Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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Today is April 10th, 2007, and it is my anniversary. Well, not MY anniversary, but rather the One Year Anniversary of when I started this thread. Yup, one year ago today I started this nonsense with this statement:



Project $ 3 K Is Underway
I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I thought a safe, dependable hot rod could be built for $ 3000.00. It wouldn't have tons of chrome and flash, but would be a basic, get-in-and-drive rod, that would not be embarrassing to drive. I felt if I built it the way we used to, by using parts we could scrounge from swapmeets, and other sources, it was attainable.

The main reason I thought this project might be appropriate is that there are a large number of our members who are thinking about building their own rod, but don't know how to begin, or what car to build. That first car can be very confusing, and mind-boggling when you start adding up the costs and labor.



I knew going in that some of the information I was going to show would be a little boring and old hat to many of our members, but the intent was to put it out there for others that had never done this, or were in the middle of doing a similar build, and who might not be sure how to do certain aspects. But I got a very pleasant surprise because when the "Old Masters" among us would stop by to visit, their comments were always very upbeat and encouraging. They were also very kind, as have been all the comments along this journey.

At times some of you have flattered and at the same time embarrassed me with comments like "craftsmanlike" and similar words. I know very well what level of builder I am, and it falls short of those terms, I have seen some of the beautiful work the real "craftsmen" on here have posted, and my skills certainly are not in the same league as some of those. However, I thought that might be an advantage in this thread, because I wanted to convey to the folks just starting out in this hobby that any average backyard mechanic/builder like me can turn out a running/driving rod with limited resources.

Doing this thread has been one of the most fun things I have done with respect to putting any car together, and the humor, ribbing, and company you have all provided along the way has been very much appreciated and helpful. You have tolerated some of my little goof ups and false starts, and have never taken me to task on them. In fact, your kind comments and suggestions have helped shape the final outcome of the car and make it better than it would have been without your support.

The thread and this forum have become very much fun for me, and even though we have discussed every topic in it from cats, to kids, to who-knows-what, the thread hopefully has accomplished the goal of helping the novice builder realize his or her dream of doing a car on their own. The things all of you have brought to this thread have certainly enriched it. I am also thrilled to see more and more of you doing similar threads, and I can't wait until you guys post an update so I can read about how you are doing yours. It is always fun to peek into another builders garage and see how things are coming.

Where is the car now costwise? I have NO IDEA. That isn't a cop out, or being evasive, I just have lost track. For a while I was spending money like a drunken sailor, but even at that I would guess I am in for about $ 8000 -$10,000 right now. Probably more on the low side of that estimate. It is hard to tell, because I can tally up the big purchases, but I have made a lot of small Home Depot and hardware store purchases that are impossible to recall completely.

So, anyway, thank you to everyone who has contributed so much to this thread by your posts and your viewing of it. You have no idea how much fun you have made this past year for me. I have never met one of you, but still feel a very strong friendship and respect for all of you.

If I were Denny I would do one of those cakes with a candle, but I can't, so I will just do this stupid little guy.

Don

Don from what im learning $3000 could be in a rat rod put together and driven , Your build is still in a obtainable budget for first time builders like me . Lots of ideas have been molded for use (molded ) . Keep up the good work .


Now as for back yard mechanic you have to have a chain hanging from a limb . I have one and use it with come along to raise riding mower straight up when needed.

Happy Anniversary get it to go vrrooommm soon .

Happy Anniversary!

I found out about your post late in the game. But I try to check in on your progress at least once a day. Went back and read all the previous pages too.

You're going to wind up with a really sharp ride. I haven't found any of the posts to be boring.

$3000 is hard to do AND have a nice car. It has been done, but not without some serious horse tradin'.

Your going to have to start another car when you get through with this one so we'll have something to follow every day.

Mike

Thanks Bobby and Mike. Yep, another year older and deeper in debt. (Old Tennessee Ernie Ford song.......16tons) Kinda fitting though.

Strange you should mention another project after this one, because I already have it formulated in my head. I have a '30 Ford cowl in nice shape, and 4 nice Fordor doors, so I am going to build a roadster pickup like my Son has done, but not so fancy. I have been picking up all the cast off pieces from Dans '29, like his rebuilt '40 Ford brakes, '29 grille shell, steering arms, etc. I also have a second 394 Olds engine that was running when we pulled it out of my buddies '60 Olds to put a 455 in that car. I also got the transmission.

Combined with a bunch of '35 Ford wire wheels, headlights, wishbones, etc that I have squirrelled away, I am going to shoot once more for that magical $ 3K number. That build will stay true to it's purpose and feature lots of free and homemade parts, and wear a coat of rustoleum or similar paint.

Obviously, I am going to take a little breather once the T is running so I can hit some local cruises and shows, but I am already chomping at the bit to do the Model A. Oh yeah, and I still have to finish up my '39 Dodge pickup somewhere in there.

I think once I have a running/ driving street rod to putter around in again the next build will be less pressure to get er done on any time schedule. Right now it has been over 7 years since I have had one to drive, so it is time to end that drought.

Don