Scotty, you expressed my sediments, and probably the sediments of many others of us who are retired, exactly. I needed a hobby in retirement, and my truck filled that need. The money spent is actually an investment in our mental and physical health. I'll be sure to let you all know if my wife buys into that line of thinking.

 

I have been working on my 51 F1 for a very long time. Up until I retired 3 years ago, I only worked on it on the weekends and usually 4 to five days a month.

Since retirement, I try to put in 5 to 6 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week. I still don't feel like I am getting enough done but I save receipts for all the big purchases.

I have a good idea as to how much I have invested in my truck (not counting time) and I really don't want to know exactly how much I have spent. I am getting a lot of pleasure building this truck and looking forward to its maiden voyage.

I know I still have much more money to spend and I know that it will truly never be finished.

It's hard to put a price on the satisfaction and the knowledge that I have gained while building this truck. I just wish I was 45 instead of 65 years old as I would like a lot more time to enjoy this truck and more time to build other project.

It is what it is, but I am having the time of my life and enjoying every minute.

Have fun and thanks to you all at FTE - I learn something from you all every day.

Dan

 

Tip49 - Beautiful looking Truck

With two truck and a tractor I stopped keeping track when I hit six figures - None are on the road right now - I've promised myself that I will do something with them in the next 10 years

 

I have kept track of my spending as well. Not that I would sell. When I first started I just wanted to keep track of part #s and where/when I bought them. Then adding the cost just seemed like the right thing to do.....

 

I too have kept track of my spending. Not to the level of recording every nickel and dime when I had to run to the hardware store for a bolt or electrical connector but do have all receipts from my major and many minor expenses and have them recorded on a spreadsheet. One thing that I appreciated the previous owner did was give me receipts and documentation for the major items he had done to the truck. I have continued doing the same even though I am not planning on selling it.

Alan

 

I am not sure i want to know the exact amount into my trucks. I have been building and doing this hobby for years now and i am always feeling disappointed if i sell a vehicle at any price.

 

The engine re-build will be costly but I doubt you will ever sell your truck. I will never sell my truck, too much sentiment went into it, and I get happy every time I take it out. Like I said, I am contemplating / looking for a solid "flathead" which makes no financial sense; but man I'd sure like to have one !

We need help.

 

One of the best lines I have read on FTE is " my greatest fear is that after I die my wife will sell my truck for what I told her I spent on it "

Because I have relied on the skills of a local builder for much of the heavy lifting I have a good idea of what has been spent - about double what I originally planned, but like many here this is for my retirement enjoyment and I'm ok with that level of spend. Will never get the $ back if I sell, but that is definitely not how I am measuring the value.

But yes, I can testify it costs more than planned or expected. And it has been worth every penny.

 

Saving my receipts but not adding them up at this time. I blame most of my expenses on all of you guys Every time I ask for advise I get "you need to do this, you need to do that" Have I told you how much I appreciate that? I want to do it right and luckily I have my wife's support most of the time. She understands this project is important to me and I am grateful for that. I went in knowing that my project was going to be pricey! Keep up the advise and suggestions please!

 

I had the F3 for about 20 years. I sold it when my back made it impossible to drive safly for about two thirds of what I spent not including labor. But that also does not include all the pleasure, satisfaction and friendships I got over those years. It was worth every penny

 

Heck, I don't want to add up all the costs to rebuild my 215, much less the entire car...

 

Well, a year and half ago when Austin bought his 52F1 for 4K I thought we would get it on the road for a total of 8K within a year. I found out 2 things. Ist, Me and the truck are the same age and were both slow! 2nd, Do not under estimate the costs and calculate freight.

 

Without even looking at my receipts, I already know I've spent too much. At the same time, I can think of worse things I have spent money on.

 

You guys south of the border have it good try building up here anything I price in the States I double and I'm usually close . And of course this forum has added to the cost because of all the great ideas and must have items . But what fun .

 

Before you young fellers pull the trigger make sure it's something you can live with for a while. People can get tired or bored of cars and trucks after a few years, car dealerships know this. Make sure the styling, color, model etc, is something you really want. If you actually keep the truck for a while as in several years - then you can start to see the actual cost over time come down (amortized), these old beasts then become pretty economical transportation believe it or not, and good value, just like ole Henry said.