First foray into the world of street rods and hot rods? Here are some ideas and perspectives on what to look for and what should be important:

Hot Rods are meant to be fun.  They are a piece of history, they are as much about comradarie as they are about horsepower.  There are literally tens of thousands of events nationally each year, there are street rod associations and clubs and Show & Shines, etc.

That being said, you have some important decisions to make:
Do you buy a finished car or have one built for you?
This is often a difficult question, having a Hot Rod built for you means that you end up with the car that YOU want-your dream car.  Often this is a more expensive option, but you will have what you want and know what you have.  Be sure to research your hot rod builder of choice as THEY ARE NOT ALL THE SAME and the finished product will reflect that in cost, quality, timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Buying an already completed car is a great way to enter the rodding world.  Often you can get these for reasonable prices as the seller either - has his eye on another car, has been asked to sell the car, or simply needs the money.  Whatever the reason, you can get a great deal.  There are pitfalls however, often you don't get exactly what you want.  Sometimes you end up 'inheriting' someone elses problems.  Make sure you ask as many questions as you can, a reputable (honest) seller will not dodge questions or give you the run around.  Ask for more pictures if you cannot see what you need to see.  GO SEE IT in person, when you are paying 30, 40, 50K dollars for a car, whats a $350 plane ticket worth.  GO SEE THE CAR IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.  Obviously this is not always possible, with eBay auctions ending and busy schedules, but it really helps you know what you are getting into. 

Determine a Budget?
How much can you spend? How much are you willing to spend? What can you get for that price?  Know what you are getting into.  People often think that eBay is an online garage sale.  With hot rods, as most things, you often get what you pay for.  Do not expect to get that original-steel 1934 5-window coupe for 13,000 just because this is eBay.  eBay allows you to see cars from all over the country (and world), that is the advantage here, not to get a 'steal'. You have research tools. Use them, find out what you want and what they generally go for.  Figure another $1000 + for shipping (depending on how close the seller is) and 10-20% over the first year to fix and/or change the little things that need to be done.

Steel, "original steel" or fiberglass?
This arguement will likely go on eternally.  Talk to 'old school' rodders and original steel is still the holy grail.  However, with most of the restorable original cars- gone (already done), we are left with a few options: Aftermarket Steel or fibreglass.  The improvements in fibreglass over the last 5-6 years have closed the gap between steel & glass valuations.  Do your research.. All bodies are not alike.  Brookville or Rod Bod steel Roadster bodies are miles ahead of some other manufacturers. Rat's Glass, Harwood, Gibbons, and others make good solid fibreglass bodies, others are less desirable.  DO YOUR RESEARCH.

My belief is that this day and age, while 'original steel' is more valuable, a great car is a great car.  Build it right, finish it right and then enjoy it.

Power vs. Drivability
Everyone who first enters the hot rod scene wants a big, loud, nasty engine.  While that big 700hp, blown 383 might be dreamy, think about whether you want to drive it more than a 1/4 mile.  Shoot for power and drivability.  I like to find a balance between enough power to scare myself once in a while and a mild enough engine to be a great 'driver'.  While many Hot Rods have 400, 500, 600 hp, but keep in mind most of your time is spent cruising around town or cruising on a club run. 

Will I Fit in my new car?
Few people in the 1930s and 40s were large.  We are much larger today, but Henry Ford and the rest of them were pretty small people.  If you are 350lbs, you are unlikely to fit in a 32 roadster (you could fit in the car, but may never get out again).  If you are 6'5" for get about the 3"chopped roof.  It looks cool, but miserable to drive.  Go to a car show and meet some people. Sit in their cars and make sure you will fit before you buy.

Hot Rodding should be fun, that's what it is all about.  Doing a little research can keep it from being nightmarish.  Call me at Hot Rods and Classics of Tucson- 520-888-7100 for more info and ideas. Ask for Michael.