Looking at the ole heap and thinking what I spent on it...

Hey Fellow Rat Rodders

So it is really really hot outside...so my shop is kinda toasty too...So I was just standing looking at it mentally adding up what I have spent on it so far...unless the engine is blown...most of big purchases are done...

All the heavy lifting is too...

I think I built this heap for less than 10K...this is a late COVID build too...prices on parts as we all know is thru the roof still...

I don't have friends so I pay full price for ever part I buy for it too...no hot rod buddies either...



So baring any huge surprises...I might actually have running and moving hot rod Jalopy for less than $10k.

Am I on track of no?

I've never been able to stay under $10k!

BoB

I try not to do this. I get very frustrated when I clean out the barn and see things I bought for a project that either didn't work out or I decided to go another direction. Jim

I honestly don't add up what I spend on them either. At least my own stuff I keep track of customers bills. My look at them is I build them cuz they bring me joy. Both driving and building. So it doesn't really matter to me. Honestly I think if you can build a hot rod for around that and make it reliable and safe you're doing good

I try my best to delete all invoices.... deep down I know it must be a lot.
Parts are just stupid expensive but everything that comes with it is even worse.
Tools, welding gear , paint and non paint, etc....

I start on a project with a budget in mind. After a few purchases later, I through that out the window and never ad them up again

I usually start out keeping up with what I spend. After a while, I end buying something and not getting a receipt or losing it, that will happen a few times, I lose count, I quit keeping purchases separate from other vehicle’s parts like when I order from RockAuto, by then I’m don’t have a clue and are probably better off not knowing anyway!

I always look at what I spend because I don't want to lose more than 1/2 of what I spend when I sell it...maybe I will make a buck on this one...

So I think if I could break even on the parts cost I would be a happy man...

I am so ready to start on something else...this one is really dragging me down...so close but still so many stupid things to get done to it before it will make noise on its own...

One bite at a time...

MikeC

All my stuff has been well under $10K. Until my Model A. I have more than that in parts already and I haven't really started on it.

I’ve been good at staying under the 10K level, some by a lot [cl

From having finished 3 builds since 2018, I can honestly tell you that the cost of that project those last few months before we can drive it down the street is probably going to cost almost as much as everything we have spent up to that point.

We get to where we loose all common sense as we get close. All that matters is that drive around the block. Every trip to the "store" to get that one more thing we need costs $50 plus, and we might make that trip every other day. Even my wife will hand me money to get something I need.

At least that how it works for me.

I build mine for therapy and the fact I like to build what I want. The drive, the fun, the looks are worth a lot to me. I decided not to keep records after my first build and build with what I have until I can scrounge more. Customers builds are by the hour plus parts. I try to have them purchase the needed parts and drop ship to me. (sometimes they go big, sometimes they cheap out.) I dont really know a turn key build price, but I know labor hours can at least feed my family. I'm a fabricator first, mechanic second.

Somewhere around here I've got all the receipts but never added them up...

The last 3 builds, I set aside money for the build (usually starting with what the last one sold for, then add monthly), then added and subtracted as money came in and left. When the plates go on the new ride, I can tell you pretty closely what it cost to build, up to that point. Anything done after that gets lost in the process. A year later the cost is mostly a lost memory.

Right now, my 49 pickup is nearing the end of its 3rd summer on the road, that truck has nearly 24,000 miles on it since the plates were screwed onto it in June of 22. Doesn't much matter what it originally cost to build it these days, and it doesn't much matter what something I may want to add may cost. I intend to keep it until it dies or I do.