Training / Build School

[Oldguysrule58]

Planning a build in 2013. I come from a family of gear heads, but I was the accountant. I did work in my Dad's shop as a teen. Changed oil, did tune ups, all pre-electronic stuff.

So, what would you all recommend I do over the next six months or so to prepare myself for the build? Is the build school a good investment? What would you recommend I do to prep for the build school?

Thanks

Pat

[skullandbones]

I wish I had done build school as the entire cost was credited toward a kit at that time but there is still a generous portion still credited. So that is an endorsement for build school. Also, get the build manual digital or paper and read as much as possible. Take a million pics as you will never take too many. Then you can edit and delete the bad stuff. Also, capture the shots with good descriptions and dates. Then you will have a good reference for looking back a year later during your build. Hope that helps. Good luck, WEK.

[trichardson]

My experience level is similar to yours. When I took the build school a year ago it cost $700 but you get $500 back if you purchase a kit. The class is definitely worth $200 if you're serious about buying. Of course you have to consider travel and a place to stay in your cost. I managed to take the class at the tail end of a business trip that put me in the neighborhood so travel was much cheaper and the recommended hotel is reasonably priced.

The class covered a lot of stuff I already knew but it also covered a lot of stuff I didn't and getting to 'build' the car after reading the manual (definitely read the manual before taking the class) makes a huge difference. The instructors were fantastic. I still send them emails from time to time on issues that I can't figure out and they always reply very promptly.

In summary I had a hell of a lot of fun. I would have considered it a good 'man' vacation even if I wasn't building a car...but I am building a car and it wouldn't be going anywhere near this smoothly if I hadn't taken the class.

[WIS89]

Pat-

If you end up going to the build school, please post your opinion of the experience. I always appreciate hearing how folks with varying levels of experience rank the school.

So far it seems that nearly everyone comes away pretty happy! Also, it sounds like the instructors are pretty terrific about what they teach, as well as their availability after the class is over; pretty rare and valuable!

Thanks in advance...

Regards,

Steve

[SStrong]

I agree the build school is a great way to start a build. You can't beat the instructors, and some of the tips may save a lot of money (wish I had gone before I started my Roadster). Met a lot of great guys in the class. I really started making headway after I got back on my build. I used to drag race, but building a car basically from scratch (with wiring, fuel and brake lines and systems) seemed like a daunting task until the class. Definitely take it. Steve S

[mg2]

Wish i did the build school . I don't for see any problems but I believe its helps do to little tips and tricks .

[bcovell]

Well worth the time and money. You get hands on experience and a lot of tips & tricks that make the build easier.

[Gumball]

As a compliment to the build school and reading the manual, you may want to look into whether there are any builds going on in your area - perhaps the owners would let you help and/or look over their shoulder and ask questions. Before starting my build, I'd done a few restorations and build track-cars out of street cars, but building from a pile of parts was a whole new ballgame for me. I found half a dozen or so builders in my area and went to check out their builds in the various stages - it was a great way to gauge the difficulty and get some practical hands-on tips before jumping in on my own.

['33 BOD]

The build school was extremely helpful to me. This is my first time doing anything like this. I signed up with my daughter and we had a great time. The instructors were very knowledgeable. I'm building a '33 hot rod in the Chicago suburbs. I wish the customer service at FFR was as good as the build school. Good luck.