[hot rod wannabe]

Folks,

I've never really been obsessed with hot rods, like most any one of you. However, my last vehicle purchase was a 2010 Camaro with the big 426 V8. LOVE having a car that gets attention at stop lights and in the parking lots around town.

So now I'm hooked. I want my next car to be a 'daily driver' hot rod. Nothing crazy mind you in the paint department, but a classic with some beef under the hood and a paint scheme that lets the lines of the car speak for itself. Maybe a '34 Ford Coupe (I know, there's a LOT of those out there), or possibly a '37 or even '40. I just don't know yet.

So here's my question(s)... I'm not extremely knowledgeable mechanically but I know how to maintain a vehicle well. And I want something I can drive every day year round (primary transportation - I live in NC so the weather's not too much of a problem). Am I crazy for even THINKING about doing this? Do I need to be a total gear head when it comes to buying, owning, and maintaining a hot rod? Is there a great source for finding the rod that fits me? Any and/or all advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[69 widetrack]

Folks,

I've never really been obsessed with hot rods, like most any one of you. However, my last vehicle purchase was a 2010 Camaro with the big 426 V8. LOVE having a car that gets attention at stop lights and in the parking lots around town.

So now I'm hooked. I want my next car to be a 'daily driver' hot rod. Nothing crazy mind you in the paint department, but a classic with some beef under the hood and a paint scheme that lets the lines of the car speak for itself. Maybe a '34 Ford Coupe (I know, there's a LOT of those out there), or possibly a '37 or even '40. I just don't know yet.

So here's my question(s)... I'm not extremely knowledgeable mechanically but I know how to maintain a vehicle well. And I want something I can drive every day year round (primary transportation - I live in NC so the weather's not too much of a problem). Am I crazy for even THINKING about doing this? Do I need to be a total gear head when it comes to buying, owning, and maintaining a hot rod? Is there a great source for finding the rod that fits me? Any and/or all advice is greatly appreciated.

First of all...a 2010 Camaro with a 426 V8??? Is that a typo???

I don't think your crazy...First of all you need to find a workable project, (body, frame etc.), either original steel or aftermarket. You need to get yourself a plan for what you want (drivetrain, interior, exterior) and a budget.

I don't believe that there is a source that will tell anyone what type of Hot Rod they should have, it's all personal preference and what the individual likes, that's how the whole hobby started. If your not in a position to do a lot of the work yourself, then, deep pockets are what you need.

If you tell us what you specifically want and how much money you have available, we could be in a position to help you out.

 

[hot rod wannabe]

THANKS for the quick reply!

The 6.2L V8 in the 2010 is often referred to as a 426... I don't really consider it a typo

At this point in my life, I don't have the time (or the know-how) to turn this project myself. I'm looking for a turn-key car. My budget would be in the $35,000-$40,000 range... not overly deep pockets, but probably enough to not be sitting in a rust bucket, yes? I'm not looking for a website that will pick a car FOR me; I guess I worded that part wrong. I'm looking for a site that has a lot of finished cars that I can pick from once I decide what I'm looking for. Thanks again.

 

[johnnyg]

Its more like 378. :thumbup:

 

[69 widetrack]

So is the 426 the horsepower output and not the cubic inch displacement and that is why it's often referred to as a 426?

As far as looking for a car goes...I googled "1930's hot rods for sale" and came up with a bunch of sites....I'm sure I don't have to tell you that caution is always the answer when buying a car of this nature. If your going to spend that amount of money it's worth your while to physically look at the vehicle and if your not sure, maybe bring someone with you that knows cars, mechanically and with respect to the condition and work on the body. I know of a fellow locally that bought a car from many miles away, flew down and looked at it, bought it and a year later I had to rebuild the body and interior for him.

There may be other people on the site that know of 100% reputable Hot Rod sale places that can help you. The only one that comes to mind for me right now is Barrett Jackson Auctions. I try and get out there as often as I can and have always enjoyed the variety and in most cases the quality.

Just keep in mind that generally the faster it goes, the more it costs to keep it up.

Hope this helps