Newbie on Site

[ralphaussie]

Hi all. Looks like a great and interesting site. Thanks Grumpy for steering me here. As for me, I'm currently living in Queensland, Australia after having retired as a Transportation Engineer from State of Calif. Found CA to be to expensive for retired folks, so moved here 8.5 years ago when I found out that the Exchange Rate was 2 Aussie $ to 1 US $. Well the worm has finally turned and the AUD is now worth more than the USD, so I'm moving back when the house sells. Will be moving to North Port, FL (west coast, south of Tampa). Between now and then, I want to start the design of a full body off customization of a 58 Chevy Impala and put it on a 2008 Chevy pickup (current thinking that is). I want to use the latest technology in the running gear, brakes, safety and am thinking of using a 08 Vette engine and trans. For the design, I'm looking for a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program that is not too complex to marry the components. I need all kinds of information and technical details for the 58 Impala body, the 08 chevy (standard cab) and 08 Vette engine and trans. All ideas, information and helpful hints will be appreciated. Oh yeah, will be needing ideas on who in SW Florida can do the work for me.

Cheers from down/under,

Ralphaussie

 

[Indycars]

Welcome to the forum !

Sounds like a very interesting project ! Do you already have the 58 Chevy Impala or will you be purchasing everything here in the US once you move back? Sounds like you are going to need a computer in the garage. I couldn't do without it now that I've had one for awhile. Great for reviewing pictures while reassembling something.

About the CAD program, this thread might be helpful.
viewtopic.php?f=99&t=4660&hilit=drawing