looking to restore a car

[blau]

hey everyone, i'm new here and don't know too much about the workings of cars but i have a lot of free time on my hands and was thinking about rebuilding something. where do you suggest i start? what kind of research should i do? what kind of condition should the car be in when i find it? i'm in the boston area, is rust going to be a big issue or how hard is that to take care of? please help me out.

thanks

[YogsVR4]

Have you decided what car you want to restore? If nothing else, you might want to take a few classes at one of the local colleges to learn about the mechanics/body work involved in repairs.

[blau]

i've actually been looking around for a VW Corrado G60 to rebuild...I've noticed that it's probably cheaper to buy one that is in full working condition than to buy one and fix it up, but the whole point was to learn. I'm going to look into automotive classes at my local CC's and see what they have to offer. Thanks.

[Hudson]

My recommendation is to buy a project car that you like. If the VW Corrado is your style, then go for it.

To learn about the workings of a car, I'd tell you to start with a more basic product. Try an American or British car of the 1960s or early 1970s. Parts are easy to come by and the technology is fairly simple. Starting with something as modern as a Corrado, you need to learn about emission controls and fuel injection and modern electronics while also learning the more basic "how does an engine work."

Anything (1960s through 1973) GM, Ford, Chrysler...or MG or Triumph would make good starter projects.