How to AVOID the #1 Classic Car TRAP!

In this video, I share the #1 avoidable pitfall that many classic car buyers make when looking to restore or buy a classic muscle car: taking on a project that’s doomed to sit unfinished.
I know how this goes, it’s easy to get excited about a “deal” only to find yourself staring at a half-finished car that eats up both time and money. Learn from my experience and avoid buying a car that will sit as a Bad A** paperweight in your garage.
In this video, I’ll give you:
• The classic car buying mistakes that can turn your dream ride into a long-term frustration.
• Why buying a running car is often the best choice, even if it’s not your dream make, model & options.
• My personal tips for making smart, realistic decisions when buying a classic car or starting a restoration project.
Plus, I’ll talk about what to look for, what to avoid, and how to stay motivated when building or restoring your dream car. Don’t let your project turn into a classic car nightmare! 🚗💥

👇 Get my FREE Classic Car Purchase Inspection Checklist and Buying Guide:

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—have you ever been stuck in this classic car trap?

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[ChannelNotFound]

I think the biggest pitfall is expecting a perfect car. Your car doesn't need a frame off Overhaulin' level restoration. Get it running, fix the rust, and drive. Fix what breaks, and enjoy it.

[tonywalker]

Actually the number one killer of car building to me is BAD SHOPS. There was a time before 2020 you actually got decent to good work done. Today a lot of the good guys have passed on. I have a few cars and in the last 5 years been royally screwed over by pretty much all of the shops they been to. Specifically the Body And Paint guys. Taking deposits. Taking the car apart and simply not working on it again. I have heard so many horror stories. It’s insane. I’m 1000% you the reader can relate.

[mikefrandle]

I bought a very nice 1970 Challenger RT driver nice paint nice interior new motor new tires new mags tons of work had been done to it buy several people. Now me restoring chrome or replacing chrome is expensive! Little parts are expensive door handles seatbelt window cranks bezels and chrome are expensive! Fixing wiring is time consuming! If you want to drive it you have to work on it! Radiator, brakes, steering……. I’ve had mine for 2 years I have several mechanical friends and paint and body guys I am very lucky! Good support team is a must!! It’s expensive, relaxing, frustrating and totally awesome!!!!

[triedcall]

This guy is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT>
So many projects just never get finished, and the project car you just bought 'at a great deal' is someone else's failed project.
Pay attention: This guy is right on the money.

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[Mr_D]

The #1 killer for restoring a classic car is paint, 9 out of 10 times that cost alone will put you upside down on the project.

[lloydc]

I had a car repainted at a reputable shop. Paint quality was good. When I went to pick it up some trim pieces were not on the car. I asked and was told "we had a vote in the shop and decided it looked better without the trim". I asked for the pieces and was told "we clean up every weekend and any unused items get tossed". That is what it is like out there even when you pay top dollar.

[daggs]

One of the best things to do to keep a project going is not to be scared to get dirty. If you have the time n energy do a lot of the work yourself. You will save a ton of money but you also get to know your car and answer any questions people ask you about. There's some pride in that too.

[mercurymangarage]

Great video. I think the biggest thing for the average guy is, do not get in over your head and lose interest. You described everything perfectly. Don’t let your cars sit for years and years. Don’t build a trailer queen that you’re afraid to drive. Don’t get sucked in to something you don’t need. Keep it real. Good stuff.

[MostlyBuicks]

To do a FULL period correct restoration, even if you get the car for FREE. The cost of the restoration (even if you do most of the work yourself) will supersede the value of MOST cars

[MostlyBuicks]

I have tried to buy derelict cars from people. I always hear the same story: "I am going to restore it someday." I STILL see some of these same cars 20 or 30 years later now to the point where I would NOT want to buy them because of their even more deteriorated state. What was once a fairly easy restoration has become a mere parts car at best. Face it, most people NEVER get around do "someday".

[jessebaza]

i bought a driver 1966 mustang and decided to rewire with a wire kit. as i stripped everything out- one thing led to another- now it’s been sitting as you said. i wish i saw this video first!

[mikeb]

Realizing I’m late to the game but I can’t help myself. I personally have committed every single mistake a man can make doing restorations. Started with a 64 Chevell thru multiple chevys then Mopars and now a bronco. Every one of them broke my heart and my checking account before eventually returning to someone’s garage as a driver. Old man now and broke but man the stories I tell at the shop

[ospguy]

I’ve been building classic cars for over 40 years, for myself. Everything you said here is spot on. I do all my own work, mechanical, engine build, body work, paint. I’m my worst customer as I want perfection. Even doing it all myself, most builds cost more than the end market value. Do it for the journey, but be prepared to finish the journey.

[jdsmith]

I broke pretty much all your rules and yup it’s an expensive long rough road. But it’s a lot like a marriage, you gotta keep that flame there. It’s easy to loose interest it long drawn out anything’s (movies, stories, projects, ) I’m currently working on a 70 chevelle. I started in 2019 with no useable body panels, and a bent frame. Now I have a strait boxed frame and a solid body waiting for that Lsx 454 and 4l85e transmission sitting in the kitchen! It takes A LOT of time and patience. Good luck everyone! Oh and a final thought it’s not a money pit, no that’s a lie! Pits can be filled with enough material. These things are more like voids to another dimension!

[johnhege]

I completed a restoration for a man who had paid several guys to do little or nothing. When I was finishing up on the details he was getting really excited and asked "John, what's the most exciting part of a restoration for you?" I thought for a moment and replied "buying the car." He looked confused and asked for more. I explained that when you buy the car it's all possibility. You don't even see the car for what it is but for what it can be. You haven't yet spent thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours only to find out that it's way more work than you anticipated. This is why you visit an enthusiast and you find several uncompleted projects at their shop. They keep falling for that initial rush of buying a car and bringing it home.

[lucassnell]

As a younger guy who's gotten into old cars, I appreciate the info and you being genuine and real about it. Its all fun and games until you get overwhelmed and burnt out, when it was meant to be fun and enjoyable

[NHGOAT]

As a recently retired guy who bought (and did an engine swap/transmission rebuild) on a 1966 Dart GT, This post contains some very practical advice. In my case I have an insulated garage, a lift, and worked in an auto repair shop as a kid. If you don't have these things, think long and hard before diving into a project!!!!

[greytogray]

So much truth here. The last car I restored and did a body-off on is the last car I'll do on that level. Your advice to buy a complete running car you can drive and enjoy while modifying is the absolute best advice you can take. If you still take on a project then take whatever budget you think youll need to complete and multiply it by 3x, and even that is being comservative. Finally, when dealing with shops, especially body shops you need to do your due diligence because that is one area of building a car that will completely destroy your enthusiasm and budget. When your car is in someone else's hands you are entering into a relationship, of sorts. You need to tend to that relationship every day. Be on them, go by the shop every two days. If theyre a good shop then theyll be fi e with your engagement, but if they get snotty about it then say, thanks, and get your car out of there asap.

[joshualeone]

Eh, garage is optional. I do the majority of my project car work in a dirt driveway with some sheets of plywood and old playmats.... in New England. Big shop fans and well-placed electric heaters are enough to keep someone comfortable for the most part. Even have a DIY paint booth made out of 2x4's and plastic sheathing. But, I do agree you need a place to store parts, like a basement or even a shed.

[peternewman]

You are so right. A finished running car is alot of work just to maintain