Who has the CHEAPEST Coupe or Roadster???

[Shaggy]

Just wondering, I hope to build my coupe under 5k minis time, paint, and Bondo. Also kinda tossin' around if it would be possable to build a free car outta junk.

I kinda laughed at Rod and Custom trying to build a budget rod for 10k.

[Bigcheese327]

The 10k bit does seem high until you realize they're not going to use anything but aftermarket parts - a bone to their advertisers. Think what we could do by following along and using junkyard pieces!

[fab32]

If you haven't built a car from scratch in the last 10 years you are going to be surprised what you can tie up in just a basic car. Now if you have machine shop, a fabrication shop, and a paint and body shop that's a whole different story.

Frank

[Unkl Ian]

Depends how skilled you are at scrounging,welding,fabricating,and machining.
The more resourceful and creative you can be,
and the better compromises you can make,the cheap the result can be.

Check the HAMB archives,and the TechOmatic for ideas.

[Tman]

Go ahead, build it and show us.

[34Fordtk]

Here is what I have $1500 in just as it sets.

[TexasHardcore]

I swear there was a pic floating around here in a thread somewhere...it had a low-buck roadster, I think it said built under $3,000 or something... couldn't remember who's it was, or where I saw it...but it was killer.

[OGNC]

Why do all of the good deals on Coupe bodys have to be on the other side of the world from me? Damn it! I just got my taxes back too. Crap on a stick!

[plan9]

unless you got the tools, parts laying around and skills, building a hotrod for 5k is a wet dream...




http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Fat Hack]

It ain't the BIG items that add up...it's actually all the SMALL stuff needed to bring the big stuff together and make it work right!!!

You can score a project car, a running engine, working transmission, good rear axle and other various parts for little or nothing in many cases...but putting it together is going to require a fortune in fasteners, lines, hoses, materials for fabrication, fittings, wire, terminals, etc, etc, etc!

I probably have a few hundred dollars into my car right now, and it's all in the metal I used to make various parts, the wire and terminals I used to wire the car myself...along with the new battery tray, bulbs, switches, cables, etc, and a small fortune in new, quality bolts, washers, screws, clamps, nuts, etc.

Add to that the various steel fuel and brake lines, hoses and fittings, clamps and filters...along with the new gas tank and other assorted "little" parts.

Even starting with a donated car, a few donated parts and some horse trading for a motor and trans, the car will probably cost about $1000 by the time it's able to run, stop and steer under it's own power. The "little things" will account for a large portion of that cost, but it will also include a new battery, radiator, front disc brake kit and tires!

Don't forget the starter, alternator, tune-up parts, fluids and other miscellaneous parts...it all adds up pretty quick, ya know!!!

My car is about as low buck as you could possibly make it (unless you LIVED in a junkyard or something!) but it will still cost a fair bit of pocket change to get roadworthy!

$5000???? Whaddaya doin...buildin' a SHOW car or sumthin'??? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[34Fordtk]

Hell OGNC it took me a year and a half to find this one at a price I could swing and still afford to have it shipped to me.All the deals I saw were in Cali..This one was on Fordbarn in Califorina Maryland.

[Shaggy]

Well my coupe is a chopped 30 plymouth with a chrysler 331 on 37 ford rails, olds rear, suicide front end, and big slicks (13" of tread) on weld wheels and i've got 2k into it so far. So i can probably finish it for a couple more thousand.

A lot of the small stuff I'm Pirating off of cars which are being scrapped by friends or finding for free, I'm also a machinest so i make a lot too.

The expensive part should be the Hemi but i found one for cheap which only has 40k original miles. All it needs is a bore,(damned water)pistons, bumpy cam, and intake. It has a long bellhousing but tranny adapters are cheaper for them.

By the way FAT HACK Have you seen my front yard??
My dad and i have a bad problem with vintage tin coming home with us. Or atleast the city thinks so.

[Bondo Slinger]

SamIam probably has one of the cheapest roadsters around.

[Bondo Slinger]

was this the car Texashardcore?

[Roothawg]

I built this one for 3500.
Finished as it sits. Sold it to a guy in Cali for 6500 and still wonder if I shouldn't have kept it.

[plan9]

[ QUOTE ]
Well my coupe is a chopped 30 plymouth with a chrysler 331 on 37 ford rails, olds rear, suicide front end, and big slicks (13" of tread) on weld wheels and i've got 2k into it so far. So i can probably finish it for a couple more thousand.

[/ QUOTE ]

your question is pretty broad...

ok... for under 5k... you can build a big piece of shit that runs.

agreed, i think sams roadster is a good example of whats possible... sweat equity and knowledge will get a builder far.

[plan9]

[ QUOTE ]
was this the car Texashardcore?

[/ QUOTE ]

thats creeper larrys

[daign]

If you want to spend $10k on a roadster, go buy one and make it your own. Possibly a resto project. Sell the fenders, the banger and rearend and use that cash to make that resto a rod. See what I mean? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2473523845&catego ry=6234)
I imagine you'll be running out of cash pretty quick unless you're very resourcefull and skilled.

Some may call it the gold chainer approach, I call it smart and thrifty. You could pickup a decent resto Model A roadster for $7-8k no problem and make $2-3k off the parts you dont need.

-Dane

[Boones]

I hope you can, but make sure you count every nut bolt and washer.. because it does add up.. Even 10k can be a very tough to meet depending on you abilities and available parts. I think there are very few on here who have less then 10k in there hot rods... (counting parts and materials)

I am over your limit with my sedan body, motor, tranny and rear end..nothing else so far (and it was all used but nice stuff)

[trey]

probably around 600 bucks so far. yeah, its not a coupe or roadster, but gives you an idea.

trey

[zgears]

Who has the CHEAPEST Coupe or Roadster?
i think i do, at $1,200
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB3&Number=373628&fpart=& PHPSESSID=

[flatheadpete]

Built my flatty T-bucket for 'bout $3400. It's pretty bitchin'. Had a guy ask if it was for sale...yup for $15,000. Hey, if I'm gonna sell it, I may as well make it worth while...right? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[zman]

Here's one that is for sale locally. I hooked Truth with the info. If he doesn't bite I'll post it on the classifieds. But the owner is asking $4k. I think he'll deal a little. But it's pretty much ready to finish.

[Nick32vic]

What Fat Hack and Boones said is right.

I came into my 32 Vicky (fiberglass) project with absolutely no parts. I bought the body and frame-BOOM 2 grand right there. (saved my grass cuttin and lunch money for a long time!lol)

Then as time went on, we got the whole chassis done with motor and tranny (not running yet).

Well, as i go, i write down almost every thing i buy for my car. The only thing i dont write down is bondo, nuts, bolts, clips, that kind of stuff. Wich my dad supplies for me.And with all the parts i have right now i have about 6,000 in mine and id say its about 40% finished with it.

Yes, i do buy aftermarket parts which i am happy with. The thing im concerned with is gettin it on the road! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Well, i dont know were im going with this, but basically the little stuff is what adds up. I just bought 2, 32 door handles and 2 bear claw latches wich cost me about 80 bucks. its stuff like that, that you dont think about. Other stuff thats gonna cost me alot (when added up) is all the stuff to get the engine running, brakes, wiring junk, just little miscelaneous stuff like that.

Since im kind of ranting, ill stop.

Nick

[AHotRod]

$5K huh?
I've built a T-bucket with 350 Buick power for $2500.00 back in 1979, and a '30 A coupe w/Chevy power for $4000.00 a few years ago.
I make my own chassis, suspension parts, steering column, brakes from a old E100 (drums), old Dodge 8 3/4 rear, good engine and trans, homemade headers....etc, etc. I do my own body and paint work also, so...I'm not the "Norm".
For the average guy, I'd say "No-Way" for a SAFE Daily driver.
I agree with whomever posted "Buy something near what you want" resonable, change, add and sell....to get you where you want to be.
But be realistic....don't try and buy Champayne on a Beer budget!
Glenn

[old beet]

Not what yer lookin for, but 49 Merc. $3000 as it sits......OLDBEET

[Tony]

Right now i have about 4k into my next coupe project.
I have most of the mechanical pieces, 409, 4 speed, 9",suspention, and a steel '32 ford 5 window body..

However, there's a lot more to go, and even if i scrounge and junk yard/swap meet the rest (which i plan on doing)
I'll probably still have 10k if not a little more in it by the time i'm done...

Following with the merc that was posted, the 53 chevy i'm doing as a full custom WILL have about 6k when done at the most...
I try and do everything i can, and learn to do what i havn't done..
This save's me a ton of money, and i pick up a lot in the knowledge/experience dept.

Tony.

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
$5K huh?
I've built a T-bucket with 350 Buick power for $2500.00 back in 1979...


[/ QUOTE ]

In '79 you could buy a new econo-box car for that same $2500.00 and today a similar econo-box is about $10,000...inflation says that's even money to me.

Tex Smith's dollar a pound roadster was a goal to shoot for in the fifties!

[choprods]

I see this post and I have to wonder if anyone was looking for somethin low cost- why my 29Model A thats been in the HAMB classifieds [for months] "aint" worth 2000?
it has a A frame-Complete frt end with 40 spindles brakes /an open rear /a open trans/ a complete flathead[yes thatsCOMPLETE bellhsg clutch an all]and wheels and tires -anF1 steering box /rad shell/ radiator and glass trunk lid!
Just think of how long and how much it would take to beg borrow /scrounge/trade/ steal [or god forbid buy] all these parts......... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifnope It must not be able to be built [a cheap hot rod???????]! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I cant believe ther are not other deals even better than this one IF YOU LOOK!-so I say that if you have a little ingenuity and some energy -some help of friends and a DESIRE to have a hot rod ,that the answer is Definitely YES!

[46mopar]

[ QUOTE ]
Why do all of the good deals on Coupe bodys have to be on the other side of the world from me? Damn it! I just got my taxes back too. Crap on a stick!

[/ QUOTE ] Your kiding right everytime I find one here it's on the west coast.

[52plybizcoupe]

i bilt this with k member for maby 2000 at the max as it sits rolling chasi with nail head 600 body free mix. small crap 200 still need shocks and electrical

[quickrod]

this is so weird,i just sat down last night and did a tally on what i've put in my 27 so far,rolling with the motor and trans,iv'e got $2070.oo in it...still needs an interior,gas tank,complete wiring,windsheild,paint,colome..drive shaft shortened....gauges..........shifter..........shit , now im depressed.....fuckin lump. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[thirtytwo]

[ QUOTE ]
If you want to spend $10k on a roadster, go buy one and make it your own. Possibly a resto project. Sell the fenders, the banger and rearend and use that cash to make that resto a rod. See what I mean? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2473523845&catego ry=6234)
I imagine you'll be running out of cash pretty quick unless you're very resourcefull and skilled.

Some may call it the gold chainer approach, I call it smart and thrifty. You could pickup a decent resto Model A roadster for $7-8k no problem and make $2-3k off the parts you dont need.

-Dane

[/ QUOTE ] i disagree turning all that stuff you pull off that model a might ,maybe bring in a grand on a really good day........ unless that A has some 32-34 fenders hangin on it........resto. guys are thrifty to say the least

my boss decided he wanted all his model a fenders gone 10 bux each i watched 3 old timers pick through what must have been 50-75 fenders to buy what they thought were the two best ones didnt even buy a spare in case..then they haggeled i though he was gonna snap!

it all depends on what you want... a jalopy with a tubing frame you can get done if your resourceful, and you have to have connections and be a good scrounger, sometimes the planets have to be aligned just right also, if you want a period car i would say its impossible but im sure someone can prove me wrong

i got this body from a friend who needed it gone.......the body spindles and brakes are the hardest part after that you can go to pick and pull and build the rest the parts bill for this thing is like 1,500 bux... add wheels and tires 5-600, radiator 500, jyd sbc/trans 500, mistc 1000.oo, its not a coupe but its possible doing EVERYTHING yourself i wouldnt sell this thing for a dime less than 4,500 as a roller ....way too much time , and parts hunting

[thirtytwo]

[ QUOTE ]
Not what yer lookin for, but 49 Merc. $3000 as it sits......OLDBEET

[/ QUOTE ]ILL TAKE IT !!!!!!!! when should i pick it up ???????http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[swazzie]

Yeah 32 , I got 4500 in just this thing not including rattle cans at $5 a pop. Maybe if I was In Tehah but I'm in mich. Have you tried to buy parts for a flat six.You'd think you were talkin to a guy with your ears

[swazzie]

YA again

[Rainer]

bad thread - you guys have my sheer envy - every part for an american car for sure the price is twice over here
- I've built the hawaiian c-dan nearly without aftermarket stuff, partet out a very good running 66 dart, had luck with the body (it was a crashed car) - and nevertheless she costs me about 15000

[Fat ASS Whitewalls]

Less than $1500.00! LOTS of scronging, building, ingenuity, and luck. $200.00 for rolling shell. $75.00 for running Ford van, for engine and tranny. $50.00 grille shell. $30.00 for WALMARTS best latex, and brushes. Dean

[Fat ASS Whitewalls]

finished

[C9]

Here's the 31 as it sits today.
$12,000. so far and most of it three years ago money.
The total would probably be $15,000. today.

Brookville body.
Rootlieb hood top.
American Stamping frame rails and front 'A' crossmember.
(Owner built frame & remaining crossmembers)
9" Ford rear end - owner narrowed at home.
SuperBell 4" drop beam axle, used Posies front slider spring, SB steering arms & lower shock mounts.
Owner built tie rod, drag link & panhards front and rear.
Deuce Factory rear sway bar.
SoCal stainless front shock mounts & headlight mounts - cuz they were pretty.
SoCal front chrome shocks.
Speedway rear chrome shocks.
SoCal 40 Ford style transverse rear main leaf, remainder of spring - 40 Ford.
SoCal iridited spring shackles front and rear.
SoCal rear axle spring brackets.
Pete & Jakes rear axle coilover mounts used for the shocks and also in case I change to coilovers in the future - which I don't think I will. Too many advantages and a better ride with a transverse rear spring.
Comp style shifter - used.
Deuce Factory bracket and both pedals - just in case I go to stick shift with this car.
Speedway 32 Ford windshield posts adapted to the A body - which is silly easy. Looks better than the A posts to my eye.

455 Buick engine that would probably run just fine if I regasketed and left it as is - as is means virtually no ridge and pretty clean inside. Gonna rebuild it anyway.
The long tailshaft Olds T-400 is a good one, it will be used as a core and the damaged short tailshaft Buick T-400 - piece broken off where the converter pan bolts on - gets the short tailshaft and related pieces added to the Olds trans and that rebuilt.

There are a whole lot of owner built pieces on the car such as ball bearing aluminum steering column, aluminum throttle pedal, radius rods, motor mounts, hood sides, dash panel etc.
On the build list is the windshield frame and part of it is done.

Granted, 12K or 15K is a chunk of change, but it's been done over a three year + period and I'm ending up with the car I want for about the price of an econo-box.
Nice part is, the 31 will retain its value and the econo-box starts going downhill right away.

Which would you rather drive? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SamIyam]

One of these days I'm going to spend the time to post the list of stuff it took to build the Roach Rod...

When I add up all the "hard parts", I come up with about $1500 worth of stuff.... engine, trans, body, suspension, seats, steering components... but then all the little stuff added up to another $1300. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Go figure.

That's the little stuff that most guys forget to include in the cost of building something...

A lot of the parts were from my dad's pile of stuff... and other parts were from PNP half price day... and then there's the swap meet stuff... and very, very few new parts...

Anyway, I couldn't see building the same car now for less than $6000... or more... How many bodies can you find these days for $50?? And the frame was free... the front axle and spindles free... 4 speed trans for $200... Stomberg 97 carbs for $5 ea... these were good deals three or four years ago when I built the car... but now, because of e-bay, the shit has gone through the roof!

What I snicker about are the guys who accumulate a body, a frame a motor... and then think they're going to build a car out of the pile of parts... when they don't know how to weld, fabricate, scrounge parts, build trannies, mount tires, drill holes and all that other stuff I've spent a lifetime learning. Every guy here that has a running/driving hot rod that they built themselves will tell you that they used skills that they have had to learn from others and on their own to build their car... it's the old "if I had a dollar for every car that was bought, then sold because they didn't have the means to build it... I'd be RICH!"

I'm not saying that we are in an exclusive club... but WE'RE IN AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB!

The RR was only my second pre-48 that I had ever built... but it was that first car (my Model A) that taught be how to weld and fabricate... I had built SEVERAL cars before that... but they required little or no fabrication...

I guess I look at all of the parts piles that sell on e-bay... and some of the ones people here on the HAMB have... and wonder why they never see the light of day.

Money is a big issue... if you can't swing a couple hundred bucks a month to dump into your hot rod... don't even bother starting one because your efforts will end in frustration... likewise, if you aren't willing to learn how to weld by hanging out at someones house and learnig... or taking a class at the JC... hang it up and buy a running car...

Buying and selling cars and parts is a good way to make extra money for your hot rod fix... but if you're using that money to eat and have to live at your parents house... you fucked up somewhere along the line... and shouldn't even THINK about hot rods until you get your life together.

My brother is a good example of how to do it... he knew how to build motors... and paint... and drill and wire... and basically build cars... but he wanted to start fabbing a lot of his own parts... so he went out and took a welding class and bought a welder... presto, he's building shit now and loves it.

He wanted to learn how to do maching work... sold his Bronco, took a machine shop class and bought a lathe and a mill...

My point is... he's not sitting on his ass with a pile of car parts waiting for them to build theirselves... he's up off his ass DOING SOMETHING!!

He hits the wrecking yards up... he goes to swap meets... he reads magazines... there's a pattern here skippy... and if you're not following it... you ain't gonna be driving a hot rod you built yourself...

Does everyone that has a running/driving hot rod that they built themselves agree??

Sam.

[SamIyam]

Also... $10,000 IS a "budget" build...

I built my Model A... inhereted the car when my dad passed away... and then sunk $17-18,000 into it to make it a driver... in primer... with NO interior. But then again, I add up all the little stuff and do my own work... and for the calibur of car that it is... $18,000 is CHEAP.

Same as the low buck car in R&C... if you think that $10,000 isn't cheap for that calibur of car... I'll make you a deal... you build as many Model A roadsters with aftermarket frames, and all the parts that he hung on that car for $10,000... and I will give you $20,000 for each one that you build.

Sure you can slap a RAT ROD together for under $10,000... but it sure as hell ain't no fendered '30 A on an aftermarket chassis with American Mags, SBC, auto trans, saddle tanks and all that other crap that car has...

Sam.

[C9]

[ QUOTE ]
My brother is a good example of how to do it... he knew how to build motors... and paint... and drill and wire... and basically build cars... but he wanted to start fabbing a lot of his own parts... so he went out and took a welding class and bought a welder... presto, he's building shit now and loves it.

He wanted to learn how to do maching work... sold his Bronco, took a machine shop class and bought a lathe and a mill...


[/ QUOTE ]

Sam has spoken a major truth here.
His other comments are on the money as well, but this is the one that counts.

It's hard to do, but set the hot rod stuff aside for a year or so, take the classes and buy the tools.
In the end, you'll save a ton of money and may end up in a position to earn some on the side.

The really good part about build it yourself is that you can fix it yourself.

[TexasHardcore]

My FORMER car didn't have much invested and could have been buttoned up for some change.

30 Model A Tudor Sedan Body & IFS/IRS Complete Frame - $1,800

30-31 Grille Shell - $30.00
Visor - Free
Header Panel - Free
Curved Roof Panels - $40
Used Wide Whites - $70 through HAMB
15" Steelies - Free
Smithy's - $30
Headlights & Stands - $100
Misc. Switches, Relays - $30
Taillights - Free
'62 283 SBC & Air Cooled Powerglide - $500
MIG Wire/Gas/o2 - $60
Bondo - $4.99
Primer & Tape - $20
Grinding/Cut-Off Wheels - $50


It needed a wiring kit, radiator, interior & glass to be finished. Everything else was thrown in when I sold it for $3,400.

[Spitfire1776]

[ QUOTE ]
Why do all of the good deals on Coupe bodys have to be on the other side of the world from me? Damn it! I just got my taxes back too. Crap on a stick!

[/ QUOTE ]

I tell you who's got it easy - them thar corn huskers. I'm always seeing cheaper bodies in the bread basket.

DAMN corn huskers.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Chaz]

I'm trying to get mine on the road as cheaply as possible, so I've been doing it by trading.I built some cabinets for this guys' new home. He paid for all the materials and I traded the labor for his stalled project car. So far I've got less than 500 dollars in this 34 Plymouth 5 window, But if you were to count all the labor I traded for parts and pieces, I think it'll be about 7 to ten grand on completion. So far I've only bought a 9 inch rear end (75.00) and rebuild parts , bondo , rod ends and various nuts and bolts.
I really think the way to go is to buy someones stalled project and make it your own. This car was already channeled
and the guy did some really nice work.
It can be done, but in todays world ten grand aint a lot of money. http://people.montana.com/~kaparich/33%20side.JPG

[Plowboy]

I think I have around 13 grand in my truck right now. I tried to keep track of all the little shit, but it is damn near impossible.

I cleaned out my work truck and I had a stack of receipts from the parts store for 20 or 30 bucks that was about an inch tall all crumpled up, and about a quarter inch tall with a rock on them.

I am a moron so I have done some things 3 or 4 times when someone that knew what they were doing would have only done it once, therefore my expenses were a little higher.

I used around 1000 bucks in sandpaper, cutoff wheels, and sawzall blades alone.

I also beleive that even if you have something "laying around" It probably cost you something somewhere along the line too in a trade or whatnot. (figure out how much you spend on gas going to the junkyard at 2 bucks a gallon) Therefore it has some sort of monetary value and is not totally a "freebie". I can order a part and have it shipped to my door cheaper than driving 2 hours to the nearest decent junkyard.

[Harrison]

After some horse trading I have about $2500 in this pile.

The crap I horse traded cost me something at one point. That $$ and the profits made from it could have remained in my pocket. That $$ spent counts for me. When it is completed I'll figure all the horse trading as real $$. I'll complete it for less than $8000.

JH

[dixiedog]

I plan on the DOGG Bucket being around a dollar a pound.
Body - 600
Frame - 250
Misc Steel - 100
Steering Box, column, wheel, pitman arm - 25 junkyard DJ5 jeep
46 front axle spindles drums etc - 100
Split bones - 50
steering arms - 90
Buick 350 Motor &amp; tranny - <200> ebayed the rest of the donor car
Shifter - 20 Jeep DJ5
wheels &amp; WWW's - 200
Rear axle jeep AMC 20 - 75
Gauges - 50
lights - 50
wiring - 75
brakes - 150
seats - 50
battery - 100 optima
radiator &amp; grill - 100
primer - 75
mismatch paint - 20
rattle cans (motor-frame) - 50
Contingency - 200
Total $2230
here is the mock up pic

[SamIyam]

Dixiedog... you can safely add another $1000 bill, maybe $2000 to the list... there are things like radiator hoses, clams, fuel line, brake line, brake hoses, master cyl, glass, crossmembers, exhaust, headers, floorboards, dash, the bolts and nuts will add up too... a gas tank is another big ticket item... When I added the parts up for Ol' Roachy... I had about a $1500 list... and like I said... all the small stuff added up to another $1300.

Now I believe there are some things that some of the so-called RAT ROD builders will re-use... like hoses, fuel lines and stuff like that... stuff I refuse to skimp on...

My drive shaft was $175 by the time it was shortened, balanced and shod with new U-joints...

Sam.

[Tudor]

It is hard, I mean impossible to build somethin decent for nuthin. I've dropped a 100 dollar bill at autozone just to buy the little nijjets to get the motor ready to fire up, oil, plugs, hope adapters, thermostat gaskets, just the little bullshit if you want to do it right so you ass ain't sitting on the side of the road.

I am just glad to see people admit to spending some green - I kinda felt like I was the only chump that actually paid for some parts

I have scoured the earth and used junk yard parts - but I usually end up replacing that junk yard piece with a new one - when It wasn't actually so cheap from the JY and I had a bunch of clean up and paint time invested on top of that. Junk Yards aren't exactly giving stuff away. Sometimes they are as high as 70% of the new item - for 30% more I'll take the new one.

[G V Gordon]

Two words, DONOR CAR!
I agree that all the little crap costs a ton but with a donor a lot of that can be salvaged. Like Sam said, some things should never be scrimped on, (brakes, radiator, lines and hoses), but its amazing what you can get off an old car that can be adapted.
As an examole, if you go to a salvage yard around here and say "I would like an 8" Ford rear end Mr. Salvage Man please" it will set you back around $100 to $150. Find an old Maverick or Granada in the weeds behind someones house and you could score a 302, C4, tilt column, brake booster\with pedals, tons of linkage and maybe even seats.
Yea, it won't be a 32 with a full bore flattie but added to your early bod and frame and it'll be a hotrod!

My last major build was a 50 Buick. Rearend and front stub was out of a 68 Firebird that was free, the 455, Turbo400, tilt column, Brake pedals and booster, Radiator, and a hundres misc. pieces were from a 73 Buick Limited that cost me $350 that I drove home. I had the 50 running and driving for about $3500 and a ton of work.

[Fat Hack]

Sam's driving home a valid point...essentially the same one I was making.

Just today, hooking up a Carter fuel pump that was a birthday gift from Jay involved some 14ga wire, a fuse holder, switch, wire terminals, a small length of hose, a new fuel filter, some clamps, new 5/16" steel fuel line, some fittings, anchor clamps and some washers not included with the pump. All in all, about $25 worth of miscellaneous little items...and that was just to install an electric fuel pump!

It's the same for every other component installation...the gas tank required some aluminum strip to make a strap out of, as well as an assortment of hardware...I'll do a complete photo-by-photo tech post when I shoot out the roll of film and get it developed. I'll detail exactly how much my "ultra low buck" fuel system ends up costing...for those who think "Hell, a $12 tank and a free pump means you won't have twenty bucks in the fuel system!"

I must make two or three trips to the parts store or hardware joint for fasteners, fittings, wire, metal, etc with every small project I complete on the car. I may only spend $2 to $20 per trip...but they DO add up!

Most people (myself included!) tend to forget all those little 'incidental' costs...and if you DO keep your reciepts and tally them up, it may shock ya how much all that stuff actually adds up to in the end!

Locating and securing the "big" parts, and only reporting the cost of those major components makes it look like there are lots of really low buck project cars running around...but like Sam said...unless your re-using old hoses, clamps, rusty hardware, crusty steel lines, half dead batteries, questionable radiators and "may blow" tires and such...the actual build cost can be at least double of what the big stuff cost ya!

Now...making wise use of a "parts car" or a "donor vehicle" with GOOD components can really help to keep costs down. I've done this several times in the past and come out of it for minimal additional cash. If your donor car has a good radiator, tires, battery and so on that fit your project car, you can get ahead of the game a little bit...but you'll still need new clamps, fluids, filters, exhaust system, etc.

Sure cars can be built dirt cheap...but the final cost should include every little 'incidental' part to be a true and honest reflection of how much cash you have invested in your ride...if you care to keep track!

Also, as stated, your skills will affect the final cost. If you can't weld, paint, rebuild a tranny or whatever, that means paying someone else to do it...even if it just means a case of beer and a couple of pizzas for your buddies!

There's another aspect...FRIENDS! Having pals who are also "car guys" is an invaluable asset when building a car! You will come to tap each other's knowledge base, parts stashes and voluntary labor efforts in the course of your various projects! But, that's the FUN part of it...helping your buds while getting your own ride done!

[Boones]

I will be the first to admit I have over 20k n my wagon. yes most of the parts are new, and i have paid more then I should have for some things but this is my first attempt at an old car and did not have anyone to teach me how to do one. not knowing intercahngeability and how to fabricate I bought new parts that I knew would work. Am i proud to have this much in it, no.. and I know next time I wil be able to build something cheaper (my Model A for instance).

Its the small stuff that killed me, evertime I went into a parts store it cost me atleast a hundred dollars and I did not need to have an entirely polished/chrome motor either or a nice white interior or all new rubber and .....

I have tried to track ever penny i have spent and thou I know I have missed alot of stuff its adds up quick..

[KCsledz]

Great reality check! But you guys are depressing the HELL out of me!

[Boones]

Here is a small portion of my cost for the Frame section. These are the parts, qty and cost with tax... it is missing a few items but will give you a feel.. look at the list of parts and see how many you need to purchase.. (Hopefully it does not crunch together ... the total is at the bottom..)

Description...............Qty.........Total
Tranny K-Member.............1........170.98
Bolt In Motor Mouns ........1.........118.92
Upper Rear control Arms.....1..........54.40
Lower Rear control Arms.....1..........54.40
Nuts &amp; Bolts............... 4...........0.35
Nuts &amp; Bolts................4...........0.52
Nuts &amp; Bolts................2...........1.24
Nuts &amp; Bolts................1...........0.80
Nuts &amp; Bolts................1...........0.82
Nuts &amp; Bolts................8...........8.53
Nuts &amp; Bolts................8...........2.70
Nuts &amp; Bolts................8...........0.88
Nuts &amp; Bolts...............16...........1.24
Rec tube 1.5x2.5x1.25....94.75".........23.77
Rect tubing 4x3x.188"...................19.04
80W90 Gear Oil............. 2............5.82
Diff gasket.................1............4.46
Wheels brake Kit (right)....1...........16.68
Wheel brake Kit (left)......1...........16.68
Axle Kit....................1............8.96
Wheel Cylinders.............2...........31.18
Brk Shoe....................2...........20.15
Rear End Vent tube..........1............4.67
Rect Tube 1.5x2.5x.125......48".........15.28
Brake wrench................1............9.18
Rear brk hose...............1...........18.04
Brake fluid.................1............3.77
Brake Light Switch ..........1............9.45
Brake Line Manifold.........1............5.32
Rear Shocks.................2...........76.05
Rear Left Brake cable.......1...........24.44
Rear Right Brake cable......1...........33.74
Bolts.......................7............3.43
Washers.....................7............0.53
Washers....................34............1.48
Washers.....................7............0.38
Nuts........................2............1.20
Nuts........................2............0.17
Nuts........................2............0.13
Slip Yoke ...................1...........63.80
Drive Line..................1..........232.02
Core Credit.................1...........-5.22
Union.......................1............1.22
Brake Line..................1............4.10
Brake Line..................1............2.15
Brake Line..................1............4.85
Union Tee ...................1............2.43
adapter.....................1............2.21
Cap Screw...................2............1.72
Steel Tube 2.0x1.0x0.65.....1...........15.67
CR Sheet 16G................1...........10.52
Steel tube .750x.065........1............2.39
nuts and bolts.............10............1.52
Snap Spring.................1............1.62
MII Front End...............1.........1707.40
49-54 Bolt In Brake Assy....1..........359.00
Front End Alignment.........1...........65.00
3/32" x 1 1/4" Cotter Pin...1............0.88
wheel spacers...............1...........13.31
total.......3255.34

[Kevin Lee]

[ QUOTE ]
Money is a big issue... if you can't swing a couple hundred bucks a month to dump into your hot rod... don't even bother starting one because your efforts will end in frustration... likewise, if you aren't willing to learn how to weld by hanging out at someones house and learnig... or taking a class at the JC... hang it up and buy a running car...

[/ QUOTE ]

Here's the thing. I'm not rich and have little disposable cash. Two hundred a month or I should forget it? Please. You can substitute RAW DETERMINATION for money or a donor car. I don't want a hot rod with a Granada drivetrain...I just dont. I'm willing to wrestle a stuck flathead and learn to rebuild it. Remember when you wanted a new Gonzalez and had to save your lunch money and bum fries from your friends at lunch to get it? Same thing. You could had had a complete Variflex for the money but you wanted the GONZ, even if you had to use your old trucks and wheels.

[G V Gordon]

Hey Grim,
The car you are puting together is an awsome example of what can be acomplished on a budget. It looks better every time you post a pic. (Note that my admiration and a buck fifty will get you a cup of coffee in most places http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
And your point about not wanting a "Granada" (insert make of choice here) powered hotrod is exactly why the donor car for my A sedan is a 46 Ford. Will it be more work? Yep. More money? Probably. What I want? Exactly. When will it be done? When it is. The post was "cheapest" way to build and that ussually means compromises. Wasn't trying to say a nice car can't be built on a budget. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
George

[lowsquire]

the crux of the matter is the small stuff.
I have about $5000 aus. in this so far...and to all intents everything 'big' is there...but i know there is atleast another three grand making it go brooom. stuff like brake lines,fuel system bits, wiring, blah blah...
As other melbourne guys will agree, I have had rediculous luck finding everything i need and paying low prices for it.its all about being mindful of everything you need to buy, and saying, can i make this instead?

[SamIyam]

Grimlock, RAW DETERMINATION will get most people TOTALLY FUCKING FRUSTRATED after a certain amount of time.

I built the RR in 7 months... I have helped no less than four young people in my area attempt to get car projects put together... I offered them my tools, welding lessons, garage space, advice... everything but doing it for them... and ALL FOUR OF THEM pussed out because they didn't want to put in the TIME and MONEY.

You have to have not only RAW DETERMINATION but also MONEY.

How much do you think you will have into your roadster when you are finished?
Devide that by how many months it will take you to build it and you will probably be surprized at the dollar amount.

Like I said... the RR was built in 7 months... and initially for $2800 (before new motor and 3rd tranny) That's $400 a month.

I would say that the average cost of a RAT ROD styled car is about $5,000-$10,000... and this is considering using a body that nobody wants... If you want to spend $100 a month... it'll take you five to ten years to build it... that's taking in consideration you can save your monthly $100 in a spot where the wife can't find it...

My opinion is that raw determination gets you the same pile of parts sitting in the same spot on your garage with the same picture on the HAMB for four years... At some point you have to spend some MONEY on it.

I guess I get tired of reading about and seeing cars mocked up on blocks of wood and jackstands on the HAMB... Sure, every car that was ever built "from scratch" was mocked up with blocks... but mocked up for two months... three months... a year... FOUR YEARS? (not yours Grimlock) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Determination... yea... I don't have much of it... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Sam.

[Fat Hack]

Another tip for cars on the cheap...is not to overlook some of the "hidden" values in aftermarket kits out there! I'll show you an example of what I mean here...

Before I wired my car, I called up a few places that sold ready-to-install, multi-circuit wiring kits complete with fusebox, fuses, flashers, marked wire, appropriate terminals and such. Most of them were tailored to accomodate more items than my car will be equipped with, so I listened to a friend who said "Hell, you can wire it yourself the way you want it for alot less than $180!"

Hmmm...let's see!

Here is a list I compiled to gain a pretty good estimate of what it ACTUALLY cost to do it myself:

Fusebox........................................... .....$15
Fuses............................................. .....$ 8
Fuse holder (HD w/20 amp fuse).........................$ 5
Ring terminals......................................... $ 6
Insulated female terminals.............................$14
Electrical tape........................................$ 4
Materials for junction block...........................$ 7
Plastic zip ties.......................................$ 6
Wire (various colors and gage sizes)...................$30
Plastic flexible wire covering.........................$ 8
Ignition switch........................................$ 9
Dimmer switch..........................................$ 4
Light switches (2).....................................$ 8
Materials for ground block.............................$ 4
Bolts, nuts, washers, fasteners, grommets, etc.........$10

TOTAL............................................. ....$148

And this tally does NOT include three relays from Kustomscaraudio, light bulbs, battery cables and such.

Sure, I ended up with an electrical system that features just the stuff I wanted it to have, but it's not as neat and complete as a kit would have been.

On the plus side, however, I KNOW it's done better than it has to be (even if anyone ELSE who tried to diagnose or trace it would likely be left baffled!) and that it will do the job reliably.

So...when pricing stuff like wiring kits...don't be to quick to balk at the nearly $200 price tags on some of them...you can't duplicate all they offer for that price unless you already HAVE all the stuff on hand!

(My car doesn't have turn signal, heater, back-up light, lighter, courtesy lamp, or license plate light wiring...it's bare bones and just has what it needs to run and drive...a kit would have INCLUDED such items!)

I have headlights, tail lights, brake lights, gauge lights, fuel pump and basic engine wiring only.

(Just to show you how much a 'total bare bones' wiring job really cost compared to a more complete kit!)

[Shaggy]

Okay let me do my incomplete rundown

I still need a lot but...

30 plymouth coupe body prechopped $300
1951 331 chyrsler hemi $300
full set of weld wheels and 2 sets
of slicks $500
37 ford frame $100
suicide f-end $140
olds rear w/radias rods Free
Ply. dash $10
Ply Grille $10
beer keg gas tank $10
Remote oil filter bracket $2
64 ranchero radaitor Needs repair Free
Other bits and pieces Free

Total $1370 - wow i thought i had 2k invested

[Skate Fink]

[ QUOTE ]
the crux of the matter is the small stuff.
I have about $5000 aus. in this so far...

[/ QUOTE ]

......you win! I think that's about $13.00 US isn't it?? When I was in Ireland a couple of years ago, the Aussie dollar was only worth about half of the US dollar. I thought that was rediculous. It's cool if I go over there on holiday, but sucks when YOU have to buy something out of the country....... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[hiboy32]

Hey I have a only 2000 in my 32 coupe. It runs and drives , stops and steers. Drivable, no! Everyone asks, Rat Rod? Well no windows(got a windshield now) no floor no door latches and no safety concerned parts. So , yes ratrod.

I started collecting parts when I realized the time is never right. I had started a new family and used pure determination to get started. The body and frame were a labor exchange. I helped set up a chassis for a 32 sedan. I had never done it before, good time to learn. I got the old drop axle and 40 brakes with good wheel cylinders and shoes for fixing a pick-up box side. I bought a good flatty and trans for 500. Forty rear axle and brakes, 100, came with wheels and front and rear wish-bones.

I have had to buy some modern street rod parts because of my lack of experiance. The pedal kit and the open drive conversion, cost as much as a full built flatty and trans.

I have three years and counting in building. I have to buy tools and learn the fab skills, all new to me. I dont have much, time, money or room, but I am learniing and having fun. My family comes first with time and money, but when I have either of those I am out in the garage havin a good time.

I fully intend on makin it road worthy safely, till then I just keep pluggin away. It would be done if I had more time or experience. Or well the big one would be money.

[daign]

[ QUOTE ]
My opinion is that raw determination gets you the same pile of parts sitting in the same spot on your garage with the same picture on the HAMB for four years... At some point you have to spend some MONEY on it.
Sam.

[/ QUOTE ]

Aint it the sad truth. Having the funds to spend on a project gets things done quicker by keeping motivation and morale high. You can only go so far with a project without having to spend some coin. Unless of course you can make your own tools, wires, plugs, bolts, and tires. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Besides, priorities often get in the way and coin must be spent elsewhere.

Well said Sam
-Dane

[Fat Hack]

hiboy32...I dig what you're saying...unless you are building your car for a Discovery Channel TV drama, there is no set date to have it done! Some guys can build a car in a month and throw cash at it quickly...and others need to spread the labor and coin out over a longer period of time.

That's the beauty of a HOBBY...you do what you can do when you want to do it! Unless you're building cars for a living, you don't NEED to dedicate X amount of dollars to the project per month or whatever!

What I did while it was too cold here to WORK on my car was to go to the parts store several times per week and just buy stuff I knew I was gonna need...all that little stuff that adds up! I bought lots of steel tubing, battery cables, a battery tray, wire, hose clamps, terminals, LOTS of metal stock and fasteners, and other things along those lines. That way, when the weather warmed up, I had something to work with and was able to start a few small projects on the car.

(Years of experience has taught me to stock up on "supplies" before diving into the project!)

I also bought myself a drill press for Christmas and it's paid for itself a hundred times over already! There are all sorts of odd brackets, spacers, adapters and other parts involved in this project, and having a drill press made making them FAR easier! Many of these parts will never be seen...hidden up under the dash, in the engine compartment or wherever...but they are vital parts of the car as a whole, from a functional standpoint!

Take your time...take care of your other priorities, and work on your car when you can take the time to ENJOY it! Otherwise...what's the POINT???

(My earlier point was just not to underestimate what all the little stuff will cost in the end...but I don't think you need to set aside a dedicated dollar amount per month or whatever and have the car built as quickly as possible. Everybody enjoys the hobby differently...ain't no right or wrong way to do it...so long as ya DO it!)

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[OutLaw]

I don't think it really matters how much you have in it, as long as you enjoy it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[fitzee]

Getting a roller can be done for little or nothing.I have enough parts around now to make a roller less body.No money spent yet.I think the key to a low buck ride is knowing that the small things will add up and try to get as much of the car built by horse trading,hunting for junked cars as well as doing 110% of the work yourself.One think I know that you can build a $2500 car $20 at a time but when you have to fork out 5 and 600 for big stuff.That is what kills you.I can scam 20 bucks a week from the wife http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif but scaming $600!!Not going to happen. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

fitzee

[hiboy32]

thank you Outlaw

The next one will not take near as long but I am sure it will cost a lot more.

[Upchuck]

[ QUOTE ]

I also bought myself a drill press for Christmas and it's paid for itself a hundred times over already! There are all sorts of odd brackets, spacers, adapters and other parts involved in this project, and having a drill press made making them FAR easier!

[/ QUOTE ]

one of the best 80.00 I ever spent was on a 12" drill press, sure beats trying to drill holes with a regular drill and I find I can even drill with a not so sharp of a bit to

[quickrod]

fathack hit it on the head with the freinds thing,but i'll add to that by saying family as well.i've been into bikes since my dad and i sold our drag car in '92{jesus christ i'm old}finally this year,i decided to build this 27,and man,he's been into it 110%.more times than once ive been at a stand still needing a certain part,but with a two year old daughter and a newley purchased home it has to wait.he'll stop over and say,"whats up with the car?"i'll tell him my situation and two days later the'll be a part or something i needed to keep going sitting on my floor....you can't put a price on that ever...my pops rules http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifbetween him and curly,this thing would still be a pile of parts taking up space...im out,quickrod

[rat bastad]

Sam, for whats its worth I agree with you line of thought. Ive seen a shitload of cars go up for sale in the unfinished section of the classifieds....usually it boils down to three reasons :

1. lack of commitment....ie time, labour, sacrifices
2. lack of money
3. lack of time and planning

Your point about ALL FOUR of these dudes who u tried to help pulling the pin reinforces the above.

When I started my Deuce 3W project, it was with an attitude to do just about everything I can myself to keep the costs down...as it turns out, I have done everything except the engine machining and trim. Chassis, paint, plumbing, brakes, engine assembly, wiring and all the other jobs needed to finish a car in between have been done by me.

Having built other rides in the past, Ive learned....that to build a car properly so that it doesnt look like it has been slapped together takes commitment to STICK to the task as planned and it takes MONEY to do the job RIGHT. Sure there are always exceptions....but cuttin' corners when building cars (as in most things in life) comes back to bite u later on down the track.

FOr example....I learned to weld with an arc welder so MIG was easy....I enrolled in a trade school years ago to learn body work and painting....and so its goes.

A key point I believe is to understand what abilities &amp; skills you have - then work accordingly. I dont my ride to look like someone "practiced on it" coz in the end its a rolling ad for the quality of work I/we do.....period.


PS....its funny how a lot of "gearheads" arent around to lend a hand when needed but are always around when your ride is finished !! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Just my 2 bob...

Rat http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[plan9]

[ QUOTE ]
Money is a big issue... if you can't swing a couple hundred bucks a month to dump into your hot rod... don't even bother starting one because your efforts will end in frustration... likewise, if you aren't willing to learn how to weld by hanging out at someones house and learnig... or taking a class at the JC... hang it up and buy a running car...

[/ QUOTE ]

think 38chevy454 broke it down pretty good...

money, time, skill... if you are missing money, youll need either more time, or have kickass skills... missing the skills, youll need either tons of money, or plenty of time to work. it goes on and on...

talk is cheap, thats why so many people can do it..

[Dirk35]

I am saving litterally every receipt for the build of my 35 including bolts, weld wire, sanding and grinding discs.....litterally every single receipt. Im in it for about $6500 and its actually close to running (probably another 2k tops for running).

Way I figure it, I wouldnt have bought that weld wire if I was to buy a built rod, so I really want to know where Im at.

Oh yeah, I havent paid to have a single person do any WORK other than the engine machine shop, and the $8 to flare my brake lines, and the $120 to shorten and respline my axles.

[Kevin Lee]

Hey Sam - You're right. I know I'm going to have to spend some more money at some point...and I have spent a bit already. How much will I have in my roadster? I have absolutely no idea and there is no way for me to figure it. Maybe I shouldn't have replied to this post in the first place because ultimately I don't care about the money. I don't say that to be a dick and it's not meant to imply cost is no object. (quite the opposite) I think maybe I got a bit off topic. It just comes down to I know what I want and I'm going to have it. Money/time math isn't going to keep me from it either. See you at the drags?

[Tman]

Yeah, like Grimlok and I can bitch about money spent on toys? Kevin, how much do you have invested in bicycles? Last time I checked it would take10-15 grand to replace all of mine!

Money is not the issue, having fun is. But to naively think that you can build a kick ass car for $1500 is absurd!

Knowing now what I didnt know 5 years ago, I look back at my ideas and aspirations on my Touring car and laugh! And I did not step into this project blind, I was raised around cars/racecars/shops/bodyshops.

Like several have said, you can put a rough "beater" together for a few grand. And you will have fun with it.

[Kevin Lee]

Alright, that's it then. When I start on the Bonneville racer I'm going to document every last part, fastener, hose, and fitting.....no I'm not. But I'll bet it goes together a lot more quickly than the roadster did. Might even be cheaper too.

[Dakota]

I might have ya all beat....


Body = Free
Rear End = Free
Rear Spring = Free
Front Spring = Free TO me, came in a trade of my Dads... Robbed it from him.
Frong Axle = Free from Dads parts again, but it was dirt cheap somewhere else for him to have it.
Front Bones = Gift From Dad
Rear 36 Raidus Rods = 50$ for the Whole 36 Ford 2door.
Frame = 65$ in 2x4 Suare Tube.
Motor = 50$ supposed Runner + 100 dollar camkit, and 50$ Gasket set.
Header = ?50$ in Mandrels and another 25$ mandrel for turnout.
40$ in SHacles to Pete and Jakes
40$ Master cylinder.
Front Bearings for 56 Ford Hubs = 50$
Front and Rear brakes = 50$
Windshield = ~10$ at an farm auction i think.
t Gas Tank = Free from a good friend.
Silver Metal Flake Steering Wheel = Gift from Dad.
Radiator = Free From same good friend.(dunno if its good or not yet.
Intake = 30$ for the whole marine 6banger that had caught fire and sank. i curt off the water cooled exhaust.
and probably 150$ in other stuff(hardware and misc junk)

I know it sounds like i got alot from my Dad, cause i have, but most of it was stuff we wasnt going to use and was just laying around taking up space, and came in partscars, cand other things he got while in the process of gathing stuff for his A. THe T spring he was originally gonna run in his A, bit he got a posies A spring.

So that adds up to what? 760$ so far? I havent bought front tires for it yet, and i have a set of like new 750-16s for the rear for the kelseys that i have that cost me nothing also.

i think the license plate is gonna read LFTOVRS, as most of it is castoffs from other projects..

hehe here ill add some pics.. Even with one with me in it.

http://www.topperscarclub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/Uploads/DSC00150.JPG

http://www.topperscarclub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/Uploads/DSC00142.JPG

[plan9]

i dont think some people are getting it, most do tho... the way i understood the original intent of the post was, "building a cool hotrod for under $5k"... most of the replies were saying "nope, cant be done" and is geared towards over ambitious beginners..

try building one from almost nothing... minimal tools, skills and a pile of parts... there is one guarantee, a price tag of over $5k

no one is saying you cant build a pile of junk modified for $3k or less... its obvious it can be done...

how about a NICE *in progress* piece with an interesting motor, and some details... coupe, or sedan?

[Dakota]

Here i htought i just posted that. That is my Project for less than 5grand so far, hell less than 1grand.

Granted it needs WIring yet, Headlights/Tailights(still no idea what to do for tailights.)

but i figure all of that should come for a heck ofa lot less than 4grand.

Aaron

[Jojo]

OK, I was holdin out...I want it to be very clear that I think my situation is an exception. My father-in-law (Aisle7) and friend Eric (ThirtyTwo) did 99% of the work and part scrounging (thanks!!). I wish I could say I did more but credit is due.

Several parts were fabricated by other friend on work trades (Gary and daughter - doors and exhaust). I think we are slightly under $3k on the car now. It is on the road and pretty sound. There is still alot of work to do on it inlcuding body and paint, probably another $2k when it is complete.
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v123/tgodwin/Roadster_2-15-04_003.jpg

[bdrake]

Well, mine is not one of those car bodies or the cheapest but I’ll throw it in anyway. If you want to keep your cost down be willing to put in a lot of your own time and sweat. On my current project I’m using a lot of left over parts from past projects or saved parts from parts cars. I also happened to get the truck for free so that helps! Removed parts sold, $490. Out going cash, $4035 - $490 = $3445, time = a whole lot. That has me this far but not drivable.

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~bill/Images/1937/37rear.jpg

Getting ready to spend another 1500-2000 or so to get me on the road, brakes, motor/clutch stuff and other misc stuff. Currently blown a part for finish body work, paint will come later. It may not be traditional, except for doing it all myself, but it’s mine so I can do what I want.

[SamIyam]

[ QUOTE ]
I might have ya all beat....


Body = Free
Rear End = Free
Rear Spring = Free
Front Spring = Free TO me, came in a trade of my Dads... Robbed it from him.
Frong Axle = Free from Dads parts again, but it was dirt cheap somewhere else for him to have it.
Front Bones = Gift From Dad
Rear 36 Raidus Rods = 50$ for the Whole 36 Ford 2door.
Frame = 65$ in 2x4 Suare Tube.
Motor = 50$ supposed Runner + 100 dollar camkit, and 50$ Gasket set.
Header = ?50$ in Mandrels and another 25$ mandrel for turnout.
40$ in SHacles to Pete and Jakes
40$ Master cylinder.
Front Bearings for 56 Ford Hubs = 50$
Front and Rear brakes = 50$
Windshield = ~10$ at an farm auction i think.
t Gas Tank = Free from a good friend.
Silver Metal Flake Steering Wheel = Gift from Dad.
Radiator = Free From same good friend.(dunno if its good or not yet.
Intake = 30$ for the whole marine 6banger that had caught fire and sank. i curt off the water cooled exhaust.
and probably 150$ in other stuff(hardware and misc junk)

I know it sounds like i got alot from my Dad, cause i have, but most of it was stuff we wasnt going to use and was just laying around taking up space, and came in partscars, cand other things he got while in the process of gathing stuff for his A. THe T spring he was originally gonna run in his A, bit he got a posies A spring.

So that adds up to what? 760$ so far? I havent bought front tires for it yet, and i have a set of like new 750-16s for the rear for the kelseys that i have that cost me nothing also.

i think the license plate is gonna read LFTOVRS, as most of it is castoffs from other projects..

hehe here ill add some pics.. Even with one with me in it.

http://www.topperscarclub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/Uploads/DSC00150.JPG

http://www.topperscarclub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/Uploads/DSC00142.JPG



[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think you're hearing what people are saying dakota, my friend.

You have tweny things on your list of parts there... last time I checked... a running car is made up of more than twenty components... which means there is SHIT LEFT OUT on your list...

Sam.

[Fat Hack]

Thought I might float ya some quotes from The Man Himself (John Buttera!) one of my two car building HEROES!

1

"Does this type of car fit your lifestyle? Will it interfere with your family, your social obligations, even with your ability to make a living? Will local conditions like weather, roads or vehicle codes foul up your plans? But most important, can you afford it? I'll bet that nine out of 10 cars don't get finished because the builders ran out of money before they ran out of enthusiasm."

2

"You must have a plan, a finished car in your mind. Don't do it in pieces, or a piece at a time. Once you've started the project, you're committed. Meanwhile, don't build an albatross, a car that's obsolete before you're finished, a car that's boring. Keep it simple, subtle and slick. A car, not it's parts, should stick out. And if you don't finish it, that's because you don't like what you see and that tells me it isn't your favorite car."

3

"Know your area of expertise and and your areas of weakness. Then do a cost analysis. What you have to do is to figure out what you can and cannot do. Find out how much it's going to cost you to farm out what you can't do, then double that amount. True, you can save some money by cutting some corners, horse trading or coming up with some good deals, but if in the end you cannot afford the car, return to numbers one and two-and look for another favorite."

Those were just a few bits taken from an article I dug up out in the garage tonight while searching through my junk trying to find license plates for Tredboy. I read the whole article in the forgotten, dirty old issue of Hot Rod standing at my toolbox an hour or so ago, and it seemed to jive well with what's been said in this post already, and my own views on building cars in general.

There was much more info in the article relative to basic car building, but those dealt somewhat with the cost factor, so I thought them most appropriate to share with you here!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Shaggy]

LOVE THIS this makes me want to build a t off of the touring back i got from MotorManiac and 'borrow' some scrap stuff off of my dad.
Thank you MotorManiac.


Also just talked to a guy today who is building a Lotus Kit car for $500.

[plan9]

haha, its like talking to a BRICK WALL...

ok... i built a 5000hp flathead racer for 5 PESOS... then i flew to the Mars in it and shat on that stupid alien head these new age faggots keep pointing out...

BEAT THAT...

[34Fordtk]

I had my truck parked out front of the shop I work at.LOTS of people asked how much....I tell them $9000 (a little less than I have in it).They ALL act like I am a NUT.These people think that they all can be built for nothing.I told a few if they could do it cheaper go for it.Sorry for the rant..........

[Dakota]

Lotsa Stuff left out? Hmm

Sam if you go through whats on that car, in those pics, i didnt leave much out that cost me anything. Just thinking about it, only thing that i left out that really cost anything was the 100$ driveshaft/ujoints that i had to have made.Everything else i either made myself, or was given to me. Hell the Rod ends used in the 'bones were a gift to me that i got on a shop tour from a guy i didnt even know all that well when i mentiononed i was going to have to buy them.

i honestly for sure have less than a 1500 In that entire car, at the very most. But i have had acess to alot of stuff that 99% of you dont have in your backyard and in my part of the country. Advantages to NOT living in Socal.

I know i have some money to spend on it coming up, but it isnt going to be alot more, a couple thousand dollar should get that car driveable i hope.

[Dakota]

And for "SHIT I LEFT OUT" ....

I was listing the things that cost me Money up front.

i know there are more than 20 parts to a car, granted i am only 25, but i started my first rod when i was 13, and was driving it in Highschool. I am not some moron that has his dad build all of his stuff. I have a college degree, in Machine Tooling, and have worked in Fab shops for most of my Career so far. I know what it takes to put something together.

and Sam, there is no intentional leaving of stuff out here just to sound cheap, if you think that. this is Honestly what this car has cost me. i have had the luck of being given alot of stuff, but around here there are actually old wrecking yards and Farms that still have Tin and older cars stil on them that you can get for little or nothing if your lucky for parts. i live 15 miles from the best wrecking yard in the midwest i would guess. and he has 225 EDSELS. no lie. 60 Acres of 30-70s everything, and he specializes in edsels and 50s Fords. even has a 56 Crown vic GLASSTOP, couple of 54 glasstops, a 56 merc glasstop, alot of lincoln stuff, when was the last time you saw a NOS Super Marauder Intake from a turnpike cruiser the 410 HP one with the Cast Alum air cleaner NOS IN THE BoX laying on a shop floor? Saw it a month ago there, Intake to Aircleaner.


Saying it cant be done is going a long ways.... saying it cant be done in Socal, that i can believe.

~Aaron

[loudpedal]

Hey what do you guys think of this?
My brother Timmy built this roadster last year while he
was still going to college. Total cost at around $4,900.
I can break it down for you guys tomorrow (it's late and I want to go to bed right now). Let me know what 'cha think...

[loudpedal]

front

[loudpedal]

rear

[loudpedal]

The F Bomb!!

[loudpedal]

I love this car!!

[gettingreasy]

I think you all missed the point. Maybe just maybe, he meant, "who HERE(as in on this board)has the Cheapest Coupe or Roadster???". You all can stop bragging now, so if I can build a beater for 1500 why does it not count? I actually think I can finish my "Wanna be A" for about 1500-2000. Thanks to some of you guys I got some good deals, 120 for a complete front end/brakes that just needs wheel cylinders and the drums turned, and my bad ass '32 steering box, column, and wheel, for another 120. Shit those right there are the most expensive things I needed for it. True all the small shit adds up but soon I'll have plenty of time and knoledge to work on it full time, and it may see some road time before summer is over. Just because it wont win any prizes or runn 10's in the 1/4 doesn't mean it can't be done, never know maybe I'll do the EGGO RAMMER next year.
-Jesse

[Dakota]

Im sorry my replys did seem to come off as bragging, I t was mainly just replys to a guy telling me that what i had just posted was wrong about my own damn car.

It is possible to build a car for cheap, it will just take lots of time of scrounging the cheapest/best parts you can find/afford.

When i started this car i didnt have a job, i had just got out of school and i was living at home. So this was basicly just what took up my time, and it started just as me and my father just saying, What the hell, lets build one.

[mytlo56]

May I suggest that you contact Old Beet and have him school you in the fine art of swappin' for services and parts.

Look at that chopped Merc. he built for $3000! I've seen this car up close and personal and it's the shit. Great chop, solid as a rock, and runs out pretty darn well too.

[flynj1]

Im building a 30 roadster from left overs and whatever I can scrong up. The 1/4s were the most costly at $300. Grill shell $20. cowl $60. Stearing box $20. Dash $20. complete front end $100. The rest is left overs or freebees. Flat head was free but was stuck but I got it runing with a little work but no cost. The frame is 47 ford with title allso freebee, rear ax is left over from old racer. Im haven fun just seeing how cheep I can build this Ill bet its on the street around $1000 to $1200. It will make a fun work car anyway

[Nads]

My '34
Body....$500
Frame rails, huge mistake...$1000
Drivetrain...$150
Wheels, tires...$400
Brackets etc....$500
Swap meet junk..$1000
Mistakes, broken connecting rod, etc...$150
Powdercoating on the frame and components..$450
Welding wire, grinding discs, paint........$150
Etc, etc.......$200

Grand total about $5000, not including my labor.
Also not included was the fateful trip involved in getting the body down to Florida from New York. If I add that component in the price jumps by $1500-$2000, therefore I'll not include it because it makes me cry.

[robber grin]

I'm guessing that's a tall order unless you are one hooked up hometowner or maybe just a lucky guy with a great aunt leaving uncle percy's old car to you.

Not a coupe, but it might be a "roadster" one day. My 62 C10 is hoot to drive, it was cheap as hell to build and is fun to drive. Even gets the looks. + It's reliable. I drive it without a care in the world.
I think the lesson I learned from that build and listening to everyone else talk about their projects was Chevy trucks are dirt cheap to build when compared to other stuff out there.

I'm watching the R&amp;C series too. It will be cool to see what they come up with when they are through.

[dixiedog]

Sam - Thanks and you're right, I forgot some things for the DOGG Bucket
spun alum gas tank $40 (gotta love those mud racers)
hoses $30
fuel line - free left over stainless tubing scrap from a water plant
brake line - $50
masterbrake-mstr cyl pedal &amp; bracket - $50 (DJ5 frame mount)
exhaust - $52 for header flanges + $100 to make the zoomies w/baffles
Fiberglass mat resin &amp; street signs for the seats $60
SW gauges from a box of Jeep parts $10
speedo cable - 25
Fastners $100
Drive shaft shortening &amp; U joints $110 (just did the truck)
Windsheild &amp; frame 150
This adds 777 + 250 for the misc crap = another grand
If the dollar a pound is calculated with the drivers weight (300)included I could affored some Cheezy seat covers http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The only way I can make this work is by selling off donor car parts on ebay, which in reallity should not be included in the calculation of the car. I think that to get a true accurate cost one must run a income/expense balance sheet with the expenses being the parts bought + misc consumable expenses (ie welding gas, shop towels etc)

You are right - a good friend that has been building rods since the 60's told me to figure out what it will cost and then double it.

On a side note - I would like to say this has been one of my favorite threads in a long time - a real eye opener.

But I would rather dump my money in this rather than a shrink.

[krupanut]

I won't break it down but my coupe turn roaster, (top gone before I found it) cost me right at $8,000 to build.

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
...The only way I can make this work is by selling off donor car parts on ebay, which in reallity should not be included in the calculation of the car....

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that's true since selling "stuff" on ebay or at the swap meet is a seperate business from the hobby of building a home-garage hotrod.
Buying parts cars and dismantling them and selling the parts for profit is what some people consider their livelyhood.
If they kept some parts out of their sales "inventory" to build a personal project that would be shorting their profit potential the value of those parts on ebay so that value should be calculated into the cost of the project, not the rest of the parts car deducted from it.
If you have to spend $300 for a front end assembly or spend $300 for a parts car that you can get it off of then that's still $300 spent on the project.
If you later assume the part or full time occupation of "swap meet salesman" and sell off what's left, that's a seperate deal from what it cost you to build the project. After all you could be selling those parts off without even building the project and then would you be deducting the sale from something? Plus it takes you time and labor to do that selling so that is "work" not "hobby".
Besides, it wouldn't offset the project cost at all because you'd be paying down some of your wife's credit card bill with it! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[SamIyam]

Dr.J gets it...

And Krapnut gets it too...

Build it and don't worry how much it costs...

but if you do keep track and want to boast about how much you have or don't have in your car... keep track of EVERYTHING.

No hard feelings Dakota.
Sam.

[Rocknrod]

Some really frikin cool cars in this thread...

I think a cheap car is pulled off by cutting what all it accessories it needs... IE bare bones/no frills! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Model40]

[ QUOTE ]
Why do all of the good deals on Coupe bodys have to be on the other side of the world from me?

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, if you mean the East Cosat, since you’re from CA, you have to me a magician to fix the bottom six to eight inches of the car. I should say, what was once the car. That’s why my 54 comes from LA.

Good luck finding something that you can afford.

Tom

[Jimv]

I have $4500 in this, I did everything myself, except the exhaust pipes.All junkyard, swapmeet &amp; used shit.
$4500 is about what my wife spends on cigarettes every 2 yrs!!lol

[Von Scott]

[ QUOTE ]
was this the car Texashardcore?

[/ QUOTE ]

thats creeper larrys
Creeper's my Hero!!!!!

[JimSibley]

I built this one for $3800.00.The body was a freebee trade deal but everything else was bought and payed for.

[titus]

I have about 6500 bucks into my 32 coupe, only paid 1000 bucks for the body but it was a pos.then i did tons of scrounging and more scrounging, then lots of fabricating, i made everything i possibly could, like i usualluy do, the more you can do the less you spend.

I also only have like 4500 bucks into my 34 p/u.

[Tuck]

So far, now includeing title.. I have $2600 in my Hemi/Lasalle powered Shitbox Model A.

I've seen this topic come up before with a shit storm of this or that, but I scrounged for these parts and bought them when I could... while going to college so I agree with the RAW DETERMINATION will build anything.

So im $700 from driveing it...

Tuck

[AHotRod]

There must be new canidates now!

[wingnutz]

7 year old thread and prices...!

It seems that the parts I'd get from street rodders for free are now worth big dollars.

Since the value of finished cars has come down you might be able to buy a driver for less money than piecing one together!