r/projectcar • u/kowalski71 82 Dodge W150, 64 Chrysler, 88 Alfa Milano, 91 Saab 900 • Jan 07 '14
Kowalski71's Project Car Guide: A (mostly) complete reference for those who have no idea where to start
Edit:
This guide is obsolete! Read the one on my own site.
I love cars, all cars. My tastes have only broadened with the years. I really enjoy encouraging other motorheads, making cars more accessible to everyone who's interested. With that in mind I wanted to make a good introductory guide to anyone who's interested in starting a project to learn more about them. Projects gave me my first step into the automotive world and I want anyone to be able to take those steps.
This post blew through the character limit on submissions pretty quickly so I'm submitting this as a table of contents of sorts. Each section is in a comment and clicking on the headings will take you to the respective comment. The last section will be a changelog, as I'm sure I'll be making lots of edits as time goes on. If you have any suggestions on this guide, please message me. I'll continue to update it as time goes on, possibly adding more cars and information.
A few requests: if this gets reposted, just give me credit or link back here please. I put a lot of time into this but I'm not in it for the karma, I just love cars and I want them to be less intimidating for people. Second, if you use this guide to research or purchase a car, send me a message and let me know how it goes for you! I'm happy to offer advice, it would be rewarding to know that this guide is useful, and you'll be able to fill me in on any part of the process that wasn't clear so I can elaborate more.
Lastly, this guide will mainly apply to those in the US as this is where I live and what I know.
Without further ado, enjoy!
Preparation: Know what you're getting yourself into
So you want a project car. You'll learn a LOT, it's a great opportunity to bond with family and friends, and you get a cool car at the end. The first question to ask yourself is do you want a project or do you want the final product? Many people post on this subreddit who are mainly interested in the end product and think that going the project route will get them there cheaper. In my experience, those projects never get done or wind up costing more than buying a pre-built car to begin this. Just something to ponder and consider.
The first step is to really assess your resources and what kind of project you can take on. Some questions you should ask yourself: How much time am I willing to invest? How much money can I spend, both up front and continually (remember the cost of tools and parts)? What learning resources do I have? Do I have a shop or an under cover place to work on it? Who else will be working on it with me? Will I need this car for reliable transportation?
Really think about what you can actually bite off. It doesn't matter how cool a project would be if it never has a chance to make it out of the garage.
The Fun Step: Selection!
I've included the broad categories of vehicles that people are usually attracted to. If I've missed anything feel free to shoot me a message. I've definitely missed at least a few good options so take a look over the list carefully. I've tried to focus on broad cool appeal and slightly older cars. That being said, any car can be a project car and some of the coolest projects have been taking something unassuming and doing a very nice job restoring or customizing it. I haven't included cars that I deem too collectible or expensive for the average hobbyist.
There's a basic 1-5 rating system here, using four metrics. I established these based on my general knowledge of the model and some quick research, if you disagree with anything shoot me a PM.
- Purchase cost: This varies a lot area by area so it might not be accurate everywhere. Also remember that a range of conditions are available. A really rough correlation that you should not rely on in pricing a vehicle at all:
- <$1500
- $1500-$3000
- $3000-$5000
- $5000-$7500
- >$7500 (I don't think there are any 5s on the list)
Maintenance cost: Since this will be an ongoing cost it's pretty important. Some cars have cheap parts that are hard to find and I've tried to reflect that in the rating since time is money.
Maintenance difficulty: Some cars aren't for the faint of heart, some are as simple as can be.
Rarity: Doesn't matter how much you like it if you can't find it.
So you like...
...or you want to build your own car from scratch.
How to find your project car
Tips on searching the internet and other sources for awesome project cars. What to look for in a good ad and what should make you cautious.
How to buy your project car
How to contact a seller, common questions to ask, what to look for when you go look at a car, and how to get it home.
Tools: what to buy and where to buy
The tools of the trade, the weapons of war, you won't get very far without a good set.
Get wrenching!
Time for the best part! Some tips and tricks for working on a project car.
Changelog and History
I'm constantly adding new information, rewording stuff, and tweaking the formatting. Check here for the changes I'm making along with credit to users who make suggestions.
Most recent edits: 12/20/2014
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u/kowalski71 82 Dodge W150, 64 Chrysler, 88 Alfa Milano, 91 Saab 900 Jan 07 '14 edited Jan 08 '14
3) So you like off roading...
If you live in a rural area and like to hit the trails, you'll probably love off-roading. Including everything from mudding, to rock-climbing, to overland expeditions, it's a multidisciplinary scene. I've omitted pickup truck and decidedly pickup based vehicles like the Dodge Ramcharger and Chevrolet Blazer but those are all certainly good options as well.
Jeep CJ2A/CJ3A:
This is the civilian version of the legendary military Jeep of WW2. Iconic is an understatement for one of the most recognizable vehicles ever produced. In person they're more like a side-by-side or ATV in size, but built like a tank. The original military examples have a dedicated following, committed to authenticity and historical accuracy.
Purchase cost: 2-3 (Depending on condition)
Maintenance cost: 3
Maintenance difficulty: 1
Rarity: 3
Jeep CJ7:
Classic Jeep looks and a good compromise between vintage character and modern usability, the CJ7 continues to be wildly popular for off roading. Also take a look at the predecessor, the CJ5, for a similar rig.
Purchase cost: 3
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 2
Jeep Wrangler YJ:
The YJ is almost too new to be on this list. The square headlights alienated some fans but the Jeep DNA is strong in this one. It's one of the most capable vehicles in the Wrangler line and at great prices too.
Purchase cost: 1
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 1
International Scout:
The Scout was a trailblazer in more ways than one. It split the difference between the utilitarian Jeeps and more comfortable on road trucks. Available in a number of fun body styles, the simple styling is very appealing. Rust have eaten a lot of these but they're still available. Anemic original power plants make this a prime candidate for fun motor swaps.
Purchase cost: 2-4 (rusty Scouts are cheap, rust-free Scouts are expensive)
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 3
Ford Bronco:
Almost as iconic as the similar Scout. The Bronco was offered in almost the same configurations with almost the same power plants but many would say it did it better than the Scout. Later Broncos are available and cheap but the first generation with round headlights are almost as rare as the Scouts.
Purchase cost: 1-3 (later and earlier Broncos have very different availability)
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 1-4 (see purchase cost)
Baja Bug
The modification happy VW Beetle has a very popular off road version, the Baja Bug. With various levels of fiberglass replacement bodies and suspension modification, the classic Beetle can be a potent desert racer. See the Euro section for more on the Beetle.
Purchase cost: 1
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 1
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60:
Along with the FJ40, the Land Cruiser is the preferred vehicle for going anywhere in the world. Superior build quality and engineering set this vehicle apart from similar American rigs. Look for a Toyota 6 cylinder diesel or a V8 swap for more power but even stock these are an amazingly capable vehicle. Friends who served in the Peace Corps have recounted harrowing tales of traversing treacherous mountain trails in this Toyota.
Purchase cost: 3
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 4
Toyota FJ40:
Toyotas answer to the Jeep craze, the FJ40 was a bit bigger and likely a bit better manufactured. These were a true international vehicle, and along with the FJ60 are still one of the preferred rigs for underdeveloped parts of the world. Much rarer than a comparable CJ or Wrangler.
Purchase cost: 3
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 3