How much
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
Your question is way too vague. You spend what you want on a car. Some spend more than they are worth. Also whether you want to restore as original or to go mod. The difference and amounts can be widespread.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
I've put so much into my vette carpets set
Seats
New drive shaft
Brake lines
Fuel lines
New rear section of frame
Body mounts
New bumpers
Yok drive seal
Parking brakes stainless
New bearings
All new suspension rear front
Weatherstripping
Valve job
All new fluids
Headers
Flow masters
New clutch
Prob forgot more stuff I've done some work myself some shop work
Seats
New drive shaft
Brake lines
Fuel lines
New rear section of frame
Body mounts
New bumpers
Yok drive seal
Parking brakes stainless
New bearings
All new suspension rear front
Weatherstripping
Valve job
All new fluids
Headers
Flow masters
New clutch
Prob forgot more stuff I've done some work myself some shop work
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 1
From: pensacola fl
redwhitekat, it's your car, don't feel bad about what you spend if it's what you want. Very few cars, yes even C3 Corvettes will ever be sold at a profit. As far as your car not being worth that kind of money, show me one new car today that is worth the money.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
I do feel guilty sometimes and I know most work anyone puts into any car will never be regained in money form. I don't plan on selling it as its come along way and I love driving it. I was just wondering on you guys stories and money you guys have spent.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Clarence N.Y.
swing it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
I don't keep track! Don't care. It is a hobby. I had a neighbor who had a boat. First, his boat cost more than my 3 Vettes combined. His operations costs dwarfed mine. Look at golf. all the fees add up and what do you have when you leave the course??? Exercise!
I may not get as much monetarily out as I spent on my cars when I sell, but I will get something AND the joy of working on them and driving them.
I don't need no stinkin' receipts!!!
I may not get as much monetarily out as I spent on my cars when I sell, but I will get something AND the joy of working on them and driving them.
I don't need no stinkin' receipts!!!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
I've had the car ('74 L48, M20, C60) for many years- 33 at last count. That puppy has over 170,000 miles on her at this point. I thought about selling it and getting a C5, but....
My C3 is (relatively) simple and easy to work on. It's a hobby for me. It still makes me giggle.
If I make money on it (not very likely) when I eventually sell it, fine.
If I lose money when I sell it, also fine.
I had a blast with it for many years.
That's priceless.
My C3 is (relatively) simple and easy to work on. It's a hobby for me. It still makes me giggle.
If I make money on it (not very likely) when I eventually sell it, fine.
If I lose money when I sell it, also fine.
I had a blast with it for many years.
That's priceless.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
I don't keep track! Don't care. It is a hobby. I had a neighbor who had a boat. First, his boat cost more than my 3 Vettes combined. His operations costs dwarfed mine. Look at golf. all the fees add up and what do you have when you leave the course??? Exercise!
I may not get as much monetarily out as I spent on my cars when I sell, but I will get something AND the joy of working on them and driving them.
I don't need no stinkin' receipts!!!
I may not get as much monetarily out as I spent on my cars when I sell, but I will get something AND the joy of working on them and driving them.
I don't need no stinkin' receipts!!!
.
.
.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
If you've had an [operable] C3 for 33 years and keep track of everything you ever spent on the car, you are going to have a 'chunk' of money spent on that car. Averaging only $500 per year for general service, insurance and fuel (that stuff was a lot less expensive 30 years ago), that would amount to over $16K. And worn out parts would add to that, for sure. THAT would be the expense of having another car--and would, financially, be a reasonable use of expendible funds.
But, spending $10K on a car worth $12K...then dumping another $15K into it so that it is still worth $12K, doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
I bought my '71 SB coupe for $11K a few years ago, and have put about $6K and one heluva lot of DIY work into it. I think I can still sell it for a bit more than I have into it.
Is that what you wanted to know?
But, spending $10K on a car worth $12K...then dumping another $15K into it so that it is still worth $12K, doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
I bought my '71 SB coupe for $11K a few years ago, and have put about $6K and one heluva lot of DIY work into it. I think I can still sell it for a bit more than I have into it.
Is that what you wanted to know?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 4
From: Eastern Ky
I used to say ..... I don't know, I don't want to know, and I don't want my wife to know. Now I don't have a wife. I have had my 78 for 27 years and I'm 70 years old ... someday It will be my son's. His basis will be $0 and he can start all over.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,856
Likes: 3,308
From: NYC NY
Think of it as another form of entertainment. 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 361
From: Monson MA
I have a total of $11,441.20 in to a frame off. I am using a spread sheet and enter all the cost. I bought the car (1968 Convertible) for $3500.00 included in the above total. I still have the complete chasis to do along with the drivetrain, minor body work and new paint. Than I have the pleasure of reassembly. I bugeted $22,000.00 for the restoration. At this point it really dosen't matter what the total ends up being because I will finish the project. Maybe finish is not the correct word. I am sure I will always have little improvement to do. But this is why I love the hobby. I just like tracking cost.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster Pa
15000 thats with buying the car i re did the motor and th350 all new tires and brake system headers and exhaust new rad and rad support dart heads comp cam and alot of other stuff the body is all but mint cond and the inside is in really good shape i think i did alright i hope its a 76
