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Well I finally got around to tallying up the file folder of receipts from the past 3 yrs of my 72 rebuild. I needed to figure out what to insure it for as it's ready to haul down to the paint shop. I'm only over budget by 10k
Now, I've shopped sales. Have done all the mechanical work myself. Except the long block build of the original engine. (Only charged $300 for the block Assy.) other than powder coat I've done it all. Diff, tranny, all suspension, all body work etc.
I was delusional. To do a total rebuild on one of these cars is going to cost you. A lot! Good thing I plan on keeping it. Lol.
The upside, my painter is giving me a super price as the car is literally ready for the spray booth. The bad, I still need to finish the interior.
Darn good thing I owe nothing on it. Just need to work more o.t.
Sunstroked.........I told my whiff.......Wife.....that the total budget for the car was.......errrr.....IS $10,000......(now, WE members know 10,000 means 15,000)......with me doing all the work.
It's a GOOD thing that the previous owner rebuilt the radiator, the engine, the A/T, new dash harness, and a rebuilt T/A assembly.....then---he lost interest.
Well I finally got around to tallying up the file folder of receipts from the past 3 yrs of my 72 rebuild. I needed to figure out what to insure it for as it's ready to haul down to the paint shop. I'm only over budget by 10k
Now, I've shopped sales. Have done all the mechanical work myself. Except the long block build of the original engine. (Only charged $300 for the block Assy.) other than powder coat I've done it all. Diff, tranny, all suspension, all body work etc.
I was delusional. To do a total rebuild on one of these cars is going to cost you. A lot! Good thing I plan on keeping it. Lol.
The upside, my painter is giving me a super price as the car is literally ready for the spray booth. The bad, I still need to finish the interior.
Darn good thing I owe nothing on it. Just need to work more o.t.
Yea I would be scared to tally up mine... Got mine insured right now at 10K when done Ill take it to 20 or 25K. Since I started at 5k and been increasing it as it comes along. Post some pictures of the painting process.
as has been discussed numerous times in this. It makes absolutely no sense to buy a car spend three years and tens of thousands of dollars 2 finish it in the long run and lose interest. It is a far better deal to find a car completely done that the owner once out of. Case in point. My 68 roadster. L 79. Frame on restoration. Numbers matching. The previous owner invested with the car $52,000. I got the car for less than half of the investment. No work.no parts. No pissed off wife. No garage full of crap. Other than a 9 out of 10 68 roaster that I can drive a mediately and resell and make a profit
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I am three years into mine. I quit tallying long ago. Probably spent my original budge at least twice. It would have made more finincial sense to buy one built. But. I built it exactly the way I wanted it, and I get a lot of satisfaction knowing I built it. I made some really good friends during the process who gave me a ton of help. I learned how every part of the car works when I put it back together. I made some parts that are unique to my car.
Overall I have enjoyed the journey. Seems like (almost) everything that is enjoyable costs money. If somebody does not enjoy the journey but only seek the destination, there is nothing wrong with that either. We are all unique and have different goals.
I just like flipping on the light in the garage and thinking "I did that"
Want to feel better at going over budget on your beloved Corvette? Add up what you have spent on cable, internet, and cell phone service over the last 10 years. Suddenly the Corvette hobby is not so bad..............
I enjoy piddling in my shop on cars, doing a frame off restro is more enjoyable then going out to bars. I built a shop on our property so I can spend time working on vehicles.... Yes I might spend more then the vehicle is worth but it is how I want it. I have a 37 Dodge pickup in the garage that was my last project... Lots to fun to drive around town and to car shows...
And one heck cheaper than divorce payments or child support
I have been doing cars for many years now. It's a hobby not an investment. If you do it for investment this is the wrong thing to do. It is fun. It costs money. I have no idea what is in mine and don't care. Probably could buy a brand new Vette for what I have into it. I have bought and sold a lot of parts so so entires it is a wash. I recently went through a divorce, nothing to do with the car and it cost me plenty. You know what? I am happier than ever in my life and I continue to buy corvette parts. Don't worry about the budget. Don't kill the house hold budget but set aside what you can and enjoy it. You only live once you had better enjoy yourself. No reset button.
as has been discussed numerous times in this. It makes absolutely no sense to buy a car spend three years and tens of thousands of dollars 2 finish it in the long run and lose interest. It is a far better deal to find a car completely done that the owner once out of. Case in point. My 68 roadster. L 79. Frame on restoration. Numbers matching. The previous owner invested with the car $52,000. I got the car for less than half of the investment. No work.no parts. No pissed off wife. No garage full of crap. Other than a 9 out of 10 68 roaster that I can drive a mediately and resell and make a profit
Depends on what part of the hobby you enjoy. If jumping in and driving is your thing then you made the right choice. If anything from tinkering to major changes/restoration is what you enjoy then (like me) you will be the guy dropping the big money and passing the savings on if you decide to sell.
Depends on what part of the hobby you enjoy. If jumping in and driving is your thing then you made the right choice. If anything from tinkering to major changes/restoration is what you enjoy then (like me) you will be the guy dropping the big money and passing the savings on if you decide to sell.
To me, the satisfaction of knowing that I rebuilt it myself is priceless. Having said that, I still wouldn't spend 2x what a car is worth. Balance!
You are a smart man. I sold a '66 Chevelle SS a few years back. I was depressed for a month after totaling all of the invoices up. There was no way to recoupe all of that money. I took a severe *** beating when I sold it.
Want to feel better at going over budget on your beloved Corvette? Add up what you have spent on cable, internet, and cell phone service over the last 10 years. Suddenly the Corvette hobby is not so bad..............
OR..............
what "Precious" spent on clothes/jewelry/shoes/purses
06-18-2014, 08:36 PM
Can you say blown budget?
I don`t WANT to know, and my wife is smart enough not to ask!
