Tech Tips
AFFORDABLE RIDES:EVALUATING PROJECTS FOR A 2000 DOLLAR BUDGET—1962 PONTIAC WAGON
One of the biggest stumbling blocks in the old car hobby is the cost.
Despite their intense commitment to this incredibly positive world, average car guys often face major economic hurdles with old iron because this is a hobby, not a necessity in life.
Mortgage payments, not vintage Mustangs always take precedence in daily commitments.
But you can get into the hobby for a reasonable investment if you approach the potential project with a realistic attitude.
'Affordable Rides' is a new series at MyStarCollectorCar and it revolves around a $2000 entry limit into the old car hobby.
This series is based on the expertise of a local car guy who has two assets–he owns a body shop and he thinks like an average car guy.
His opinion is based on 20 years of expertise in restorations and technical expertise.
Here's a look at a 1962 Pontiac wagon that failed the $2000 limit test for several reasons.
Read more: AFFORDABLE RIDES:EVALUATING PROJECTS FOR A 2000 DOLLAR BUDGET—1962 PONTIAC WAGON
SPECTACHROME-THE AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CHROME PLATING
*Please click on any image for a direct link to the website
The chrome part of a car project is one of those "take a deep breath" moments in the game.
Chrome plating in not an inexpensive process for many reasons such as costly materials, a labor intensive process and heavy environmental regulations.
Those and other factors can add up to big costs.
Read more: SPECTACHROME-THE AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CHROME PLATING
1961 CHEVROLET IMPALA 4 DOOR SEDAN-HOW TO WORK WITHIN A BUDGET ON A DRIVER LEVEL PROJECT
Four door sedans are like your drunk and obnoxious Uncle Sid at a wedding dance-tolerated, but generally not respected.
Thousands of 4-door-sedans have given up vital body parts to save their more glamorous cousins-the convertibles and 2-door-hardtops.
These cars are cannon fodder in the car wars-there's such a stigma attached to "more door" cars that rare 4 door hardtops are often included in mass executions.
One guy decided to go in another direction.
Read more: 1961 CHEVROLET IMPALA 4 DOOR SEDAN-HOW TO WORK WITHIN A BUDGET ON A DRIVER LEVEL PROJECT
A TRIP BACK THROUGH THE DECADES TO A CHRYCO-AUTOPAR PARTS DEPARTMENT
Most car guys dream about the same "what if" scenario. The one where rare car parts are available, plentiful and inexpensive...that's why this is a dream scenario.
A time machine is another possibility, but the technical side still needs some tweaking, so these hypothetical parts still remain locked decades in the past. Occasionally you find a wormhole in time like this-a place where some old parts are still sitting on the shelf.
This is one of those occasions.
Read more: A TRIP BACK THROUGH THE DECADES TO A CHRYCO-AUTOPAR PARTS DEPARTMENT
YOU REALLY HAVE TO APPRAISE THE COLLECTOR CAR APPRAISAL GAME
Some people may not be aware that collector vehicles are not automatically insured for the actual value of the vehicle. An oversight may mean that an insurance company could insure a very expensive ride and only pay for a fraction of the replacement cost.
Most insurance companies will steer their customers away from a standard insurance policy toward a collector car insurance policy.
They will acknowledge that a vintage vehicle is not a daily driver and typically leads a cautious life on the road.
Read more: YOU REALLY HAVE TO APPRAISE THE COLLECTOR CAR APPRAISAL GAME
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