Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

Tweet

[quote=Mike P]I think Don may have a shot at it, but I'm not so sure about doing a full bodied vehicle for under 3K Jim (although I wish you all the luck in trying). The "small" stuff like weather stripping, more complicated suspension, glass (assuming any is needed) etc can add up quickly.

I guess all this rat rod "I can build a safe car for nothing" stuff has gotten more than a few of the more experienced builders thinking along the lines of what it would realistically take to do an entry level budget build. And it's great to see people putting their skill where their mouth is.

I didn't mention it in my earlier post because I didn't want to steal Don's thunder, but I to am doing a budget/entry level build, my 64 Ford. In my case I thought the 64 would be a good project in part because it is all pretty much bolt in (no major fabrication or really special equiptment required). I originally set a goal of $5K for the project, but eventually decided not to put a limit on it, just do the best I could and see how the prices broke out. Mine is a long term project being done as room permits and is currently on hold until the 57 Plymouth is done so I figure I'll get back on it this fall.

I'm keeping track of mine over at http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/jour...ge=1&reverse=1 if anyone is interested.

I think I mentioned in a post a long time ago that one thing I've noticed about people that have built several cars is that we tend to always challenge ourselves to build a "better" car with each sucessive project. As our finiancial status and experience grows so does the quality (and price) of our cars. For me and (I suspect both Don and Jim) I'm having fun doing a basic entry level car again.


"The challenge is still there, but at this point it has more to do with putting the skills I acquired over the years to use and doing the most with the least.",
this is the mindset i always used when building something for myself, whether i had the money or not. i believe you all can do it. good luck

Mike: You have hit it exactly. It is the challange and the fun of not having to make sure every component is perfect that is making it fun again. We've all done the ones where we apologize for the slight flaws in the suspension, so to build one that is nice but not perfect is refreshing.

Glad to see you are building one of these, too. The club just keeps getting bigger all the time !

Don

I also think it can be done. The early T model may be the only reason why.

Brianrupnow mentioned the cost of his project - a cheapo 'glass T is a little less complicated than a steel, FF RPU.

I am going to attempt a basic suede project. I am going Saturday to pick up a '29 coupe that has been in dry storaged since '69. It is a mild 60's hot rod....comes with a new set of B-ville fenders....$3k

Looking to keep the whole deal under 10k - primer, iron duke/4speed....