Anyone who’s bought an old hot rod: What are some things to consider before making the decision to buy?

11 comments

1. I’ve found an old muscle car I really like and can afford. It checks out mechanically.

   Other than garage space, taxes and insurance – what else should I be thinking about before pulling the trigger? TIA

2. Take a magnet with you , and check everything, Bondo can be the difference between a $15k car or a $5k car. Make sure the body work was done right.

3. Have a Toyota at the same time. You need a 100% reliable car because all your wrenching time and money will be dumped into your hot rod. It will need to be more or less your only major hobby.

4. Don’t let it be your daily driver.

5. Estimate how much money and time you will need to invest in it.

   Then double it.

6. What is it?

7. What the car is makes a big difference.

   I did mostly GM and of that mostly Buick. 1948 to 1973.

   Buying a 48 Roadmaster is 100% different from buying a 63 Special.

   Brakes. Wheel bearings. Dry rotted weather stripping. Rust. Badly done bodywork. Rodent destroyed wiring. Blah blah blah.

8. Make sure that parts or reproduction parts are readily and easily available.

9. Have you asked on r/ClassicCars ? This is a common question over there a mind I’ve seen some helpful answers

10. Don’t do it and don’t ask me how I know this.

11. I have spent a lot on old cars,. If you think it has no rust, look again.