You must be reading my mind, because just last night I was wondering if a hot rod could be built, safe and well built, for like maybe $ 3000.00. I think it can.
I think I am going to use my latest Ebay purchase to see if that is possible. Here is what I have so far:
'23 T bucket body and frame, bought on Ebay for $ 530.00.
Superbell I beam axle, new $ 190.00.
'40 Ford spindles, $ 80.00.
'40 Ford front brakes, $ 100.00
Model A front wishbone $ 55.00
'35 Ford wire wheels, 4 @ $ 200.00
'57 Jeep steering box, $ 50.00
'99 Chevy Vortec 350, Free (repowered a customers boat, got old engine which is in great shape, at no charge)
'70 Maverick 8 inch rear axle, $ 100.00
Model A rear spring, $ 40.00
Ok, so I would almost be up on wheels for about $ 1350.00, and still need stuff like tie rods, front springs, rear radius rods, radiator , turbo 350, driveshaft, gauges, fiberglass supplies, headers, etc.
To make it safe, the brakes would need new wheel cylinders, lines, etc. and the car would need a million other small parts to hook all the stuff up.
Could it be done for the $ 3000.00? It would be tough, but for $ 4000.00 it is probably more do-able, especially if you only bought things that were a real deal, and waited until they came along.
I'm going to give it a try, and will keep track of all the parts I buy to do it. I have already stored tons of the parts I will need like headlights, wheels, etc, so I will factor what I think I paid for these at the time I bought them.
The car I want to end up with will look like this one, except better done, and hopefully will have the good looking co-pilot that this one has, or a reasonable facimile.
I'll keep you all posted of my progress.
Don