# I want to Build a hot-rod! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 22, 2007, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-build-a-hot-rod/409002 "2007-06-22T14:53:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-build-a-hot-rod/409002/1 "2007-06-22T14:53:57Z")
Title says it all really. I’m currently looking at a few different models. possible choices include, but are by no means limited to: '39 mercury lead-sled early 50’s buick roadmaster coupe style any bullet nose studebaker So as to not offend the purists, I’ll be up front from the get-go. I don’t plan to bother with restoring an original engine unless the car happens to come with one that is near working condition. I’d rather drop a new engine and automatic transmission into the frame and be done with it. I’ve done a lot of metalwork and other body-work and interior type stuff in the past, What do you think might make the coollest rod out of the above? What else might have similar styling? A few requirements to consider: Car must be available, and relatively cheap to purchase 5k or less. It ought to be driveable, or at least able to be towed behind. So if most of what you find of a certain models are rusted out hulks, probably best not to bother. thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-build-a-hot-rod/409002/2 "2007-06-22T16:09:20Z")
Old pickups and panel wagons make way cool hot rods. Last summer I saw a 55 Ford panel wagon for $5500 OBO. It had a small amount of rust in the rockers. 51-53 Chevys and Pontiacs are also popular here. I have never looked at pricing one. Good luck, have fun and post pics. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-build-a-hot-rod/409002/3 "2007-06-22T18:14:25Z")
Here’s my candid take on the subject: > **[Cheap truck/car restorations](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=417153)** > > Here’s the deal: I have a 1973 GMC crew cab pickup. It’s a complete beater–worn out engine (supposedly a 396), old paint and surface rust, some dents, rust in the rear cab corners and the like. I bought it for cheap, used it to haul lumber and make... If you’re thinking of a Roadmaster, why not look at Hudsons? The step-down is a mighty sleek-looking machine. And my '47 pickup had elegant styling. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-build-a-hot-rod/409002/4 "2007-06-22T18:31:37Z")
[QUOTE=Rocketeer] Here’s my candid take on the subject: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=417153](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=417153) If you’re thinking of a Roadmaster, why not look at Hudsons? The step-down is a mighty sleek-looking machine. And my '47 pickup had elegant styling. [/QUOTE] Thanks for info. I’ll take a look at the hudsons. 9-10 k doesn’t sound too rough in the long run for a restore, it’s just going to be a car for me to cruise around in, not a show piece. I’ve got background in sculpture and metal work so that stuff isn’t a problem though i’m undersupplied in tools. Lots to think on. Thanks!