superbean

G Body, Fox Mustang, s10, older C10 in that order..

You can find cutlass, regal, monte carlos on craigslist all the time pretty cheap.
Fox mustangs are everywhere, find a clean 4cyl car and have fun with it..

BOXCHEV

iTrader: (3)

I say Monte Carlo LS. You got plenty of time before he would be able to drive it. So take your sweet time and find the cleanest/ best condition one you can.

parshooter

I like the Datsun Z idea.
I am looking for a car to swap myself.From what I have found the Mazda RX7 is a great choice. The rotors are junk so you can find them pretty cheap with a blown motor. There are several manufactures making kits for these.

This is what I am looking for. I just want a fun car that I can beat the **** out of and not worry about it being dirty. I already have a car that I rub on more then my wife so she says

1.BMW (e36)
2. Mazda RX7 (1986-1991) has the most parts
3.Nissan 240
4. Datsun Z
5. Subaru BRZ the last one is just for fun. Someone will do it,there is plenty of room

whatever you do just have fun! The memories will last a lifetime.
I can still remember my dad and myself building my first car. I sure do miss him.

Nate_67RS

thats why i am doing this with my son me and my father did the same thing.

also rotories aren't junk GRRR lol i love those engines but they aren't reliable
it's the apex seals get a bad set or install them wrong and you will be back in the shop done right you get exactly 120000 miles per rebuild then (and you can set your watch by this) boom rebuild time again but if you 2 stroke them you can get way better milage it's hard to keep the seals oiled otherwise.

pferris

iTrader: (2)

i have always wanted a 1977-1978 firebird, like the one in smoking and the bandit. or just about any muscle car from the 1960's or early 70's.

turbonola

fc rx7 gets my vote, can be had cheap and i need the 240's for myself. lol, if not a 280z would be pimp on some watanabe rs's, with fender flares

AronZ28

iTrader: (2)

For $2000, whatever you can find in the nicest shape. Personally I'm thinking late 70's/80's El Camino. Remember buddies are the biggest distraction for a 16 year old, put some bucket seats and a console in it, bam instant cool, but somewhat safe and large 2 seater. Also a 70's/80's Chevy truck, or maybe a more modern 88-98 truck.

Personally I wouldn't want my kid running around in a little tin can 2wd Toyota, Ranger, or S10 for their first car. Same thing with a Jeep Wrangler.

If your kid likes big *** pimp-mobiles, go find a decent looking 81-85 Coupe Deville, Sedan Deville, or Fleetwood Brougham running or not. Those can be had for super cheap in nice condition because of the shitty factory motors.

Stormed_Norm

iTrader: (10)

If I was going to do it for my son I would want someting that is not as common as a mustang. I would go with a 50 's something truck, doesn't matter what manufacturer. They are all kind of cool in those years. Ford,Chev or Dodge. They will always turn heads . They even lok cool with cheap steel rims on them.

youra_joke

The 56 chevy bell air would be a nice first car to me that's like art compared to a lot of the newer cars just about all 50's an 60's are bada**

01cherryreds10

iTrader: (9)

Good luck finding a tri-five for less than $5k

Nate_67RS

no joke plus WAY not safe 50s cars coined the term screaming metal death trap lol but yes way sexy

LS9SkyRedline

gbody.

youra_joke

yeah they are a lil clunky but like i said there like art to the new cars and they can be made safe its a project car hes not trying to build it over night plus when they get done the car would be worth like 40 grand and up depending hw its done it was just an ideal

Nate_67RS

no i agree it's an awesome idea and with work can be made plenty safe i always wanted like an old bootleg car something like the old sexy caddies blacked out chrome but tasteful. something capone might have liked.

BullyDawg

iTrader: (1)

3rd Gen F-Body... not that I am biased or anything of course.

Seen plenty of wrecked ones and they seem to hold up well. AND if it gets totalled, you can buy another roller on the cheap.

My father and I built my Formula. He just recently passed away and it is my biggest memory I have with him. I am working on getting mine finished.

Any route you go is going to be a good one. Building a car with your son is going to be a major bonding experience, and I am sure he will learn to fancy/respect whatever you end up with.

Nate_67RS

the fiero swaps are pretty cool as well

stevesfbody

80's supra maybe?

jrob56

iTrader: (39)

Give the kid a 5.3 atleast! no go on the 4.8

cars i would consider:

mazda rx7
nissan 240
4th gen
foxbody
if you decide on truck, id get an old classic one, now a run of the mill s10 or ranger

high impact

iTrader: (5)

3rd gens are cheap and a pretty safe car. I bought my son a tbi 305 RS camaro when he was 14 years old. We rebuilt the car together in the garage - stripped to bare metal, swapped grill, hood, wheels, brakes, fluids, some interior parts, stereo system, etc...a local body shop painted it the new camaro jewel red with pearl. He worked part time to pay for paint and received camaro parts for birthday/Christmas/good behavior. It was a gorgeous car and safe for him to drive. He was very responsible with it for two years so this summer I allowed him to sell it and upgrade to a 4th gen LS1 Z28. Father son projects are awesome - we bonded very tight and he learned a ton about cars, girls, finances, bustin' knuckles, hard work (blood, sweat and tears) and responsibility.

Here's some pics:

jrob56

iTrader: (39)

I understand the reasons for upgrade, but with all that work into the 3rd gen, you guys shoulda just swapped it!