My brother's snide comment early this year when he saw my truck was, "You are 60, if you are going to finish this project, you had better pay to get it done." His comment got me on track to finish my pet project, a 1962 Flatbed 4x4. She was road worthy for the 15 mile trips to town but my restoration dreams was to get her in tip top shape for travel and get her a fine paint job and ac.

To save money and for the fun of it, I have taken the pickup out of the paint shop in pieces, all painted and ready for assembly. The final costs are in except for what I may pay family and friends for assistance and of course...... a lot of future bling.

I used Dupont's finest paint, had the shop cut out and replace all rusted metal or I provided new parts.

Original cost of truck with new tires, new exhaust, refurbished brake system, modern steel wheels, and new shocks. $1800
Body shop Labor costs: $2900
Paint and supplies including etcher, filler, 2 primers, 3 base and 2 clear coats. $2420.
Body parts including all new rubber and seals, radiator core, new windshield, new rockers and steps, new mirrors, new tail lights, etc.. $1710
Under the hood parts, including radiator recore, head job for upgrade to unleaded gasoline, new alternator, regulator, water pump, fuel pump, pretty much every small part but the carb and distributor. $1335
New upholstry on seat and visors, carpet and misc. interior. $750
New ac kit, including pay for installation help and charging system $1530

The total being about $12,500 and I am sure I forgot a few hundred dollars of misc. cost.

I hope this gives other rookies a good feel for what reasonable mid America (Oklahoma) costs are for upgrading to a very dependable daily driver. The three coats of paint were to acheive the "deep sea blue" or is it "deep blue sea" depth of color. The body work costs did not apply to a bed as this is a flat bed, which is of course, a major cost reducer.

My summary of the project is everything cost 3 times as much as I estimated and takes 5 times as long to do than it should. Shipping is a burden so always check local parts stores to see if they can get the item close to internet costs. It is easier to return items locally than through the internet.

I am still putting her together with help from family and friends. It is a slow process due to a right hand injury about 6 weeks ago. Upon final completion, my daughter in law will take some pictures. All pictures I take do not show the picture perfect paint due to catching reflections of everything in the area. That and my camera quality is not as good as the paint.

Good luck with your projects.

 

Does this mean your done?

 

Are you ever done?

 

That's a sobering figure!

 

as far as timelines for a project-
a wise man once told me:

take the amount of time you think will be required to complete the job.
double it.
add two weeks.
now you're in the ballpark.

 

This is pretty much spot on.

I figured $15k total for mine and 5 years.
:

 

People grossly underestimate restoration costs. Whatever total cost is estimated, double it and then add 25% and that still won't be enough.

And...if you think that old broke prospectors total cost is $12,500.00, think again.

No mention was made of the steering, suspension, transmission, u-joints, rear axle. So the figure will eventually be much higher.

 

What's the old saying.....nickle and dime you to death. Only nowadays every little thing is at least $100 it seems.
That's really not too bad, I have seen just body/paint work cost that much.....
Have fun with your truck and POST SOME PICS!

 

WELL, Gee guys, how wonderful of all you to throw a wrench into the hopes and dreams of both young beginners or older folk who have their hearts set on some day putting together their dream toy. Whether you're bragging about all the money you spent on your restoration or just trying to put your thumb on any one's future dreams,,, I DO NOT take my hat off to some of you. Some of these guys may take their whole life putting something together and dreams of someday having something to be proud of. They most certainly don't need any negative thoughts.
These days you can find out just about any thing you want on the Internet, including prices on parts to redo your project. With a little checking they can also find out what body work and paint will cost. It most certainly doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure these things out. Even if they are nickel and diming it, and take their whole life with their project, there is most certainly no need to stick it in their face. I realize it's in our human nature to want to brag about how much money we spent on our projects & point the finger at those, saying if you don't have this kind of money, you should think again about doing your project. Because that's basically what you're doing. Try putting yourself in their shoes. I know some you guys have all kinds of money to do your project, but there are also members here on this site that are struggling just to put food on their table in this unstable economy. Even if they only have $10 a month to go towards their project, it still gives them hope.
We all need little hope no matter what financial level of life we live. Why discourage the hope those who are not so well-off.

Its just how myself and I'm sure others see this. Also, I do not care, if what I just said, gets your goat. Tough. Some of use just don't have all the funds others have and just to be able to afford a small side mirror, can make you jump for joy because its just one more thing towards your dream. Have some heart.
Now you may s??t on me all you wish.

 

I'll paint any car any color for only $19.95. -Earl Scheib's 1960's TV commercials.

'Course the price has risen considerably since then and I dunno if 'ol Earl is still in business.

But there's no reason to spend mega-bucks on a paint job if repainting the original color(s).

Do a good job of sanding and masking it yourself, take it to One Day or Macco and for around 500 bucks, you'll get a decent paint job.

 

I wouldn't sh%^ on you, well spoken. But for those who are trying to build an old truck/car most wrecking yards are your friend. At a wrecking yard you can (hopefully find the parts you need) and learn how to disassemble and reassemble your parts.
This saves money by doing most of it your self.
I've met quite a few people who get frustrated at time and cost and simply give up. Then there's the other few that keep on plucking away at it. For those low budget people who do it on their own, their faces and smiles shine brighter when they get to drive it, then those who have shelled out big bucks to have it done.
I've taken a lot of time away from my family just to hustle parts so I don't take away from my house budget. But I want my truck to look like I envisioned it, nine years ago, so I keep doing it. A little slower now, but I'm still hustling parts.
Bottom line, make it safe, make it comfortable, make it yours.
Nothing wrong with a rattle can primer paint job. Even if it is one can at a time.

 

Some people have no plan, tear their trucks all apart, usually without taking pics or labeling where the parts came from.

Then when they realize what the costs will be, give up, sell the "basket cases" to others for peanuts.

Or, they pile all the parts in the bed, trucks go to wrecking yards where gangstakr, Fritz, Squire Don and other 'in-the-know' scroungers grab all the goodies.

How many of y'all have read threads where 's have bought old rolling piles of misery, then wanna build mega HP engines?

Thread goes on and on, then the OP's disappear like pharts in the wind, cuz they grossly underestimated what the costs would be.

 

Nice truck OBP

 

Wow, I have no desire to harsh someone's project, Masked Rider sure harshed mine. Happy 4th.

As most of us know, the older you get, the more you realize your plans got and get stalled out by reality. If a person is a dreamer, no amount of fact will hold him or her back, especailly from a hobby. I think it is more than alright to speak the truth and express your bitter old sour opinions, especially if you have survived numerous project mistakes. With that in mind, Masked Rider, thank you for your heart felt opinion.

 

Well, I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of the fruits of your labor. Have fun with it and to "heck" with those who can't be happy for you.