let's talk cheap hotrods

[Pedigry]

Yeah, yeah, I know, no such thing. But as the humble hot rod continues to go up in cost, what are some of the cars that are still "affordable". Immediately we can eliminate all mustangs, camaros, Novas, most anything Dodge, etc.



I just sold a 79 C3 corvette that was running for $5,000.00 That's an example of a cheap hotrod in my opinion. For some reason the C3 Vette is still cheap and can be had for under 10K.

Any other hot rods that you guys think are still good buys? I have a buddy of mine that is looking but is on a budget.

[dhutton]

First gen Firebirds cost considerably less than Camaros but share a lot of parts.

[marolf101x]

Hotwire and I have 4 door Chevelles.
I purchased my 64 for $5300 with a straight 6 and 700R4, stock everything else.
I horse traded and picked up an old ridetech kit (front upper and lowers, triple adjustable coil overs, front sway bar, etc), an AGR power steering box and some Wilwood 6 pot calipers for the front and C5 calipers for the rear.
C5 Vette rotors i bought from Rock Auto, and a C6 booster/master combo from Ebay.
5.3L truck motor with a hodge-podge OE front accessory drive and LS1 intake.
A rebuilt 4L60E.
A set of C5 Vette magnesium wheels I had laying around.
I'm still under 10K.

[Vimes]

It would depend on what he's looking for, but as for me it's pickup trucks all the way. Since you're asking here I'm also assuming he is looking for something he can modify and operate on the cheap. Plus they're practical, what with a bed on the back for hauling stuff if needed and a full frame for heavy towing.

If he's a smaller fellow, Chevy S10s or Ford Rangers would be the top picks as they come from the factory with iron blocks and still weigh in around 3200lbs. Dropping an aluminum LS1 in place of an all iron 4.3L will likely wind up weighing just a bit less. A Dodge Dakota like I'm doing is a little heavier but also a little larger, but then I'm a not so small fellow. Can't go wrong with a 70s square body Chevy either, if you can find one. Pick up a 4WD and it can easily be converted to an AWD. Wish I could recommend a GMT800 but quite frankly, every single one I've ever owned or dealt with has been a big 'ol bag of lemons.

As for car cars, anything made in the mid 1970s to early 1980s would be a good choice for a base. Naturally you'll want to get rid of the drivetrain for something that isn't an early smog engine.

[Bthomas]

Trucks and 4dr cars around me arent cheap anymore.

3rd and 4th gen fbodies are currently value bottomed out, but are rising quickly.

[68Formula]

Some of the forgotten mid-70s cars like the 75-80 Chevy Monzas and 74-78 Mustang II Cobras can be had at reasonable prices. They're lightweight and still fit a small block V8.

[boss_hoss]

Any non-Nova X body is usually pretty cheap. Buick Apollo, Pontiac Ventura, Olds Omega etc.

No necessarily a hot rod but one I've wanted for a long time is the MGB GTs. I've seen a few with Ford Small blocks shoehorned in em and they look like they would be a hoot to drive. and you can get them all day for around 3k in pretty good shape.

[79 Camaro]

My latest hot rod project is a 80 Camaro RS. Paid $5800 for it. It was a 28,000 mile one owner cream puff. Not a speck of rust. Never hit. All original paint. The interior is very nice. I did replace the carpet. The reason it was priced right because original owner ordered it with the ultra powerful 229 V6/three speed combo. LOL. $7400 out the door when he purchased it from a local dealer ship. I have the invoice, two build sheets, window sticker and copy of the Camaro brochure from 1980.
I do have some money into it but you can't find much in MN that are totally rust free. It now has a 2012 6.2/4L60E combo.
Before and after pics.

[TerryH432]

Most people can't even identify what our Maverick is. lol... Can be bought pretty cheap and make a pretty cool car.

[Pedigry]

80's cars can still be had for cheap. But I don't really consider them a hot rod. I am thinking anything in the 60 or 70's. That 80 camaro was a good buy tho for sure. Nice car.