Father / Son Vehicle Build

[ChumpChange]

So the time has come. My boy came up to me the other day and said he wants to build a car. Now the first thing that came to my mind was a Fox Body Mustang as that was my first car. But at the same time, I’m not sure exactly what I’d end up doing with it. I’d end up making it too fast. lol.

Now I’m not the most mechanical but I can do enough. I was almost thinking I wanted to go way back to something that would be carb’d as it could be easier in the long run. But then I was looking at what I liked when growing up and a slammed square body or single door Tahoe could be sick too although now I’m not really building anything mechanical with him as I look at all the already built stuff to buy.

So what are your thoughts? Cool fun vehicles to build? I have four years until he gets his license so I can do anything really.

Where do you search these days? I was trying to find Fox Bodies but nothing really on OfferUp or Craigslist. Where are the vehicles?

 

[ChumpChange]

This would be ideal for me to build. I would not buy it like this for him.

 

[Angler]

Build a late 60s or early 70s car. Best cars ever.

 

[Dunerking]

Sounds like a great father/son project! My son(14 years old) just did the same with me about building a Pre-running. I’m considering doing a I-beam ranger or a Toyota with a Total Chaos system. My vote is more towards the Toyota as the 22RE motors just run forever.
Goodluck on you and your son’s build!

 

[MR HARLEY]

69 mustang

 

[Done-it-again]

What about a VW sedan, buss, or notchback.

 

[coolchange]

A body

 

[ChumpChange]

69 mustang

Was thinking somewhere there as well but not sure I’d go Mustang if I went that far back although it would go well with my 65.

 

[ChumpChange]

What about a VW sedan, buss, or notchback.

Never been a VW guy. My neighbor is and he’s got a couple ridiculous ones.

 

[Backlash]

I tried this same project with my step-son, and it ended up being a complete waste of energy. You guys are lucky to have such a close relationship with your kids.

For whatever reason, my step-son and I are like oil and water. So, three years ago, I thought I'd pick up a project for him and I to build. My hopes were that he would take an interest, and it would be something we could bond over. I found a clean K5 Blazer without an engine and trans, and brought it home on a flatbed. Started stripping the crap off and pulled the tub off the frame. He bailed out well before that part. I continued on, still clinging to the hopes he would "Come around." Nope. Nada.

I continued chasing down parts and scrounging up things we'd need to wrap it all up. At this point, he was completely uninterested and hadn't done a thing to show an ounce of interest. I finally threw in the towel and said "Fuck it."

So, I started selling off everything I had scrounged up. The last thing to go was the rust-free tub. It sat around here for almost a year before I took a Sawzall to it, and cut it into four pieces. I drove the last of it down to the scrap yard and thought "Well, at least I broke even and only wasted two years of my time and energy."

I yanked the last piece off the truck and as luck would have it, it bounced off the ground, and sprang back up towards the sky. It caught the bottom of my tailgate, smacking the shit out of it, leaving a baseball-sized dent and a 6" long scrape in the paint.

So, now I have the memory of that wasted project every time I see the tailgate on my truck. LMAO!

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but I thought that entire three-year experience was worthy of sharing. Please count your blessings and be thankful for the close relationship with your son.

 

[grumpy88]

Have you asked him what vehicle he would like ? You listed a few cool cars you would like because they remind you of your youth but it may not be what he is interested in .

 

[HNL2LHC]

Make the Monkeys and @monkeyswrench proud…..

 

[Shlbyntro]

So the time has come. My boy came up to me the other day and said he wants to build a car. Now the first thing that came to my mind was a Fox Body Mustang as that was my first car. But at the same time, I’m not sure exactly what I’d end up doing with it. I’d end up making it too fast. lol.

Now I’m not the most mechanical but I can do enough. I was almost thinking I wanted to go way back to something that would be carb’d as it could be easier in the long run. But then I was looking at what I liked when growing up and a slammed square body or single door Tahoe could be sick too although now I’m not really building anything mechanical with him as I look at all the already built stuff to buy.

So what are your thoughts? Cool fun vehicles to build? I have four years until he gets his license so I can do anything really.

Where do you search these days? I was trying to find Fox Bodies but nothing really on OfferUp or Craigslist. Where are the vehicles?

Factory Five Kit Car?? I think they have about 10 different models now

 

[monkeyswrench]

Don't ever think of a carb motor as mor simplistic or easy than an EFI setup. Lot's of options for EFI, and they really make it nice for driving in the long run. Jetting a carb, and messing with timing, for every mod, can be a learning curve. Something with a mass air meter and a map sensor helps forgive your sins, and an idle air bypass and such makes sure it starts when cold, or sits for a couple weeks. Even a 5.0 swap into something old is not real tough. Coyotes are a different animal though. LS are easy and pretty bullet proof.
See what his thoughts are, and see what you'll both have fun with. I would just try and stay pre-smog if possible.

 

[Gelcoater]

69 mustang

In the Ford realm, yep.
Wouldn’t turn my nose at a 67-70 Mercury Cougar either.
Fun cars.
Easy enough to work on, and parts galore.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Maaaan..
You're talking like it's for you....what kinda car does HE like?

 

[ChumpChange]

Have you asked him what vehicle he would like ? You listed a few cool cars you would like because they remind you of your youth but it may not be what he is interested in .

He really likes the fox body as well. Thought it would be too fancy though and something beyond what I would want to put together.

He likes all old cars too.

 

[ChumpChange]

Maaaan..
You're talking like it's for you....what kinda car does HE like?

Like father like son.

If he’s big like his dad he gonna realize that fox body is small though. Same reason I skipped the 355.

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

Was thinking somewhere there as well but not sure I’d go Mustang if I went that far back although it would go well with my 65.
View attachment 1245705

Beautiful Truck

 

[whiteworks]

All teenage boys should have a van.

 

[C_J_J_C]

For a first car build / rebuild I always suggest a car with easy to find parts.

My suggest would be 64-66 mustang or classic truck. I am currently doing a 67 chevy c10 and I can literally buy every single nut and bolt from multiple websites.

 

[rrrr]

Four more years? I would think about choosing a 2010-ish performance vehicle. It'll have anti-lock brakes, airbags, and EFI, along with A/C and power windows. He's your kid, and safety should be a consideration.

It'll be 17 years old by the time he can drive, a classic, but it won't cost a fortune to build.

 

[CarolynandBob]

I tried this same project with my step-son, and it ended up being a complete waste of energy. You guys are lucky to have such a close relationship with your kids.

For whatever reason, my step-son and I are like oil and water. So, three years ago, I thought I'd pick up a project for him and I to build. My hopes were that he would take an interest, and it would be something we could bond over. I found a clean K5 Blazer without an engine and trans, and brought it home on a flatbed. Started stripping the crap off and pulled the tub off the frame. He bailed out well before that part. I continued on, still clinging to the hopes he would "Come around." Nope. Nada.

I continued chasing down parts and scrounging up things we'd need to wrap it all up. At this point, he was completely uninterested and hadn't done a thing to show an ounce of interest. I finally threw in the towel and said "Fuck it."

So, I started selling off everything I had scrounged up. The last thing to go was the rust-free tub. It sat around here for almost a year before I took a Sawzall to it, and cut it into four pieces. I drove the last of it down to the scrap yard and thought "Well, at least I broke even and only wasted two years of my time and energy."

I yanked the last piece off the truck and as luck would have it, it bounced off the ground, and sprang back up towards the sky. It caught the bottom of my tailgate, smacking the shit out of it, leaving a baseball-sized dent and a 6" long scrape in the paint.

So, now I have the memory of that wasted project every time I see the tailgate on my truck. LMAO!

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but I thought that entire three-year experience was worthy of sharing. Please count your blessings and be thankful for the close relationship with your son.

Mine was similar, but it was my son. Have a buddy that bought a ranch. Old 65 C-10 long bed step side was on it. He just wanted it gone. Asked my son if he wanted to do a father son build and then he could have the truck when done. He said yes and was exited. I don't think he realized the amount of work. He lasted about a month of weekends. Mostly one of the weekend days. Then he said I don't want to do this anymore. Asked him why and he said it wasn't fun. I said I thought we were having fun. He said yeah, but you like to work. LOL.

So I asked the wife what she thought we should do with it. She said she didn't care a do what you want. So I said ok I am going to build it how I would want it. She said fine.

He was the start .

During the wife was like how much money are you putting in to it. I told her and she said you didn't tell me it would be that much. I said you told me to do what you want and I never said how much. When I sold it she was like "you actually made money on it" I said no. My labor was never paid for, but was fun to do, so I guess that is payment.

When I sold it.

 

[Berdes]

Have you asked him what vehicle he would like ? You listed a few cool cars you would like because they remind you of your youth but it may not be what he is interested in .

THIS! You might be surprised at the choices a generation apart makes. Been there, done that, Best luck with the hunt.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

98-02 Camaro… or even better, Trans Am WS6.

If you want something older, 1969-75 K5 Blazer

 

[ChumpChange]

All teenage boys should have a van.

View attachment 1245806

I’d go the A-Team Route. My family has a van when I was in high school. Ford E350. Posi-track rear end I could put down some serious runway in the school parking lot.

 

[Runs2rch]

In the Ford realm, yep.
Wouldn’t turn my nose at a 67-70 Mercury Cougar either.
Fun cars.
Easy enough to work on, and parts galore.

68 Cougar is one I wish I had back. I knew it when it sold across the country in a few hrs after listing.

 

[scottchbrite]

I agree with above- ask him. I’m curious what that generation is interested in.
Whats the budget also? It’s crazy what 90’s and beyond cars and trucks are going for. My brother, with some help from me, are about to build this IROC (he wanted it). The car is unmolested. It was 23k. He’s already ordered the LS, trans, and has everything Detroit Speed makes for it. I bet he has 60k in it when he’s done. I’ve been searching for an 86/87 Buick Regal to built a T-Type clone and I can’t believe what those go for.

 

[Cole Trickle]

My suggestion would be something with airbags and a manual.

Problem with a nice fox body is he is going to kick the shit out of it as will the kids in the highschool parking lot. I would also be scared to park it places a teenager would need to die to theft.

Maybe a tad newer 97+ 4.6 mustang. They didn’t make a ton of power but would still be fun. As these cool cars mentioned become impossible to find for a fair value the spectrum moves. I think the late 90-00 mustangs will be next to climb in value.

I’m in the same boat as my kid is 14.5. He has been driving manual for a couple years now and just last weekend we let him rip the 00 camaro ss and you can tell he liked it and it was a different feel vs the turbo miata.

I’m gonna hold out a little longer as his likes are changing… I thought I was going to need to find him a older manual 328 bmw but he mentioned a 4Runner the other day and that would make a ton of sense with all the offroad/camping stuff hats close to home.

 

[HBCraig]

So the time has come. My boy came up to me the other day and said he wants to build a car. Now the first thing that came to my mind was a Fox Body Mustang as that was my first car. But at the same time, I’m not sure exactly what I’d end up doing with it. I’d end up making it too fast. lol.

Now I’m not the most mechanical but I can do enough. I was almost thinking I wanted to go way back to something that would be carb’d as it could be easier in the long run. But then I was looking at what I liked when growing up and a slammed square body or single door Tahoe could be sick too although now I’m not really building anything mechanical with him as I look at all the already built stuff to buy.

So what are your thoughts? Cool fun vehicles to build? I have four years until he gets his license so I can do anything really.

Where do you search these days? I was trying to find Fox Bodies but nothing really on OfferUp or Craigslist. Where are the vehicles?

I always wanted to to 68 to 70 Chevelle or Mustang with the boy. My thought was to buy one that was about 80% complete with a solid drive train then go from there as I don't have access to a cherry picker or a lift.
Put some "big and little" rims and tires on it like torque thrusts, Weld drag stars etc.

Maybe take him to some car shows and see what peaks his interest

My wishlist would be
SS Chevelle
Boss 302
GTO
440 Cuda

 

[Shlbyntro]

I've got a running and driving 62 2door Fairlane that could fit the bill!

 

[rivermobster]

Ummmmm...

What state? And what are the smog check requirements there?

You want to build something "pre smog".

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Something like this:

2011 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

2011 4X4 Tacoma with 127,246 miles Truck was in a fender bender but insurance took care of everything. 20k obo

www.riverdavesplace.com

My son is 11, so I’m in the same boat. As much as I’d like to put him in a classic, I want him in something with modern safety features. But not too new- I am terrified to see what insurance is going to cost when the time comes.

I had a truck in High School, and I enjoyed being able to go wheeling, camping, etc. Sports cars just got me into trouble racing and being stupid, with todays law enforcement I wouldn’t have had a license very long.

We just picked up a low mile 05 GX470, with some mods, and I have a bull bar/winch in the garage waiting to go on. Affordable, Reliable, safe, and able to take some small hits without major damage. And it will look cool in the parking lot. Only real downside is 12mpg.

We will use it for some mild trails and other adventures in the meantime.

 

[JJ McClure]

I agree with above- ask him. I’m curious what that generation is interested in.
Whats the budget also? It’s crazy what 90’s and beyond cars and trucks are going for. My brother, with some help from me, are about to build this IROC (he wanted it). The car is unmolested. It was 23k. He’s already ordered the LS, trans, and has everything Detroit Speed makes for it. I bet he has 60k in it when he’s done. I’ve been searching for an 86/87 Buick Regal to built a T-Type clone and I can’t believe what those go for.
View attachment 1245868

Dang that’s nice. Looks like a slicktop too. Doing something I’ve wanted to do for 15 years. Everyone sits around bitchen about boat prices, but you pay a good shop to build you a 60 or 70k cost IRoc its going to be a buck and half. Easy. Call Detroit Speed or the Ring Brothers.

For the OP. I agree with the RDPeeps who’ve said find out what he’s interested in. Maybe it’s an old boat?

 

[monkeyswrench]

We've kind of been going through the same thing for my 15yo. He really likes mini trucks and bugs...but he's also 6'3+, and a size 14.5 shoe...aside from a dump truck, clutch pedals are an issue. The other day, driving in the 83 Chev, I looked over and he's not able to really unfold as a passenger. His eyes are almost even with the door frame.

So, another thing to look at, your son's build and height. I think even the later mustangs work pretty good, as the seats go back pretty far. The early mustangs are easy to remount the seats further back.

 

[Rajobigguy]

In the Ford realm, yep.
Wouldn’t turn my nose at a 67-70 Mercury Cougar either.
Fun cars.
Easy enough to work on, and parts galore.

I had a 1970 XR7 . To this day it was my favorite car (and I’ve had lots of rare or special vehicles)..

 

[Gelcoater]

I had a 1970 XR7 . To this day it was my favorite car (and I’ve had lots of rare or special vehicles)..

A buddy had one in HS, actually a couple years before.
Cool car, strange options.
3 speed manual, 351C 2V
AC
Highway geared.
Craigers

Smoke tires for days, 1-2 shift at like 51mph.
Got mid to high teens mpg on highway runs.
Less than a tank from Visalia to Anaheim.

 

[mash on it]

Crew cab dually, square body, slammed?
Engine and trans options are endless.


Dan'l

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Dang that’s nice. Looks like a slicktop too. Doing something I’ve wanted to do for 15 years. Everyone sits around bitchen about boat prices, but you pay a good shop to build you a 60 or 70k cost IRoc its going to be a buck and half. Easy. Call Detroit Speed or the Ring Brothers.

For the OP. I agree with the RDPeeps who’ve said find out what he’s interested in. Maybe it’s an old boat

At $150k most people are building a car so nice they are scared to drive it.

You can build a nice quality and performing car for $50- $70k and run it hard

 

[bonesfab]

I agree with above- ask him. I’m curious what that generation is interested in.
Whats the budget also? It’s crazy what 90’s and beyond cars and trucks are going for. My brother, with some help from me, are about to build this IROC (he wanted it). The car is unmolested. It was 23k. He’s already ordered the LS, trans, and has everything Detroit Speed makes for it. I bet he has 60k in it when he’s done. I’ve been searching for an 86/87 Buick Regal to built a T-Type clone and I can’t believe what those go for.
View attachment 1245868

I picked up an 87 Z-28 thats rough for 500.00 I happen to have a ls1 4l60e out of a 2000 camaro laying around. I have a kd working for me so his summer project is going to be ls swapping this thing and see if I can get it past the ref. These things are starting to go stupid price wise.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Meanwhile.......Chumpy's daughter gets the clapped out Camry with the bumper he hasn't fixed and no front plate.

 

[bonesfab]

At $150k most people are building a car so nice they are scared to drive it.

You can build a nice quality and performing car for $50- $70k and run it hard

I own a paint shop and talk people out of paint jobs for that reason. I have nice ones and beaters. Beaters are so much more enjoyable.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I picked up an 87 Z-28 thats rough for 500.00 I happen to have a ls1 4l60e out of a 2000 camaro laying around. I have a kd working for me so his summer project is going to be ls swapping this thing and see if I can get it past the ref. These things are starting to go stupid price wise.

Last time I looked at all that you needed the fuel tank and evap system from donor vehicle. Is that still the case?

 

[bonesfab]

Last time I looked at all that you needed the fuel tank and evap system from donor vehicle. Is that still the case?

And cats and whatever else the ref wants to say it needs. I have gotten a couple of others past. I have brand new Speartech harness with the emissions stuff laying around for it. And i picked up a stock 00-02 gas tank for it. Should be pretty easy.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

And cats and whatever else the ref wants to say it needs. I have gotten a couple of others past. I have brand new Speartech harness with the emissions stuff laying around for it. And i picked up a stock 00-02 gas tank for it. Should be pretty easy.

Yea that should be pretty straightforward.

 

[25Elmn8r]

I went thru this with my son about 10 years ago. Definitely needs to be a car/truck that he is interested in. We did a beamed ranger and he/I loved every minute of it. I had him do almost all of it with my help. Only thing he didn't do was the actual welding, but he did all of the bending/notching/prep on everything. Started as a beat to shit 4 cyl 5 speed, ended up 4.0 Auto.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I tried this same project with my step-son, and it ended up being a complete waste of energy. You guys are lucky to have such a close relationship with your kids.

For whatever reason, my step-son and I are like oil and water. So, three years ago, I thought I'd pick up a project for him and I to build. My hopes were that he would take an interest, and it would be something we could bond over. I found a clean K5 Blazer without an engine and trans, and brought it home on a flatbed. Started stripping the crap off and pulled the tub off the frame. He bailed out well before that part. I continued on, still clinging to the hopes he would "Come around." Nope. Nada.

I continued chasing down parts and scrounging up things we'd need to wrap it all up. At this point, he was completely uninterested and hadn't done a thing to show an ounce of interest. I finally threw in the towel and said "Fuck it."

So, I started selling off everything I had scrounged up. The last thing to go was the rust-free tub. It sat around here for almost a year before I took a Sawzall to it, and cut it into four pieces. I drove the last of it down to the scrap yard and thought "Well, at least I broke even and only wasted two years of my time and energy."

I yanked the last piece off the truck and as luck would have it, it bounced off the ground, and sprang back up towards the sky. It caught the bottom of my tailgate, smacking the shit out of it, leaving a baseball-sized dent and a 6" long scrape in the paint.

So, now I have the memory of that wasted project every time I see the tailgate on my truck. LMAO!

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but I thought that entire three-year experience was worthy of sharing. Please count your blessings and be thankful for the close relationship with your son.

Did you just say you sawed apart & scrapped a K5 body/frame? Oh man.... please sweet Jesus I hope that wasnt a 68-72

 

[ChumpChange]

Meanwhile.......Chumpy's daughter gets the clapped out Camry with the bumper he hasn't fixed and no front plate.

You caught that? It’s a safer car. The bumper IS fixed. That’s why it has not license plate holes.

 

[ChumpChange]

I guess we’ll start by building this 69 Camaro.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

You caught that? It’s a safer car. The bumper IS fixed. That’s why it has not license plate holes.

Just busting yer chops bro...lol. I'd give the boy the Camry...keep his ass outta trouble.