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From a financial investment perspective, you also have to subtract the opportunity cost on the money used to buy and fix the car over the time it was owned...most folks don't consider this in their calculation...
The word "investment" is an investment in pleasure, for most cases...
and YES I own a boat...
Yeah, if you really analyze it with past value of dollars, present value of dollars, future value of dollars, interest on the money invested, insurance, maintenance, storage cost, (even if it is YOUR garage) yada yada and you are not driving it for transportation, all of these cars you THINK you made money on begins to look a little different. If you are using it for transportation regularly it is different because you do need to drive SOMETHING.
Ever since I was in Jr-hi in 57, I've always wanted a fuel injected 57 Vette---------that has never changed, but I could not find, nor afford one. In 73 the 56 was affordable (and same car as a 57), so I built my FI 57(56) Vette. I've always wanted a Chevelle with a fully functional Cowl Induction hood, I've always wanted a hotrod on the water, I've always wanted a true hotrod, so I got the T-bucket, I've always wanted a badazz 442 but could not afford one (like I wanted) so I built a bad to the bone 76 Cutlass S (which had extremely minimal value). Where is the value and practicality in any of them? Most people would say very little. Frankly, I don't give a damn!
In 6mo-1yr I'll be flying in a badazz WWII bomber. Where is the value and what is practical about that? So far, our group has spent about $800,000 cash, countless volunteer hours and we still need another $75,-100,000 to finish. Who the hell cares!!! This is what I like and enjoy-------------big motors and lots of performance! To hell with the return on investment!!!
Ever since I was in Jr-hi in 57, I've always wanted a fuel injected 57 Vette---------that has never changed, but I could not find, nor afford one. In 73 the 56 was affordable (and same car as a 57), so I built my FI 57(56) Vette. I've always wanted a Chevelle with a fully functional Cowl Induction hood, I've always wanted a hotrod on the water, I've always wanted a true hotrod, so I got the T-bucket, I've always wanted a badazz 442 but could not afford one (like I wanted) so I built a bad to the bone 76 Cutlass S (which had extremely minimal value). Where is the value and practicality in any of them? Most people would say very little. Frankly, I don't give a damn!
In 6mo-1yr I'll be flying in a badazz WWII bomber. Where is the value and what is practical about that? So far, our group has spent about $800,000 cash, countless volunteer hours and we still need another $75,-100,000 to finish. Who the hell cares!!! This is what I like and enjoy-------------big motors and lots of performance!
I don't even think about it. My car is a fun toy and so far from matching numbers anything it doesn't matter. I can still walk out and touch almost every single part I ever bought for it...so I haven't lost a penny.
When did everyone get it in their heads that their stuff will always be worth more later?
When I die...someone else can worry about what to do with it. Hopefully someone in the family will want to play with it......
Wife and I have been together 50+ years now...started back when these classics were just cars. She's stood along the roadside and handed me tools while I changed a fuel pump, helped push more than one non-runner off the highway, and, tended my flesh wounds (and sometimes my damaged ego) after botching some repair job.
They are just cars to her and we did road-rallys and shows together 30 years ago...she has no interest in such things now.
The money ? She knows I'm too financially savvy to let a hobby imperil our lifestyle so I spend what I want. Conversely, I don't fuss about her spending money to help her less fortunate relatives, or cruises (which I couldn't care less about, but I go "for the flag"), and, overseas travel.
We're at the point where the clock is ticking on our ability to continue all of these things so we're not holding back or counting pennies.
So, when some members are "grossed out" about what I pay for parts, paint, oil or whatever it just makes me laugh...
And when I toy with some technical fliz like Detroit Speed headlights, Pertronix, Eastwood's Chassis Treatment or LED lights for some mental stimulation and the purists and tightwads gasp -- I actually guffaw.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 12-29-2017 at 04:32 AM.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Originally Posted by Chapter2
Why do women buy jewelry?
Exactly. Why does she want new kitchen counters, when the current ones are fine? Why does she want new drapes, window coverings, appliances, furniture, bed spreads, comforters, throw rugs, wall hangings, small appliances, plants, garden stuff, etc., etc., and etc.??!! She wants what she wants; logic has no place. Just let her do it/ get it, then, point out its the same for you and that "old" car. Looking at it from her perspective might help you out.
Just don't get into "revenge" spending with the significant other....where you buy a new set of original hubcaps for $550 and then she gets miffed and gets $700 worth of jewelry. That's called MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)...
Women are perfectly happy blowing more money than men...you'll lose...
How does one go about explaining that every dollar spent on a car may not increase the value? I know our cars are an investment to an extent, but many of us will spend more on the car than it is worth to make it look and/or perform better.
Anyone?
There is no justification and no need to attempt to justify the money spent on a hobby you enjoy. Spend the money, enjoy the hobby.
I remember a 90 degree day when I pushed the car outside in the hot sun to sand the body work that I had just done because I didn't want get dust all over the garage. I almost passed out from heat stroke and there was no one around.
Another day I was installing fuel lines and I got my hand caught between the body and the frame and couldn't get it out, also no one around.
Another day when I had first started the motor after years of sitting the insulation on one of my side pipe covers caught on fire in my garage, also no one around.
Those were fun times! The car just about killed me before I even got it on the road.
Exactly. Why does she want new kitchen counters, when the current ones are fine? Why does she want new drapes, window coverings, appliances, furniture, bed spreads, comforters, throw rugs, wall hangings, small appliances, plants, garden stuff, etc., etc., and etc.??!! She wants what she wants; logic has no place. Just let her do it/ get it, then, point out its the same for you and that "old" car. Looking at it from her perspective might help you out.
Damn, and all along I thought it was just me??????
Just don't get into "revenge" spending with the significant other....where you buy a new set of original hubcaps for $550 and then she gets miffed and gets $700 worth of jewelry. That's called MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)...
Women are perfectly happy blowing more money than men...you'll lose...
I DO NOT "spend" and tell if I can avoid it. I'm retired and she still works (about 2 more years), so I'm home to intercept the UPS and FedEx pkgs and then put the contents on the shelf (or in the cabinet)!
12-28-2017, 07:41 PM
The car just about killed me before I even got it on the road.