Table of Contents
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One: Build It in Your Mind
What You Want versus What You Can Afford
Type of Vehicle
What You Already Have
Dream Vehicle
Major Components
Chassis
Body
Drivetrain
Other Components
Suspension
Wheels and Tires
Brake System
Fuel System
Cooling System
Everything Else
Budgeting Money
Lump Sum Available
Pay as You Go
Budgeting Time
Do It Yourself
Trading Work
Sidebar: Photo Collection of Relatively Low-Dollar Hot Rods to Inspire Creativity . . .
Chapter Two: Where to Find Parts
Swap Meet
Visual and Hands-On Inspection
Measure
Immediate Availability
Bargain Prices
Cash Is King
Internet
Sight Unseen
Photos at Best
Questionable Description
Not 100 Percent Accurate Condition
May Not Be What It Is Thought to Be
Shipping Expense
Additional Methods of Payment
Check
PayPal
Credit Cards
Certified Check
Classified Ads
Poor Quality Photos
Questionable Description
Limited Methods of Payment
Local Hot Rod Shop or Auto Parts Store
Can Offer Expertise
New Parts, More Expensive
Catalog
New Parts, More Expensive
Wide Selection of Parts and Manufacturers
Shipping Expense
Chapter Three: The Rolling Chassis
Frame
Original
Reproduction
Custom
Repair
Collision Damage
Rust Repair
Modifications
Suspension
Assembling the Front Suspension
Rear Axle Housing
Used
New
Wheels and Tires
Priming and Painting Wheels
Sidebar: Rattle Can versus Automotive Paint versus Powder Coating
Mounting and Balancing Tires
Assembling the Rear Suspension
Setting the Pinion Angle
Brakes
Installing Front Brakes
Installing Rear Brakes
Installing the Master Cylinder
Routing, Bending, and Installing Brake Lines
Sidebar: Bare Steel versus Chrome versus Stainless Steel
Chapter Four: Body
Steel
Fiberglass
Fitting Body Aprons
Mounting the Body on the Chassis
Attaching the Floor to the Body
Sidebar: Reworking the Floor
Mounting Taillights (Including a Third Brake Light)
Fitting the Nose and Hood Sides
Installing the Grille
Fastening the Hood Panels
Building and Mounting the Dash
Mounting the Windshield Frame
Sidebar: Repair
Collision Damage
Rust Repair
Sidebar: Modifications
Top Chop
Channeling
Chapter Five: Drivetrain
Salvage Yard or Parts Vehicle
Rebuilt
Crate Engine
Installing Motor Mounts
Painting the Engine
Transmission
Salvage Yard or Parts Vehicle
Rebuilt
New
Polishing the Transmission for some Cheap Sparkle
Installing the Engine and Transmission
Obstacles to Overcome
Mounting the Exhaust
Connecting the Shifter and Linkage
Connecting the Emergency Brake Lever and Cables
Measuring for and Installing the Driveshaft
Chapter Six: Additional Systems
Fuel
Building the Fuel Tank
Testing the Fuel Tank for Leaks
Mounting the Fuel Tank and Filler Neck
Routing the Fuel Line
Cooling
Mounting the Radiator
Fan
Mounting the Transmission Cooler
Steering
Installing the Steering Column and Wheel
Steering Shafts, Universal Joints, and Shaft Supports
Electrical
Battery
Mounting the Battery
Mounting Gauges
Fuse Panel
Determining What You Need
Installing the Fuse Panel
Circuits
Engine Compartment
Running Lights and Signal Lights
Brake Lights
Accessories
Wiring the Vehicle
Electrical Ground
Wiring the Gauges
Sender (or Signal Power)
Power Wire
Ground Wire
Chapter Seven: Paint, Upholstery, and Glass
Final Bodywork and Surface Preparation
Applying Primer
Applying Sealer
Applying Paint
Base Coat
Clear Coat
Laying Out Scallops
Layout 146
Scuffing the Existing Paint
Masking
Painting Scallops
Applying Base Coat to Scallops
Applying Clear Coat to Entire Vehicle
Upholstery
Insulation
Carpet
Interior Panels
Seats
Seatbelts
Installing Windshield Glass
Chapter Eight: Now that It’s Built . . . Enjoy
Before That First Drive
Double Check Everything
Tighten Fasteners
Check Fluids
Hot Rod Start-Up Checklist
Hot Rod First Drive Checklist
Obtaining a Title
Getting It Inspected
Wheel Alignment
Getting It Licensed
Road Trip
The Bottom Line
Lessons Learned
Sources
