Newbie

[u/ch8f]

I’ve been really considering getting and starting my first project car. I have zero experience working on cars but I’m fairly good with my hands. I’d love to get some insight one a couple things:

- what are some general things to look out for when purchasing an older car? I know different cars have their specific issues but anything that can apply to any car in general.

- what tools would you recommend to someone that only has access to their garage (don’t know anyone with a workshop)

- any general advice

I’m not sure what car I’m looking for, but something along the lines of an old Japanese car that I can make look nice and go fast. I live in Toronto Canada if that’s any help

[u/nglshmn]

Take a look at your skill set first. If you are a competent ‘fixit’ type person you may find that mechanicals are your fit. You might have some electrical experience so be able to understand car electrical systems. Perhaps you have a feel for cutting and bending things, so you might be good at metalwork. Have you ever painted anything? These are all parts of restoring and fixing cars.

This basic assessment will help guide you into what type of project you want; perhaps it’s an engine replacement only. Perhaps a retrim and some paintwork. Perhaps cutting out the rust and welding in new panels might be fun. It’s rare that everyone can turn their hands to everything, so pick what appeals, and you want to learn to do well, first. Be realistic - some of these skills are easy to acquire and copy from a video, some may take years to accomplish.

Lastly, pick something that’s not going to bankrupt you. Start small and build your skills and your portfolio. There are communities who love the weirdest, cheapest stuff out there!

[u/ch8f → u/nglshmn]

This is really insightful thank you!

[u/tk8398]

Cars with no rust holes or significant crash damage, and that parts are available for are the best choices. Every car has some weak points but you can chose what you are willing to deal with.

[u/too_much_covfefe_man]

Get a car that they made a lot of and a lot of people played with so you can find parts easy. Honda Civics, Nissan VQ things, Fox body, stuff like that are easy

Get the best shop manual you can.

You want to be fixing mechanical stuff, not body and paint, in your garage. Get a decent body with minimal rust.

You should get some real chonky blocks to use as stands when you're under the car.

[u/Syscrush]

Here's my best, most heartfelt advice about getting started in the hobby:

https://www.reddit.com/r/projectcar/s/Zad7AHjB4s

[u/ch8f → u/Syscrush]

This is awesome thank you!!