What does it cost?

[barbee6043]

I can't/won't afford a body shop so I do my own work. I work till my old *** get tired and I call it a 10 footer and thats good enough for me. I get it on the road and drive it. It ain't perfect. I always have more than one so I can't afford perfect if I wanted it! Care less about car shows and have little ego
I learned 30 years ago if I have a real "collectable" car and it was perfect, I would not drive it enough and was always fretting over it.

 

[jrc4y4]

Just the hardware will set you back a grand over time if you use stainless steel lol

 

[ir3333]

which parts/hardware do like to be stainless steel?

 

[jrc4y4]

which parts/hardware do like to be stainless steel?

Personally most of my engine bay and chassis is stainless. Or cadmium. Intake plugs are brass.

 

[ir3333]

OK..understood.That treatment can look very nice. I'm old school and i wouldn't spend any money on stainless steel so i wouldn't have that extra expense.

 

[ir3333]

I can't/won't afford a body shop so I do my own work. I work till my old *** get tired and I call it a 10 footer and thats good enough for me. I get it on the road and drive it.

As an old buddy always said..."the fun is in building the car"
He only had one car, an all steel 32 Ford Roadster since 1969 (until about 10 years ago when he added a 32 Ford coupe).
He has made many changes over the years strictly out of enjoyment.

 

[jrc4y4]

OK..understood.That treatment can look very nice. I'm old school and i wouldn't spend any money on stainless steel so i wouldn't have that extra expense.

Completely understand. everyone has their own way and preference and that’s what makes it a good hobby. As long as we’re keeping them going, that’s what really matters.

 

[retroron]

Knew a guy who insisted you weren't a "real" car guy unless you did it "all", mechanical, electric, paint, etc. So what he always wound up with was 50 footers. To compensate for that he spent (and still does) most of his time finding flaws with everyone else's ride.
There was a time I believed I had to do it all, but as many of you know, over time mother nature gets in the way. So these days I'm content to associate with good rod shops that can do for me what I can no longer do (I'm nudging 80 real hard). So what if I didn't personally build it? I get enjoyment out of the conceptual design, and following the build and when I can helping those that are just starting out in the hobby. Just saying.

 

[jrc4y4]

Spot on. I do many things but not all. I’m 32. Had my car 18 years. And many things I’m doing now on the car is the first time attempting. Had good help. Got good guidance. But 100% agree with you there’s a time to know when you just don’t have the ability to do it yourself. The guys always going on about who the bigger car guy is are missing the point.

 

[mini]

That's about right

 

[4.7Light]

Knew a guy who insisted you weren't a "real" car guy unless you did it "all", mechanical, electric, paint, etc. So what he always wound up with was 50 footers. To compensate for that he spent (and still does) most of his time finding flaws with everyone else's ride.
There was a time I believed I had to do it all, but as many of you know, over time mother nature gets in the way. So these days I'm content to associate with good rod shops that can do for me what I can no longer do (I'm nudging 80 real hard). So what if I didn't personally build it? I get enjoyment out of the conceptual design, and following the build and when I can helping those that are just starting out in the hobby. Just saying.

And I appreciate the help and input I do read all the builds. When I see a suggestion I take it to heart. The SAFETY stuff for sure is welcome. Supposed to be fun not dead first day! I have spent some money for sure. I'm happy and it will be fun but I'm guessing all in will be in the 10000 plus car purchase and shipping 20k in guessing. My number one priority is enjoying this and it's a great stress buster for me from corporate world. I get to be the kid asking questions of the three mechanics I grew up with again. No Ford Fairlane or Cyclones or Galaxy big blocks but that's ok. My brother Larry ever parts with Mercury Cyclone I will be first in line. The Dart is my pal and will stay as it's just like my first car my Mom made me sell LMAO. Crank my tunes and let's do some work folks!

 

[RustyRatRod]

I'm not sure this is the correct forum for this thread as I have already done
a restoration thread on my 'Cuda. What I wanted to share with you folks
is how we end up investing so much money into our cars.

There are several of you out there that think A bodies aren't worth very
much in our market today. That's probably the case as our A bodies were
never meant to bring high dollars even when new.

This thread is for you guys and gals thinking about doing a restoration on
your ride and have no idea what you might be in for. I realize you can
stop at anytime you want on your project but for the purpose of this
thread, lets not do that. Lets give this project everything it needs from
start to finish...within reason of course.

Lets get started...where's the calculator:sad7:

The initial investment and the type of car you start with if very important.
My initial investment was $2500.00. That sounded very reasonable to me
back in 2006 for a '67 'Cuda fastback. At that time I didn't realize the
differences between the slant 6 and the V8 drive train. My plan was to
build a V8 car when I bought it. Found out it wasn't wise to use small
drum brakes, small 7-1/4 rear end, small diameter torsion bars, anyway
you get the idea.

New disc brakes and spindles with large ball joints and upper control
arms added $1130.00. Used 340 torsion bars were $40.00 and a used
8-3/4 rear end was another $300.00. The cost of new Moser axles and
preparing the "C" body 8-3/4 was another $606.00. Add in another
$336.00 for a new ring and pinion and bearing set. Now tack on another
$100.00 for the gear set up. Starting to add up and we haven't even
started yet. I'm not trying to scare you, just telling you the facts from
my experience.

We will also need some wheels and tires. $50.00 for used steel 15" x 7" wheels
$290.00 to powder coat the wheels. Red line tires were another $985.16

Engine and tranny redo plus labor and the install was $8830.00. MSD stuff
was $554.00

Paint and body work added another $9000.00

The following is a list of stuff I had to buy for the 'Cuda because a lot of
this stuff was gone or in bad shape. Bear with me...

Radiator $384, fuel tank strap $37, front brake line kit $58, fan shroud
$192(junk re pop), fuel sending unit $159, spring shackle pkg. $70, leaf
springs $200, shift knob $25, flip fuel cap $120, deluxe screw kit $44,
glove box liner $22, roof rail weatherstrip $90, seat belts $100, front
fender patch $63, wheel lip molding screws $22, door panel clips $40,
seat buns $206, fuel tank $233, fish in a circle(2) $60, Chrysler star
emblem $13, ign/door lock kit $35, trunk lock kit $17, gas strap bolt $23,
center console $250, steering wheel $100, dog dish caps $71, radio $40
vents and cover $56, wiper knob $12, dash pad $78, bumper end brkts
$63, ash tray $37, fold down trunk panel $115, shift linkage $54, tie rod
ends/sleeves/brake parts $390, dash bezel/arm rest re chrome $677
fiberglass hood/scoop/hardware $760, window trim clips $47, window gaskets $179,
trunk mat $46, side glass weatherstrip $100, TTI exhaust system
$685, hose clamp kit $13, carpet $375, front glass $260, rear glass $790
tail light bezels $595, clips and misc screws $25, torsion bar support repair
parts $280, quarter panel skin $228, fuel and brake lines $128, tach $200
tach harness $30, remote mirror $277, trunk weather strip $39, fish
fender emblems $68, barracuda script $78, right tail light lens $132
p-l-y-m-o-u-t-h emblem $69, fuel tank pad $17, bumpers $760,
flex plate $111, seat covers $484, door panels $374, motor mounts $75,
redo drive shaft $160, trans brkt $41, emerg brake cable $95, drum brake
hardware $45, misc Year One gaskets, decals screws $57, control arm cam/shaft kit
$59, poly trans mount $40, door handles $195, window cranks $94, fender
splash shields $234, jack instructions $8, misc decals $35, antenna $174,
install headliner $150, wheel lip moldings $250, trunk trim $275, damper $100
pinion snubber $69, fan $33, mini starter $160, power coat dash frame
twice $300, hoses/clamps $298, back up lights $160

I probably have missed some stuff here but you get the jest of it when you
start with a car that needs everything like mine did. I started to use more used
stuff but the condition of it wasn't that good.

By using mostly new items I have created a car that I am very proud to
own and drive. It will never be sold (will be passed on to our daughter
Tonya and her husband Chris).

Our total investment is north of $38,700 and yes the car would never
bring that on the open market but that doesn't really bother me.

I hope this sheds some light on the restoration process and gives you
some data on what you might have ahead of you if you decide to take
the plunge. Good luck to you if you do.

Tony

You can view my restoration thread here:

My 1967 Cuda Restoration
.
.
.
.
.

Tony, we sure do miss you around here, man. I am glad to have gotten to meet Thelma and you and thrilled I got to drive your beautiful Cuda.

 

[Valveguy]

I'm not sure this is the correct forum for this thread as I have already done
a restoration thread on my 'Cuda. What I wanted to share with you folks
is how we end up investing so much money into our cars.

There are several of you out there that think A bodies aren't worth very
much in our market today. That's probably the case as our A bodies were
never meant to bring high dollars even when new.

This thread is for you guys and gals thinking about doing a restoration on
your ride and have no idea what you might be in for. I realize you can
stop at anytime you want on your project but for the purpose of this
thread, lets not do that. Lets give this project everything it needs from
start to finish...within reason of course.

Lets get started...where's the calculator:sad7:

The initial investment and the type of car you start with if very important.
My initial investment was $2500.00. That sounded very reasonable to me
back in 2006 for a '67 'Cuda fastback. At that time I didn't realize the
differences between the slant 6 and the V8 drive train. My plan was to
build a V8 car when I bought it. Found out it wasn't wise to use small
drum brakes, small 7-1/4 rear end, small diameter torsion bars, anyway
you get the idea.

New disc brakes and spindles with large ball joints and upper control
arms added $1130.00. Used 340 torsion bars were $40.00 and a used
8-3/4 rear end was another $300.00. The cost of new Moser axles and
preparing the "C" body 8-3/4 was another $606.00. Add in another
$336.00 for a new ring and pinion and bearing set. Now tack on another
$100.00 for the gear set up. Starting to add up and we haven't even
started yet. I'm not trying to scare you, just telling you the facts from
my experience.

We will also need some wheels and tires. $50.00 for used steel 15" x 7" wheels
$290.00 to powder coat the wheels. Red line tires were another $985.16

Engine and tranny redo plus labor and the install was $8830.00. MSD stuff
was $554.00

Paint and body work added another $9000.00

The following is a list of stuff I had to buy for the 'Cuda because a lot of
this stuff was gone or in bad shape. Bear with me...

Radiator $384, fuel tank strap $37, front brake line kit $58, fan shroud
$192(junk re pop), fuel sending unit $159, spring shackle pkg. $70, leaf
springs $200, shift knob $25, flip fuel cap $120, deluxe screw kit $44,
glove box liner $22, roof rail weatherstrip $90, seat belts $100, front
fender patch $63, wheel lip molding screws $22, door panel clips $40,
seat buns $206, fuel tank $233, fish in a circle(2) $60, Chrysler star
emblem $13, ign/door lock kit $35, trunk lock kit $17, gas strap bolt $23,
center console $250, steering wheel $100, dog dish caps $71, radio $40
vents and cover $56, wiper knob $12, dash pad $78, bumper end brkts
$63, ash tray $37, fold down trunk panel $115, shift linkage $54, tie rod
ends/sleeves/brake parts $390, dash bezel/arm rest re chrome $677
fiberglass hood/scoop/hardware $760, window trim clips $47, window gaskets $179,
trunk mat $46, side glass weatherstrip $100, TTI exhaust system
$685, hose clamp kit $13, carpet $375, front glass $260, rear glass $790
tail light bezels $595, clips and misc screws $25, torsion bar support repair
parts $280, quarter panel skin $228, fuel and brake lines $128, tach $200
tach harness $30, remote mirror $277, trunk weather strip $39, fish
fender emblems $68, barracuda script $78, right tail light lens $132
p-l-y-m-o-u-t-h emblem $69, fuel tank pad $17, bumpers $760,
flex plate $111, seat covers $484, door panels $374, motor mounts $75,
redo drive shaft $160, trans brkt $41, emerg brake cable $95, drum brake
hardware $45, misc Year One gaskets, decals screws $57, control arm cam/shaft kit
$59, poly trans mount $40, door handles $195, window cranks $94, fender
splash shields $234, jack instructions $8, misc decals $35, antenna $174,
install headliner $150, wheel lip moldings $250, trunk trim $275, damper $100
pinion snubber $69, fan $33, mini starter $160, power coat dash frame
twice $300, hoses/clamps $298, back up lights $160

I probably have missed some stuff here but you get the jest of it when you
start with a car that needs everything like mine did. I started to use more used
stuff but the condition of it wasn't that good.

By using mostly new items I have created a car that I am very proud to
own and drive. It will never be sold (will be passed on to our daughter
Tonya and her husband Chris).

Our total investment is north of $38,700 and yes the car would never
bring that on the open market but that doesn't really bother me.

I hope this sheds some light on the restoration process and gives you
some data on what you might have ahead of you if you decide to take
the plunge. Good luck to you if you do.

Tony

You can view my restoration thread here:

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=16153&highlight=my+1967+cuda+restoration
.
.
.
.
.

$38,700 in 2012 is worth $50,709.11 today (April of 2023!)​

 

[melcardona]

I refuse to keep track of what I put in to my cars. It takes the fun out of it.

as this statement is in the minds of many during there build...us practical builders....we have a limit on total cost....upside down is a wrench in the gut....as the builds come and go....wisdom says..do you really like stoping at every gas station ??...do you still like the noise?? so whats wrong with showing a little old here and there....does everything really need to be perfect??? to each his own.....im no vicegrip guy..will not put lipstick on a pig...but looking at a clean untuched oe ride with thin paint and surfise rust a dent hear and there ...fits me just fine now...art is truly in the eyes of the beholder!!!!....

 

[barbee6043]

It is all about the costs a guy wants to spend the $ IF he demands the very best of everything. Most of us, thru necessity, will buy parts that work and/or used parts that work just as well. I could not sleep at night if I spend the $ on a ride that does not make sense to spend such on. Overkill? But to each his own! Just me.

Buying a complete project is always key, knowing people that can supply good used parts at a fair price, being able to do most of the work yourself???? The list is long.

 

[melcardona]

It is all about the costs a guy wants to spend the $ IF he demands the very best of everything. Most of us, thru necessity, will buy parts that work and/or used parts that work just as well. I could not sleep at night if I spend the $ on a ride that does not make sense to spend such on. Overkill? But to each his own! Just me.

Buying a complete project is always key, knowing people that can supply good used parts at a fair price, being able to do most of the work yourself???? The list is long.

well said...........in the end....no one wants to even give you 10 bucks an hr for your 200 - 400 hr of work...let alone all the parts ....boomers are all thats left of the real car area (likers) will not use the word love..as that word is set aside for my LORD....wife...kids..grandkids.....period just my 1.5 cents

 

[jrc4y4]

Yep all depends on what your goals are. Fun driver? Race car? Date coded everything? Simple cruiser? As long as you’re enjoying the hobby and you’re not a jerk about your opinions, that’s all that is really important imo.

 

[Texas Red]

From the original post------------Our total investment is north of $38,700 and yes the car would never
bring that on the open market but that doesn't really bother me........

Nor I sir as you are spot on as I have about that same amount in my 72 Duster........ as it has been said many times already....
I built my car for my enjoyment....... There is Nothing like it in the world to run "Alice" through the gears with the roar of the exhaust, tires squalling and the feel of acceleration from something you built........... Its my toy and I love it and I'll race your *** anytime. Texas Red...

 

[cosgig]

When I get a car, I have a plan on what I want to do with it. Not to say money is no object, but I spend what the car needs according to my plan for it. Even if it’s just to get it to a stage that I can pass it along to the next person who might really want it. My goal as a “flipper” was always to keep the car in the $2500 range, this of course was back a few years, but I managed to find and improve a lot of cars that were below that and sell them for a profit at the $2500 level. Now that cars have dried up somewhat, I’m not pursuing them like that anymore.

The cars that I’ve kept over the years have an unlimited budget, not meaning that I open the catalog and get out the credit card, that means if a car needs something, I wait to find the acceptable part and spend the money. Just this past year, I spent at least $1500 on Nellas car so I could drive it in her honor. Not the most desireable car in condition, or make and model, but it means the world to me and I would spend many more dollars on it if it needed it.

Here’s a few cars I’ve bought in the past and sold at my $2500 limit. And this was putting time and money into them.

 

[melcardona]

Yep all depends on what your goals are. Fun driver? Race car? Date coded everything? Simple cruiser? As long as you’re enjoying the hobby and you’re not a jerk about your opinions, that’s all that is really important imo.

the only reason i like darik at vice grip garage...is he teaches the young....you dont have to have all the bling and noise to enjoy old rides.....truth is...to many boomers have killed the hopes and dreams of the younger we are to teach and encourage into the old stuff by being insaine about dumping stupid money into a prodject and saying......''oh this is how you do it...this is how it should look..this is the best....this is the only way to do it....fact is....those garage queens.....are dream killers......how many boomers walk up to the young man at a show standing or sitting next to his rusty ol oe ride...and look it over and give him real encouragement....simple nice ol car son........nope...none...ive watched....very sad.....and how many of the dumb money car owners...are snobs to the young , who come and look.....too many.....why have prices fallen so much on the old stuff.............kill the dreams of the young...and the dream you lived has no value to them......yes its my opinion.....value...1.5 cents

 

[melcardona]

When I get a car, I have a plan on what I want to do with it. Not to say money is no object, but I spend what the car needs according to my plan for it. Even if it’s just to get it to a stage that I can pass it along to the next person who might really want it. My goal as a “flipper” was always to keep the car in the $2500 range, this of course was back a few years, but I managed to find and improve a lot of cars that were below that and sell them for a profit at the $2500 level. Now that cars have dried up somewhat, I’m not pursuing them like that anymore.

The cars that I’ve kept over the years have an unlimited budget, not meaning that I open the catalog and get out the credit card, that means if a car needs something, I wait to find the acceptable part and spend the money. Just this past year, I spent at least $1500 on Nellas car so I could drive it in her honor. Not the most desireable car in condition, or make and model, but it means the world to me and I would spend many more dollars on it if it needed it.

Here’s a few cars I’ve bought in the past and sold at my $2500 limit. And this was putting time and money into them.

View attachment 1716476502

View attachment 1716476503

View attachment 1716476504

View attachment 1716476505

View attachment 1716476506

View attachment 1716476507

wisdom....nice!!!!! we got the same gear pattern bro....blue collar pricing nice!.....weather its under 5k or 20k...its only really worth what someone is willing to pay.....

 

[jrc4y4]

the only reason i like darik at vice grip garage...is he teaches the young....you dont have to have all the bling and noise to enjoy old rides.....truth is...to many boomers have killed the hopes and dreams of the younger we are to teach and encourage into the old stuff by being insaine about dumping stupid money into a prodject and saying......''oh this is how you do it...this is how it should look..this is the best....this is the only way to do it....fact is....those garage queens.....are dream killers......how many boomers walk up to the young man at a show standing or sitting next to his rusty ol oe ride...and look it over and give him real encouragement....simple nice ol car son........nope...none...ive watched....very sad.....and how many of the dumb money car owners...are snobs to the young , who come and look.....too many.....why have prices fallen so much on the old stuff.............kill the dreams of the young...and the dream you lived has no value to them......yes its my opinion.....value...1.5 cents

Spot on and agree. I’ve had my car since I was 14. Here’s a pic of my first burnout, practicing before going to the drag strip just to run 16s with a 318 2 bbl and 2.76 gears lol. I popped off the hubcaps and ran it. Paint was about 2 years old in this pic and engine was stock. Dual exhaust sounded good and man was I happy to have a clean car. I’ll never forget driving through the car show to the staging area and an old dude going, “nice car, kid.” Thought I had arrived haha.

I’ll also never forget seeing an old guy with a Corvette shirt when I was in HS and asking what he had. Then I told him about my Scamp.
“Does it have a Hemi?”
“No, it’s a 318.”
“Well if it had a Hemi it would be worth some money.”

Smh talk about a buzz killer. I’ll never forget the difference in those two guys. One guy “gets it.” The other guy just wants people to think he’s cool because he has an expensive car. Seems like you get it. And many others here do too.

That said, man I’ve spent way too much money in 22 years on the car hahaha

 

[melcardona]

Spot on and agree. I’ve had my car since I was 14. Here’s a pic of my first burnout, practicing before going to the drag strip just to run 16s with a 318 2 bbl and 2.76 gears lol. I popped off the hubcaps and ran it. Paint was about 2 years old in this pic and engine was stock. Dual exhaust sounded good and man was I happy to have a clean car. I’ll never forget driving through the car show to the staging area and an old dude going, “nice car, kid.” Thought I had arrived haha.

I’ll also never forget seeing an old guy with a Corvette shirt when I was in HS and asking what he had. Then I told him about my Scamp.
“Does it have a Hemi?”
“No, it’s a 318.”
“Well if it had a Hemi it would be worth some money.”

Smh talk about a buzz killer. I’ll never forget the difference in those two guys. One guy “gets it.” The other guy just wants people to think he’s cool because he has an expensive car. Seems like you get it. And many others here do too.

That said, man I’ve spent way too much money in 22 years on the car hahaha

View attachment 1716476572

View attachment 1716476583

my first real car was a rust free all oe blown up 283 2 sp auto belair..1979.....all the old guys said i waisted my money...built the engine 30 over...put a muncy 4 sp in it....yes 1k was alot for a non running car.............but it was a real car!!!!....had to buy a old drag car for 50 bucks for the swing peddles!!!!....this this 41 ply custom i built for 7k total..incl 2500 for a mint 76 aspen i that i took alapart..the 318 is a very good long lasting engine...the 50 chevy street gasser was a true go fast...took 12k to buy and build it.......when i was a young mechanic...i alwayed liked the slant 225..lots of power good mpg........now my 64 valaint has one...engine only needed a little tlc...45k oe miles. but oh my i did not want to ever pint again.....only missing a few interior hard parts .......tks brother....

 

[missing linc]

the only reason i like darik at vice grip garage...is he teaches the young....you dont have to have all the bling and noise to enjoy old rides.....truth is...to many boomers have killed the hopes and dreams of the younger we are to teach and encourage into the old stuff by being insaine about dumping stupid money into a prodject and saying......''oh this is how you do it...this is how it should look..this is the best....this is the only way to do it....fact is....those garage queens.....are dream killers......how many boomers walk up to the young man at a show standing or sitting next to his rusty ol oe ride...and look it over and give him real encouragement....simple nice ol car son........nope...none...ive watched....very sad.....and how many of the dumb money car owners...are snobs to the young , who come and look.....too many.....why have prices fallen so much on the old stuff.............kill the dreams of the young...and the dream you lived has no value to them......yes its my opinion.....value...1.5 cents

I agree 100% with this, it is far more enjoyable to have something that you put your own blood and sweat into for me than just buying an expensive car. I've been down both roads more than once and always find the not so perfect car is just more fun. I don't chase trophies or approval from anyone, I just like the challenge and reward of seeing the progress that I have made.

 

[missing linc]

Spot on and agree. I’ve had my car since I was 14. Here’s a pic of my first burnout, practicing before going to the drag strip just to run 16s with a 318 2 bbl and 2.76 gears lol. I popped off the hubcaps and ran it. Paint was about 2 years old in this pic and engine was stock. Dual exhaust sounded good and man was I happy to have a clean car. I’ll never forget driving through the car show to the staging area and an old dude going, “nice car, kid.” Thought I had arrived haha.

I’ll also never forget seeing an old guy with a Corvette shirt when I was in HS and asking what he had. Then I told him about my Scamp.
“Does it have a Hemi?”
“No, it’s a 318.”
“Well if it had a Hemi it would be worth some money.”

Smh talk about a buzz killer. I’ll never forget the difference in those two guys. One guy “gets it.” The other guy just wants people to think he’s cool because he has an expensive car. Seems like you get it. And many others here do too.

That said, man I’ve spent way too much money in 22 years on the car hahaha

View attachment 1716476572

View attachment 1716476583

There is absolutely nothing wrong with your Scamp. You have a lot of fun and enjoy the time you spend on it. That's what it's all about. You have to start somewhere, and each step is a milestone.
I took my 1970 Dart to the drag strip when it had a bone stock 318 4 barrel, 904 transmission and a peg leg 7.25 rear axle that probably had 2.76 or maybe 2.94 gears, stock manifolds and a 2 inch dual exhaust. It was 5 or 6 different colors, had no carpet, whatever, I didn't give a damn. My first run was a high 15 second pass, around 15.7 or 15.8 at something like 85 mph. It wasn't long before I was back with a mild 360 4 barrel backed by a 727 transmission and a 3.23 geared 8.75 differential with a sure grip, and making low 14 second runs. Eventually it was painted and went 13.78 at 100 mph, and I still drove it everywhere.