Realistic build cost

[ron w]

Originally Posted by Mick Mc

Ron W

I took pictures of your 32 at Columbus (you commented on the pictures) and the car is outstanding (duh, it was a top five).
What was your motivation for your build?
I saw the Johnson emblem, and you stated the price, how did you select your builder?
Can you reveal the number of hours in the build?
Was the proximity to you or their past projects or their hourly rate a major deciding factor?

I have met some builders who have the personalities that seems to at least make you feel comfortable about the long term relationship you both are building for the thousands of hours of work.

I met Troy several times and he has the personality to make you feel comfortable. Beside the quality of the final prodect (the waiting list is in the 20's (I heard)) I don't think I can afford that level of build.

I know I have met with or tried to meet with several builders trying to get a feel for how they do things, and their level of interest in my project, and do both of our personalities get along, after all, it is a long term commitment, just curious how you made your decision.



Mick

the motivation was Allen Buttons 32 if you haven't seen it it's in the ppg ads in most magazines -I think finding a builder is difficult what type of project would you like to build -

[J2SpeedandCustom]

Originally Posted by ron w

I think finding a builder is difficult what type of project would you like to build -

I agree. Depending on the type of car there are definitely builders who are above the rest.

I also see what Rodger is talking about everyday. We have quite a few customers that just want a certain portion of a car done. Usually something they can not do or want to do themselves.

My opinion is if you can keep a build around the $50k mark, there are ALOT of people willing to spend that for a project.

[ron w]

[QUOTE=J2SpeedandCustom]I agree. Depending on the type of car there are definitely builders who are above the rest.

I also see what Rodger is talking about everyday. We have quite a few customers that just want a certain portion of a car done. Usually something they can not do or want to do themselves.

My opinion is if you can keep a build around the $50k mark, there are ALOT of people willing to spend that for a project.[/QUOTE


what do you consider a realistic budget for a complete build minus parts

[Mick Mc]

Ron

For all the time I have spent seeking a builder you sure cut right to the final chapter.

My project is a 67 Chevelle. More D-Touring that G-Touring. I have to state that right up front so I don't get letters about how my big block is wa wa wa wa....

New frame to be determined
C6 front suspension, custom upper a-arms and coil-overs all around
Nine inch rear or maybe Quick-change
Big Block size to be determined by size of my future wallet. I already own a couple of big blocks but they don't size up to the current 632's out there
Trans something very cool (not automatic) I've got to have three pedals
Procharger front mounted with intercooler (that will be interesting)
AC from Classic Air (their unit is bigger than anyone elses and I live in the desert)
Brakes 14inch front, 6 piston maybe Alcons. Rears a tad smaller
Tires as big as the fenders will allow (Big Red has 335's in the front)
Interior leather covered race seats ie Calaway C16
Body mods like Johnny51 (you have to get close to see the details)
Trunk has to have enough room to pack my $hit for the Power Tour and a few trips accross the country on other Tours, Not filled up with fuel cells and batteries and speakers

It won't be as quick in the road course as some and not the fastest at the 10.5 Drags but is should be dam FUN and a little scary for others

Maybe I can reach the top 5 in Columbus some year.

Mick

[ron w]

Originally Posted by Mick Mc

Ron

For all the time I have spent seeking a builder you sure cut right to the final chapter.

My project is a 67 Chevelle. More D-Touring that G-Touring. I have to state that right up front so I don't get letters about how my big block is wa wa wa wa....

New frame to be determined
C6 front suspension, custom upper a-arms and coil-overs all around
Nine inch rear or maybe Quick-change
Big Block size to be determined by size of my future wallet. I already own a couple of big blocks but they don't size up to the current 632's out there
Trans something very cool (not automatic) I've got to have three pedals
Procharger front mounted with intercooler (that will be interesting)
AC from Classic Air (their unit is bigger than anyone elses and I live in the desert)
Brakes 14inch front, 6 piston maybe Alcons. Rears a tad smaller
Tires as big as the fenders will allow (Big Red has 335's in the front)
Interior leather covered race seats ie Calaway C16
Body mods like Johnny51 (you have to get close to see the details)
Trunk has to have enough room to pack my $hit for the Power Tour and a few trips accross the country on other Tours, Not filled up with fuel cells and batteries and speakers

It won't be as quick in the road course as some and not the fastest at the 10.5 Drags but is should be dam FUN and a little scary for others

Maybe I can reach the top 5 in Columbus some year.

Mick

I love a 67 chevelle sound great-
last but not least what is your budget

[notorious1970]

it seems that a realistisc cost always comes out at whatever you think is a realistic budget multiplied by three... and the same goes for the time....

Well said! As far as time, we thought our car would be done quick in about 4 months. That idea turns as you go on through the build. Ideas get bigger, and the time stretches longer and longer. That obviously adds to the $$ it costs too. You start out saying okay im going to spend this much...that rarely happens. If the car starts turning out nice then you just want to add more and more. Addicting!
-derek

[Mick Mc]

Ron
I had a budget but NovaNutcase told me what you expect to pay X 3

So I know my budget is not 1m, but I can see that over time I'm going to be catching you. There is alot more sheet metal on a 67 compared to a 32.

Mick

[ron w]

Originally Posted by Mick Mc

Ron
I had a budget but NovaNutcase told me what you expect to pay X 3

So I know my budget is not 1m, but I can see that over time I'm going to be catching you. There is alot more sheet metal on a 67 compared to a 32.

Mick

Now what is your goals for the car trophies or driving

[Mick Mc]

I want both, but I hate to clean and I love to drive so a trophy right after paint and then driving driving driving.


Mick

[Paladin]

I think everyone underesitmates the cost of their project. I initially thought I could have my 1965 Fastback built for $80,000 and ended up spending double that. I also got screwed by my first shop, so you could chop $20,000 from that total, but your still in for $140,000. Parts wise I was not surprised because I precalculated ordering everything. Yep, every nut and bolt. Don't just say engine:$4,000. get into the details, you'll find out quick $4,000 is not even slightly realistic for even a budget crate 350. go top down with a catalog. chrome air cleaner $X, decal $X, wing nut $X, filter $x. The bits and pieces really add up! a starter here, pulleys, gaskets, fittings, fuel pumps, etc. Back in the mid 80's you could build a nice mid 60's car for less than a comparable new one (i.e. a mustang) because they were only 20 years old and every little thing did not have to be replaced. Now those cars are 40 years old and odds are everything is shot. A new mustang GT is about $30,000 with a warranty. It would be next to impossible to buy a 65-67 fastback and have it look anywhere close to new for $30,000, let alone compete performance wise with a new one. Ironically, new is now the budget option, and you can finance it!!!!