[TOTALNOVICE]

I have been in love with cars since before i could walk, but because of the town i live in, there hasnt been much chance to expand my knowledge, so if i want to learn anything new im stuck with the net for now..Anything with 4 wheels gets my attention from strip cars, to drag, to street, but i will take a V8 american over an import anyday of the week. I am still interested in learning about about both and although i know most of the learning is done hands on, im looking for as much help as possible.....if you can help me then please, post any replies or mail me : chrisgnr@hotmail.com......Thanks

[Dave E Shank]

Total: Hang in there, most have learned by doing. I would tinker with anything that had a engine like a lawn mower, motor bike. Read a lot of magazines, Car Craft is good because they do a lot of hands on articles for low budget. Maybe try to find and old car for cheap $$ any just start playing around with different componets. Try to find a six cylinder without much extra equipment and try to keep it simple and stay posted here. GOOD LUCK Dave E Shank davesr@trianglesalesusa.com

[TOTALNOVICE]

Dave Thanks for the pointers, sounds like a good way to start so i will definately use em

p.s keep them coming people, i appreciate this alot

[bullheimer]

subscribe to rags, spend a 1/2 hour a day on this site, read a book on rodding engines, go hang with somebody who has a hot car who might live around you are need some help. find somebody with a pile of old crap engines laying around an see if they care if you look thru it or take them apart, walk thru junk yards and you can see every engine made is some state of disassembly. i wouldn't waste time with high dollar parts stories, e.g. hot rods "bolt on 750 Horsepower" article that consists of one part a $15,000US Hemi engine. Yeah, i know, what's a hemi. gotta go

[HotRodS10]

I think bullheimer hit the nail on the head but you might want to also check out a few car shows (if there are any in your area) because not only will you see some hot cars but the guys that are showing them are usually more than willing to tell you, in detail, everything that they have done to their rod (ask questions as they go). It will also fuel your fire and make you want to build something of your own. Ever hear the old phrase "if it aint broke, dont fix it"....well, you'll find that rule doesnt exist in hotrodding. Dont be afraid to dive right in head first, but beware...its addictive. Later, HRS10

[72 chevy]

Came to the right place, T.N. This site is a great source of information! There are many very talented and friendly people here. Find a buddy in your area that has a cool ride, someone who is good with machines, any true rodder will help you out. Dont feel like your asking a dumb question, your learning.Read, wrench, read, wrench, read, wrench, repeat after me! How are ya on tools? For now, dont go with an ultra-high dollar name, just use good judgement.

[ June 26, 2002: Message edited by: 72 chevy ]</p>

[chevyelc81]

My advice is to buy some old car with a v8 in it. it doesn't have to be too old but try to avoid engines with a lot of computer crap in them. I just turned an 87 firechicken with a 2.8 liter into a firebird with a 5.7 litre 350. and it wasn't too bad but i got wires up the ying yang hangin around in the engine compartment. so buy a car and a book on it and just rip it apart and figure out how to put it back together. make sure you buy it cheap. just in case you screw it up. It would help if you had a friend or something that is knowledgable about cars to help you. I learned buy helping my friend and getting my hands dirty. hope i could help

[78 monte]

I say get a V8 $50 wonder and a few books.Take it apart and w/ the help of the books learn the workings of the car,engine etc...Don't be afraid to Ask Qs

TotNov, I came from a small town myself so I know first hand what you are talking about. There must be a garage somewhere near you or at least a service station where you can hang out, maybe even work there, what a bountiful supply of knowledge you have at your fingertips.

When I was 15 yrs. old I bought a 1940 Chevrolet for $45. It ran reasonably well, I was lucky enough to have a garage right in front of my home, so every time I had a chance I would be hanging over the fenders and under the cars with the mechanic asking question after question. It was a super learning tool that cannot be surpassed. By the way I tore the Chevy apart and put her back together with little help. Wish I still had the car. The car I'm working on now is a '48 Chevy Fleetline. Good luck to you. Al