2006Silverado

Did you work for KBR? Or a different contractor? I was there from 02/2006(stage up in Kuwait)-11/2006. Went all over the country on missions, but was based out of BIAP(Baghdad International). That sounds like a great idea. I think I will check into joining one! I will definately keep everybody posted!

Thanks for all the great advice! In response, I think I'm going to take a lot of your suggestions. True the time spent w/my kids working on the car would be great, but at the same time upon further thought, it probably does make more sense to find something as complete as possible that is affordable. I could see getting something needing total resto and not knowing what I'm doing, and ending up spending more time being frustrated, not getting anything done w/the kids because something is going to take much more work/expertise than I can do myself, and the car is sitting on blocks for the next year because everything is taking much longer. So get something we can enjoy immediatley, going out for rides, etc., then start fixing that up. Definately want a street driven rod, do not want a trailer queen...This is going to be something we're driving every week, road trips, around town, etc. From what I've been seeing it seems about 6-11k you can find something decent shape, running, nothing major needed, just rough around the edges, needing interior, etc. It seems though make the jump up to around 15k then you start finding the cars that are pretty much complete, maybe not expert resto show cars or anything like that, but pretty sweet looking and running rides. So I'll have to decide how much I can afford. Mainly I think it will just take a little time and patience to find the right deal! Something I've noticed, it seems like all the 'resto-to-runs, decent shape but needs resto 2k-9k vehicles' I find are in either Wyoming, the Dakotas, Iowa, or Illinois??? Is there something there? Or am I just imagining things? I live in GA, EVERYTHING I find down here and around here (FLA, TN, etc.) are ridiculous, they are all so-called "professional restorations" and they want 25-50k for them. I can't find anything less. Some place down here wanted 25k for a 1981 Camaro RS!!! You would think the South is where you would find the best deals, but it seems the opposite! Any comments??? I was thinking about trying to join the local A.A.C.A. chapter, although I would feel kinda silly not even owning a classic car and not really knowing much. So I will probably wait a little while, at least until I get something. Thanks again for the replies!

Looking for any advice/help/direction on getting started. Planning on getting a pre-war Chevy to restore very soon. When I got home from Iraq a couple years ago, I promised myself I would start doing all the things I've always dreamed of doing, all the things I've told my kids I would do with them, etc. etc. And here 2yrs later none of it has happened. So I'm finally at that point, screw it it's GOING to happen one way or the other! I'm going to get something to start working on with my kids! I have no auto background. Have always loved cars, hot rods, Chevy's, etc., can pick things up pretty fast, and am pretty mechanically inclined. But like I said no formal training, haven't done any serious auto work. Don't really have crap for tools at this point, just basic wrench/socket sets., have an AC Stick Welder and that's it. Money of course is tight, want to keep costs down as much as possible, but realize I'm probably going to have to spend a pretty penny getting tools, a lift, better welder, etc. And then what I'll be spending on parts, restoration, etc. With a little idea of where I'm coming from, I'm looking for any advice/suggestions, etc. on how to get started, what vehicle to get, etc. I'm looking for a pre-war Chevy about 1937-1942. I love the 4dr Special Deluxe(???) w/the suicide doors. So would love to find something like that, 4dr., can fit at least a family of 6, love the suicide doors, easy to hot rod..Looking for advice for somebody that's basically starting from the ground up, no experience, getting tools, etc. as I go along... What I'm looking for, I realize it will take some time, but I don't want something that will take years to finish, not looking to turn out a pristine resto, also plan to rod the vehicle, would like to keep close to original, but where original parts are too hard to find/expensive I will substitue, and also want something fast and muscular! Something I can restore, while learning as I go, with my kids, and as cheap as possible, etc. and be on the road in less than a year. what kind of condition vehicle should I start with? From what I've been looking I've found a few cars around 2-3k, these are pretty much from the ground up resto, basic solid body, decent foundation, but needing full resto. Most everything else is about 4-7k, some better than others, usually decent body, may/may not run. For someone w/limited knowledge is there a big difference between years? Models? Wanting to spend less rather than more, is there a big difference btween yrs? Models? Also where are good places to find cars? I've been searching online, what's best? any particular dealers? Classifieds? Auctions? I live in GA, hell I don't even own a trailer, best case scenario I can find something I can drive home, worst case I have to rent a trailer for a weekend and drive to pick up. Thanks in advance!