Looking at, evaluating and pricing a project car.

Try to remember this about cars.

They came from the factory new only once.
That was the only time in history that their value was consistent. Any modifications either lowered the value or raised the value.
Nobody would had thought a Mr Norms Demon GSS would be worth then what it is now let alone it would still be on the planet in 2022. With that said, a car is only worth what someone pays you for it. Ask $16k for a 71’ Duster 340 -4speed car and you may get it. Ask $40k because you heard someone just got $40k for their 318 Duster at auction and chances are you will not get it. As for repairs- especially rust repairs. If you are flipping a car and need to fix rust chances are unless you glue the quarters on a heap you will not make money. BUT if you love the car and it costs you $5k to replace a full quarter then it is the price for admission to this sport. Pride in your car or your work is worth it.

As for the original poster- I fully agree and recognize what they are saying. But why do people climb Everest, or do anything? If you do it for the love of the subject you cannot look at the money. At that point it is either you can or cannot afford it- at that moment.

Same with car values- finish your car today and it is over valued for the market. But in 5 years it may be worth 2x the cost. Except for those cars built in the 80’s with fat tires and really bad color combination stripes. I’m pretty sure that look is not coming back anytime soon. Lol!