33 Hot Rod Newbie - Ordered the Stage 1 Kit

[Taking the Plunge]

Hi all. I live in North Carolina. I grew up working on the likes of GTXs, tri-powered GTOs, Big and small block Chevelles, Impalas, etc. I owned a 67 Camaro that was built out like a Z28. I have long thought about building a FF5 Roadster. I was showing my son the site and he fell in love with the 33 Hot Rod. I tried to convince him to do the Roadster with me but he was not swayed. We have discussed this for a year. He just turned 8 and the deal was if he was still interested I'd buy the kit. May 30 was his birthday and I ordered the kit on the 29th. I know he is young but I am looking at this as a father/son project.

I have made the decision to do a Small Block fuel injected Chevy 350 at 380 hp. Automatic tranny. 3 link rear end. My son wants flames and a popcorn maker lol. A soft top and the bike fenders are what we have also agreed on.

I've read the forums on the stiff ride quality of the 33 and the brake issues. I am a huge fan of disc brakes and would welcome any suggestions on that. Also, if there are any "must haves" or "must dos" from those that have built a hot rod, I am open to suggestions.

I am excited to do this. Once the kit comes, I'll start a build forum. Might take a bit of time but the journey will be worth it!

Craig
2000 Boxter, 2005 Lincoln Aviator, 1941 J3 Cub

[maczter]

There are literally hundreds of do's and don'ts. Spend your time waiting on your kit reading all the forums here and at ffrcars.com. Make a notebook with print outs of everything you think you like and/or might need to reference. Ask tons of questions, and you will get tons of answers. I personally went with the QA1 springs and Powerstop disc brakes and rotors. While the kit gives you virtually everything needed for the rod, your tastes and want for better quality in some cases will make you upgrade. I too am building a Stage 1, and am already planning on buying the Stage 2 sooner rather than later. Welcome to the club and good luck!