How To Plan a Project Car. All the Things you Might Not Know!

[@theskidfactory]

It goes without saying that you always need a budget when it comes to a project car, pick a number and times it by 5 and you'll still end up needing more money. Got anything else you want to add? let us know in the comments!

[@TorqHub]

But also don't let dreams be dreams. Your budget won't necessarily stop you from building what you want... it will just take a while longer. If you're committed to your vision and strict on your budgeting, you can make it happen. People can build elite cars on $100 a week 👌🏻

[@joealex65]

Idk if it's useful, but about oil pans, if you really want to fit something where it was never meant to be and you got the money, a dry sump setup could be the best way to go as long as you can buy it for the engine you want to use

[@change_your_oil_regularly4287]

Spend more upfront to get a better base instead of buying the cheapest nugget and spending much much more later

[@timmy26]

Keep the car running and on the road as long as possible, then once you've got all the parts and money for labour ready to go, take it apart. My project goal is to keep the car off the road and on jackstands for the shortest amount of time possible.

[@hondatrix]

Great vid Al..Been planning a build for 2 years now...The most important thing is research, on parts, systems, methods, tools, and skills. As a Mechanical Engineer at 52 years of age, I still learn every day. Oh, and the build is almost ready to start this year.

[@NH-nj3nw]

Guys like Al making important statements about mental health is the change we needed in society. One of many changes. Shout out to the Skid Factory and Mighty Car Mods for using their platform to broadcast the message.

[@blackcountryme]

Any part of your body can get sick, including the mind.

[@tetraktys6540]

Too right!

[@JohnSmith-ud9ex]

Lets just take a minute to appreciate how damn professional Al has become in front of the camera and how good the videography is ! Not only that but the support of mental health talked about by someone many of us can relate to and respect = )

[@bawwsbearrd]

Your PSA on mental health there Al was absolutely spot on mate, what a legend doin it for the blokes! I owe you a lemon squash or two one day champ!

[@schizofennec]

Yea great video overall, really appreciate that at the end. Legend.

[@ItzHoot]

Absolute champion of a man for that comment, you can never be too tough to seek help or improve your mental well being.

[@Low760]

100% on project cars not helping with mental health! Life can be hard, projects are too. Thanks Al!

[@sacrificialrubber779]

Mental health...what’s that?

[@willrogers5713]

I disagree. my car saved my life, but there are always more factors than just the car

[@Jesse-B]

@@willrogers5713 I believe you have inherent mental strength. It's a tough call, but not everyone has enough of it to take a project on, but then again some might surprise themselves.

[@andershaugen5463]

Probably the first time I hear people really emphasize that part of a project. Most people (myself included) learn this the hard way.

[@dougyoud5944]

Yeh thanks Al for mentioning that part. Too many blokes go it alone on that front.

[@elrud5964]

That mental health spiel hit me like a turbocharged forklift.

[@bmwbob86]

Same here, the man speaks the truth with zero bullshit. I was just watching this episode in the background while doing some work and my ears pricked up when I heard the point about projects being hard on your mental health. And comparing it to having a baby to heal a broken relationship is 100% accurate. Good on ya Al 👏 👌

[@philiprigby2687]

I can't thank you enough for using your channel to raise awareness of mental health issues. Well done guys!

[@Eriu-88-88-]

6 months tobacco free- 2 months Alcohol free-1 month weed free. Finally feeling better :) Building cars is nice, But building yourself up from the ashes is even better. Good on ya AL

[@chrismckoy3533]

All the best on your journey mate. You can do it!

[@Jesse-B]

Well done old son.

[@andrew81au]

Power to you mate. Keep it up.

[@HomeMadeBoards]

Reverse phoenix, they brought me back 🤣

[@jamesericson1239]

Good onya, king. Cheering you from the other-side of the internet.

[@TheRealMrCods]

19:36 No truer words have been spoken. 💖

[@VintageChiefKeef]

This is why we love him.. so wise

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Well summed up. 'Use your brain' ;)

[@microbuilder]

I think your Angleometer is broken...it didnt make the noise lol

[@tompayne4945]

Put the kettle on and wait for iiiit.... 👌

[@jackprice6599]

Look after your mates. Many hands can make light work and company is always helpful. Keep your workspace clean and dry, take the time to put things away when you're done so they're ready the next time. Make the effort to do a job right so you only do it once, even if it tries your patience. Read the directions even if you don't follow them.Document the things you do, so you can remember how things go together and have something to look back on. Even for little jobs wear the PPE; gloves, glasses, ear protection. Hydration is key. Wear sunscreen.

[@ninjabortion]

Amen to that, the work area is as important to the project as any other tool you need to do the job.

[@justkyddingracing9268]

thats what he has woody for

[@vanoscrap6296]

"Read the directions even if you don't follow them." I'm stealing this, thanks.

[@mattjohns3394]

Don't forget that the first 90% of the project takes 90% of the time and the last 10% takes 90% of the time.

[@lachlanwoods3940]

??????????🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@mattjohns3394]

@@lachlanwoods3940 The little bits towards the end of a project always seem to take much more time than expected.

[@lachlanwoods3940]

Very true but 90% and 90% make 180%, this is too much percent! 😂😂

[@mattjohns3394]

@@lachlanwoods3940 not really, if you plan how long your project should take, multiply by 180% for a more likely timeframe.

[@lachlanwoods3940]

I’m in the final stages of a full XD rebuild and your almost correct, I might have said 180x the timeline planned? 😂 especially if the people before you had no fuckin idea what they were doing as in my case!!! 🙄🙄🙄

[@cyclonicleo]

Spot on with the note about mental health. Doing a project because you think it'll keep you from going off the deep end is just building a longer plank for you to walk off. Onya Al!

[@andersjjensen]

Feeling like a failure because you couldn't follow through on "the dream that was going to save you" might even be the final push... Things that require keen attention to detail, vast amounts of research, constant skill acquisition, constant focus and money are exercises best left to people who are so on top of their life that they need challenges to feel alive. Getting your ducks in a row is much more about cutting things out, regrouping, downsizing, learning to say no, learning to ask for help, and stop comparing to others.

[@tsimp9136]

Make the section about project cars and mental health into a "skid factory snippets" or something so it can be shared on Facebook, the Master Turbo Yoda has wise words for very young apprentice'

[@davidwearne2086]

Honestly this has got to be one of the best videos you guys have ever put out. Outstanding.

[@dennhilly4506]

You can hear the passion in Al's voice when he talks about what he loves , its awesome 👌👌

[@mikemarshall1825]

By far my favorite skid factory episode. Well executed and super relatable. Well done lads

[@Tilpants]

I was about to comment the same thing, 100% my favourite ep yet.

[@twinshock175]

One of the reasons I like this channel so much.

[@gibbosgarage2613]

Oooh al you’re getting so good at talking on camera now! That was mint! You’re a media professional now

[@pkuukas]

Mental health PSA for the ages. Thank you, most appreciated! 🙏💪

[@mitcheast4681]

Although there was no work done, that's still by far one of the best episodes! Cheers

[@troyam6607]

The mental health statement was a blast of reality and much appreciated Al and Woody. Thank you.

[@nickholliday7866]

i've literally never commented on a youtube video before but 11/10 for talking about mental health and project cars.

[@davejennings5140]

That was outstanding Al. One of those videos where it just feels like a conversation with a mate who happens to be a trusted mentor and who is genuinely interested in your wellbeing. TSF is a national treasure. Thanks fellas.

[@reaperlux922]

Last 3 minute was the best advice I’ve ever heard !!!! Well done mate :)>>>

[@HighMansx]

Great tips! Love the video! My one thing to add -- it may sound obvious but don't turn your only daily driver (one that you rely on) in to a project car. You might be left in a bind without a car.

[@scottinWV]

So true! I'm no longer 18, single, and within walking distance to work if something goes badly.

[@TorqHub]

Amen. Never turn something into a project without an alternative mode of transport 🤣

[@derekfriday7931]

Agreed. Ive done it twice. Finally bought a daily vehicle and have never looked back

[@MassacrePoon]

I feel personally attacked

[@joealex65]

When Turbo Yoda talks you just sit down and listen! Great video as always and VERY informative! 😎

[@frankcourtney6413]

Wise words right there. Would add a couple of points to consider along the journey. Decide what you want the vehicle to do when you're done. Setup and configuration will vary widely depending on what you are looking to achieve. Have plenty of working and storage space available for the entire duration of the build. Nothing worse than having to relocate everything mid build. You'll lose bits and lose track of progress.

[@mmarchmonte88]

Cant wait to see what happens with the Z32. It’s a welcome sight to see such a major channel give the Z32 chassis some screen time.

[@mint.z3244]

💯 looking forward to it too!

[@justsomeone89]

I want to make a side note about your comment about mental health Al: If you are already in a bad place mentally, starting a project can for some people help to get out of that place. It helped me several times. Because it can help rebuilding confidence in yourself and feeling less worthless. But.... 1 rule is very important: Only take a project that you just can set aside when you need a break and don't have a deadline for and doesn't matter when you finish it or how well it is put together. In that way, it is a distraction which teaches you things about yourself in the long run and therefore helps to cure at least some of the mental health problems. Most of these types of projects will offer themselves when you are ready for it. If you have a deadline or can't set a project aside for some reason, that is what's causing stress and takes you further down the spiral. Those projects should not be started if you are in a bad place mentally.

[@Val_Killmore]

Also smaller projects like maybe just getting an old car running or doing small upgrades or swapping in a better/working version of the same engine is probably a better suited task than custom drivetrain swaps and custom wiring for everything and fabricating everything yourself. Realistic goals that can be achieved can also help boost your confidence in a more steady progression than very long term project that has a huge payoff but may wear you out over time.

[@the_smeebs]

I'm elbow deep into restoring an old caddilac for that very reason. Cars that need a little bit of love in lots of small areas are great for this. Everything you do makes it better, and making a car that's sat for four years come back to life is a good way not to feel useless. It's just important to be in a good enough spot that you don't fall apart when things don't work, otherwise the car becomes an issue.

[@adventureswithmrrhys9045]

True words.. your mental health can be the project instead of a project car, and it will be much more rewarding. Thanks for being so real Al!

[@arthurlonghurst3880]

Probably the best project car video on KZbin. Everyone should watch before starting a project.

[@fossilfuelenthusiast]

Holy crap the man is good at talking to camera these days. Loved the bit at the end. Very true. Right in the feels. Great work

[@YeahMate07]

That rough head has an invaluable amount of knowledge in it!

[@jvx89]

❤️❤️❤️ I love the, “it’s not a fix for mental health!!!” We all, need to address the matter more!

[@dnick1981]

Massive thanks to the skid factory crew for this episode. Al and woody have created more than a car channel here. They have created a space to pass on enormous wisdom and life experience way beyond the car scene. And they have done some great work promoting good mental health. Such good blokes! Love it boys.

[@HondaWagovan]

Words of a wise man that has done it and learned many lessons, probably a few the hard the way, always enjoy your channel.

[@bradreynolds8499]

Your ending comment about mental health and to be in a good place BEFORE you start is spot on! Long story short, a friend ended his project with anger, frustration, and a sledgehammer. He lost big money in a rage with a sledge. If he had stayed calm, spent a few more hours, and about 40-50$ everything would've been fine. Take breaks. Take days or weeks away if need be. A clear head has a productive brain.

[@mitchellpatterson3323]

Unfortunately we all know too well that mental health hits close to home for you Al. Thank you so much for taking it seriously and reminding us all to take care of ourselves.

[@tommy98271]

The most important thing said, watching out for your mental health. Well done.

[@jjbaker3063]

Seriously Al you need to write a book mate with all that knowledge you have each and every episode...well done fellas another great vid.

[@rhysstratford8737]

Wise words from a wise man. From the project to mental health. Look after no.#1 so you can enjoy. Thanks Al

[@kenjenkinson3316]

Best episode ever. Your comments on mental health and projects are wisdom beyond words.

[@lorinmueller4102]

All excellent advice. I'm just finishing up a "1 month, $1000" engine swap project. I'm into it about 4 months and $3000.

[@TorqHub]

I'm surprised you've been able to restrain your self that far even 🤣

[@lorinmueller4102]

@@TorqHub I guess we'll see if this weekend's work goes as planned.

[@Doogie9plus22]

Alan, the last 2 minutes of the video were so good, thanks for being a grown up and bringing the mental health topic up, cars can be great and cruel in the same heartbeat, if your comments help one person than you’ve done good, enjoy your lemon squash.

[@sweetmatthew662]

Seriously, who gives this video a thumbs down?! All great info from someone who's been there and done it more than once!

[@scottr9900]

Excellent wrap-up, Al. A smaller project might yield more smiles per gallon/litre.

[@liddz434]

Love the mental health message at the end, quality work Al...❤️🙌🏾👏🏾

[@clinty51]

Hands down. The best Skid Factory episode to date. Plenty of car channels out there but few address the reality. My Brother has had a project on the go for 20 years, time, money and the only thing I did not hear mention was space, having space to do a project car has to be taken into account at the outset. This bunch of bolts and metal could be immovable for years...can you be? Great episode Al and Woody! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@5UPRAH]

All of what you said at the start was great - what you said at the end, is really what matters. Mental health trumps EVERYTHING. Thanks mate.

[@paulhowells6593]

As usual you two blokes have hit the nail square on the head when it comes to mental health. The only extra I would add is that a bit extra exercise will help with your mind and mean a hard day's work on the tools doesn't leave you worn out and not wanting to pick them up the next time. Keep spreading the word boys it's wonderful to hear.

[@chrisobrien9334]

Wise words to adhere too. Whatever you build just Drive it nothing worse than a built car Sitting like an ornament. Luv the show

[@mrrberger]

Having Mates in the build is so important! When you've lost motivation or just physically spent, mates makes all the difference. Helping someones project is empowering, having mates help your project is bloody awesome.

[@adventureswithmrrhys9045]

Love it, true words, your mental health is a project as much, or more so than a project car... and it will be much more rewarding. Thanks for being so real Al!

[@MJBOGAN]

I went through all these steps when I built my car. I didn't know if what I wanted was possible, but taking my time, a few experiments and a little fabrication went along way. It was nostalgic hearing Al describe going through radiator catalogues, and all the rest. I swear I've been there.

[@krispykruzer]

Didnt expect the mental health plug. Just waoh. Thanks for giving us men the little pep talk about taking on a project car... It's very much appreciated

[@Rtechmobile]

Excellent advise , your a champion Al as is Woody.

[@grayzbildz]

All great advice and logical.... Engaging an engineer very early in the build is vital.

[@StratoJohn]

This is why I love watching TSF, BCW, Zeroto60, MCM, BOM etc... I'd never be patient, skilled or wealthy enough to tackle difficult jobs, least of all engine swaps. But I can enjoy watching it from people who know what they're doing

[@wangonguy62]

Incredible advice, especially at the end talking about mental health and taking on big projects.

[@peterr6244]

Love the that you mention mental health and the challenge that it is to deal with and that don't need any extra stress to push you over your limit and thinking a project will help distract you from your problems and you have nailed it by telling us to keep on the project at hand and that's our health. You blokes are legends and have good hearts keep up the great work and making blokes realise it's okay to not be okay.

[@Weissenschenkel]

BEST TUTORIAL EVER Alan, your wisdom and humbleness don't stop surprising me. Greetings from Brazil.

[@crouchingwombathiddenquoll5641]

Great advice, 20 year's ago I was in a bad place with mental health (overworked, FIFO, young family and a dream project ute in the shed). Something had to go, virtually gave my ute away, 100's of hour's of work and thousands spent on components. It was a good pressure relief (my skills are limited when it comes to the finer details). Older now and almost in a position where I could commission a professional like Al to do a project for me. My family are all doing ok, so maybe time for an old dream to come true. Thanks for the video.

[@andrewmiller5140]

Thank you Al and Woody for some clarity . Im so grateful you guys share your knowledge and expertise for us back yard builders.The skid factory and nugget garage is my go-to channels for informative automotive wisdom.And yes mental health is the most important and the cost of life goals can out way the budget for many of us.For myself going for a ride with my boys is better than working on the project build. Al. Thank you for talking about suicide with men you have a big heart

[@Carlos-eb5rd]

Absolutely solid advise from TSF. Now I just need to pull finger and start that project 😅

[@MixMasterMark]

Thanks for speaking so openly about mental health Al.

[@qwikyking]

I think a big one people miss is starting with the right chassis. Some people start with a less desirable version or lesser model to the car they actually want, and spend lots of money or more money than the original car they wanted or were trying to mimic is worth and end up chasing handling or performance that just isn't available in that platform. Don't try build a SIR civic out of a accord wagon, or a try build an sti out of mom's old GC impreza fwd. Save a bit of money and start with a better platform

[@arrancoote]

I cannot recall another person on KZbin or elsewhere comment on the stress that can be associated with building a project car, well done Al for highlighting mental health. You want the damn thing to work, to look a certain way and if it does not, it can be a reflection of your abilities be detrimental to your sense of self worth

[@laidlawenterprises]

Mad props for bringing up mental health. Good on ya, guys

[@13harward]

Thank you for the wise words on mental health Al, it's good for me to hear that stuff from people I look up to and respect. All the best from the UK.

[@dazzleyd]

Well done Al! I like the point you made about mental health, when i have seen other similar videos about planning projects, no one has mentioned mental health.

[@RoadsOfOz]

Great honest insight. This should be mandatory viewing for anyone that wants to take on a project car.

[@blackcountryme]

As Derek from vice grip garage says "Headers cause more fires then jealous wives" don't neglect your family, I do remember "Dad's in the shed" a lot when I was a kid.

[@garageadz]

This was the best TED talk I've seen ever

[@forrestmarsh8787]

One thing I have found to be way more insightful then I expected is to make a scale model car of the project in mind. I found it brings up so many questions that I hadn’t thought about and let’s you come up this solutions before the real deal.

[@tfriesen3866]

I’ve got something to add. Having a couple of projects that have been stalled in one way or another (most always by some sort of life event), it’s been easy to lean toward discouragement with how long it is taking to get one or both projects completed. You said it best, Al: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I have to have the money and time to get any project completed. Getting bound up inside, because of a setback is no way to complete the task. Thanks guys for posting this video. I’ll keep it saved for me to easily go back and remind myself with.

[@RobinFowler1982]

Al thanks again for putting and emphasis on mental heath, and keep up the good work!

[@thebeardedclown]

You have no idea how useful this is to me right now, thanks for sharing 👌

[@chrisdixon4137]

Good video don’t forget incidentals like oils,hoses clamps,exhaust etc they add up very quickly

[@michaelrussell6661]

That mental health spiel was straight from the heart. LIFE IS TOUGH no need to make it even tougher, one's mental health need's to come 1st.

[@jrevillug]

Excellent advice. Taking care of yourself is super important. My own advice would be to not take setbacks personally - stuff always happens, things break, parts don't fit, entropy is a thing, used parts are never as good as you expect. You'll get there eventually, and it'll probably make a good story next time you're work car friends.

[@jasonskinner1652]

Cheers Al. All good points. Project cars are a journey. If you can learn to enjoy that you're on your way. Take time, talk to people and communities and you'll need a budget for tools too.

[@dxd48c]

Great advice AL. Thank you for all you do.

[@desertfunoffroad882]

Excellent advice from beginning to end thanks guys

[@humpy71]

You’re a very intelligent and entertaining bloke Al 🙏

[@twinshock175]

Projects I have taken on in the past went along what was current and available, aimed really for what I called the term "The lowest common denominator" as that rule applied to bikes and cars. Had been done before so the tricks and tips are sort of eliminated, chose something that was easily got at in parts and knowledge, used forums and online vids to get me there, and of course without mates who know more. Yes plan like measure twice, cut once approach (to your best, allow for stuff ups and blowout of budgets). Thanks Al, well said and explained.

[@iainmartin1015]

Great Video Al. Go to shows, ask people how they did stuff because someone has probably already made a mistake you wont know is going to happen. The car fraternity is a wonderful community, there will always be people willing to share knowledge and experiences.

[@The_Absolute_Dog]

Probably one of my favourite summaries. Cheers boys.

[@Mavo1989]

This is definately one of the best video's out there and i wish i had something like this 10+ years ago when starting on first projects. From the start have a set plan and idea dont chop and change from that and ALWAYS consult your engineer from the start and get a list of requirements. Planning out further in the beggining before just jumping in and stripping a running car is a must i wish i could take my years of mistakes and pass them on but this video covers it all... Emissions can be one of the frustrating parts and something easily overlooked plan it from the start where your placing a carbon canister, the PCV system, just put in a CAT in the exhaust your car doesnt sound worse or run worse with one...

[@nojhampton]

That last section goes along way to explain Alan and Woody. 🙃! And thanks, that was a lot more interesting than the thumbnail. suggested

[@rickshipley7872]

Well done Al! I'm glad to see in the comments you issuing a direct statement about money. In fact you will find projects that were started but stalled when the financial reality hit. Every nut, bolt and dash fitting costs money and there is no way to calculate it. Particularly when an idea doesn't work and can't return the parts but still need to redo it.

[@oliverdyakov7653]

Not enough people tell it how it is. Really love to see that you're using this as a way to advocate for mental health instead of saying "oh yeah cars make you happy". Really glad to see it

[@911Tweek]

you're all the therapy i need Al cheers for the advice!!!

[@MrUberThomas]

I haven't checked in to TSF for a while and I'm glad I did tonight. Knowledge and wisdom sharing, done right. So good.

[@Danger_mouse]

A great summary Al, very handy for those who have not done it before 👌

[@kanadezosGT]

Never forget to always measure once. As AVE said "Damn! I cut it twice and it's still too short!"

[@chrismckoy3533]

Scookum as frig

[@johnyates2319]

Well done mate. That was exactly the way it needs to be spoken about.

[@mangomcpoo475]

Mental health part was spot on, thanks Al

[@beardbuilds5140]

Best video yet ! I have watched you guys from the start and have always enjoyed your antics and wizardry , but the thing that sticks with me the most is your support for mental health . Lemon squashes all round lads!!

[@LewisF451]

Don't normally comment but I just thought I'd say the presentation here was excellent. Well done Al