Building your first project car can be both challenging and satisfying.
It’s likely that you’ll spend a lot of time daydreaming about how perfect your finished car will look and stressing out about how much money you’re spending every week. In this article, we take a look at some of the key things you should know before investing all of your spare change on a project car:
1. It will take longer than you think
Like an onion, cars have many layers and as as you go through them you are going to find more you want to work on so give yourself lots of time. You will want your project car to be a masterpiece.
2. Think you have all of the tools and parts necessary? Think again.
Chances are you will always seem to need one more bolt, an extra tube of silicon, another screwdriver, and one more cable tie than what you have on hand. Bought two extra nuts just in case? You’re probably going to need three. If you are working on a budget think about adding another quarter for contingencies.
(Image via Portent).
3. There’s a reason why cheap tools are cheap
If you come across two different types of tools, one that will be cheaper and probably work and one that will cost you more and definitely work, we always recommend choosing the more expensive one. No one likes to buy the same tool twice. Before you buy the tool check with your mates and the net for opinions, you will find project forums that will save you time and money.
(Image via Altar of Bossy).
4. Label everything
Sharpies and Ziploc bags will become more important to you than your weekly loaf of bread. As you strip your car, it’s a good idea to bag everything and label each component clearly (e.g. where the parts came from, how many there are, what condition they are in, etc.) so that when you put all of the pieces back together again you save yourself hours of frustration. If you do not have the manual for the model of your project car then look at downloading the schematics from the net.
(Image via Wikipedia Creative Commons).
5. Do things right the first time
Rushing your build is always a recipe for disaster. Patience, thorough research, and careful planning are the key to avoiding disappointment. Take your time and enjoy the process – it is your first project masterpiece after all..
(Image via Huffington Post).
6. There is always room for improvement
No matter how hard you try to move on, your first project car will always hold a special place in your heart. As your skills improve and you learn more about the automobile industry, don’t be surprised if you find yourself itching to go back and ‘tinker’ with your old car or upgrade certain parts.
Found the project car that you want to be your first? Contact Door to Door Car Carrying today to find out how we can help you!
