He says, “I see a car, and it just feels right, I just have to have it.” In those cases, it’s good to listen to your heart, but don’t forget his list of best practices. In the end, Foose says that often it comes down to a gut feeling. Planning for that expense, however, is critical. In some cases, custom parts are what make the project. It is best to consider aftermarket support for the vehicle, as custom components take time and money to develop. If you can find a car with most of its trimmings still attached - even if they need some restoration work - you’re generally better off.Īre you going to do a powertrain swap? A new chassis? Custom bodywork? These are all customizations that are often dependent on the type of car you’re going to build. Foose also notes that trimmings such as window moldings, bumpers, and brightwork are expensive components and time-consuming to track down when they are damaged or missing. If you’re not planning on doing an engine or drivetrain swap, make sure that the factory running gear is in good shape or, at the very least, restorable.
He notes that “sheet metal repairs are expensive, so if you can find a car for the money that’s in better condition, you often end up saving in the long run.”Īfter taking into account the condition of the project’s sheet metal and frame, you need to consider its completeness. Foose says that people often get excited by a ”good deal” when it comes to a project car, but that in the end, it’s often worth paying more for a rust-free car with a straight body. In these cases, it’s important to keep your eye out for a few specific concerns.īody condition is foremost to consider, regardless of whether you’re planning on a patinated project or a flawless restored example. If it’s the latter, make sure you’re not overinvesting and leave room for unexpected costs.įor some, a project car is handed down or stumbled upon, but for others, finding the perfect vehicle is a challenge - sometimes one spanning several years. Ask yourself if this project is your dream car, or if it’s a stepping-stone to your dream car.
When it comes to the practical stuff like a budget, he suggests considering what your project means to you. They can consult with you on your ideas, provide feedback, and maybe above all, render your finished car. If you have trouble visualizing your project, Foose suggests hiring a designer to help you. These are not only monetary hits, but also setbacks that make driving your finished project car a more distant future. As an illustrator, Foose likes to start his projects with a visual of the build, as that part of the process assists him in defining the finished product.įrom that visual, he says you can “devise a theme, plan your future steps, and make a parts list.” Without a plan, you run the risk of ordering parts that won’t get used, or having to do costly work over again as it didn’t turn out right the first time “in that case, you just doubled the cost of that project,” he says. He notes that envisioning what you’re going to build helps you save time and money, as it allows you to plan the project’s path. Today, Foose-designed customs are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, noted for their uniqueness and attention to detail.Īccording to Foose, the first step in starting a project is “knowing what you want to build before you build it.” This step may seem relatively simple, but for Foose, having an end goal to work toward is vital. The firm specializes in illustration, graphics, and ideation, as well as model-making, surfacing, and, of course, the design and construction of cars and automotive products.įoose has created vehicles for films like “RoboCop,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” and “Blade Runner.” As host of the popular show “Overhaulin’,” he completed more than 170 cars. Foose graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design in 1990, and after working for private design firms and even OEMs, founded Foose Design in 1998. By age 12, he had already painted his first car and was well on his way to becoming the builder he is today. To help make sense of the process, we sat down with the king of custom cars, our friend Chip Foose.įoose started his career at age seven by helping out at his father’s custom shop, Project Design. For true enthusiasts, however, this labor of love is worth it. The path from finding the right car to seeing the finished product is often long and arduous, marked by late nights, oil-soaked clothes and bruised knuckles. The process of starting a project car build is both a rewarding and daunting task.
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