It also depends on your working skill level, and which mods you think you can do, or are going to have to pay someone to do. How much are you willing to learn to do, and so on.

I believe it is cheaper to buy a done car, than to have one built to your wants. At least that is what my check book is finding out.

Thanks for the input!!! As for mods that I think I can do...As long as it isn't body and paint or major engine work I can do it. I'm always willing to spend the time and learn. Hell, that's half the fun. You make a solid point about the check book. It's looking more and more like finding a car that's done is the way to go. At least that way I can make changes at any pace and plan a bit more for big ones.

Thanks again.

Curtis

I originally planned on buying a "done" or semi-done car thinking I would save $$ since someone else spent the money in body work, piant, etc. I then planned to make some changes like engine, tranny, and rear and some minor suspension and brakes upgrades. Car price + mods = done car and saved $$ and $30k spent, right?

Well, let's just say I found a semi-done car, started reading these boards (Damn you guys!), started wanting all the cool stuff, decided 500 hp would just not be nearly enough, 8.5 10 bolt pft! Moser 12 bolt here I come.

Now I'm in deep car is exploded view, 12 bolt Moser, G-bar, Wilwood, DSE, etc, etc and past $30k a long time ago.

Now keep in mind this is all my fault because I'm one picky bastard and started to change everything because I wanted to. I should have first realized the kina person I am (picky bastard) and been realistic with myself.

In the end I would probably do it over and buy a project car or one that needed a resto. Hell maybe even the Dynacorn body.

Moral here is decide your goals, can you live with the car not being 100% the way you want it and what your true budget and time frame is.


I hope this helps.

Curtis,what is the complete project budget?

Wow that got a few bites and I appreciate your input.

The best way to describe the look I'm going for is to point out Jack Hodsons 67. By no means are my pockets that deep, nor do I want to clone his car. I like the clean and mean look if you will. I was thinking the LS2 engine but have heard it's not as easy to accomplish as I was lead to belive. For the tranny I've heard good things about the Tremic TKO 600 (?) 5 speed. Brakes would be Baer front and rear. Suspension is still a big question...there's so much to choose from. When all is said and done the price tag for my adventure will have to no more than $45k. I'm good with adding most bolt on items. Any major work (body and paint) I would need and want a professional.

PLEASE let me know what you think and feel free to ask lots of questions.

My Sincer thanks to all of you!:thumbsup:

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp.:_paranoid

used parts mite help you get there
paint will cost anywere between 10-15k
id buy 1 mostly completed would be my suggestion

That's good advice....thanks.

Sorry just noticed this thread.

So you're looking at the red car with new paint, but you mentioned you would want to repaint it? If this is true you shouldn't think of buying it. Why pay for a fresh paint job and then reshoot the car...that's wasting money in my mind. Now if that was the only thing you wanted to change that would be totally different, but you mentioned quite a few changes.

Buying a car with a straight, no-rust body, and nice paint will save you not only time but also a lot of cash! Take Bad Penny for example, Steve was able to get going on the mechanical parts as the body/paint was already finished...well he did do a little firewall work...but you get the idea.

The first order of business is to outline the project. Decide what year car you want, what mods you have to have, what extras would be nice...and then the hard part, add them all up...then redo it untill you fit it into your budget. Rember you can easily spend twice what you think it should, doing a complete build...this is why finding a nice restored car and then adding bolt ons is usually the best way to go for builders on a budget.

The best way to steamroll threw a build is to always be focused on what YOU want and not what others are doing, have the funds in order, and always stick to the origional plan...changes are what kills timelines and budgets! Remember this doesn't have to be the only car you build, if new must have parts come out during the build and you cant afford them this time, either add them later or build another car in the future and use them then. This is the case with my car...there are a few things I would love to change but it isn't going to happen on this car...not after five years (part time) of fab work...it's a slightly altered 'plan A' or nothing at this point!

From looking at your pics I would say that red car would be a nice platform to build 'your car' from and the price is respectable. Since it's a new motor you shuold be able to sell it to help with a LSx conversion. BTW, have you talked with Tyler at ATS there in LV? He will be very helpfull and can assist you with all your drive train and suspension needs. Also taking advantage of GP's are a way to save money...I've done it many times over the years! Get ahold of Frank (GPSuperStore.com) he will always save you money!

For $45k you can certainly build a car you would be proud of, but realize it probably wont have custom leather interior, forced induction, 3-piece Forged wheels, aftermarket subframe, ect. What you can have is a very clean mini-tubbed car with a LSx motor, overdrive tranny, updated but mostly stock interior, 4point roll bar, big brakes, needed suspension mods, ect. So get busy and design your dream car!! :thumbsup:

Anthony...thanks for the feed back. That's exactly what I needed!

I've been looking at a few different cars and decided to go with one that has some of what I would want my dream car to have (not the red one I posted). I figure it will give me a good starting point to work from and I can still drive it and have some fun, while I put together my build list. Nothing says I have to do it all at once.

Here is what I'm currently looking at. If all goes right it will be in the gurage by weeks end. PLEASE...EVERYONE let me know what you think of the car, it's condition and value.

Curtis

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...av8/21dd_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...camaro_108.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...av8/2285_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...av8/2199_1.jpg