Don---I don't think you can do it for $3000. That being said, I was wrong once before, but it was a long time ago, and I can't remember what it was about. (I'd paste a smiley here, but don't know how on this new forum format.) I have been building rods since Adam was a pup, and even though I do all my own work I've never been able to do a rod for under $12000. Now everyone will be watching your thread, to see how you make out!!!! I sincerely wish you luck, and if I can help in any way let me know. Do what I always do---start a build book, and record every item you get, what it cost, and the date you bought it.---this will make for a good reference for the true cost, and will make interesting reading when you are finished. The first 3 rods that I built, I tried to keep track in my head, but on a build that stretches beyond 6 months you just forget to many things. I kept a build book on my current roadster pickup, and once the total exceeded $24,000 I hid it from my wife. I hid it so damn good that I can't find it now.---Good Luck---Brian