maz duh
+1y
The best advise for the first timer that I can think of ifs simply to take your time. Its not a race when you are doing it as a hobby, rushing usually shows in the end. Sometimes only visually, i.e. rough edges, MIG spatter everywhere, unused stock bracketry left on, 1001 zip ties etc. Sometimes rush jobs show when stuff breaks which is very bad for you and anyone driving around you when it happens. You have the right idea so far, you are doing your homework and collecting visual references to help you along the way. AS long as you are handy with a welder and some basic shop tools you should do fine.