I'm ok with that. If I'm not meeting community standards than that is the consequence. You are not okay with consequences. Which is why you throw temper tantrums. But we are beyond all that now. You should be banned. But they won't ban anyone. So enjoy yourself here.
By definition of being an architect in this contemporary era, it's job definition to challenge 'community standards'. Do you think Frank Gehry gives a f--- about 'community standards'? Consequences are what? A ban. It's not going to make me cry.
Gehry has set the community standard since the 60's. You have violated them in every possible way since you started pretending you were a building designer.
But that doesn't matter. Ban the Balkins. Ban the bot.
Let's set a community standard. If people want to start dumpster fires create a thread similar to thread central. But call it trash central.
Do you ever consider that your Wall of Text Syndrome hurts your business too?
I can't imagine that any prospective client who runs across your text walls on your various advertising venues will ever take time to read one - I'm sure they move right on to the next craigslist drafter:
"The client should keep in mind the following:
1. They should have substantial money secured.
2. Project budget should be twice the estimated cost of material and contractor's labor and overhead & profits or in other words, the cost of construction would be around half the amount that is secured because there needs be budgeted amount for paying the architect/building designer appropriately, the engineer and sometimes other consultants and costs as well as contingency budgeted in. Therefore the scale of the project must reflect that.
3. When designing a new home or major renovation/remodel or other intensive research or design intensive project, there should at least be a year or two between initial contact with the architect/designer and submitting for permits because the work often involves considerable work and also considerable time even for the client in reviewing and understanding what the architect/designer provides a client in documentations, memos and so forth.
4. An architect or building designer provides more value to a project then just things that can be easily measured by dollars. For example: Quality of space. How the space and relationship of different function areas are to each other for efficiency, thoughtfulness, and experiential qualities. Things that exceed shear dollars.
Note: These aren't always outlandish or like a Taj Mahal. These can be affordable and rational.
5. When commissioning me, I am an independent contractor not an employee. I am be commissioned for my knowledge and skills not for being a drafting employee. This mean, I do this to be paid. I am a business not a freebie charity. My job is to find solutions to best solve your challenges but sometimes there are regulatory barriers that may prevent some ideas the client may want. This means, I have an obligation under standards of law to be forthright and candid and even tell you the bad news so that we can find a workable alternative solutions. Therefore, my job is more than just telling you what you 'want' to hear but what you need to hear.
6. I am paid and I command a fee based on estimation of time, risks, costs, and other business considerations like contribution margin and profits for a sustainable business as well as a reasonable living income. I'm not doing this for minimum wage or below minimum wage. I didn't go to college for over a decade for working for peanuts. Therefore, I am not the cheapest out there. However, I am flexible to a certain extent on price when in reflection of the above while analyzing the scope of work. It has to pencil out. It has to be mutually beneficial for me as a business and you as a client.
7. There are others that low-ball at ridiculously low prices from which the quality would be questionable. These quality issues may or may not be noticeable to the untrained eye of a typical client (a non-design professional). They may look pretty with fantastic graphics but loaded with technical errors that may result in life-threatening as well as costly issues to correct. As a design professional, my job is to uphold professional standard of care in all aspects pertaining to health, safety and welfare of you the client and the public at large. I also have to respect the financial consequence of the design decisions not only to you but the implications it may have on other properties.
8. Designing and constructing a building is a social act with implications on others and not just yourself.
9. I do not edit or make modified alterations of plans from newspaper clippings or other sources. Those are copyrighted by the original designer/architect. However, I may look at and consider attributes for inspiration for designing a house for you, the client.
10. When I prepare schematics or other preliminary drawings, they are not to be submitted for permits. All works I prepare is copyrighted to me and I do not relinquish my proprietary ownership rights to the plans and specifications and they are only for the work defined in contract otherwise that would constitute copyright infringement. I state the importance and clarity upfront about these two important issues. One is a health, safety and welfare issue and the second is that I protect my copyright and take the issue seriously as they can have considerable liability implications to me as well as there is money in licensing those plans. After all, those licenses also would be for covering and sort of compensating for additional liability insurance coverage and possible premium impact. These insurances aren't free and they are a necessity in case of possible lawsuit over anything. When lawsuits happens, there is a lot of finger pointing and everyone is trying to skirt the responsibility and pass the buck like a hot potato. As a business, these are serious considerations. There could even be other additional fees associated with licensing and construction of multiple buildings on the same plan via a license that includes additional drawings for foundation or other subtle modifications for different or updated codes, construction administration/observation and so forth for assurance what is built substantially complies with the plans and specifications.
I view my work in building design as an avenue of creative problem solving. The aspect I enjoy most is the creative problem solving. When a client comes to a design professional, they come with issues and challenges that needs to be solved. These issues or challenges range from regulatory to resolving different and sometimes clashing design ideas and making sense of those ideas and find a solution. The challenges and issues surrounding a 'design problem' is many and it is the sort of joy of solving things challenges creatively and a satisfied paying client that pays well. After all, I don't work for free. Yet, I seek to put value for every dollar spent and some of which is not clearly measured in how many dollars I reduce on project cost. There are many factors to value in a project." - Richard WC Balkins
Josh, Rick really didn't exactly go to college for a decade. He perpetuates that idea because it makes him feel better about himself than if he admitted he was holed up full time in the attic, but he also keeps forgetting that he has posted his transcripts and that what they really show is: two quarters in a high school level GED prep program, then 11 quarters to get an associate degree, then 4+ years of quarters ranging from not enrolled at all to enrolled in a few credits - all as "non degree seeking", then a CAD certificate, then more very low or not enrolled quarters, then he topped it off with one semester in an unfinished associate program in historic preservation. Then he transferred to a university where he spent 3 more years in a bachelor degree program that did not lead to a bachelor degree.
so much richness available in the dumpster fire topic:
Apr 18, 16 11:48 pm ·
·
Still over 7.5 years worth even if you take the earned credits divided by 45 credits a year (15 credits per term not semesters). Since fulltime enrollment begins as 12 credits per term then its 36 credits a year or higher makes full-time. It's still over 9-1/2 years worth at that point. So a round off of 10 years worth is pretty much still valid.
Apr 19, 16 12:51 am ·
·
All the while all this babbling nonsense, I had secured a prospective client seeking a new construction design.
At this phase, the design work is primarily conceptual level stuff with some stuff needed to establish some estimates used for securing project funds. At the same time, I'm giving a little break at this phase. The worst case risk is a little too much labor spent on the amount received at that phase. The better case scenario is I make up the difference in the later phase at a more normalized fee once the client secures project funding. The lack of project funding at the moment is a flag and I am aware of it.
wow! you're so talented! so entrepreneurial! you're really making it big in clatsop county! b-dub for the wiiiiiiin! this new chicken coop you're designing is going to take the blue ribbon at the county fair this summer balkster!
Apr 19, 16 1:27 am ·
·
no_form,
Only the chicken coop for the 6-ft tall kind of hairy and featherless chickens.
I got a project car recently, I love it. Particularly in that I wasn't a car guy previously.
My advice; settle on a car. Find a forum or club based around that vehicle. Buy from someone who needs to unload one of theirs. Be patient. Good deals to be had if you are patient.
I've read that the 300ZX engine bay is an absolute headache which makes me nervous as it'll be my first project car, the only thing I do are light maintenance on my current car..
I'll see what I find, got a few cars which I'd quite like, 300ZX, 240ZX, 200SX, Mazda MX5, Toyota Supra and various other Japanese cars.
When it comes to cars, you know what is always the answer, archiwutm8?
Miata. Miata Is Always The Answer.
Seriously, you can't drive a Miata and not smile, even when you experience a near-miss when a guy runs a left arrow and nearly head-ons you first thing in the morning. I was smiling about my car not 5 seconds later.
Non Seq, your Lego dumpster fire made me happy. I may build one with my son tonight.
seems if you're going to get a project car, it wants to be an old jeep, a camaro, or a mustang. maybe a barracuda, or depending lifestyle choices, a bug/VW bus.
i think the older guy from click and clack had a miata, so that sort of makes sense. i guess i find it hard to understand the appeal of other cars.
Yeeeeah, I don't know about the RF. I can't separate convertible from Miata in my mind and heart....I'd rather be bundled up in scarf/gloves/hat with the heat on and the top down as long as it's 40F or above.
Yes those old Datsun Zs are cool. My cocaine-addicted first architecture boss owned one. His secretary/supplier drove the front wheels up over a parking block one day when she went to pick up his supply. She came into the office crying to me asking what to do and I said, uh, I don't know, keep on driving forward, I guess?
OMG I just googled that firm and they are STILL around, I can't believe the founder is still alive, he was a MESS in the 80s! And the hippie draftsman is still there too. Wow, time warp. hahaha.
I imagine there are lots of checks and balances in automotive design, I think it is quite controlled. No one is pooping inside the wall cavities at least.
I own a ’90 300zx twin-turbo. My Dad ordered it and took delivery in the fall of ’89. I took it over in ’92. It’s pushing 150k on the odometer, and last summer had substantial work done to it; hoses, wiring, injectors, timing belt, exhaust, intake, etc.. There is a huge amount of aftermarket parts and support like twinturbo.net. Common problems are plugged injectors (hate the ethanol blends), brittle harness, and rotting rubber. Next most common is simple owner abuse. They are hard to wrench on. And no; this isn’t my project car, it’s my daily driver.
Donna; my family heirloom is a original owner ’71 Datsun 240z. My childhood memories are wrapped up in that car. The gear whine from the tranny and rear end still put me to sleep (lots of road trips with a family of 5 in that car). Pffft; who needs seats when you can stretch out under the hatch? Parents still own it and drive it.. my mom drives it the most. She’s 73. So watch out for a grey hair burning past you in the twisting roads…
The 300zx has a great form. The TT has everything good about mid 90's Japanese muscle cars - I would love to own one.
My last car was a Subaru WRX and it was quite the project. I did alot of wrenching on it (very tight engine bay in that one too) and it isn't terrible but i'd rather learn on an easier car. My father-in-laws Miata looks really easy to work on but I've never had the fortune.
Donna, the only time Miata isn't the answer is when "S2000" is the answer. All other times, though, i'll take the Miata.
I agree with previous suggestion - find 5-10 cars you like. Research the owner's clubs and forums for frequent problems, look for good condition models for sale, then make a decision based on all of the above.
A good first thing to consider is carbureted or fuel-injected. Learning to wrench on a carbureted car is about 1000x times easier because no or very simple computers. Also the engine bays tend to be roomier and there are simpler systems all around.
I personally have had my eye on an Alfa Giulia or Volvo 240/242 Turbo for a while now, waiting for a good one to come up.
bringatrailer.com is a good place to check. Nothing beats owner forums though.
archanonymous, my husband has a WRX now, it's fairly tricked out and about two years old. He looooooves it, it's his favorite car of the dozens he's owned over the years. I like it, but it just doesn't feel as immediately connected to the road as my Miata does.
mightyaa, I think we've talked about this before but the car I learned to drive on was a Landcruiser FJ. We don't own it anymore, but I'd practically kill or die to have it back. My dad and his sister both wanted the '66 Chevy Malibu 2-door that was my grandma's daily driver, but my aunt won. I'd take it if I could get my hands on it....
I'm looking for something fun and sporty for a toy car, originally settled on the miata cause in London you can get them for virtually pennies. This summer or Christmas I'm getting a new car for my DD though.
i recommend a nice red chevy malibu maxx - very sensible, plus in a few years it will turn a nice shade of pink and no one would ever make fun of you for that.
In London, I'd go for quirky; A 70's saloon type car converted to a modern drivetrain. Examples would be a Ford Escort RSR, Datsun 210, Morris Saloons or Mini, Rover cars, Jensen, etc. Look into EV conversions. You can get high horsepower/torque monsters now.
Morris mini would have a ton of aftermarket support and a Honda motor swap isn't terribly uncommon.
My project car is a '73 Land Rover 88. I'm seriously contemplating a EV swap once battery prices drop. The alternate engine choice is a 4 cyl built ford ecoboost in the 400 hp range. Currently it has a chevy v6 transplant that is blown.
Donna, I liked my WRX also but at heart it is a heavy, all-wheel-drive econobox and it drives like one. Would take the in-laws miata any day for canyon carving, but the wrx was a bit more practical.
Archiwut-
I would also be careful about choosing something you really care about as your first project car, because then you can get trapped in a money pit if you don't like it or it doesn't work out, or you turn out to be not very good at working on cars.
My first project car was a Volvo 850 turbo I bought with a friend for like $500. It was great because you get to learn things like "oh, that's what happens when you tear a headliner out" or "hmm I wonder if our home-made sway bar has anything to do with that clunking noise coming from the suspension." It had a manual boost controller that you had to get out, pop the hood, turn with a screwdriver (to a guesstimate) in order to adjust boost. Generally it started best with a healthy dose of ether in the intake. The automatic transmission eventually blew up from doing neutral drops.
seems if you're going to get a project car, it wants to be an old jeep, a camaro, or a mustang. maybe a barracuda, or depending lifestyle choices, a bug/VW bus.
Thread Central
WESTPORT
SVENSON
ASTORIA
BALKINSVILLE
"Conductor, Where does this train go after Balkinsville?"
"Nowhere, Balkinsville is the end of the line."
If you think you are going to try to get me to leave by being an asshole, good luck with that one.
They can ban you, too! Chew on that thought for a bit.
1,611
By definition of being an architect in this contemporary era, it's job definition to challenge 'community standards'. Do you think Frank Gehry gives a f--- about 'community standards'? Consequences are what? A ban. It's not going to make me cry.
What need for a temper tantrum.
But that doesn't matter. Ban the Balkins. Ban the bot.
Let's set a community standard. If people want to start dumpster fires create a thread similar to thread central. But call it trash central.
Do you ever consider that your Wall of Text Syndrome hurts your business too?
I can't imagine that any prospective client who runs across your text walls on your various advertising venues will ever take time to read one - I'm sure they move right on to the next craigslist drafter:
"The client should keep in mind the following:
1. They should have substantial money secured.
2. Project budget should be twice the estimated cost of material and contractor's labor and overhead & profits or in other words, the cost of construction would be around half the amount that is secured because there needs be budgeted amount for paying the architect/building designer appropriately, the engineer and sometimes other consultants and costs as well as contingency budgeted in. Therefore the scale of the project must reflect that.
3. When designing a new home or major renovation/remodel or other intensive research or design intensive project, there should at least be a year or two between initial contact with the architect/designer and submitting for permits because the work often involves considerable work and also considerable time even for the client in reviewing and understanding what the architect/designer provides a client in documentations, memos and so forth.
4. An architect or building designer provides more value to a project then just things that can be easily measured by dollars. For example: Quality of space. How the space and relationship of different function areas are to each other for efficiency, thoughtfulness, and experiential qualities. Things that exceed shear dollars.
Note: These aren't always outlandish or like a Taj Mahal. These can be affordable and rational.
5. When commissioning me, I am an independent contractor not an employee. I am be commissioned for my knowledge and skills not for being a drafting employee. This mean, I do this to be paid. I am a business not a freebie charity. My job is to find solutions to best solve your challenges but sometimes there are regulatory barriers that may prevent some ideas the client may want. This means, I have an obligation under standards of law to be forthright and candid and even tell you the bad news so that we can find a workable alternative solutions. Therefore, my job is more than just telling you what you 'want' to hear but what you need to hear.
6. I am paid and I command a fee based on estimation of time, risks, costs, and other business considerations like contribution margin and profits for a sustainable business as well as a reasonable living income. I'm not doing this for minimum wage or below minimum wage. I didn't go to college for over a decade for working for peanuts. Therefore, I am not the cheapest out there. However, I am flexible to a certain extent on price when in reflection of the above while analyzing the scope of work. It has to pencil out. It has to be mutually beneficial for me as a business and you as a client.
7. There are others that low-ball at ridiculously low prices from which the quality would be questionable. These quality issues may or may not be noticeable to the untrained eye of a typical client (a non-design professional). They may look pretty with fantastic graphics but loaded with technical errors that may result in life-threatening as well as costly issues to correct. As a design professional, my job is to uphold professional standard of care in all aspects pertaining to health, safety and welfare of you the client and the public at large. I also have to respect the financial consequence of the design decisions not only to you but the implications it may have on other properties.
8. Designing and constructing a building is a social act with implications on others and not just yourself.
9. I do not edit or make modified alterations of plans from newspaper clippings or other sources. Those are copyrighted by the original designer/architect. However, I may look at and consider attributes for inspiration for designing a house for you, the client.
10. When I prepare schematics or other preliminary drawings, they are not to be submitted for permits. All works I prepare is copyrighted to me and I do not relinquish my proprietary ownership rights to the plans and specifications and they are only for the work defined in contract otherwise that would constitute copyright infringement. I state the importance and clarity upfront about these two important issues. One is a health, safety and welfare issue and the second is that I protect my copyright and take the issue seriously as they can have considerable liability implications to me as well as there is money in licensing those plans. After all, those licenses also would be for covering and sort of compensating for additional liability insurance coverage and possible premium impact. These insurances aren't free and they are a necessity in case of possible lawsuit over anything. When lawsuits happens, there is a lot of finger pointing and everyone is trying to skirt the responsibility and pass the buck like a hot potato. As a business, these are serious considerations. There could even be other additional fees associated with licensing and construction of multiple buildings on the same plan via a license that includes additional drawings for foundation or other subtle modifications for different or updated codes, construction administration/observation and so forth for assurance what is built substantially complies with the plans and specifications.
I view my work in building design as an avenue of creative problem solving. The aspect I enjoy most is the creative problem solving. When a client comes to a design professional, they come with issues and challenges that needs to be solved. These issues or challenges range from regulatory to resolving different and sometimes clashing design ideas and making sense of those ideas and find a solution. The challenges and issues surrounding a 'design problem' is many and it is the sort of joy of solving things challenges creatively and a satisfied paying client that pays well. After all, I don't work for free. Yet, I seek to put value for every dollar spent and some of which is not clearly measured in how many dollars I reduce on project cost. There are many factors to value in a project." - Richard WC Balkins
.
non, the problem here is that the fire can never be put out. but that definitely made me lol.
Also, this thread hurts my head much more than the Chicago Building Code.
Olaf:
Dumpster fire is my favorite image lately.
Josh, Rick really didn't exactly go to college for a decade. He perpetuates that idea because it makes him feel better about himself than if he admitted he was holed up full time in the attic, but he also keeps forgetting that he has posted his transcripts and that what they really show is: two quarters in a high school level GED prep program, then 11 quarters to get an associate degree, then 4+ years of quarters ranging from not enrolled at all to enrolled in a few credits - all as "non degree seeking", then a CAD certificate, then more very low or not enrolled quarters, then he topped it off with one semester in an unfinished associate program in historic preservation. Then he transferred to a university where he spent 3 more years in a bachelor degree program that did not lead to a bachelor degree.
way too much time on this topic.....
so much richness available in the dumpster fire topic:
Still over 7.5 years worth even if you take the earned credits divided by 45 credits a year (15 credits per term not semesters). Since fulltime enrollment begins as 12 credits per term then its 36 credits a year or higher makes full-time. It's still over 9-1/2 years worth at that point. So a round off of 10 years worth is pretty much still valid.
All the while all this babbling nonsense, I had secured a prospective client seeking a new construction design.
At this phase, the design work is primarily conceptual level stuff with some stuff needed to establish some estimates used for securing project funds. At the same time, I'm giving a little break at this phase. The worst case risk is a little too much labor spent on the amount received at that phase. The better case scenario is I make up the difference in the later phase at a more normalized fee once the client secures project funding. The lack of project funding at the moment is a flag and I am aware of it.
In any case of outcome, it's work.
wow! you're so talented! so entrepreneurial! you're really making it big in clatsop county! b-dub for the wiiiiiiin! this new chicken coop you're designing is going to take the blue ribbon at the county fair this summer balkster!
no_form,
Only the chicken coop for the 6-ft tall kind of hairy and featherless chickens.
LOL.
Anyways..
Thinking of getting a project car, I may go for a Nissan 300ZX or a Honda integra. Opinions?
300zx, has to be a club for that model? like an MG club. thats a very special model
beta, thanks brohuman.
Just needed to break the chain. Reading all this made my head start to hurt... first thing this morning.
But hey! Free lunch today!
I got a project car recently, I love it. Particularly in that I wasn't a car guy previously.
My advice; settle on a car. Find a forum or club based around that vehicle. Buy from someone who needs to unload one of theirs. Be patient. Good deals to be had if you are patient.
I've read that the 300ZX engine bay is an absolute headache which makes me nervous as it'll be my first project car, the only thing I do are light maintenance on my current car..
I'll see what I find, got a few cars which I'd quite like, 300ZX, 240ZX, 200SX, Mazda MX5, Toyota Supra and various other Japanese cars.
When it comes to cars, you know what is always the answer, archiwutm8?
Miata. Miata Is Always The Answer.
Seriously, you can't drive a Miata and not smile, even when you experience a near-miss when a guy runs a left arrow and nearly head-ons you first thing in the morning. I was smiling about my car not 5 seconds later.
Non Seq, your Lego dumpster fire made me happy. I may build one with my son tonight.
I was honestly going to get a Miata however its difficult to find one with a hardroof, Have you seen the new RFA Miata?
But you can't deny that Nissan used to have an amazing design ethos that's what makes older Datsuns and Nissans so nice.
By project car, I thought you guys meant a car to go to projects in!
seems if you're going to get a project car, it wants to be an old jeep, a camaro, or a mustang. maybe a barracuda, or depending lifestyle choices, a bug/VW bus.
i think the older guy from click and clack had a miata, so that sort of makes sense. i guess i find it hard to understand the appeal of other cars.
Yeeeeah, I don't know about the RF. I can't separate convertible from Miata in my mind and heart....I'd rather be bundled up in scarf/gloves/hat with the heat on and the top down as long as it's 40F or above.
Yes those old Datsun Zs are cool. My cocaine-addicted first architecture boss owned one. His secretary/supplier drove the front wheels up over a parking block one day when she went to pick up his supply. She came into the office crying to me asking what to do and I said, uh, I don't know, keep on driving forward, I guess?
OMG I just googled that firm and they are STILL around, I can't believe the founder is still alive, he was a MESS in the 80s! And the hippie draftsman is still there too. Wow, time warp. hahaha.
I want to know what goes on the mind of an automotive designer, the pressure must be immense. "I design this wrong and people could drive into a wall"
Im waiting for the new RX7
Well..that's never gonna happen..no more rotaries.
I imagine there are lots of checks and balances in automotive design, I think it is quite controlled. No one is pooping inside the wall cavities at least.
archiwutm8, why do you say that?
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/11/mazdas-new-turbo-rotary-engine.html
I own a ’90 300zx twin-turbo. My Dad ordered it and took delivery in the fall of ’89. I took it over in ’92. It’s pushing 150k on the odometer, and last summer had substantial work done to it; hoses, wiring, injectors, timing belt, exhaust, intake, etc.. There is a huge amount of aftermarket parts and support like twinturbo.net. Common problems are plugged injectors (hate the ethanol blends), brittle harness, and rotting rubber. Next most common is simple owner abuse. They are hard to wrench on. And no; this isn’t my project car, it’s my daily driver.
Donna; my family heirloom is a original owner ’71 Datsun 240z. My childhood memories are wrapped up in that car. The gear whine from the tranny and rear end still put me to sleep (lots of road trips with a family of 5 in that car). Pffft; who needs seats when you can stretch out under the hatch? Parents still own it and drive it.. my mom drives it the most. She’s 73. So watch out for a grey hair burning past you in the twisting roads…
The 300zx has a great form. The TT has everything good about mid 90's Japanese muscle cars - I would love to own one.
My last car was a Subaru WRX and it was quite the project. I did alot of wrenching on it (very tight engine bay in that one too) and it isn't terrible but i'd rather learn on an easier car. My father-in-laws Miata looks really easy to work on but I've never had the fortune.
Donna, the only time Miata isn't the answer is when "S2000" is the answer. All other times, though, i'll take the Miata.
I agree with previous suggestion - find 5-10 cars you like. Research the owner's clubs and forums for frequent problems, look for good condition models for sale, then make a decision based on all of the above.
A good first thing to consider is carbureted or fuel-injected. Learning to wrench on a carbureted car is about 1000x times easier because no or very simple computers. Also the engine bays tend to be roomier and there are simpler systems all around.
I personally have had my eye on an Alfa Giulia or Volvo 240/242 Turbo for a while now, waiting for a good one to come up.
bringatrailer.com is a good place to check. Nothing beats owner forums though.
archanonymous, my husband has a WRX now, it's fairly tricked out and about two years old. He looooooves it, it's his favorite car of the dozens he's owned over the years. I like it, but it just doesn't feel as immediately connected to the road as my Miata does.
mightyaa, I think we've talked about this before but the car I learned to drive on was a Landcruiser FJ. We don't own it anymore, but I'd practically kill or die to have it back. My dad and his sister both wanted the '66 Chevy Malibu 2-door that was my grandma's daily driver, but my aunt won. I'd take it if I could get my hands on it....
I'm looking for something fun and sporty for a toy car, originally settled on the miata cause in London you can get them for virtually pennies. This summer or Christmas I'm getting a new car for my DD though.
i recommend a nice red chevy malibu maxx - very sensible, plus in a few years it will turn a nice shade of pink and no one would ever make fun of you for that.
Eh we don't do Chevy in the UK.
In London, I'd go for quirky; A 70's saloon type car converted to a modern drivetrain. Examples would be a Ford Escort RSR, Datsun 210, Morris Saloons or Mini, Rover cars, Jensen, etc. Look into EV conversions. You can get high horsepower/torque monsters now.
Morris mini would have a ton of aftermarket support and a Honda motor swap isn't terribly uncommon.
My project car is a '73 Land Rover 88. I'm seriously contemplating a EV swap once battery prices drop. The alternate engine choice is a 4 cyl built ford ecoboost in the 400 hp range. Currently it has a chevy v6 transplant that is blown.
Donna, I liked my WRX also but at heart it is a heavy, all-wheel-drive econobox and it drives like one. Would take the in-laws miata any day for canyon carving, but the wrx was a bit more practical.
Archiwut-
I would also be careful about choosing something you really care about as your first project car, because then you can get trapped in a money pit if you don't like it or it doesn't work out, or you turn out to be not very good at working on cars.
My first project car was a Volvo 850 turbo I bought with a friend for like $500. It was great because you get to learn things like "oh, that's what happens when you tear a headliner out" or "hmm I wonder if our home-made sway bar has anything to do with that clunking noise coming from the suspension." It had a manual boost controller that you had to get out, pop the hood, turn with a screwdriver (to a guesstimate) in order to adjust boost. Generally it started best with a healthy dose of ether in the intake. The automatic transmission eventually blew up from doing neutral drops.
It was the best first project car.
seems if you're going to get a project car, it wants to be an old jeep, a camaro, or a mustang. maybe a barracuda, or depending lifestyle choices, a bug/VW bus.
mine is a fullsize, Jeep Cherokee- Old School.
http://cimg.carsforsale.com/499545/1JCCM16N3CT053075_1.jpg
NOT mine, but you get the idea...
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