Page 79 - Issue 42
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WITH GEOFF JOHNSONOFF JOHNSONOFF JOHNSON
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One method of preparing for a build is it to someone else, for their next project, for
tracking down another one of the same vehicle decent cash.
you are starting with. The idea of having two The negatives for having another vehicle
complete, or as complete as possible, cars to work with can be summarized into space,
to work from is not a bad one, but certain time and money. You must spend additional
precautions need to be taken. Sometimes you dough for your build to get started by needing
can secure three or more of almost the same to buy two of what you have. The space for
thing to start with. I believe this might be tougher two piles of parts may be more than your living
than just two to start since determining which arrangements can tolerate. And like I mentioned
one is the best can steal time from you actually earlier, the time to fi nd the second (or third)
building. The goal is to jump in, get building and example of your project car can be better-used
feel accomplished. building than searching. The reality we will
often face is the hard-to-fi nd parts are probably
already gone from the projects you fi nd. This can
If you are careful, be the toughest problem when working with old,
unique iron, but we rat rodders get to be creative
having enough left when it comes to fi t and fi nish, right?
Lastly, having more parts to work with can
on that second car leave you with a false sense of security. I think
I would be less careful in disassembly knowing
can give you a good there is more where that came from. It would be
chance of selling it easier for me to hurry with something, be harder
on something, take fewer notes or pictures of
to someone else, for something when I have another sitting right
there for reference or to pull from as needed.
their next project, Some things simply can’t be rushed. Take the
time it needs to be taken apart correctly. So, if
for decent cash. you have decided to follow this path, where can
you start? Securing the needed space is priority
one. You can’t really store offsite if you plan to
rely on that second project vehicle--they need to
The benefi ts of having an extra starter car both be with you all your building time. Bringing
to work with can be many. You will fi nd yourself something home with no place to put it will
spending less time tracking down a missing part. become a headache quicker than you can say
You also have something to look at and compare box end, open end.
to when taking something apart. You eventually My fi nal advice is this: I am very leery of
need to reassemble after repairing and having buying anything for sale advertised as ‘make two
more than just a picture or drawing is great. You into one.’ This sounds like a great idea at the
also have all the spare parts you need, hopefully, time, but why didn’t the original owner/builder
and can move quicker toward completing your already do it? It is very possible the two they are
build. The extra, unused parts at the end of a selling won’t even make half of one--bringing you
build often just get hauled away at scrap price. back to zero. When in doubt, leave your wallet at
If you are careful, having enough left on that home until you do your homework. Your perfect
second car can give you a good chance of selling project is out there.
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