Turn vision into reality with a project car that matches your ambitions.
There's nothing like taking on a new project. It's exciting. It's fresh. It reminds you exactly what you love so much about cars. You're free to imagine the end result as whatever you want, unfatigued by the realities that will come with wrenching. You know, those soul-sucking moments where you realize the car is not at all what you thought it would be.
What if we told you that didn't have to happen? Sure, frustrations are unavoidable, but that doesn't mean it's all bad. All you have to do is effectively plan out a project, and you’ll be miles away from those moments that make you feel like working on cars just isn't for you.
Here are our top tips for picking a project car that'll help you stay motivated the entire way through.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
The first thing that'll make a project go sour is neglecting the budget. You go into things thinking you can afford everything without a care in the world for what you're spending. Next thing you know, you're stealing money from other funds and running to bankruptcy like that's the actual goal.
Stop. Set up a budget, and not just for the overall investment in the car and parts. Figure out how much you can set aside for that project car each paycheck and stick to an allowance that matches it.
This is especially important if you’re trying to flip the car or sell it later on. You want to keep your investment lower than the selling price so you can continue to stay profitable and hopefully take on bigger and better projects.
Consider the Parts
An additional step to take in planning is researching the cost of parts. Some cars are simply more expensive to build than others, and you'd be surprised at how much money and time you can spend resourcing everything you need to complete a project.
Therefore, it's a good idea to really read into whatever you're considering before you jump on it. You may want to read this list of worst project cars to buy in case you need some ideas of which ones to avoid.
Consider Your Resources
All cars have a following, and you can find forums for anything that can help you plan out a build by offering advice on common issues, repairs, and where to get your parts. However, they can't help you turn wrenches or get you out of a bind with any kind of physical assistance. So, it's wise to consider your local knowledge and resources pool before you invest.
It's okay to forego this measure if you're the lone wolf type, but if a sense of community goes a long way in your garage, you want to make sure that's available to you before getting started.
Keep in mind that a second set of eyes can help you see past the blinders that block out simple solutions. More often than not, a veteran in the shop or nearby can really aid in moving a project along by sprinkling in tips or advice that prevent lulls.
Condition of the Vehicle + Your Skillset and Tenacity
Don't bite off more than you can chew. That's not to say you should avoid picking up a project that'll push your current mechanical abilities to new levels by forcing you to learn new skills. (After all, that's part of the draw for many people.) Just really think it over.
The last thing you want to do is find yourself halfway through a project only to sell it off because you don't really have the drive to take on fabricating your own parts. That's actually something a lot of savvy project car seekers are hoping for.
Many times, folks in that position let the car go for way less than they have invested in it, making it a total score for other enthusiasts. Take a minute to think about what you're willing to take on, and find a project car that matches those desires. It might add a little more time to the searching part, but it will save you money and heartache in the end.
Always Apply Murphy’s Law While Shopping
We’ve all been in that position. You know, when you’re lying to yourself about the potential of a project car you found on some classified listing site. Some cars are just too far gone. While there are exceptions that make some projects worth marching into Hell and back for, that’s generally not the rule.
Keep yourself in check when looking around. Expect cars to be worse than they appear, and always be thorough in your inspection. You never know who cut what corners and what can be hiding in plain sight. Don’t be afraid to get expert opinions before you buy either, as this can help you avoid a money pit of a nightmare.
Have Fun With It!
Always remember that you don't have to be doing this. Taking on a project car may be a way of life to a degree, but it's just a hobby at the end of the day. When you go into this with the needless pressure of having to get things done just to keep up with meaningless deadlines, it quickly turns into a job. (And you can easily wind up in over your head or missing out on great opportunities because of it.)
Take your time with and remember that it's what you love to do. If you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by all of the research and planning, then maybe it's just because you're a little too close to it and need to take a step back. There's nothing wrong with taking a break if it means coming back refreshed, motivated, and far more productive than you would be by running yourself to the ground.