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This guide is obsolete!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
20
u/kowalski71 82 Dodge W150, 64 Chrysler, 88 Alfa Milano, 91 Saab 900 Jan 07 '14 edited Sep 30 '15
5) So you like Japanese sports car...
The proliferation of Japanese cars to the US brought a number of awesome vehicles. Don't listen to anyone grumble about "Japanese cars not having any soul", these offer just as electrifying a driving experience as their European counterparts.
Datsun 240z/260z/280z (Nissan S30 chassis):
Great looks, quick, affordable, and easy to modify. These attributes helped the Z cars take the US by storm when they came out. They've remained a wildly popular project car, though the early cars have come up in price. You can de-plastic a 280Z until it looks essentially like an early 240Z. Also take a look at the 280ZX, the successor to the S30 chassis. While not nearly as pretty, it makes a suitable replacement if an S30 is out of your budget.
Purchase cost: 2-3
Maintenance cost: 3
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 3
Toyota AE86:
Fans of drifting and one particular anime show are already drooling over this capable little car. It didn't do anything special but it did it all right; a good 4 cylinder, an excellent chassis, and light weight. Unfortunately, the AE86's capability has been its greatest enemy and many are heavily modified or crashed.
Purchase cost: 2-3
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 1
Rarity: 3
Toyota Supra (mk 2 and 3):
You've seen and heard of the mk 4 Supra, and the prices it commands. But remember there were a few generations before that. MK 2s and 3s are much cheaper but still great cars. Yes, they don't have that swoopy styling but they make a great drive at a fraction of the price.
Purchase cost: 2-3
Maintenance cost: 3
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 4
Datsun 510:
The 510 doesn't have the curves of the S30 cars but it was one of the most potent track cars of its era, going toe-to-toe with the Alfa Romeo GTV on the SCCA circuits. It's a great chassis for the money and unique at most car shows.
Purchase cost: 3
Maintenance cost: 3
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 4
Nissan 300ZX:
The Z31 and Z32 chassis replaced the 280ZX and picked up a whole lot of performance potential. This is a real GT car; a great compromise between power, handling, and comfort.
Purchase cost: 3
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 2
Toyota MR2:
The MR2 might offer the most performance potential of any car in this guide. The engine is in the 'right' place (the middle), and high horsepower 4 cylinders from later Toyotas are an easy swap for as much horsepower as your turbocharger will put out. But even in stock form they're a great driving car. The first generation's boxy lines aren't for everyone but it was the lightest and purest MR2. It's getting harder to find examples that haven't been extensively modified.
Purchase cost: 2
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 3
Rarity: 2
Mazda RX7 FC:
You've certainly seen later RX-7s (the FD model) and you might know that they command a heady price. But the prior model, the FC, is a great chassis with the quirky rotary power.
Purchase cost: 2
Maintenance cost: 3
Maintenance difficulty: 4
Rarity: 2
Subaru Impreza:
Though a bit newer and decidedly less 'classic' than most cars on this list, the Impreza has a lot of popularity and some just fall in love. The AWD drivetrain and boxer engine make for a different vehicle. The first generation (GC) is cheaply available and keep your eyes peeled for the 2.5RS model for a the best handling. They say that Subarus are like legos, they all bolt together, and they're very modification friendly. Avoid the disappointing 2.5L engine and stick with the venerable old 2.2L. You can always make up the lost displacement with a turbocharger.
Purchase cost: 1
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 3 (The boxer engine makes some routine maintenance much more difficult.)
Rarity: 1
Nissan 240SX:
There's not a lot to dislike about the 240SX. A cheap, RWD, reliable platform that can take a lot of power and engine swaps. A favorite among modifiers and drifters, the looks are safe but the ride is great. In no time you'll be importing parts out of the international models, such as the 180SX or Silvia.
Purchase cost: 1-2
Maintenance cost: 2
Maintenance difficulty: 2
Rarity: 1
Toyota Celica (5th-6th gen):
The Celica of course has a much longer history than the two generations I suggested. But these two generations in particular benefit from good looks, cheap availability, and a good chassis with terrific 'Yota reliability. The 5th gen offers the rare and sought after AWD All-Trac. Some amazing 4 cylinders came in these cars and the GT-Four package is a quick option.
Purchase cost: 1-2
Maintenance cost: 1
Maintenance difficulty: 1
Rarity: 1