How do you do it?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
How do you do it?
I'm curious how do some of you guys complete a frame off restoration and get a show quality Vette for under 15-17K? I have done 90% of the work on the Vette myself and I am at 23K with $1000.00 in finishing touches to close out the project. Keep in mind the tranny and rear have never been touched. I have a 4-page list (in font size 10) of parts ordered. I orignally set 15K as my ceiling due to car's worth at resale. High dollar items;
1. Engine rebuild 3.5k
2. Paint job 3.4K
3. Interior w/ alarm/ sterio- 1.2K
Everything else were < $100.00 items but hundreds of them
:rolleyes: And I researched Ecklers/MA etc. for best price. I guess most of you own paint shops/ machine shops or are connected into the "good old boy" system. I need to get into that click :D I have decided to complete the Vette for above minumum cost and just enjoy driving it, no pro-streeting :nono: for this kid, heck I'll never get my money out of it. I really think the way to go is let someone else do all the labor and buy it 95% complete, i.e. needs paint and finishing touches. Let me know your $$$ saving secrets. :cheers:
1. Engine rebuild 3.5k
2. Paint job 3.4K
3. Interior w/ alarm/ sterio- 1.2K
Everything else were < $100.00 items but hundreds of them
:rolleyes: And I researched Ecklers/MA etc. for best price. I guess most of you own paint shops/ machine shops or are connected into the "good old boy" system. I need to get into that click :D I have decided to complete the Vette for above minumum cost and just enjoy driving it, no pro-streeting :nono: for this kid, heck I'll never get my money out of it. I really think the way to go is let someone else do all the labor and buy it 95% complete, i.e. needs paint and finishing touches. Let me know your $$$ saving secrets. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: How do you do it? (Cali,77,L-82)
I do have to say on a positive note that I have a beautiful Vette that turns more heads than a C5 and I have 15-20K less in it than them..oh yeah their's depreciate. :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: How do you do it? (67HEAVEN)
Like 67 says - what can you get for $25k ?
The answer is - a lot. But not a lot of fun.
You can get a real nice minivan for $25k. :lol:
If you shop around, you might get a deal on 2 Toyota Corollas for $25k. :lol: :lol:
But for your $23k, you have an (almost) new 77 Corvette.
About 10-15 years from now you will be thinking -
"Hey - I've had this vette for 15 years - and it ONLY cost me about $25k."
Not bad, if you ask me - but I'm biased in my opinion.
My trick for saving $$$ - DIY - Do It Yourself. This saves $$ and uses time.
For example : I never rebuilt a tranny until my vette TH400 crapped out.
It turned out easy to do - and it works great.
I never painted a car, but guess what ? I will.
I spend a few bucks on specialty tools and equipment, learn the techniques -
and employ them. Often the first attempt is practice, but then it's smooth
sailing. This isn't for everyone, but I live by the motto:
"I can do anything - given time and money." Hopefully more time than $$.
Don't be afraid to do something, just because you haven't before.
:seeya
The answer is - a lot. But not a lot of fun.
You can get a real nice minivan for $25k. :lol:
If you shop around, you might get a deal on 2 Toyota Corollas for $25k. :lol: :lol:
But for your $23k, you have an (almost) new 77 Corvette.
About 10-15 years from now you will be thinking -
"Hey - I've had this vette for 15 years - and it ONLY cost me about $25k."
Not bad, if you ask me - but I'm biased in my opinion.
My trick for saving $$$ - DIY - Do It Yourself. This saves $$ and uses time.
For example : I never rebuilt a tranny until my vette TH400 crapped out.
It turned out easy to do - and it works great.
I never painted a car, but guess what ? I will.
I spend a few bucks on specialty tools and equipment, learn the techniques -
and employ them. Often the first attempt is practice, but then it's smooth
sailing. This isn't for everyone, but I live by the motto:
"I can do anything - given time and money." Hopefully more time than $$.
Don't be afraid to do something, just because you haven't before.
:seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: How do you do it? (Daves_rusty_75)
You guys are right. I too am scared to add up the real receipts. The amount for the education and the experience is "Priceless"! And as you go along, you will pick up friends. I would hate to put a price on the discounts and the many valuable tips that I received along the way. Also add in the many nuts, bolts and miscellaneous parts that friends have contributed to the project. I honestly do not know the true cost. My son and I have shared quality time building our many projects. This also is "Priceless".
:cheers:
:cheers:
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma CA
Re: How do you do it? (Daves_rusty_75)
Dave is right ...do it yourself...or at least learn enough about the stuff so you don't get ripped...I also spent lots of time working with the kid on my car and his...now he is gone...priceless...
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville,Tn,USA TN
Re: How do you do it? (Stevo)
I would really be scared to add up everything I have done to the vette so far. I have been a frame off over 2 years and have changed directions a few times too. Everything has been rebuilt on mine or replaced and used stainless at every turn. I can make a mental note of 13-15K without going into any kind of detail....That is inculding the interior which I have already bought and for the paint job in progress that is already paid for too, so I am not one of those nifty guys...dang, I even built 2 motors. Built one and then built a stroker for it
Oh Well, I am having fun
Neil in Tenn
[Modified by Nomad78SA, 10:36 PM 8/17/2002]
Oh Well, I am having fun
Neil in Tenn
[Modified by Nomad78SA, 10:36 PM 8/17/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: How do you do it? (Nomad78SA)
When I brought mine out of storage this year, it was a good runner but I decided to fix a few "minor" things. 5 grand later is still looks the same on the ouside, nothing any one would notice but me..... and my wallet. :chevy
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: How do you do it? (75Rag)
I also spent lots of time working with the kid on my car and his...now he is gone...priceless...
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Re: How do you do it? (Daves_rusty_75)
Don't be afraid to do something, just because you haven't before.
:seeya
:seeya
And most people I talk to say they don't want to know their bottom line, I know I don't. Just budget the current cost and drive on to the next opportunity. :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 12
Re: How do you do it? (72GACRZR)
Under 15k?? dayum...well I ain't aiming for a show quality car but it sure will be good looking. I think I invested 2.5k CAN up till now and my engine is rebuilt, new urethane bushings, new centerforce clutch and a few other thingies. Paint and sand doesn't cost much so it should be looking #1 with less than 5K. Dunno about the paint job yet but even with that, it'll be like 8k...far from 15k. I think you guys don't do enough yourself or don't reuse parts that are in good shape...rust is not the end of the world...its just a bit of sand and some paint.