Table of contents
Introduction
Tackling a project car and saving it from the salvage yard is a constant dream of mine. Seeing cars rotting in driveways always prompts my brain to say “I can save that car”. While I’m currently tied up with my Wife’s Jeep Wrangler and my Chevy Chevelle, I hope to one day take on a project car and turn it into something worth driving. Choosing the project car itself is not only challenging, but is absolutely time consuming. Furthermore, when you get the project car, there’s the amount of time and effort needed to make it roadworthy. Fortunately, fixing up a car and getting it back on the road is absolutely possible as long as you’re dedicated and have a plan. Today, I will guide you along all of the steps I would take when building a project car and how I’d craft it into my perfect car.
Choosing The Project Car
If you ask my wife, I am incredibly indecisive about project cars. Over the years, I have contemplated buying a couple dozen different cars due to various circumstances. Typically, my desire for a car I see on the internet is due to the low price and its potential. For example, I was working when I saw a Z31 Nissan 300zx turbo in a tow yard. The Z car had clearly been sitting for a couple weeks. I promptly spoke to one of the tow truck drivers to learn more. Coincidentally, it had been there long enough for the tow company to do a lien sale. He told me to call the owner the next day for a price and breakdown of the issues.
When I spoke with the owner, he told me the electrical components went out but mechanically it was fine. For the low price of $1500, the tow yard owner was willing to part with it and even tow it to my house. Coincidentally, that same week I got the call from my brother to buy the Chevelle off of him. It was the right move to make, but I still contemplate how I would have gone about building that Z. Hopefully its with a new owner and being rebuilt.
Picking the right project car is going to depend on your goals for the car. Project cars can become anything you want, as long as you have a vision. Like I’ve covered in my previous article regarding modifying cars, you need to plan it first. For the sake of this article, let’s hunt for a budget track car.
The Project Car Build Plan
If I’m building a budget track car, I am going to want a platform with good handling. Good examples of a budget track car are a classic JDM sports car like an Integra or an E36 Non-M3 BMW. The main focus for a reliable and capable track car, in my opinion, is to be able to go to and from the track on its own. That means the cooling system, brakes, suspension, and tires are all functioning. Fortunately, cars like the E36 or the Integra have huge aftermarket support to make this possible. Choosing a less common car is cool, but not having aftermarket support makes the project car a lot more difficult. To summarize everything a project car like this will need, you’re going to want to focus on the following:
- Cooling System
- Suspension Components
- Brakes
- Tires
- Maintenance Parts
Project cars also don’t have to be these huge elaborate builds you see on social media. Sometimes the best project cars are done simple and efficiently. Alldayanthony transformed their Honda Civic with only $1500!
Where to Find A Project Car
Thanks to the internet, there are tons of options to find your project car. Car sales websites, such as Autotrader, eBay motors, or AutoTempest provide you with limitless car options. Sort through the ads with various filters such as engine cylinders, transmission preference, or by price.
For the true project car buying experience, I’m going to recommend you use Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Now, you will have to sort through the “I know what I got” people and possible scams. However, when you dive into these sources, you will absolutely find some true gems. The best part about these options is, in my experience, the prices will be lower. Many people on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist need to make a quick sale. While these cars will be lower in price, expect to find some in not the best shape. But who cares? We’re looking for project cars anyways!
If you need ideas for a fun project car, check out our article of some of our favorite project car options!
Project Car Secured! What Next?
Now that you’ve taken delivery of your project car, it’s time to get started. With so many different parts of the car to fix, you need to prioritize! If I was building this project car, here are the exact steps I would take to progress the build.
Does It Run? If Not, Fix It
If you buy a non-running project car, you need to figure out what the main issue is ASAP. Often, the previous owner may have hints or knowledge of the issue. However, some owners have zero idea and just give up on the car. Back in high school, one of my friends went and bought an FC RX-7 for $500 because it wasn’t running. After taking ownership, my friend installed a new battery and alternator and it started up immediately with no issues. The car simply had a dead battery and a bad alternator. Not a bad buy at all.
Focus all your effort in getting the car to at least run on its own. It doesn’t have to drive perfect, but having a running engine and a car that rolls on its own power is a solid start.
It Runs, But Something Is Wrong
When you have a running car, you have the perfect opportunity to figure out what needs fixing. Take the car for a drive and pay attention to everything. How does the steering feel? How is the ride quality? Does the car accelerate well?
A couple test drives will give you a baseline of what needs to be fixed. Once you know what needs repair, you can prioritize accordingly.
Buying Parts For The Project Car
The easiest thing to do for a project car is to buy a bunch of parts, throw them on, and pray it works. Some people get lucky and this works. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When buying parts for a project car, make sure you are getting quality parts meant for your car. If you are using parts from another type of car, make sure you know exactly what is needed to make them work. For example, swapping brakes from a newer model WRX onto an older one is simpler than swapping Chevy Corvette brakes into a WRX. You may have to use adapters or conversion kits for upgrades like this.
If you are consulting a shop to do the work for your car, get their opinion. These shops have hundreds of cars worth of experience to lean on and can guide you in the right direction.
Simply put, don’t just throw parts at a car and hope they work. Be methodical in your selection and ensure it will work for your particular car.
Get To Work!
Tackle your project car head on and get things going! Gather some friends to help and experience the blood, sweat, tears, and fun of working on a project car. This is your canvas and you can do absolutely anything with it. During this time, document everything you do to keep a log of your work. Don’t forget to take photos for the memories!
Regardless of how you begin your project car, don’t ever stop working on it. Even if it is a little modification or fix over time, it is still another step forward. Many owners give up and leave their cars on jack stands. Months turn into years very quickly with project cars. Cars are meant to be enjoyed, so take pride in your project car and get to work.
Conclusion
Owning a project car is an exciting experience for car enthusiasts. While it is an undertaking, working on a project car will provide you a blank slate to build upon. Whether your goal is a track car, show car, or a new daily driver, you will absolutely enjoy the project car process. Take into consideration the time, money, and effort needed into your project car before you buy one. If you are capable with a wrench, a more intensive project can be handled. However, if you are a novice wrencher, please consider an easier car or take it to a reputable shop. Regardless of your approach, remember to keep chipping away at your project car until it is finished. Cars belong on the road, and you belong behind the wheel of it.
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