored.. I just completed a 73 vette,, have over 25000 dollars into it,, will never get a return on the money. but it does look nice. my next project is a 75 jeep cj 5.. gonna be a looker,, lots and lots of dollars.. what I am trying to tell you is, the best place to do what you want to do,,, is save your money and go to car shows with auctions. sometime,, you can get a pretty good deal there..
2. If you keep your eyes open and check the newspaper daily, and there are other publications and web sites you can check to find good deals on just about anything you are looking for. But, you have to be patient. The Camaro and the Firebird are just as coveted as the mustang, so they will cost just as much. Any automotive repair shop can perform the work you require, but it won't be cheep. There are shop manuals that can help you do it yourself, and Hot Rod magazine is a good resource. You can order crate motors and install kits also, Jegs, Summit are just a couple of examples, and you can find them online also. Early chevy novas and dodge dusters can be a cheeper version of classic hotrods.
3. Prepare to drop some $$$. I own a 72 Cutlass and have had since 2003 when I graduated high school paid $2400 running, but not daily driving condition. I also had some experience working on cars with my grandpa and learned enough to keep it going as a daily driver but have yet to fully restore it. I also have a passion for classic american cars and that's what kept me going strong. My car gets around 16 mpg w/350 olds rocket/ GM TH350 tranny. Everything bone stock. You have good taste in cars Blaze, but restoring a car takes time, money and dedication. Learn as much as you can, hands-on experience is great. My car is reliable and never lets me down, but I care for it almost every week and take care of her very well. I'd buy something that is in good daily driving condition so that you can get a feel for things. I had some great experience with GM classics, but don't know Fords all that well.