Wondering if you should tackle a major project?

[67HEAVEN]

Some of you may wonder what it's like to tackle a major project, whether the back-to-original-style restoration or a circus-wagon like mine.

As you have seen, there are a million stories surrounding these projects. Certainly RichsCorvettes and JohnZ, to name just two, could tell enough tales to fill ten books.

I don't know why, exactly, but the thought came to my head today, while picking up the final pieces needed for the fuel system, maybe some of you would be interested in seeing an example of costs. So, here's an example......

The cost to simply transport gasoline from the tank to the intake manifold in my car is approximately $CA3,100.00. HUH, you may say!

Boiling out and coating of gas tank inside and out; new sending unit, new mounting straps, anti-squeak pads, filler tube gasket and screws; new stainless steel fuel line along frame rail; Holley electric pump; Holley fuel regulator; Russell braided flex lines; Russell filter; umpteen Russell fittings; Russelle pressure gauge; dual inlet feed; and finally the Holley 850. I've got the receipts.

Think carefully before starting a major, and talk to "the Boss" - the Mrs.

[DRTH VTR]

67HEAVEN

When it is all said and done, what will the whole project cost?

[67HEAVEN]

Originally Posted by DRTH VTR

67HEAVEN

When it is all said and done, what will the whole project cost?

A new Z-06.

[BarryK]

Originally Posted by 67HEAVEN

A new Z-06.

but yours will have a LOT more power than that new Z-06 and has the classic and beautiful midyear body. I'd say for the money you have the best of both worlds

[Ken]

Originally Posted by 67HEAVEN

A new Z-06.

You and me both, Bob. I don't even track my expenses anymore; of course I've got all my receipts, but I don't enter the cost into the spread sheet anymore.

[Viet Nam Vett]

Originally Posted by 67HEAVEN

A new Z-06.

Ok...!!!! Now Your scaring me...... So like all I'm doing is puting a BB in My SB Car.....I don't have a Mrs. Heaven...Nor A Mrs. John Z.. Nor A Mrs..Richescorvettes.

And I don't live in the land ..Pay Tax when It comes across the border. I am free to clean my carb in the kitchen sink and store the 6 foot long spare tail light from my 73 Thunderchicken in the bathroom.

So...should I Do this conversion????

[67HEAVEN]

Originally Posted by Viet Nam Vett

Ok...!!!! Now Your scaring me......


So...should I Do this conversion????

Suuuuuuuurrrrrre. Just keep telling yourself that it won't cost very much.

Don't forget to report back.

[Viet Nam Vett]

Originally Posted by 67HEAVEN

Suuuuuuuurrrrrre. Just keep telling yourself that it won't cost very much.

Don't forget to report back.

I have a budget....That's Plan "A"

I have a Second Back up Budget...That's Plan"B"

Then I have a Back Up Back Up Budget....That's Open A lemonade Stand.

[Mac]

Are you planning to use real lemons?

-Mac

[Viet Nam Vett]

Originally Posted by Mac

Are you planning to use real lemons?

-Mac

Heh No Mac.....To expensive. I'll use that powdered gack...

[Mac]

The budget consideration for major projects is always, shall we say, challenging. My wife is pretty supportive when it comes to these kinds of things. Even so, there were times when I had to do some 'splainin as to why I needed stainless lines, why my original budget went "poof" and then my secondary budget went "poof" and I still wasn't driving a Vette. Even when you do the work yourself, the price to play is high.

As the old saying goes "You get what you pay for!"**

-Mac

**unless you buy a carb with your engine package (see Surprise Inside thread)

[JohnZ]

I've had that "How much will it cost me to body-off restore my car?" question asked of me many times by lots of observers/helpers during many of my body-offs and other project cars over the years, and I've developed a standard answer for those who have never done it before and don't understand all that's involved in taking on a major project: "Compile the best estimate you can based on pricing all the parts you think you'll need and all the outside services you'll have to farm out, then double it, then add 50% of that number, and you'll be pretty close." This is one of the GREAT AUTOMOTIVE TRUTHS, and is the reason so many "partially-restored" Corvettes are sold in boxes.

The other GREAT AUTOMOTIVE TRUTH is "How to make a million restoring Corvettes.........start with three million." It's about the love of the car and pride of personal accomplishment and workmanship, not money. If you know and accept that going in, you'll probably make it - IF you have the dedicated space, time, motivation, discipline, money, and project management skills to carry it through to conclusion. Otherwise, buy a restored car - you'll pay for part of the restoration and get the car for nothing.

[Ken]

Originally Posted by JohnZ

This is one of the GREAT AUTOMOTIVE TRUTHS, and is the reason so many "partially-restored" (projects) are sold in boxes.

Amen to that! Too many people haven't a clue as to the cost involved, including myself; you learn that very quickly, and repeatedly.

[Sting Ray]

Mark,


I told you I found your motor for you at Carlilse, just wish I had got a pic for you.

Tom

Originally Posted by Viet Nam Vett

Ok...!!!! Now Your scaring me...... So like all I'm doing is puting a BB in My SB Car.....I don't have a Mrs. Heaven...Nor A Mrs. John Z.. Nor A Mrs..Richescorvettes.

And I don't live in the land ..Pay Tax when It comes across the border. I am free to clean my carb in the kitchen sink and store the 6 foot long spare tail light from my 73 Thunderchicken in the bathroom.

So...should I Do this conversion????

[bossvette]

I agree with what John says get your best estimate and double it I have more money in my 76 then I paid for my 97, but it was over 4 years. I am still not done, the new pistons,rings ,rods are under the bed and the block is at the machine shop for a new short block. At least now when I do the next heart transplant I have something else to drive, and this time I will do something about the paint $$$$$