8 steps to build your own car: Ultimate guide for students

Boys will remain boys. It’s a cliché, but these things are based on truths. Although there is no expression for women that can serve as an equivalent, we can be pretty sure also girls stay girls when it comes to dreams.

There is one dream that seems to be universal, and that’s the dream car, uh, dream. People of all ages would give up an arm to own the car of their dreams. For many, it’s an impossible dream. Buying one seems out of reach. But what if you could build your own car?
Come again? Wait, hold on … How to build a car? This question makes sense. Then again, you being a student, are used to seemingly impossible missions. Right? Finding solutions to problems is your greatest skill. Think about the impossible tasks and assignments you had to tackle. I’ve been there. I still can hear myself yelling “Please, someone help me, I need help now!” That's when I considered the option of buying research papers online. I can laugh with it now. No more essays to write, you see.But a couple of years ago this felt like a life-threatening predicament. Luckily a student is flexible and inventive. No problem is too big.

There is a way to build your own car, and it’s no dangerous road. You can get yourself in the best possible (pole) position in 8 steps. Sounds hard to believe? Bear with me and read on.

Prepare yourself mentally

Make no mistake, assembling your own car is a huge undertaking. You will need iron willpower to complete the task at hand. Two puns in a row, I know, sorry. Building cars is being done every day. And you don’t have to be a professional when you start. Just become one along the way. If it’s not your passion, give up right now. If you are convinced to have 2 left hands, you will never leave the slip road. Be inventive when it comes to getting the necessary tools and mechanical know-how (the internet wasn’t invented for gaming only). So educate yourself first. You will be confident.

Look at your project as a connected concept

A car is a collection of parts and systems connected to other systems. The parts you pick will determine the nature of other connected parts. So think carefully about this. This helps to counter the problem of building a car from scratch. The fact everything is connected means every problem has a solution. Every part provides a solution for the next part. Which is kind of cool.
Because building a car is a proper project, decide what type of car you want to build. This will help to calculate the necessary budget and time frame.

Plan meticulously and ask help where needed

Every enterprise needs careful planning. Students know this. That’s the advantage they hold over us mortal civilians. From the enrollment day on, successful students don’t waste a single day. The whole academic year is meticulously organized. This attitude applies to daily studying, preparing exams, writing essay papers, … And students aren’t shy to ask for help if needed. One person can’t know everything about building a car from start to finish. If you need the help of skilled mechanics, just look for it. Most of the construction, you will still do yourself. Or you will learn to. So, don’t let misplaced proud get in your way.

Make a list of materials (parts) you’ll need to make your own car

Once you have the mental preparation under control, and you planned everything, focus on the materials you need. Again, the parts that make a car are connected, very much like the ingredients of a recipe make a delicious meal. Nonexhaustive list:

Get hold of a chassis. Any chassis will do. It will be the frame for the replica or original concept you have in mind. It shouldn’t be too hard to get your hands on an old chassis. Just make sure it’s in good shape. You can’t build anything on a rotten foundation. If you’re thinking about making your own car frame, you will need a welder, tubular steel, a metal cutter, measuring tape. But I think this is taking your new hobby too far.
Power system: a traditional internal combustion engine, a battery-powered, a hybrid system or a fuel cell.
Starting and charging system. Alternator, starter motor, and battery.
Powertrain system. Basically, to transmit the power from the engine to the wheels
Steering system. Uh, to go where you want to go.
Suspension system. Control of the car.
Brakes.
Frame system. To supports the body of the car.
Body system: To protect everybody inside the car and fragile components.
Electrical system.
a tool chest for storing
an air compressor
a jack or jack stands
a creeper
…

Consider working as a team and using kits

If you’re not a mechanical engineer, it will be impossible ever to finish building your own car. Working together with experts doesn’t only solve this problem, it adds to the fun. Be realistic about your own skills. And where needed make good use of ready to use kits. The 1,468-piece tool kit from Sears, for example, will make your life a lot easier.

Purchase good tools

Good tools are half of the work. You can’t expect good results using second rate equipment. Investing in the right toolbox is the best investment you can make. Building your car shouldn’t be a struggle, it should be fun. Car builders know what it takes to successfully assemble a car. It takes tools, time, space and ability.
You will need automotive tools and basic hand tools. Another unmissable tool: literature. Engine (re)building guides, paint guides, automotive reconditioning guides, …

Here’s a list of tools you may need (not to be confused with a list of parts):

Breaker bar
Lug wrench
Jack stands
Carjack
Service manual
Ramps
Wheel chocks
Torque wrench
Socket and wrench set
Funnel
Adjustable wrench
Screwdrivers
Hex bit set
Socket adapter set
Torx bit set
Pliers
Oil drain pan
Brake Bleeder
Intermediate Tool Set
Impact Socket Set
Sockets
OBD code reader
Multimeter
Dremel
Wrenches
Female Torx set
Heat gun
Air compressor
Air Impact Wrench
Cordless Tool Combo Kit
Socket Holder
Auto Body Trim and Molding Removal Tool Set
Hand Cleaner
Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Stanley Rotator Ratchet

It’s very possible you will need more or fewer tools. I just tried to write down as complete a list as possible.

inspect your parts closely and thoroughly

Even when building your car from scratch, this doesn’t mean you have to build every single part from scratch. But when buying used parts, make sure they aren’t rusted or in any way damaged. And don’t buy too cheap parts. This will cost you more in the end because you will have to constantly replace parts that break. Remember, quality doesn’t come for free. See to it that your parts have no faults. You’re not going to build a used car.

And very important: Keep your Patience

You probably didn’t study mechanics, so be prepared to take your time. Realistic expectations will keep you going. Be ready to spend many months or even years on your project. Don’t rush it. It’s better to make sure every job you take on in the process is done properly. The journey is more important than the destination.
Collecting the tools and the parts to build a car already takes substantial effort and time. Looking at the extensive lists may discourage you. This is by no means a cheap hobby, nor can you rush it. But if you keep patient, the reward will be great.