"Rat Rods" and "Projects" have become very popular, and they seem to be the way to go to especially when expense is an issue. The dollar amount always has to be considered, but no matter how much money you may have, the one thing you can't buy, is being able to say, "I built this myself".

   A really nice hot rod will cost anywhere from $40,000.00 to infinity. After having a forty thousand dollar reality check, a Rat Rod or Project looks pretty good. Plus, I just think they are cool. Each one is different and reflects the owners perspective, or possibly the parts they have on hand at the time.

   With that said, buying it right is where due dilligence comes into play. Looking closely, and just going over it with a fine tooth comb just makes good sense. The point is to buy a good project, not someone elses junk.

   Be careful of terminology used in the descriptions, and zero in on what is shown in the photos. Try to look beyond the shiny objects, and carefully check out everything in the background of the photo. What you are going to see will amaze you. A picture surely is worth a thousand words.

   Rust is the enemy. The only way to stop it is by cutting it out, and installing new metal. There are some relatively new products that will contain rust, as long as no air gets to it. Many types of paint will not, especially primers. Bottom line, rust is the enemy. 

   It takes time to finish even a simple project, and quite often, more time than was originally expected. Ask a professional how many hours are required to do what you want to do, and then multiply it by at least two. Twice as long won't be enough, but should give an idea of what you are looking at.

   List the parts you will need, and check prices, and total it all up. Put a dollar value on your time, even if it's all supposed to be fun for you. Also consider the fact that time scheduled for your new project will be time taken away from your present activities.

      Add up the hours for labor, plus parts, plus tools you will have to buy, plus materials for application like primer, paint, metal, fiberglass, fastners, and the time it tales to go buy parts, and the time it takes for ordered parts to get to you, and the time you spend looking for those hard to find parts which are not readily available. It all adds up, and if you've done a project before, you know I left some things out. 

    Check with your significant other, and see how being "missing in action" in your spare time, will affect your home life.

 Read the ads closely and determine the sellers attitude. No matter what is written in an ad, the authors point of view will come across. This should give you some insight as to the value the seller has put on the item.

   Try to look at buying as if it is for a family member, or loved one, or maybe your company, and you will be a much better buyer.

   There are many great sellers out there, and some incredible bargains to be had.

   Take enough time to consider all the facts, and don't get pulled into a "you better buy it now before it gets away" situation.

   If it doesn't feel quite right, and this one gets away, there will be ten more coming up for bid soon, so check back often. 

   After a project sits for long enough, it's just in the way. The project didn't progress quickly enough, or in the amount of time originally expected, so it's over, it's done. Put a fork in it, and serve it up to someone who will finish it. If you'll be honest about it, I bet you've got another car or truck you would rather have anyway.

   Think about it. New barn finds come up every day. Where do they come from? Someone, somewhere, sometime, was going to get to it directly. Thankfully they stored it in the barn instead of out in a field.

   If you love cars and projects like I do you will spend countless hours, having lots of fun and building a rod that will have your own particular brand on it. If you are lucky, you will be able to share the experience with others who are close to you, and whose lives will also be richer from having shared the experience.