New to cars...

I've always had an easier time with cars than tanks or AC. When modeling a car, it's really easy to get reference pics, manuals, anything that you'd want to do the car. In some ways it can be a bit more trying, especially if you are looking to do one "showroom" condition. Paint coverage has to be consistent, gloss has to be smooth, interior colors match up, etc. Custom cars are a bit easier, as you can do anything you want.
As for painting, it all depends on the model structure. On most kits, I will paint the engine components separately, and the underchassis as one piece. The body is also done as one, just to make sure everything matches. For the most part, if you paint the vehicle in the order of assembly, you should have no problems. Of course, be sure to read the instructions carefully, and think ahead as to what comes in what order. You might want to take the time to do things out of order painting wise, just to save some headaches later.
Hope it helps a little.

demono69

Thanks that helped a bunch, but it sounds alot more complicated than a tank or artillery gun, do you think I should start with something like a military jeep or a HMV... dunno exactly how to spell it, Kinda to introduce me to cars but at the same time give me the freedome of doing it up like a tank???

airbrush, as for cars being harder than tanks? i've never built one fearing there difficulty, goes both ways i guess? as demono69 said, much more ref. material and a lot easier to get your hands on. whens the last time you seen a magazine on the latest dress up kits for an m1 abrams?as for the steps? i always built the engine and then paint after it is all together, but that is just the way i like to do them. i also paint all body parts as one ,hood and anything else that should be "body color". just take your time and im sure youll see that they (cars) are not to much different than anything else, they just take practice. (maybe i should heed my own advice and go build a tank ?) good luck.
congrats demono on post 1000.

Airbrush,
Have a look at this site:
http://modeltech.tripod.com/
for a lot of info on cars and also a gallery.
Good luck,
Cheers, Pete.

Ive built one car, before and it sucked. I could do alright if the stupid suspension part werent so damn hard. could you give me a quick rundown on how to make the suspension easier to deal with??? I dont want to go scouring the vast internet for info that someone could give me Thanks.

airbrush,
The one suggestion I can make is go slowly and if possible get together with a club or someone else who can show you the ropes.
The suspension is probably the most difficult bit but hang in there.
Cheers, Pete.

AB,

What part of the suspension are you having trouble with?

I'm with D69 and FMM - I build mostly cars and find them way easier than tanks or AC, because usually I build to 'showroom' condition. I'm still trying to master the damage, dents, mud, dust, etc. required for tanks.

Airbrush,

I'll second the question and ask what suspension parts your having a problem with? Most model car suspensions are fairly simple, unless you delve into the 'Pro-Modeler' type kits, or kits with poseable steering. Other than that, they usually have few pieces, and most times line up fairly well.

A quick word about some fundamentals I've learned if you want to get into car models:

1) Start small. Don't get in a hurry by all the fantastic photos you see of 1/25 scale cars that are as detailed as the real thing. these models represent tremendous amounts of learning time, as well as time and skill to build. I'd recommend a fairly simple project to start, either a muscle car or simple hot rod or thirties/forties street stock. The reason i make this recommendation is that it's easy to find older kits of these subjects that are less complex than some of today's new kits, but that still build into great looking models. the other reason is that 50's cars have so much danged chrome that you'll go nuts at your first attempt with adhesive foil, or be disgusted by all the chrome paint. Good ones would be AMT's Chevelle, Oldsmobile 442, or the 49 Ford or 32 ford. DO NOT start with a race car kit! Those things can be notoriously complex!

2) READ THE DIRECTIONS! For your first model, build it the way the directions say to build it. Colors, assemblies, everything. Pay attention to eliminating platic tell-tales, such as mold lines, ejection pin marks etc. A little extra time spent at the beginning will result in good building habits that stick with you. You will also learn the good points and bad points of kit insruction sequences, but don't take any shortcuts yet; not until you have the long road memorized in case you get lost.

3) HAVE FUN! This is a hobby. Presumably you want to build scale models because you either like building things or you like the subjects and want to make a replica. Don't make it into a drudging chore. there's no deadline and no critics (and for you FSM staffers, no editors, hey!).

BTW, what was your first attempt?

Adam Howard

Well... first of all its the entire under side of the car... so I guess you could say not just the suspension but the entire under of the car. wheels keep falling off my 69 camero and prowler, the bottom is a wreck... so on and so forth. so could you tell me how to atleast keep the wheels on without mealting them to the car??? My first attempt was a 69 camero, i also tried a prowler... didnt get that far. now i want to try one more time before i give cars up for good.

P.S. I still think a tank is easier than a car, but thats cause ive built them for years. if you want tips on how to make ur tank look like its been through hell, come over to the armor form, and we'll help you out. same with the figures if u want that. AND THANKYOU FOR THE HELP SO FAR.

Airbrush, try useing some CA on the wheels that should hold them on prettty good.I used to have alot problems with the tube glu holding the suspension together but since I started useing Ca, no more problems. I have run into a car or two myelf where the suspension had parts that did'nt quite fit right but just had to work with it. Basically just look at it as layers of parts and look at the instructions close to figure it out. I'm working on a car and armor right now so switching back and forth is a challenge though I think armor is easier to get looking good and I have only recently began on that subject.