Planning - Conceptualizing The Overall Project
by Frank Colgoni


This is the jumping off point in the overall process and, in some ways, encompasses all of the other planning activities and considerations in this phase. As mentioned in the introduction, a "rod" can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For example, there's a school of thought that says that a "hot rod" is not a "street rod". Maybe you care, maybe not. You can call your car what you like. Besides, there are far greater decisions to be made than what it's called.

If you have a car, maybe you're pondering what to do with the car by way of it's first renovation. Perhaps it was modified earlier and is in need of modernization work or performance or safety upgrades. Maybe you've puchased someone elses project and want to put your own touches to it. We're going to assume for purposes of this article, because we're building a hot rod from scratch, that it's a car in the overall sense - be it a new build-up or teardown, re-build or some other major renovation.

This is a just-to-get-you-thinking step. What follows are considerations regarding project approach, styles, materials, budget, length of the project and other fundamental decisions. We're not actually doing anything yet - just thinking about it but thinking hard, so to speak.

What To Build?
Sound like a silly question? Not really. You wouldn't believe how many people there are out there (trust us, we've spoken to them) who either don't know or can't decide what they want. They know they want a hot rod or custom (or to change from what they have) but can't nail it down for various reasons.

The various reasons can be many:
- availability
- cost
- practicality
- too many around already
- want something unique
- will know it when they see it
- doing research and will jump in at some point
- fear
- etc.
The list goes on but undoubtedly you can either, relate to some of these personally, or know someone who fits at least one. Let's talk about a couple of these.

Availability
In this case, you know what you want but can't find a "donor" or an existing car (perhaps a new body is available though). This reason sometimes leads to going in a different direction altogether (been there, done that). Think twice before changing your mind as it can cost you ($$) big time if you're unhappy after the fact. Regrets suck. If a new body is available, another reason may creep in - cost.

Cost / Project budget
Let's face it, this hobby isn't cheap (perhaps you shouldn't let your significant other read this if they think you've put it all together with cheap parts & services, a lucky swap meet find, gifts from friends......). The uninformed normally find the cost unbelievable. As mentioned many times before, you can still get out there for a resonable sum but we're talking build here. Hot rod parts will be expensive as they are not massed produced (when compared with run of the mill replacement parts and auto "accessories"). Compounding the situation is the ridiculous exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar, taxes and duty. No elaboration is needed here.

Most readers will inherently understand that there are many ways to contain or reduce the cost. E.g. "junk yard" or flea market parts (if you can find them), do without shiny, make your own where feasible, etc. Some of the this will be evident as we move through the process. By the way, we aren't necessarily going to try to build this car on a shoestring. We will liklely, however, point out what options we had and what we could have done.


Project Approach
Project approach is linked closely to cost and considers the abilities of the builder (or really good friends), facilities, prevailing climate (steel is really cold in an unheated garage in winter) and how quickly you want to get the car on the road.

Depending upon your abilities, you may wish to do all the work (it is done), some of the work or none of the work. There are obvious areas that most people don't touch e.g. paint and upholstery. Even people with considerable skills opt to do none of the work themselves because of time constraints or other factors.

A Personal opinion here maybe but NEVER think less of anyone who buys a car finished versus someone who did a considerable, or even some, of the work themselves. This hurts the hobby overall and at the end of the day has nothing to do with your personal enjoyment. OK, off the soapbox Frank.

The point about planning is to take your time and don't rush into it. Rushing can cause bad decisions. Bad decisions can cost you in dollars and a less than enjoyable experience and, as mentioned earlier, regret. While you're taking your time, get out there and look at stuff and look "hard". Sometimes the most thought provoking ideas are not obvious. And, the more you look, the more you will develop an opinion which, over time, will become your style likely. Lastly, talk to people about:

- what worked for them
- what didn't
- what resources they used
- how are things performing
- would they do something differently (Lots of stories there. Want to hear a thousand or so?)
- etc.

As a final thought from someone who knows: try to think realistically about the amount of time required, the cost and what you should have done for you. Patience is a virtue and may save you money and avoid frustration.

More to come.