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i came to FTE back in 04 and have seen alot of folks building this or that and its cool,but for some reason they spend a butt load of cash shure the results are awsome.ive done so many diferent things over the last 20 years and havent spent that much.is there still people out here that will stuff a good used bigblock in somthing beat the crap out it and when its junk put it out to paster and start over with somthing else?my 2 older trucks have a total of around 3grand into the both of them.i hope i dont get beat up to on this one
All of my projects are budget minded. The only two that I have that will be continuing and not sold are the Massey Ferguson 65 Diesel, and the 1979 CJ-5. The motorcycle and allis chalmers b will most likely both be sold soon. I consider those 2 budget projects, as they both started out cheap (Massey, Free, Jeep, $150), and will remain cheap and take as long as needed. The Massey will be a good runner if I put another 1500 into it(engine rebuild), and the Jeep is a buy stuff as you find deals kind of timetable.
I built my hot rod for not very much..just shopping and looking in fields and old mom and pop junk yards..ford would put any motor in any car if you wanted..when you find somthing fron the 50s to 70s you dont know what you have till you open the hood.Its the ultamet scavange hunt..but great fun..I will give you a tip..look in 5ton trucks they often put great stuff in them...bill
When people put a bunch of cash into a vehicle, it's because they love it and it's their hobby. Yes, expensive, but nontheless, it's a hobby. I'm building a truck and when I'm done, I'll have a bunch of cash stuck in it. Why am I doing that? Because I've always wanted to. I couldn't buy a new 77 F250 4x4 new in 77 because I was just born, so I'm going to build me one. And when I'm done, I'm going to drive it in the spring/summer and park it in the winter and drive another vehicle. I plan on having it a long time. My other vehicle is what I will just drive it until it falls apart and then buy another one.
On a side note....I have an 05 F150 and I'm giving that up to have my 77. I would rather have a restored 77 for half the price of a new Truck. I'll have my 2nd cheap vehicle. So between those two vehicles, they won't add up to the price of a new one. So, really, I'm not spending that much.
It helps to scrounge, I help some people prep for demolition derbies, in exchange for parts. Also visit a local pick-a-part with suprisingly good results (mint door panel for my 78 in the right color for $1) Also stop to shoot the bull with people helps get the word out for what you might be looking for. ( Friend knew I was looking for 1970 parts, found some NOS at a yard sale at a great price)
I've built a lot of vehicles, but never one of those high dollar deals where you buy all the pieces that will bolt together. The high dollar work that I have done has been for others, with a lot of custom fabrication. My own have been parts from various cars/trucks all put together making brackets, linkages, crossmembers, modified chassis, etc. Making things that are good looking and functional is what it's all about for me.
BTW, most of those high dollar builds will never recover the investment, so unless they are done for pleasure...
Two big things..
1..... start with a vehicle that is in good shape, or that you have the time, skills and tools to fix reasonably easily.
2.... Be flexible in your plans and timelines so that you can use what comes your way.
My winter project is a '75 yamaha motorcycle.
My budget is under $500. The tank may not get repainted and decals, and the seat may not be recovered by summer, but it will certainly be ridable.
It's really hard to lose focus on a project if you don't know when or if it will be ready to use.
I alway use a budget myself, the first thing I ever did to my trucks that was a larger amount of money was when I had my lift done in August. My 86 I've gottin most of my parts from parts trucks and rehabbed the parts. I have about 1500 in it including buying it. You are right though there are a lot of folks buying new rides and putting out a butt load of cash to make it custom. That was why I desided to do my 86. It will be built not bought!
I've built a bunch of cars/trucks and I've enjoyed it because I never set a budget or a schedule. Limited funds can make you inovative and the key to success is to make the project fun instead of work.
I've built a bunch of cars/trucks and I've enjoyed it because I never set a budget or a schedule. Limited funds can make you inovative and the key to success is to make the project fun instead of work.
I have Pro-Streeted two ford trucks and ,no 4 link or ladder bar kits to buy!
I moved the leafs inboard by cutting up old junk frames and cut, and fitted
the parts to the inside of the frame, and if you look hard you can find a free
frame. Takes hard work and time to work around the $$$$$ part of it and
when your done it can be better!
P.S. I have an article here on (FTE) , you can find it at the top of this page
click on Articles/specs and click on steering and supension. Or click below
on '' My Pro-Street Article ''
Wally Womack
Last edited by Pro-Street/StateTK; Feb 4, 2007 at 11:36 AM.