The Under $30k Club

[Jarcaines]

Okay,
I have been cruising this board for a while now and getting all kinds of advice and ideas for my Camaro project, but I have had to dig through threads for so many cars in the middle of triple figure build projects that it just leaves me overwhelmed and scared about the money I am going to spend on my car.

I was thinking, I (or hopefully we) need a thread where people can post their "budget" projects to give hope to those of us who don't want to spend as much as a house on their cars.

So please, if your car came in at around 30,000 or under, or if you are about to embark on a project you hope comes in around that mark, post some pictures and info about your car here!

Thanks!
-J.R.

PS- NOT JUST CAMAROS! This is for ALL $30k and under project cars!

[Scott Parkhurst]

I qualify, but it's not a Camaro either.

My mods are mostly bolt-ons, but they're really good bolt-ons.

Pics in link below..

I'm just finishing it up, but it's on the road and running well. I still need to take it to the track and get some data. It will be real close to meeting all of my goals- 11-sec quarter mile times, 1 G in the corners, 20 mpg on the freeway, 150 mph capability, enough room to haul 4 adults and their stuff easily.

~SP~

[SatisTraction]

mine is under $30,000. i bought a restored 69 at a good price and then sold the built 383 and other parts off of it. i then bought a wrecked 99 camaro and kept the engine and brakes. i parted out the 99 on ebay and other websites.

i did all the fab work myself and now have a killer car.

i could have came in under $25,000 but i spent some $$$$ building up the engine and some other nice parts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/eng21-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/eng11-1.jpg

[texasdvldog]

mine will definetly not be anywhere in the 6 digit realm. Although I REFUSE to add up my reciepts!! :rolleyes: More than likely it will be in the low 30's by the time it's all said and done. This is where I am at the moment, doing the AAW rewire of the whole car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMG_0245-2.jpg

[Jarcaines]

Wow! This gives me a lot of hope! These are some beautiful projects!

[sik68]

Here's my heap that I'm in the middle of building up:

Bought the car for $5500...including that I'm around $17k:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMG_3460-1.jpg

My buildup is in my signature!

[GBodyGMachine]

I know this is a terrible pic, but you get the idea. I am in the process of paint right now and I dont think I'll break the $25,000 mark. But it is a ton of labor on my part. Custom frame, suspension, interior, engine, ect. You can save alot of money if you do the labor yourself, and re use old parts.
JEff
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/2z9hb8j-1.jpg

[TonyL]

I have less than 5 grand in my car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Nessumsar]

I think yours takes the cake Tony. Man I love that stripe!

I have around $6000 in mine, bought the car off a friend for $2000 less than it cost to build the engine! Since then misc part to get it running, Hotchkis suspension, and wheels and tires.

Sorry, I don't have any recent photos of the car. Will have to get some this weekend.

[Jarcaines]

Well, I don't have my car here in Kansas City yet. It has been stored at my parents house in Washington State since I left for college in 1997, they are bringing it out next month.

The car originally cost me $4,000 in 1996.
It was built for bracket racing, it has a 350 making about 425 HP. I am planning on keeping the engine, even though it is a bit dated in tech. (Pete Jackson Geardrive?!), a Turbo 350 tanny, which I would love to swap out for a T-56, but that probably isn't going to happen anytime soon. Right now the front is nice and low, but that back sits pretty high.

My plans are to update the suspension with the Hotchkins TVS kit or something comparable (David Pozzi gave me all sorts of awesome advice). Update the 4 wheel death brakes with late model brakes, solid body mounts, tie the subframs together, and put some Torq Thurst M's (with the gunmetal centers) on there with the widest rubber I can fit under the stock frame.

The current exahust is straight pipes with glass packs on it that dump right before the rear axel. As soon as I can I will be replacing that setup with either a Flowmaster system or one from Pypes. Unless I can find a good deal on a MegnaFlow set up.

The body is in okay shape, it's a Vinal top car so it has some rust issues around the seams, and one of the quarterpanels has some rust around the well and I need a new front drivers side fender. Tony's Corvair (one of my favorite cars on here) convinced me to get the car in primer black after the body work is done and run it that way for a while until I can afford to pull the vinal top and clean up whatever mess is under there and get it painted the way I have always wanted it. Silver with gun metal strips.

Eventually I would like to yank the stock AC unit out of the car and replace it with a vintage air unit and clean up the firewall some.

The interior was in pretty good shape, but moldy from sitting, hopefully that will clean up okay. One of the front seats has a tear in the vinal, and the headliner is a mess, so I need to replace those for sure.

Other then that, there are just a few small detail things I would want to work on, but it's pretty complete and I think I can do most of the work myself. I don't really know anything about body work, but I have some friends who want to help, and I don't really have any fabrication work to do.

I just hope I can do all this affordably, I have an 80 year old house that we are always working on and a baby coming in November, so it's not like I have a ton of money to throw into this, but I am very excited to get going on it! I will post pics when I get it next month.

[Jarcaines]

I have less than 5 grand in my car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

To me, this car sums up what "pro-touring" is all about! Love it!

[TonyL]

Nah. It needs better brakes and more suspension goodies still. Im just running kevlar brake shoes in drums still! (it will out stop most cars with disks though.)

[jackfrost]

I am doing a complete frame-off on my 442, building a new small block Olds 403 (shooting for about 450hp) and putting in a TKO600. Frame notch, minitub, lots of sheet metal repair, and paint. I'm doing everything I can myself. I've had the car for a long time, so that cost isn't in my budget and I already have about $2500 in suspension, but I figure I will spend about $15k on the rebuild, not including new wheels and tires.

I hope my wife doesn't see this thread. :eek:

[Jarcaines]

Nah. It needs better brakes and more suspension goodies still. Im just running kevlar brake shoes in drums still! (it will out stop most cars with disks though.)

exactly. Gotta love the weight of the Corvair....

I ment more in a great looking car that runs well, handles well, gets driven, and is always in the process of improvement, sorta way. :twothumbs

I just love the idea of a car that you can love AND work on at the same time.

[Jarcaines]

I hope my wife doesn't see this thread. :eek:

hahaha!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I never took a picture of it finished, i dont know why i didnt, but its done now. Heres the most recent pic i have up. I added up all the reciepts and its still pretty far below $17k (car cost too). Thats with a well built 408, 4 speed, dana 60, 4 wheel disc brakes, all new interior, new gauges, etc... nothing just "thrown back on"
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/berforeandafter-1.jpg

[gearheads78]

When I do the motor and paint I will be over a little but mine is all home built and will be in your range. You can see my build tread link below.

[ITLBTU]

I have less than 5 grand in my car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Ok, I want to believe you, but your wheels and tires look like they might be half of that 5 grand...

[WILWAXU]

I'm planning to keep the Nova under $30K. Although... I did just get started ;)

[69LT1Nova]

$10K Nova build here. That includes $3k purchase price - something a lot of people fail to add in. LT1, 4L60E, Hotchkis TVS, SSBC brakes, Speed Tech, etc etc. :cheers:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMG_1012-1.jpg

[Norm Peterson]

If I added everything up, including the purchase price, two sets of wheels, all the tires, multiple engine builds (one EFI), and two (new) aftermarket transmissions . . . there's still less than $20k in it since 1979. Except for things like engine machining work, windshield replacement, and a couple of repairs required when on the road, it's all DIY. Suspension is lightly modified, paint is original scheme.

Front 7/8 view HERE (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25159&d=1217937994)

Norm

[ITLBTU]

I think I'm in mine around 20k but It's complicated... I originally bought it 24yrs ago for 1900, spent 1000 on paint, 23 yrs ago... maybe 2500 on interior and engine mods 23yrs ago… sold it for $4000, a year later bought it back from the girl for $2000 with a blown engine. That was done after a fight with her boyfriend. She told me she forgot to shift it out of first and was going almost 90 when it let go. Her loss, my gain. It sat in my garage for a few years until I moved up to NASCAR LMS from street stock and then dropped the old street stock engine in it. I think I had around $2000 in that engine. I again had to sell it because of my racing… mom and dad were tired of me borrowing their pick-up to haul the race car. I traded it in at the local Chevy dealership towards a new Chevy pick-up. I got $4500 for it then. (1991) I tried to buy it back over the years but the owner wouldn’t sell it to me. He was saving it for his grandson’s HS graduation. After the grandson got it I met up with him, and he gladly showed the car to me, and let me start it up. It still sounded good. I think it had less than 500 miles on it since I sold it, and it was stored inside all those years (12 yrs). I bought it back for $8000 because the grandson didn’t like it. He wanted a 66 Chevelle. Since then I put some Brodix heads left over from my racing days on it($1000), I think the front suspension package was around $6000, and the G-bar was $2000? I’m getting old so I might be off on some of the numbers. My sig has the pic of what it looked like 23yrs ago...

[Boyd]

Wow, ITLBTU! Sold and bought back twice? That's cool!

I'm at about $8k on my car. It's not a 1st Gen, and that helps alot.

I've put it together over the last 2 years using some nice aftermarket pieces (control arms, leaf springs, engine pieces) and some oem upgrades (12" 1LE disc upgrade, 11" rear drum upgrade, stiffer springs).

It's not a world-beater, just a nice, solid performer. Good luck with your project.

[XLexusTech]

J.R. Hello and Thanks for the post. I often feel in the minority here and on other sites. I am on a SUB 30k Bidget myself. That is 25K with 20% allotment for overages.
I believe you can build one hell of a car for that. (I am building a 67 Camaro). I believe that have a plan and a budget and sticking to the both is the key. Granted this type of budget eliminates the possability of a 10 of 20K paint job. I am more then OK with that. It also will not provide for having the latest of hottest products. It will however allow me to build a car capiable of holding its own agianst some of the 60k rides here. Good luck to you and all on their builds

[barno68]

I will have a little under $30k when my '71 is complete. It has been such a long project that I have changed my mind and reworked many of the completed upgrades. My guess is that I could have saved at least 25% in the total cost had I had a better idea what I wanted and did not try to piece meal it over time.

[JEFFTATE]

I got about $18,000 in my car now.
It's nowhere near finished.
I need to restore the body/paint.
But , maybe I can keep it under 30k.
I'm all for under 30k !

[Paul_J]

My goal is the Under $5000 category with the $750 purchase price. I'm making use of a lot of salvage yard parts and doing everything myself from chassis to upholstery. Even building my own EFI. It will probably look like I did it myself but I don't mind.

[gearheads78]

The term "Joe Touring" is getting thrown around for these type of cars. ScotI came up with it on Lateral-G I think he is a member here too under the same name. Don't get me wrong I love the mega dollar pro built cars but a well owner built car in his own shop or garage and a working mans paycheck is it in my book.

[69LT1Nova]

Well then, here's to Joe-Touring! :cheers:

[brownz]

MAN this sucks, I have just hit over 30K with the purchase of 2K back in 1999, I guess i can say that iam in the 30k clue for now LOL but i hope to stay under 40K so i could be in the 30's :lmao: but who knows, they all look like great cars that you guys have and for the money very nice. this is the last pic that i have of the car right now but have done some more work to since. 2002 Ls1-t56 with a few goodies, moser 12 bolts, forgeline wheels, hotckis kit and qa1 fronts,c6 Z06 brake front and rear and so on, but you know its just money!!!!!!!!! YA RIGHT:eek:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/DSC00128-1.jpg


And this is the next project i have about 1700 in it right now and hope to stay under 5K and have a nice driver no pro-touring for now. just a car to drive around until the camaro is done, yes it runs and drives LOL
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/100_0308-1.jpg

[blown9746]

I am looking at trying to do exactly this. For those of you that have completed a build under $30k, what do you think the key to keeping costs down? Unfortunately, most of the cars I like are the more $$ ones (ie mopars, mustang fastbacks, and first gen camaros), but I figured the best course of action is to find one with the cleanest body I can and go from there.

[Jarcaines]

Well then, here's to Joe-Touring! :cheers:

I can raise one to that!:cheers:

[XLexusTech]

I am looking at trying to do exactly this. For those of you that have completed a build under $30k, what do you think the key to keeping costs down? .

I have built quite a few cars. The #1 thing is to set a goal and a buget then stick to it. Sounds simple and it is. Plan everything up front and move things around on the list until the break even point is hit. What normall happens is you find thier are things that you thought you had to have cause they are so "sick" that you really didnt need when you realise how much they cost and what you have to sacarafice to get it. If after that you still have to have then then get it!
Dont suscribe to all the Hype. If you do you will go over buget. Dont look @ the Pro cars that are in one way of the other just marketing tools.

[sik68]

For those of you that have completed a build under $30k, what do you think the key to keeping costs down?


Buy the parts you really want, even if it takes 2x or 3x as long to afford them. If you cop out on the stuff that really matters to you, you will always have a sour taste in your mouth about it. Buying the stuff you really care about will make you love your car so much more. This hobby is for carving corners, not cutting them!

[project hotrod]

Under 10k club checking in although the $250.00 dollar price of a solid base car helped out HUGE.

[69LT1Nova]

I am looking at trying to do exactly this. For those of you that have completed a build under $30k, what do you think the key to keeping costs down? Unfortunately, most of the cars I like are the more $$ ones (ie mopars, mustang fastbacks, and first gen camaros), but I figured the best course of action is to find one with the cleanest body I can and go from there.

Buy a clean car to begin with that has all it's original parts - not a basket case. Do all the work yourself. Teach yourself how to weld (or take college welding classes like I did). Do your own engine build, or beter yet, find one in a running wrecked car for cheap and snag the transmission/wiring/accessories while you're there. Do your own body and paint work - that will save you HUGE $$.

Most of all, take your time and do it right. When you get into a rush is when mistakes happen, or you end up spending more money than you need to. Research a lot for the best products at the lowest price.

Be penny wise but not pound foolish. Used parts and second hand parts are a good thing, but abused parts can make you tear your hair out.

[Brand X]

I have less than 5 grand in my car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

One of my favorite cars on the site!

On my Nova I'm aiming for not over $10k. Hotchkis TVS, Wilwood, forgeline wheels. Just have to finish the interior. When I bought it, the previous owner just spent his money on the paint which looks great.

[minendrews68]

Buy a clean car to begin with that has all it's original parts - not a basket case. Do all the work yourself. Teach yourself how to weld (or take college welding classes like I did). Do your own engine build, or beter yet, find one in a running wrecked car for cheap and snag the transmission/wiring/accessories while you're there. Do your own body and paint work - that will save you HUGE $$.

Most of all, take your time and do it right. When you get into a rush is when mistakes happen, or you end up spending more money than you need to. Research a lot for the best products at the lowest price.

Be penny wise but not pound foolish. Used parts and second hand parts are a good thing, but abused parts can make you tear your hair out.


Well put! but let's not forget PATIENCE!! of which it will take a lot of....

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

WELL into the 6 digit #s..

but id like to tell you guys, good job on your endeavors!

[dhutton]

I should come in under $30k. 69 Firebird T/A clone with stock LS1/4L60E, Art Morrison subframe, G-Bar, Rick's tank, C5/LS1 brakes, Vintage Air. Did all the body work myself - rear quarters, rockers, roof, door skin, outer wheel housings, floors etc. I also plan to paint it myself. The trick to staying under $30k is to avoid bling and do as much work yourself as you possibly can. Don't spend $5k on wheels and tires before the car is completed. This is the approach I have taken. I'm sure it won't compare to a $60k car but I just don't have that kind of money to spend.

Spend time researching on this site and others. You can save a lot learning from the experience of others. Ask questions before you buy instead of after.

Don

[CRead01]

Buy the parts you really want, even if it takes 2x or 3x as long to afford them. If you cop out on the stuff that really matters to you, you will always have a sour taste in your mouth about it. Buying the stuff you really care about will make you love your car so much more. This hobby is for carving corners, not cutting them!

x2

I wasted so much money buying things to fill in til i got what I wanted. that was my biggest mistake by far.

[CRead01]

I know this is a terrible pic, but you get the idea. I am in the process of paint right now and I dont think I'll break the $25,000 mark. But it is a ton of labor on my part. Custom frame, suspension, interior, engine, ect. You can save alot of money if you do the labor yourself, and re use old parts.
JEff
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/2z9hb8j-1.jpg



I have always liked these cars. I have had a couple of them. cool project. What wheels are these on this car?


Cool thread by the way

[SHANE 73Z]

My car hasnt been a project yet. I bought it as a driver in 1997. I have built it the way I figured it would serve me best vs my driving skills vs budget. But it has never missed a summer of driving.

I have worked the past years 6-7 to get to the point of using it for driving schools etc. & Im finally getting close. Mechanically it is just about finished except for getting the brakes & new engine dialed in. Im sure as my skills progress upgrades will be required but I think its enough to make happy for a while longer.

In the near future I hope to be able to tear it apart for the bodywork. I hope at that point to still be under the 25 mark.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.putfile.com/pic/6268778)

Shane

[XLexusTech]

I should come in under $30k. 69 Firebird T/A clone with stock LS1/4L60E, Art Morrison subframe, G-Bar, Rick's tank, C5/LS1 brakes, Vintage Air. Did all the body work myself - rear quarters, rockers, roof, door skin, outer wheel housings, floors etc. I also plan to paint it myself. The trick to staying under $30k is to avoid bling and do as much work yourself as you possibly can. Don't spend $5k on wheels and tires before the car is completed. This is the approach I have taken. I'm sure it won't compare to a $60k car but I just don't have that kind of money to spend.

Spend time researching on this site and others. You can save a lot learning from the experience of others. Ask questions before you buy instead of after.

Don


Don I sl on the same path as you. The one thing that I disagree with is "I am sure it wont compare" Yes it will you have all the right parts to compete with t he Higher dollar cars here

I am guessing paint and Body they will kill us but performace wise.. Think were in the ballpark :cheers:

[Tyler Beauregard]

I'm currently in the under $20K club with Chicane-LM.
Here it is at this exact minute, haven't washed it in a week of hard driving:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/124c5mg-1.jpg

Mods:

AFX tall spindles
Global West Del-a-lum bushings
Bilstien shocks
CAT5 rear springs
Modified spring buckets/coil springs
DSE frame connectors
Alcon brakes
T56 six speed
4 point cage
PT.com gas cap
Custom front air dam with CF splitter/tow hook
CF rear adjustable spoiler
Autometer gauges
Sparco seats

I can't stop driving the car long enough to mod it more.

Total is just under $19K.

Tyler

[XLexusTech]

I'm currently in the under $20K club with Chicane-LM.
Here it is at this exact minute, haven't washed it in a week of hard driving:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/124c5mg-1.jpg

Mods:

AFX tall spindles
Global West Del-a-lum bushings
Bilstien shocks
CAT5 rear springs
Modified spring buckets/coil springs
DSE frame connectors
Alcon brakes
T56 six speed
4 point cage
PT.com gas cap
Custom front air dam with CF splitter/tow hook
CF rear adjustable spoiler
Autometer gauges
Sparco seats

I can't stop driving the car long enough to mod it more.

Total is just under $19K.

Tyler


Hey Tyler can you elaborate on "Modified Spring Buckets/Coil springs" Does that mean Landrums and 500 lb coils? Or somthing else?

[Tucks69]

Love the Car!!!

[Jarcaines]

I'm currently in the under $20K club with Chicane-LM.
Here it is at this exact minute, haven't washed it in a week of hard driving:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/124c5mg-1.jpg

Mods:

AFX tall spindles
Global West Del-a-lum bushings
Bilstien shocks
CAT5 rear springs
Modified spring buckets/coil springs
DSE frame connectors
Alcon brakes
T56 six speed
4 point cage
PT.com gas cap
Custom front air dam with CF splitter/tow hook
CF rear adjustable spoiler
Autometer gauges
Sparco seats

I can't stop driving the car long enough to mod it more.

Total is just under $19K.

Tyler

Although you know my thoughts on the air damn, this car still makes me happy. Another one that convinced me the primer black look was something I wanted to do for a while. It amazes me what you put in this car parts wise and it's still under 20, nice work!

[NOPANTS-68]

I'm up to 28K on my rig. All done by myself and friends. Another $500 and I'll be done..............again. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Tony_SS]

Coming in under $20k - includes bodywork, paint and everything.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[MrQuick]

Looks great guys, Tyler...happy you decided to keep the rims. Love the new paint no-pants....we built this for under $9k. Fun build too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/6667_44852242-1.jpg

[NOT A TA]

Built at home under 15 grand.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/09/IMG_0198-1.jpg

[Vegas69]

Screw you guys:wedgie: The guys that posted half completed projects, good luck!

[69rs]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/CopyofIMG_0577-1.jpg?t=1220073318

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/IMG_0546-1.jpg?t=1220073414

I'm well under 30, but still have a lot to do.

[class67]

The term "Joe Touring" is getting thrown around for these type of cars. ScotI came up with it on Lateral-G I think he is a member here too under the same name. Don't get me wrong I love the mega dollar pro built cars but a well owner built car in his own shop or garage and a working mans paycheck is it in my book.


Amen to that...lol

[Martin71RS]

If I would have build my car in the US it would have been around the 30k$ mark.......

(but I have to deal with loads of taxes and many thousands of shipping costs)

Specially with ebay and junkyards (which we don't have) I think it is do-able.
I got some great deals on parts from this site too so always keep an eye on the trades section.

Martin
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/antwerpen02-1.jpg

[bigvegan]

Notata - That's the best 2nd gen I've ever seen, hands down, at any price.

Nice work!

[slck6t9]

I have right at 27K in mine over an 8 year period. So much more I would like to do but just can't pull the money plug.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/11/259111989-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=11989)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/2591115680-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=115680)

[shep]

I am hoping my chevelle comes in under 20K. Including the purchase price $2600 and the original build cost $2500 in 91. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44158 I have a buddy that I have helped with several cars that is going to do paint and body for the cost materials so that will help. I made a list of the parts I wanted and the cost added it all up and then changed what I can't afford. I watch the for sale threads, Craig's list, and ebay regularly and buy what I can when I can.

[gordonquixote]

I'm under $13K. I built it from a rolling body that was painted the week I bought it. LS3 396 SS engine, 4-speed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Bow Tie 67]

I'm right around 30k, bought a project car with many new parts ( which saved roughly 10k on new parts ) and have done all the work myself. Sold off used parts, waited for GP's or sales and fabricated many to save money. So far the car is all I could have hoped for and then some. I'm sure it will go over but I'll the car I always wanted. Right now all thats left of the original car is the uni-body structure.

[SatisTraction]

joe touring < $30,000
pro touring $,30,000-$100,000
SHOW TOURING > $100,000 (i do like to look at them :) )

that is mostly what i see. I would even bet that over 75% of the track driven cars come in at under $50,000. A few folks beat on the $100,000 cars but very few.

[TPI Monte SS]

Put me into the "JoeTouring" or "BudgetTouring" category as well. I think I'm under $15K with my '88 Monte SS. The paint's not perfect; it was done at least 10 years ago (still looks good though), and the interior is very nice. Here's a recent shot of mine -

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/88SS_08_07_08-1.jpg

I don't have the best of everything in the car, but it's got a lot of good stuff pilfered from other GM cars (mostly 3rd-gen F-bodies) and we did everything in my driveway, from the engine swap to the suspension install. The engine is a ZZ4-cammed 355 fed by a modified Tuned Port FI system. It's got a serpentine belt system off the donor F-body as well. The trans is a rebuilt World Class 5-speed, and the rear is the original 10-bolt with 3.73s, a Powertrax, and T/A Performance girdle. It's got Eibachs and Bilsteins all around, with 12" brakes up front and drums still out back. Someday I'll go all out, but we have a mortgage, 2 young kids, and need to build an addition so my daughter can have her own room. As long as I can keep it on the road and wail on it when I need to, I'm a happy camper. And my son loves it!!

[Paul_J]

That is one good looking Monte SS! Well done and there is nothing wrong with scrounging parts!

[Patrick]

I am pretty sure that I have $30k in just mistakes, F-Ups, and re-do's....

[Brand X]

Looks great guys, Tyler...happy you decided to keep the rims. Love the new paint no-pants....we built this for under $9k. Fun build too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/6667_44852242-1.jpg

Lovin' your Nova. Got anymore pics of it? What kind of front lip spoiler is that? It looks great as well, goes with the car alot.

Oh lookie what I found!

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/details?adId=90403052

[Restomod]

I am still under $30k in my Mustang and I think it will stull come in under it when done. I have done everthing but build the short block! That includes body/paint.
Joe Touring my A** My car is Pro Touring and nothing else....adding anouther catagory just confuses the issue.

[kmcanally]

I am a member in good standing...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/02/0701phr_18_z1968_ford_mustang1-1.jpg

[Nessumsar]

That is a sweet shot kmcanally. Good to see a lot of low-buck rides.

[wmhjr]

I will be under $30k. Probably not by that much, but I will be. 462ci stroker (close to 600hp), TKO600, Moser Truetrac rear end, upgraded suspension (SPC, Currectrac), powdercoated frame, brake conversion, body off. Doing almost all the work except the body myself. '66 GTO conv clone.

[GBodyGMachine]

I have always liked these cars. I have had a couple of them. cool project. What wheels are these on this car?


Cool thread by the way

BSA Wheels. They are for a BMW. Big money saver there. I think I paid $600 shipped.

[wblanton]

I didnt think you could do much for under 50 but under 30 wow, I have definitely been proven wrong.. great looking rides..

[neki67]

If I would have build my car in the US it would have been around the 30k$ mark.......

(but I have to deal with loads of taxes and many thousands of shipping costs)

Specially with ebay and junkyards (which we don't have) I think it is do-able.
I got some great deals on parts from this site too so always keep an eye on the trades section.

Martin


Amen Martin!

[Jim Nilsen]

When I started mine I was looking at around 17k and as time progressed I surpassed that mark and gave into more new parts than used. As more time went by I had to deal with new tech leaving some ideas to the wayside. Now I am somewhere around the 27k area and with a couple of k more to go to finish the way I want to I should be around the 30k. It has taken a very long time just to come up with the extra $$$ to do the car but after many years as many of you know I am at the last leg of the $$$ and now it is just accepting what the 30k will give me.

There are a few items that just plain cost a lot less than expected and a few that I could have gone with something much cheaper. The biggest case in point is the Racepac gage setup. It will cost 2k more than the average autometer setup but when you start to compare what I will have to other high dollar cars that utilized the current new tech I will be right there. I learned to wait until I reached the point that I really was going to install the parts which let me stay more current and other things that don't matter I bought as soon as I had it in my overall plan and bought the materials and parts. Fasteners are a good place to point to when looking to save $$$. You can patiently wait until you find a good buy and then buy them, the $$$$ you can save can be significant if you are going with stainless. Fittings and lines are another big cost and while some ideas change the fittings that will be used can still work with new plans.

I have done every bit of labor myself and have to say that it has cost me more time and a few mistakes but they were less money than paying someone. Even with the price of tools it is still less expensive.

Someday I can spend 20k or more on an engine that will put me in the high hp bracket but that extra hp will not really make as much an impact on handling and the value of the car to most people. I do know that spending the extra 20k will put the car in a different category of wow impact to some.

I will also say that if you think you can build an extremely nice car for less it will show in the era of parts used and current tech will not be as prevelant which can really affect the overall value if you intend to sell but as far as the fun factor and bystander appretiation it will be a mixed emotional bag of lovers and haters but it is your car and what you can afford.

I like the comments about this and find it put's right in line with a lot of very talented and frugal people who have some very awesome cars compared to those that would cost over 3 times the amount to have built and in some cases it might go over 6 figures.

To anyone who does a car for a lot less, my first thought is how much you already had for parts and never included the real cost or how lucky you are to get parts soooo much cheaper than anyone normally can !

[blown9746]

This post does give me hope that it can be done. I'm searching for a car now. Unfortunately, I will be learning as I go since I have never really worked on a car before. I'm going to try to find something with good body and paint then go from there. I eventually would like to go the route of ls motor / t56, but that is down the road aways.

[Bishop73]

So far I'm well under $30k and plan to keep it that way. The only things she really needs are paint and hopefully only a small amount of body work. I will also replace the wheels at some point.

[Z06killinSBF]

I haven't added receipts (don't have most) but I am well below $30k. Car was garage built by me and my dad about 6yrs ago. We did everything including paint and body. I've gone through 3 interiors, 2 sets of wheels, multiple trannys, and still want to do more.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Jim Nilsen]

I haven't added receipts (don't have most) but I am well below $30k. Car was garage built by me and my dad about 6yrs ago. We did everything including paint and body. I've gone through 3 interiors, 2 sets of wheels, multiple trannys, and still want to do more.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Looking at the pics your car is awesome for what you have into it.

I do have to say that I think you must be on the right track because if you aren't you could be in danger of a train wreck :drive2:

[Norm Peterson]

There's a '66 in my garage that can only dream of ever looking that good.


Yeah, I'm kind of :fingersx: hoping that the shine on those rails was photoshopped in.



Norm

[tracar91]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/2711244529_f556a4392f-1.jpg

I bought mine in 2003 and I don't think there is a bolt on the car I haven't wrenched on. I haven't run it on the track since the LS1 swap (finished this spring), but other than the time it was down for that, I do 4-5 track days a year with it.

[Magntik]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm a little confused.

Is it not so good to be included in this group from a stand point of " I got $50,000+ in mine", less isn't more?

Reading this thread the other day I thought cool, let's see some of these cars, I still squeeze into this group.
Then I read about the whole "joe-touring" class, and the first thing that comes to mind is the movie Joe Dirt. And all the sudden I am thinking this isn't such a good thing anymore. Almost like some just told you, sorry you're just not good/spent enough to be pro-touring.

Don't get me wrong I love seeing all the high dollor builds that the shops on this site kick out. Fesler, Prodigy, watching Bad Penny be built/rebuilt, just to name a few. More than anything it shows a guy what can be done and gives a you ideas to incorperate in to your own build.
When I started my Firebird years ago, I did it because I loved muscle cars and had to have one. I did everything I could by myself or asked a ton of questions.
I have bought parts only to find out later that there was better/cooler/more $$ parts out there. And rebought the same parts. More then 3/4 the way thru I found this site and my direction changed again. I dumped a nice set a wheels to go biggger and wider (to my wifes dismay), same with almost new replacement suspension parts I dumped after finding this site and DSE/Hothckis. And the list goes on.
But, my main goal/object hasn't changed and won't...that is to enjoy my car. Drive it like it's indestructible, and fix what breaks. I saw the Air Ride guys and DSE beating the p*ss out of the Velocity Camaro, both DSE test cars and the GoodGuys giveway Nova at the Kansas City show's Autocross this weekend, and it just went to reinforce that driving things is what it's all about.

I'm proud of the scratches in my paint, the rock chips, discolored engine paint, bugs on my windshield.

For now I am in this 30K club.
And enjoying every minute of it.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25160&d=1217941889

[TPI Monte SS]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm a little confused.

Is it not so good to be included in this group from a stand point of " I got $50,000+ in mine", less isn't more?

Reading this thread the other day I thought cool, let's see some of these cars, I still squeeze into this group.
Then I read about the whole "joe-touring" class, and the first thing that comes to mind is the movie Joe Dirt. And all the sudden I am thinking this isn't such a good thing anymore. Almost like some just told you, sorry you're just not good/spent enough to be pro-touring.

I wouldn't take it as "Joe Dirt", but more like "Average Joe" meaning that it's something a regular guy with a real-world budget could build, drive, and enjoy the hell out of. I've been a teacher for 10 years, and my salary isn't that great, but it's certainly enough to get by. I don't sink all of my $$ into the car; I get parts as gifts for Father's Day, and I save my $$ from working side gigs as a trumpet player to feed the car habit. My regular income goes to the mortgage and family.

Sure, "JoeTouring" (or "BudgetTouring" as I like to call it) may be a compromise to some, but if you don't make over $100K a year, you shouldn't be spending $100K to build/finance a Pro-Touring car (JMO of course, by why sink yourself into major debt!!??). In the end, what does it matter?? I still enjoy my car every time I back it out of the garage and go cruising around with my two little ones. For the roads I drive and the places I go with it, this car is more than capable, and certainly better than it was when it was new 20 years ago. I'm at least an hour away from any track (drag strip or road course), and don't have a trailer or tow vehicle, so if I break it, I'm screwed. Besides, hanging with new BMWs through the corners in my 20 year old car on the streets of Jersey really makes me happy. :)

[XLexusTech]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm a little confused.

Is it not so good to be included in this group from a stand point of " I got $50,000+ in mine", less isn't more?

Reading this thread the other day I thought cool, let's see some of these cars, I still squeeze into this group.
Then I read about the whole "joe-touring" class, and the first thing that comes to mind is the movie Joe Dirt. And all the sudden I am thinking this isn't such a good thing anymore. Almost like some just told you, sorry you're just not good/spent enough to be pro-touring.



Mag I think your out 180. What this post is about for me is not exclusion but inclusion. I dont think anyone whould say ohhh your over budget your out. One of the things that I take away from this thread is that with some sweat equity you can build one hell of a ride.

For me its also validation that I don't need to spend an xtra boatload of $$ on the latest "widget" to build a highly capable car.

[MrQuick]

Hey Joe Dirt had some badasss Hemi's!

Its not what you spend its where and how you spend it. If you can do the work yourself its a big plus.

[Magntik]

Mag I think your out 180. What this post is about for me is not exclusion but inclusion. I dont think anyone whould say ohhh your over budget your out. One of the things that I take away from this thread is that with some sweat equity you can build one hell of a ride.

For me its also validation that I don't need to spend an xtra boatload of $$ on the latest "widget" to build a highly capable car.
I hope I'm not 180 out. I was stoked about this thread. I find it hard sometimes to "estimate" what it would cost to do certain things, especially when someone has different skills or equipment there for them, then I do. It seems like you read about this smoking deal or that one that someone got which makes the cost different for them.
Seems like a ton a postitive responses and posts, and a few that either took offense to "joe-touring" or were knocking it a little. Could of been the way I read in to it, but got me thinking.
I enjoy not really having to worry about the chance of rain, or any other little thing that might happen when you drive them. And the roads around my town usually suck, especially in the spring after the snows gone. So just being able to strap my sons in and cruise is great.

Like I said, full fledge member of the under 30k club.

[protour_chevelle]

I'm on the tip of 30k, only because the car is new each and every year.

I've had 4 different exhaust setups on the car, 2 different suspension setups. 2 brake set ups, 3 rear ends. 2 engines/tranny combos, and misc stuff. Don't regret any of it! I too also do all of the work myself. Fab'd and welded the turbo kit myself in my garage in cooold Alberta winters!!

Single turbo on a bone stock 6.0l. 520rwhp 615ftlbs

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/000_0295-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/000_0292-1.jpg

[Restomod]

I wouldn't take it as "Joe Dirt",

Nothing against anyone here BUT...
I do and I dont like the whole "I have more than $100k in mine so mine is "Pro Touring" and yours is not because you dont have over $30k in it" elitism it implies............
DONT get me wrong about my car or my abilities I am not nor will I ever build a car to the level that others here make their living building. But my car is no less Pro Touring...........................

[Tony_SS]

I'm on the tip of 30k, only because the car is new each and every year.

I've had 4 different exhaust setups on the car, 2 different suspension setups. 2 brake set ups, 3 rear ends. 2 engines/tranny combos, and misc stuff. Don't regret any of it! I too also do all of the work myself. Fab'd and welded the turbo kit myself in my garage in cooold Alberta winters!!

Single turbo on a bone stock 6.0l. 520rwhp 615ftlbs



Hindsight mods don't count right? ;) Those always cost the most. Awesome Chevelle. I really like that setup.

[protour_chevelle]

Hindsight mods don't count right? ;) Those always cost the most. Awesome Chevelle. I really like that setup.

hahah true that! Thanks on the comment. The car has a ton that many people don't catch. I'm running the coleman fabricated spindles, impala hubs, aluminum 4 pots, spring adjusters, spc uppers, etc etc in the front. The rear is all heim joints, edelbrock uppers, panhard bar, varishocks, fully built 12 bolt, yadda yadda.:bananna2:

-matt

[CRCRFT78]

$4800 in my Malibu. I believe the parts and work on it are worth at least 10K or more but I don't count what I don't pay for. Hoping to be under 20-25K when finished.

I do like the high dollar cars but I would rather have a low budget runner I can beat on or take to the track. Why spend all of that money on something your just going to look at in your garage or trailer everywhere. Thats why they have carshows. Save your 100K and walk around a carshow if thats all you want to do is look at cars. For those of you with high dollar cars you play with:worship: . Thats what its about.

[kovert]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????

[Z06killinSBF]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????I am:fart:

[TPI Monte SS]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????

I am. My wife bought the car for my 30th B-day for $2600 as a roller, then I sold the 16" Centerlines that came with the car for $500 and the 12-bolt rear that was in it for $800, so the car basically cost me $1300. I have about $3000 tied up into the 355 along with the fuel injection and all brackets, then $1K in the T5 conversion, and spent another $700 on springs/shocks and other suspension items. The wheel/tire package cost me about $1200, and my exhaust was $300. Wait, I think I'm actually under $10K for my build! :seizure:

[gearheads78]

I will be under $30k. Probably not by that much, but I will be. 462ci stroker (close to 600hp), TKO600, Moser Truetrac rear end, upgraded suspension (SPC, Currectrac), powdercoated frame, brake conversion, body off. Doing almost all the work except the body myself. '66 GTO conv clone.

Sounds like you are building my Pontiac twin.

[gearheads78]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????

I am thats why I will be over in the final completion. I got tired of looking at junk for 6 months looking for a car to start with. I wanted a 5000-8000 solid project. Everything I could find even up to the 11 to 12K at the time were polished turds. I found this one and jumped on it even thought it was way over what I wanted to spend.

I plan on 3 phases so it does not hurt the wallet so bad. Stage one is current stage chassis suspension and mechanicals with the stock motor. Stage 2 nasty 455. Stage 3 is going to be a perfection restoration on the body.

[NOT A TA]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????

I am, the ad read "1970 Firebird for parts $190.00 call Lillian XXX-XXXX" I still have the ad and someday I'm going to go find her house and show it to her if she's still alive.

[Magntik]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????

Me too. $850 hunk of junk, locked up engine.

[NOT A TA]

Me too. $850 hunk of junk, locked up engine.

Mine wasn't a hunk of junk just a complete original car that was in her backyard under a tree for 17 years! Filled the cylinders with Marvel Mystery Oil, waited a week, turned over by hand, installed new battery, then started it up! With the old gas!

[Jarcaines]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????

I don't plan on getting close enough to 30k for it to matter if I include the car or not, but I would say... you should include the car... maybe.

[tom_a]

Wow, Some nice cars under 30K tag. Sadly I am not going to make it with mine with buying and changing mind on parts but this is a good thread and a wake up call for the next build.

NOPANTS-68, You did an awesome job as well as others. Love the look and color!


I'm up to 28K on my rig. All done by myself and friends. Another $500 and I'll be done..............again. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[NOT A TA]

Reading through the posts about Pro-Touring, Joe touring and the costs it occured to me that I might have misrepresented my car as a PT car by posting in this thread.

I went back and read J.R.'s first post. He asked for projects 30 grand or under. He didn't specify whether it was a PT, G machine, street fighter or whatever. My car's more of a G machine and doesn't have a modern engine or amenities like cupholders or air. Heck I took the air system out to save weight and sell on Ebay to get cash for other things! Those modern engine builds builds,power adders, and little things like air cond. add up quick!

When I wanted a more powerfull engine I bought a GTO Judge clone project that had a known well built engine but had experienced an interior fire. Parted out the car for 1000.00 profit and got engine/trans, elec fuel pump/filters etc free. The 1000.00 profit went toward road race pan, oil pump,Mity mounts, Flowkooler pump, fuel system pieces, and other stuff needed/wanted to install the engine. Since I got my original money back on the GTO I call the engine and all that stuff free since it just took my labor.

Most of the money I spent out of pocket went toward chassis, suspension, and wheels/tires. Also like others I ask for car stuff for birthdays/ X-mas whatever. People can get you anything from a 10.00gift cert. and up. Most people don't know what to get grown men for gifts so it works out perfect.

[codycr6]

Mine definetly fits, though it is more updated "old school hotrod" than anything. 308 small block, Tremec, Aerospace front brakes, narrowed 8.8 out of an Explorer with factory 3.73's and 31 spline traction lock and disks. Updated shound system and interior, adjustable rear shocks, a set of Wheel Vintiques Magnums. Original purchase price of the car was $75.... have about $16,000 in it now. Did Power Tour last year, and even with the nasty carbed small block and 3.73's, it got 18-21mpg on the highway.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/1b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/4b-1.jpg

Driven in high school like this:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/17b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/DSCF00111-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/october1520052b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/december1620058b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/weddingamatuer260c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/DSCF0013-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/december1820055-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/december1820051-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/weddingamatuer34b-1.jpg





https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/powertour3026-1.jpg

[MrQuick]

Nice job Cody,

great looking car.

[SatisTraction]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????

i did

[derekf]

I'll be well under 30k when I'm done.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was given the car, close to twenty years ago. Even if I was to include the 5500 buy price that was discussed when my father gave me the car, I'd likely still be under 30k.

[Bishop73]

I included the price of the car in my post. Depending on how bad the body really is I should be well under 30k. So I guess mine is a Joe Touring car.

[Norm Peterson]

are you guys including the cost of the car itself in the 30k budget????Yup. Bought it new (to order).


Norm

[GBodyGMachine]

I bought my car for $800. HUGE dent in the budget. G-Bodies are cheap. I would do it different if I could start over, you can put $20,000 into one of these cars and have one hell of a machine.
Jeff

[jackfrost]

one thing you can do to save money is don't buy a part until you're ready to install it. many times guys will start by building a big pile of parts, and then end up changing direction, and you lose a lot of cash that way.

also, seems like almost everyone here is doing all the work themselves. I'm learning how to weld, do body work and paint, and assemble an engine. I'm probably saving myself at least $10k by doing it myself.

[SHANE 73Z]

Nothing against anyone here BUT...
I do and I dont like the whole "I have more than $100k in mine so mine is "Pro Touring" and yours is not because you dont have over $30k in it" elitism it implies............
DONT get me wrong about my car or my abilities I am not nor will I ever build a car to the level that others here make their living building. But my car is no less Pro Touring...........................

I dont think anyone here is accusing the high dollar guys of any sort of elitism or vice versa because of a modest budget.

I think this thread came about because we all know a high dollar ride will get exposure. I think this was started to show that cars that may not have an unlimited budget can be cool just the same and be deserving of some recognition.

I have recently had people tell me not to do bodywork & paint on my car, because it would ruin the "feel" of the car.

Shane

[ITLBTU]

Does my Z06 count? I got it for under $30k!:lmao:

[Jarcaines]

Yikes...

If any elitism is implied, it's not what I intended in this thread at all. I hope those who have spend a lot of money on their cars can also appriciate the work people have put into their under 30 cars. The same way we all appriciate drooling over the 100k rides on this site. We are all in this together, the great thing is that we can all have a love for pro-touring cars despite our budgets.

After seeing and hearing about all these great projects I for one, am encouraged that I won't have to break the bank to come away with a car I would be perfectly happy with.

[Restomod]

I have NOTHING against the high $ cars or the guys who build them!!!
I do have a distaste of the name "Joe Touring" or any other name than Pro Touring. That name to me says/shows an elitisim I dont dig......
We are ALL Pro Touring or NOT all Pro Touring.

[Restomod]

Does my Z06 count? I got it for under $30k!:lmao:

I hope so I got mine REAL cheap!

[Bow Tie 67]

Not to bash the phrase but how in the heck did PRO-touring come about anyway. To me touring means nice drive in the country. This is the site I try and visit everyday, I consider many members friends, but honestly I prefer the G-machine moniker. I don't want my car to perfect, I have had one of those and did not enjoy it anywhere near as much as I enjoy the one I'm building now. From the start I told myself, " I will drive it every summer ". Therefore no 5 year build pretending I'm in the 69 when in reality I'm in my Maxima. Been there, done that with the 67 build.
It was not until about a week after my first high speed track event, with the 69, that I realized I had driven the ever living crap out of a car I had 30k in, Oh well. I had more fun in that one day than I had in 10 years of driven ownership of the 67. My first trip to RTTH2 set this all in motion for myself, thus the name of my project, Chain Reaction. I enjoy all types of motorsports and consider myself a car-nut. If planned out building a " pro-touring " car for under 30k is absolutely possible. Or whatever you would like to call it, but I will say pro-touring.com is my favorite website. Thanks Larry and everyone else, I can't wait till RTTH4.

[Rhino]

Not to bash the phrase but how in the heck did PRO-touring come about anyway.

My guess would be a derivation of Pro-Street. It's focused on Drag racing and straight line performance. For the most part they're uncomfortable to drive for extended periods. Pro-touring is more focused on the touring aspects of driving. Suspension design, steering, braking, ect. Performance with comfort.

There really wasn't a term for it at the time so they started with something everyone was familiar with.

[SHANE 73Z]

I have NOTHING against the high $ cars or the guys who build them!!!
I do have a distaste of the name "Joe Touring" or any other name than Pro Touring. That name to me says/shows an elitisim I dont dig......
We are ALL Pro Touring or NOT all Pro Touring.

Duhhhhhhhhhh, I didnt even think about it from that point of view:geek:

[protour_chevelle]

My car was free, well... atleast dollar wise. My grandpa bought the car brand new, and when he passed away it was left to me via his wil. It will ALWAYS be with me.

[Damn True]

Not to bash the phrase but how in the heck did PRO-touring come about anyway. To me touring means nice drive in the country.

Gran Turismo (no, not the game) + Pro-Street.

[ron79]

pro-touring was coined by jeff smith when he was the head of chevy hi performance mag

[indyjps]

my 69 1st gen will be under 30K only because I bought the car in 1992. Ive been buying parts slowly over the last few years just grabbing deals as they come along. If youre in a hurry it will cost you more.

[DarkBuddha]

I'm sub $20k right now with my Mustang, but the car ain't done yet. However that does include $5k in paint and body, $2k for the cost of the car with the motor that's in it, $2k in the suspension & wheels. It probably needs another $10k to be where I'd like it and that will still keep me under the $30k mark.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


And I'm under $5k with the XR4TI including the cost of the car, and might only spend another $2k-$3k to get it where I want it. (The white car...)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[gearheads78]

I'm sub $20k right now with my Mustang, but the car ain't done yet. However that does include $5k in paint and body, $2k for the cost of the car with the motor that's in it, $2k in the suspension & wheels. It probably needs another $10k to be where I'd like it and that will still keep me under the $30k mark.


Slick 70 Mustang. I love the 69, 70 body style on those cars.

[OLDFLM]

$10K in it's restomod state...
$1000 original purchase price (1985) (first car)
$2000 NAPA engine rebuild (1989)
$ 500 trans rebuild (1989)
$2000 paint/body (1990)
$1000 interior (2002)
$1000 suspension/rear (1990)
$ 500 Rally II wheels and tires (2004)
$1000 ported #13 heads/cam swap (2006)

Another $10K in it's current PT transformation
$3500 wheels/tires
$3000 brakes/new lines
$3000 paint/body

Should look like rendering by mid-month... (c:]

V/R,
Ty

[SVTforme]

I'll be well under 30k for my Torino build. It is nice when you can start with a complete and running southern car for $1200.

The key is to buy used and broken parts where applicable ($250 T56 with a 3-4 syncro gone for example).

Labor is the usually the killer.. if I had to add the hours that have and will put into it.. I'd be way over 30 :).

If I added up all the money made from selling the original parts off the cars and the money from parting out the wrecked modern donor cars used on the project.. I would be well under 10k/car.

[blown9746]

I know some people have posted them. But for the others how about some photos and list of mods to show off those rides!

[gearheads78]

I know some people have posted them. But for the others how about some photos and list of mods to show off those rides!
Mine is still under construction. Link to build is in my signature.

[derekf]

Mine is also under construction still.

Details:
LS6/T56
AFX spindles/SPC UCAs/Speedway springs and adjusters
C5 front brakes, LT1 Camaro rear brakes
4.11/Truetrac
Cooling, AC, and electrics are stock 2000 Camaro.

[Brand X]

I never took a picture of it finished, i dont know why i didnt, but its done now. Heres the most recent pic i have up. I added up all the reciepts and its still pretty far below $17k (car cost too). Thats with a well built 408, 4 speed, dana 60, 4 wheel disc brakes, all new interior, new gauges, etc... nothing just "thrown back on"
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/berforeandafter-1.jpg

Hey man please post more pictures of your car, really would love to see more pics!!!! :kewlpics:

[Jarcaines]

Okay, my dad is currently putting the Transmission back in my 68 Camaro, so that it will be in one piece when he brings it down at the end of this month. He took some pictures of the progress, so here is what I am starting with:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/2839100133_8710f130cd-1.jpg?v=0
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/2839926416_5835e05677-1.jpg?v=0
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/2839090637_4067dc605b-1.jpg?v=0
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/2839096279_10f1276969-1.jpg?v=0
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/2839930154_961a46a57f-1.jpg?v=0

So, yeah, it needs some work... But I am hoping not to much.

[EricButler]

Here are two cars that are right under 30k.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.slide.com/s/0FK_jpFnoT9-NvIVEX135cqQ-rbyrRxe?referrer=hlnk)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.slide.com/s/Tk1DPspQ6z-VjRqUD1jqsrDsiBSI54VU?referrer=hlnk)

[Rhino]

Here are two cars that are right under 30k.


Eric, Did you have the red Mustang at Belton a few months ago? That car looks really familiar.

[EricButler]

Eric, Did you have the red Mustang at Belton a few months ago? That car looks really familiar.

Yep sure did. Actually the Blue Stang was also sitting right beside mine.

[PleaseNoSteve]

Not even close.......

My next project will be though.

[Rhino]

Yep sure did. Actually the Blue Stang was also sitting right beside mine.

I must not have been paying that close of attention. I'm typically a Chevy guy, but the red one caught my eye. It looks very clean in person. Congrats! :cheers:

[Drewhelm]

With a ton of my own labor this is well under the 30K mark...

[EricButler]

I must not have been paying that close of attention. I'm typically a Chevy guy, but the red one caught my eye. It looks very clean in person. Congrats! :cheers:

Thanks. Most of my ideas came from the Super chevy mags back in the late 90's. I saw a lot of Pro-Touring Camaros in those magazines and knew that was the direction that I wanted to go with my car.

[WS6]

With a ton of my own labor this is well under the 30K mark...

Gorgeous. Do you have a build site or photos?

[woody80z28]

"Joe-Touring" I like it. haha

I'm still under $15000 right now, but I'll be right about there when the paint & wheels are done.

Bought the car completely functional for $2800 basically bone stock except for a ~300hp 350. Now I'm at a good streetable 400hp hooked to a 6spd, new fuel & ignition systems, stiff chassis and suspension, bigger 4-wheel disc, the tires actually bite and the interior is done with new leather seats, 6spd console and new gauges, the electrical has all been redone and there's not much more to do mechanically. My last run was 106 in the 1/4 and I might hit it with nitrous for an 11.5 slip.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/11/tn_full_IMG_1309_copy-1.jpg

[TA219]

I should be in under 30k when all is said and done. It is currently in primer but should be done by the summer :naughty:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/11/DSC00619-1.jpg?t=1226099334

[rlplive]

I'm on the tip of 30k, only because the car is new each and every year.

I've had 4 different exhaust setups on the car, 2 different suspension setups. 2 brake set ups, 3 rear ends. 2 engines/tranny combos, and misc stuff. Don't regret any of it! I too also do all of the work myself. Fab'd and welded the turbo kit myself in my garage in cooold Alberta winters!!

Single turbo on a bone stock 6.0l. 520rwhp 615ftlbs

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/000_0295-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/000_0292-1.jpg
Wheels look sick on your ride.

[protour_chevelle]

Wheels look sick on your ride.
Thank you sir!!

[rlplive]

No problem, and the rest of the car is sick as well. What did you have to do to get them to fit?

by the way here is my car, or this is what I am starting with. I will be trying to go all business low dollar all at the same time.

[cheapthrillz]

No problem, and the rest of the car is sick as well. What did you have to do to get them to fit?

by the way here is my car, or this is what I am starting with. I will be trying to go all business low dollar all at the same time.

I like the purple and silver.... they go well together. I hope you keep the color!

[rlplive]

Well, the paint and body are not in good shape, but I cannot afford a paint job or bodywork so I will be keeping it for quite a while hahaha. I was never a big fan of the color, but it has grown on me. I have had this car for about 13 years now. The first thing I am going to do is put some new black nascar style steelies on it. It will look a lot better then.
Ryan

[cheapthrillz]

Well, the paint and body are not in good shape, but I cannot afford a paint job or bodywork so I will be keeping it for quite a while hahaha. I was never a big fan of the color, but it has grown on me. I have had this car for about 13 years now. The first thing I am going to do is put some new black nascar style steelies on it. It will look a lot better then.
Ryan

Well when you do repaint it, go a little bit deeper purple to where it almost looks black.... that would be sick.... looks like a good starting point for a project though!

[protour_chevelle]

No problem, and the rest of the car is sick as well. What did you have to do to get them to fit?

by the way here is my car, or this is what I am starting with. I will be trying to go all business low dollar all at the same time.


Sounds like you have a plan and a decent base to work with! I'm in the same boat. For quality body work and paint,... I just simply cannot afford it.

I had wheel adapters machined localled for them to fit. 2.0" in the front and 1.9" in the rear. Very popular with the f-body guys. They do the same with the ZR1 wheels.

[rlplive]

Sounds like you have a plan and a decent base to work with! I'm in the same boat. For quality body work and paint,... I just simply cannot afford it.

I had wheel adapters machined localled for them to fit. 2.0" in the front and 1.9" in the rear. Very popular with the f-body guys. They do the same with the ZR1 wheels.

Yeah I was like most and looked at all the huge builds on this sight and thought that's what I wanted. Then I realized it would be 2056 before I could ever come up with all that money. Now I have decided to upgrade the car as I go and utilize some por 15 and primer. In the meantime I am going to learn to get handy with a grinder and a welder. So basically I am on the street fighter side of things now. I will keep you guys updated as I add parts and do work to my car
Ryan

[rlplive]

Well when you do repaint it, go a little bit deeper purple to where it almost looks black.... that would be sick.... looks like a good starting point for a project though!

Thanks a lot. I have got really discouraged in the past thinking it was junk. I am in a new mindset this time though and am ready to move forward...slowly.

[cheapthrillz]

Yeah I was like most and looked at all the huge builds on this sight and thought that's what I wanted. Then I realized it would be 2056 before I could ever come up with all that money. Now I have decided to upgrade the car as I go and utilize some por 15 and primer. In the meantime I am going to learn to get handy with a grinder and a welder. So basically I am on the street fighter side of things now. I will keep you guys updated as I add parts and do work to my car
Ryan

Streetfighter is the way to go when you are on a budget.... I'm a minimalist anyway, so it just "fits" for me. Do what you can, when you can afford it. Rock the purple for as long as the car will allow, keep it from rusting, and drive the piss out of it.....

[rlplive]

Streetfighter is the way to go when you are on a budget.... I'm a minimalist anyway, so it just "fits" for me. Do what you can, when you can afford it. Rock the purple for as long as the car will allow, keep it from rusting, and drive the piss out of it.....
Hell yeah man, I can promise you that. She will have a nice little mixture of purple and black primer. :machine:

[rlplive]

I'm up to 28K on my rig. All done by myself and friends. Another $500 and I'll be done..............again. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Badass ride

[Lenie]

Car cost $6500
Paint supplies, wheels and tires, interior materials $5500.
All labor done within the family at no cost.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[gearheads78]

Car cost $6500
Paint supplies, wheels and rims, interior materials $5500.
All labor done within the family at no cost.



Turned out great. I love the wheels.

[The Stickman]

I think mine will come in at well under 10K. I paid $1500 for the car and $400 for the engine, $600 for the full exhuast, maybe add another $1000-$1500 for other parts and that's a max of $4000. Here is a present pic.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/100_0745-1.jpg
here is what I want it to be.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/bmp-1.jpg

[The Stickman]

Not to bash the phrase but how in the heck did PRO-touring come about anyway. To me touring means nice drive in the country. This is the site I try and visit everyday, I consider many members friends, but honestly I prefer the G-machine moniker. I don't want my car to perfect, I have had one of those and did not enjoy it anywhere near as much as I enjoy the one I'm building now. From the start I told myself, " I will drive it every summer ". Therefore no 5 year build pretending I'm in the 69 when in reality I'm in my Maxima. Been there, done that with the 67 build.
It was not until about a week after my first high speed track event, with the 69, that I realized I had driven the ever living crap out of a car I had 30k in, Oh well. I had more fun in that one day than I had in 10 years of driven ownership of the 67. My first trip to RTTH2 set this all in motion for myself, thus the name of my project, Chain Reaction. I enjoy all types of motorsports and consider myself a car-nut. If planned out building a " pro-touring " car for under 30k is absolutely possible. Or whatever you would like to call it, but I will say pro-touring.com is my favorite website. Thanks Larry and everyone else, I can't wait till RTTH4.


Yes but if you look there have been racing classes using "touring" in them. In the SCCA there is Improved touring. there have been Touring car racing in Europe for some time. It was tried over here but never caught on. Here is a pic of Chrysler's factory car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/98dtgp15-1.jpg

[rlplive]

I think mine will come in at well under 10K. I paid $1500 for the car and $400 for the engine, $600 for the full exhuast, maybe add another $1000-$1500 for other parts and that's a max of $4000. Here is a present pic.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/100_0745-1.jpg
here is what I want it to be.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/bmp-1.jpg
saw your post in the project updates, looking good!

[pimtina]

Great thread! Here is my entry into the Under $30K club. It is my '66 Ford Cortina. I paid $2600 for it 4 years ago, drove it with the stock 1500cc 4 banger with an automatic 'til last spring. Now it's in my shop getting a 5.0HO,T5 and an 8inch installed. I hope to have it back on the road this spring!https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k154/pimtina/Img_0145.jpg

[pimtina]

Oops! Sorry about the red X, computers and I don't get along very well sometimes:enguard:I'll try it again soon!

[pimtina]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/Img_0147-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/Img_0145-1.jpg

[Dream68]

Oh yea deff. in the Under thirty! I have a few parts yet to buy and should end up in the under 20k club.

[rlplive]

Nice ride, what kind of wheels are those again?

[syborg tt]

Tell us more - this thing is cool


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/Img_0147-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/Img_0145-1.jpg

[Dream68]

Nice ride, what kind of wheels are those again?
Thanks, TSW snetertons You looking for some wheels for yours??

[pimtina]

Tell us more - this thing is cool
It's an English Ford. Not rare, but a car you don't see everyday.
They are smaller and lighter than a Falcon. When mine is done it should weigh about 2450lbs wet with me onboard. Fitting the V-8 is no easy task, no off the shelf swap kit, so everything must be fabbed. Motor is set back as far as practable to maintain the famous Cortina handleing. It's a fun project and should be a blast to drive when done!

[bagged66gto]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/10/003_4-1.jpg

I've got about $15,500 as it sits now. but you know there is always more to be done

[Andrew McBride]

I have 12K in my car right now. I will for sure be in under 30K, but I have done 100% of the work. The interior will be the only thing I will send out.

The wheels and tires will take a good chunk of change, and the TKO!

[rlplive]

Thanks, TSW snetertons You looking for some wheels for yours??
Yeah but I am going with some black steelies for now. I am low on fundage.

[v8ian]

This site needs more Cortinas, Hi Pimtina,

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/WheelsDay2006046-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/HD411-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/Picture004-1.jpg
-



Deffo got less than $30k, Basically a RangeRover Engine with internal bits from a European Touring Car, [sort of European version of Nascar], Toyota Supra 5 speed, and a mid 80s Toyota Celica LSD axle, Runs mid 12s, with 1.5 60fts on street tires, no gas, as it turns up at the strip, and drives home again, Gets 33/34mpg on a run @70mph if im nice to it, and tops out around 150,

-

[fishtail8]

This might freak some of you out, but it's not a F-body or a G-body!! I'm still a bit under 30, but not much. By the time all the bodywork gets done, it'll break 30. However, it's been built so I should never have to upgrade anything besides a bigger engine.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/IMG_0698-1.jpg

There's a thread on it around here somewhere...

[pimtina]

This site needs more Cortinas, Hi Pimtina,

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/WheelsDay2006046-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/HD411-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/Picture004-1.jpg
-



Deffo got less than $30k, Basically a RangeRover Engine with internal bits from a European Touring Car, [sort of European version of Nascar], Toyota Supra 5 speed, and a mid 80s Toyota Celica LSD axle, Runs mid 12s, with 1.5 60fts on street tires, no gas, as it turns up at the strip, and drives home again, Gets 33/34mpg on a run @70mph if im nice to it, and tops out around 150,

-Hi V8Ian, I think there are enough Cortinas on here,one of each of the "good" marks!
Progess on mine is moving along slow but sure. Look for an update on www.oldskoolford.co.uk (http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk) soon!

[motorheadmike]

It is the budget rides that get my interest time and again. It is great that there was stupid amounts of disposable income injected into the economy that ran the value of muscle cars (the common man's toy) to astronomical levels making the hobby unattainable to the enthusiast. But that is a story for another day...

Waaaay under $30K Canadian... but still not Pro-Touring or any other label for that matter:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

It was created with the labour of family and real friends.

[cantvalve16]

I dig that GN. What a sinister look.

[motorheadmike]

I've been censored again! :1st:


I dig that GN. What a sinister look.

Thanks. It is actually a Turbo T. :)

[Throttle]

I bought my car for $250 and since then have put this into it..

I have
$1400 in metal and body work
$9500 in the motor/trans
$3200 in wheels and tires
$2500 in rearend
$1800 in brakes
$3400 in suspension
$400 in interior



I really dont want to think how much I have into it, I know it is under 25K so far.. Im hoping it stays under 35,000..It helps that I do this for a living and I can do most of it myself..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/11/2994779274_d4aa2afef1_b-1.jpg

The Build so far.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26414016@N00/sets/72157603998601359/

[dropit69]

im under 20k by far ..paid 10k for it and have about 3,500 in upgrades to put on it..still not yet on... heres pic with just new wheels..suspension is next if you didn't notice..lol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/11029169442-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=169442)

[rockytopper]

I should end up in the under the 20k club.

Thus far I am around 13k.
includes the original car price and the following upgrades

2002 ls1 4l60e trans
4 wheel disc brakes
custom dash with autometer gauges
Still have paint, interior & suspension upgrades to go.

Maybe I'll just call it a protouring rat rod and be done with it.

Hauls balls and gets 22+ mph

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/pta-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/ptb-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/ptd-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/ptc-1.jpg

[77thor]

Don't have pic's yet... car is in winter storage.
1969 Camaro SS350. Still quite a bit under $30K.
But more work to do.

[pimtina]

Rockytopper-I'm lovin' the Olds! One of my favorite cars. Nice custom metal work too!

[critter]

The Cortina's are cool. Any fan of British touring car racing recognized that car right away.

[rockytopper]

Rockytopper-I'm lovin' the Olds! One of my favorite cars. Nice custom metal work too!

Thanks. I really dig that cortina too. I can't say I have ever seen or heard of one but I sure like the lines and look. You are really putting down some great performance & fuel mileage #'s. Very impressive indead. All I can say is wow & congrats.

[v8ian]

Thanks. I really dig that cortina too. I can't say I have ever seen or heard of one but I sure like the lines and look. You are really putting down some great performance & fuel mileage #'s. Very impressive indead. All I can say is wow & congrats.



Your Olds is a bit of an unknown to me as wel, I dont think I have ever seen one, But the lines are right, Its going to be a tough lookin car, LS1 powered as well I know you can get some good performance out of them too, a friend runs a Procharged LS1 in a European Ford Granada, Runs 9.9s on treads @148, On the flying mile I think he has run 192mph, If he could get it to launch I would think a high 8 might be possible

Just found this old vid, Its now running 9.3 on treads with a fresh engine and a stroker kit,
http://media.putfile.com/stevieturbo-1004--148mph-Santa-Pod-Oct-06

[Throttle]

This might freak some of you out, but it's not a F-body or a G-body!! I'm still a bit under 30, but not much. By the time all the bodywork gets done, it'll break 30. However, it's been built so I should never have to upgrade anything besides a bigger engine.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/09/IMG_0698-1.jpg

There's a thread on it around here somewhere...

Very Cool!!! I just finished up a 51 Deluxe for a customer that wouldnt let me do anything updated for the car other then the Vintage Air and Stereo.. 215ci and Early Powerglide was weaksauce.. I wanted to put a 10 bolt and a FatMan front end under it with a 350 atleast.. :(

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/September192006003-1.jpg

[jeff s]

If you don't count our time these 2 cars were built in our home garage for less than 30k.
http://www.schwartzperformance.com/projects.aspx?projectid=19
http://www.schwartzperformance.com/projects.aspx?projectid=22

[Chevythunder1981]

1981 Camaro...Bought for $1,000 16yrs ago...got about $12,000 in it...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/3117739717_23e31fe622-1.jpg?v=0

Would like to make it a $30,000+ car one day but have other priorities right now.

[Nate K]

This is where I belong. I have been calling what I am doing rat-touring almost all of my car is junk yard parts or homemade. It is a 71 dart with a full tube chassis C4 front suspension and 3-link rear. I am running a fuel injected BB mopar, t56 and 9in rear with moser axles and a truetrac. I am not finished but I am under 10k including buying the car, tig and mig welders, plasma torch and air compresser. I should be able to finish the car for2k more but am planning on it being more like 5k. To me it isnt how much you spend but what you made from nothing. Here is my build thread.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=23986

[The Stickman]

1981 Camaro...Bought for $1,000 16yrs ago...got about $12,000 in it...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/3117739717_23e31fe622-1.jpg?v=0

Would like to make it a $30,000+ car one day but have other priorities right now.


I love those Camaro's with the IROC airdamn. It looks great.

[protour73]

VERY NICE Darrin......more pics please!!


im under 20k by far ..paid 10k for it and have about 3,500 in upgrades to put on it..still not yet on... heres pic with just new wheels..suspension is next if you didn't notice..lol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/11029169442-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=169442)

[CamaroJesse]

Heres my project. Im around 24 grand but i still have to buy all new mouldings, tail lights, wheels, rear disc brake conversion, interior, and finish swapping the lt1 in. So who knows where ill be at that point.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2467714230087088899voysoi)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2210151340087088899qltndC)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2892895430087088899OJtPWa)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2033084340087088899SaQobD)

[dropit69]

laways liked your car Jesse ..glad you decided to finish it instead of selling..

[GBodyGMachine]

Heres my project. Im around 24 grand but i still have to buy all new mouldings, tail lights, wheels, rear disc brake conversion, interior, and finish swapping the lt1 in. So who knows where ill be at that point.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2033084340087088899SaQobD)

Are you kidding, run those wheels :hammer:

[dropit69]

VERY NICE Darrin......more pics please!!
Thanks not as bad ass as yours though ..there are a few more pics on my fquick..after the holidays im off for 16 days gonna get a-arms and rear springs on then i hope..get it sitting better

[olde_skoole]

less than $15k invested..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[CamaroJesse]

laways liked your car Jesse ..glad you decided to finish it instead of selling..

Yeah Im gonna keep it. Ive always wanted one so it would be stupid to sell it. I bought an LT1 for really cheap im throwing in it since the big block is shot.

[rlplive]

Yeah Im gonna keep it. Ive always wanted one so it would be stupid to sell it. I bought an LT1 for really cheap im throwing in it since the big block is shot.
glad you kept it, i love the direction it's headed in

[CamaroJesse]

glad you kept it, i love the direction it's headed in

Yeah it should be pretty cool. Im still trying to find good priced 18 inch wheels for it though. What a pain.

[Damn True]

less than $15k invested..






The trailer?

[rlplive]

Yeah it should be pretty cool. Im still trying to find good priced 18 inch wheels for it though. What a pain.
I know man, I have decided to run 15" cheapies until I can afford the forgelines that I want. Probably be when pigs fly.

[gearheads78]

This is where I belong. I have been calling what I am doing rat-touring almost all of my car is junk yard parts or homemade. It is a 71 dart with a full tube chassis C4 front suspension and 3-link rear. I am running a fuel injected BB mopar, t56 and 9in rear with moser axles and a truetrac. I am not finished but I am under 10k including buying the car, tig and mig welders, plasma torch and air compresser. I should be able to finish the car for2k more but am planning on it being more like 5k. To me it isnt how much you spend but what you made from nothing. Here is my build thread.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=23986

Went and looked at your built. Very cool home built car you are doing. :)

[65BBODY]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL]
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img72/015zh8.jpg/1/)[/IMG]

65' impala, LT1, 4L60E, etc.
looking to get rid of the wheels that are on there now and get something really nice, full airride when i find some money or sell some useless body parts. :smoke:

[Nate K]

Went and looked at your built. Very cool home built car you are doing. :)

Thanks it has been a big learning process. I give HUGE props to the shops building the high dollar cars. You dont realize how much skill, time and patience go into those cars untill you try to build one and mine is nowhere near their level.

[hotrodgary]

I have under 30k in my 62 Chevy II, helps that I did all the work, paint interior myself!

Theres pics in my signature below!

Actually I had less than that in my 66 Chevelle too...

my dad didnt even have that much in his 29 hiboy when he got it done... theres pics of all of them below...

-Gary

[ProTouring442]

I'll probably be around the mark... if I can keep the credit card in my wallet!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[erik]

I have about 12,500 in my car as it sits now. I still need wheels n tires,suspension mods, stereo for now to get me through the power tour and the rest of the summer. That should put me around 18,000. Im looking to build a hotter 455 and a 5-speed trans next winter. I paid 500 for a solid car with every thing intact but it didnt run. I got a 455 and a lot of parts for 500 then did a stock rebuild with cam, intake, headers. I got 01 camaro brakes from the bone yard and made my own brackets for a total of 300. New interior parts about 1200. I used the 700r4 i had built for my trans am that cost 700. I stripped the paint and did the disassembly on the body myself then sent it to the body shop for new quarters and paint work for about 6500. Other than having my bumpers rechromed and stainless polished thats ahttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifbout it for the big purchases for now.

[Wrecked Em]

This Opel GT will be my next project. I am hoping to keep the total below $25k.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The plan is a fuel injected 462 Big Block Buick, TKO600 trans, and Jaguar IRS. Also planning on 13" brakes in the front and a vented rotor upgrade on the IRS to slow it down.

I have $2k in the car so far but that includes the wheels and tires off this car...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Jarcaines]

Haven't seen any new $30kers in a while, so this is just a bump.

[-The Stig-]

Well... I'm $6200 into my '71RS. Helps to buy a clean roller with all the fancy suspension stuff, nice wheels/tires, big brakes and beefy rear end in need of a new home.

I figure another $6000 for a roughly mildly modded LS1/T56 build. (Target is around 500hp, not too hard with an LS as you guys know.)
Maybe another $2000 in body work and interior stuff.
And probably another $2000 in paint?
Rough figures, but that's well under 20k.

Realistically I wouldn't be surprised if it went over 20k with all the little things that add up... all those trips to the parts store for this...and that...

[Bryce]

right under 30

[Part Time]

The trailer?


Wow! can't believe that one went untouched.

[BADNBLK]

Wow! can't believe that one went untouched.

I almost spit out my drink when I read that :firefire:

[poormans69]

That was good. Very good.


The trailer.


Whooooooo!




Ahhhh.

[Finch]

Not in the under 30 club but not too far out of it. Sitting at $31,809.


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=30596&stc=1&d=1244164534

[XLexusTech]

I love this thread

[CRead01]

Not in the under 30 club but not too far out of it. Sitting at $31,809.


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=30596&stc=1&d=1244164534


that's sick!!!!!!!!!!

[hechtrod]

Agreed! I like this Stangs style. The cool red stripe, black wheels and paint color. Smooth lookin'!

[gearheads78]

Afraid to add the receipts so I am probably a little over but should be close. Updated pics tonight in my build thread.

[slck6t9]

Mr Finch, that is one BAD ASS Mustang!!!

[Ron L]

Wow! can't believe that one went untouched.I had to triple-look to get the joke.

I'm probably at 10K and it sure looks like it. Since I lost my job I'll be lucky to have a $10,050 car. All I have are the materials to finish the bodywork.
http://images42.fotki.com/v1311/photos/4/43509/229607/DSCF5951-vi.jpg

[silverz28]

I'm in around $12 now, still need suspension, wheels, tires and a few odds and ends.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/All_business_by_mncamaro-1.jpg

[The Stickman]

that's sick!!!!!!!!!!


Took the words right outa my mouth.

[The Stickman]

I'm in around $12 now, still need suspension, wheels, tires and a few odds and ends.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/All_business_by_mncamaro-1.jpg


I think with the right suspension and wheels it will set that car off.

[fantasygoat]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

'69 Torino GT with a 351W and a 4-speed toploader with a Hurst shifter.

I'm under $30K but there is still a lot of detail work to go. So far the only real performance improvements are 2" lowering springs, Edelbrock shocks and an aluminum rad with electric fan. I have subframe connectors and some lowering to do still, plus installing the headers and new dual exhaust.

The wheels are 17" Aluminum Cragar S/Ses, which are actually lighter than the 14" steel originals.

[Finch]

Took the words right outa my mouth.


For those coming to MSC you will get to see this car getting the snot beat out of it. I have no mercy for mechanical things....

[Jagarang]

Evil and mean!!! Awesome!



not in the under 30 club but not too far out of it. Sitting at $31,809.


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=30596&stc=1&d=1244164534

[dadto2jays]

I am right at 20k that includes my labor all new parts and the purchase of the truck...

[FroopieLoopies]

Here is my 69. I bought it for a great price under 30k. I have put about 4k into it with new gaskets, hoses, plugs, bushings, tranny, wheels, and ac. There are a few more things I would like to do such as interior dash, new suspension, and replacing many fluid lines. Beside that it looks good, drives good, defiantly a show stopper where ever I go. I was parked adjacent to a Benz and a Bentley and when I came out of the restaurant I saw a small gathering of people around some car. Was it the Benz??? No... Was it the Bentley??? No... OK Joe what was it??? You guessed correctly--the crowd surrounded my little ol' sub 30K Le Manns Blue with white suspenders 69 Camaro! It just doesn’t get any better than that!! All hail the sub 30K Pro-tourers for definitely God has reserved a special place in heaven for us all!! lol

[79-TA]

So does this thread imply there are 30k+ cars??? JK, I'd spend that much in a heartbeat if I had it.

Anyway, so here's one for the less than half of 30k files.

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

- photo taken by Steven Rupp

[autoxcuda]

How about the under $10K club. I think a good deal less as some of the stuff I'm thinking is actual maintenance since I've put about 50K miles on it since 1993!

We should post build of material sheet with dollar amounts.


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[rebelgtp]

My plan for the Cutlass should bring me in right about $5000 for the completed car but I'm doing everything myself and scrounging quite a bit. It also helps that the car itself cost me nothing.

[autoxcuda]

My plan for the Cutlass should bring me in right about $5000 for the completed car but I'm doing everything myself and scrounging quite a bit. It also helps that the car itself cost me nothing.

I think nowdays that would be a great low budget car. Key is to shop in all the circle track supply places. Stay away from the Pro-Bling stuff. Don't get caught up in the motor.

They use that G-body chassis and stub in a lot of Hobby Stock, IMCA modified and Late Model racecars. Focus on the asphalt parts. You could almost take all the right/passenger side parts and mirror them over the left/drivers side.

[Pagani]

Some great cars in this tread
I think the therm schould be real world pro touring
And it shows that still can do cool stuf whit a car even if don't have a huge budget to spent on a car.

[wellis77]

This is a cool thread. I don't expect I'll be under $30k, but I definitely want to be less than $35k. Either way, it's gonna be fun, it's goona be sweet, and I'm gonna learn a lot!

[Ishmael]

Two things I have learned: Start with the best condition possible - it costs twice as much to restore than it does to have it done. I have considered selling both my cars to find ones that are already restored. Second, and maybe I missed it but, how many people actually add up all the little things that are needed to make the big things work? Its huge.

[autoxcuda]

Two things I have learned: Start with the best condition possible - it costs twice as much to restore than it does to have it done. I have considered selling both my cars to find ones that are already restored. Second, and maybe I missed it but, how many people actually add up all the little things that are needed to make the big things work? Its huge.

Excellent advice.

Right now there are some nicely painted and done cars for around $20K that people have $30K+ into. Sometime a lot more. Those cars aren't probably built for handling. But they have the paint, strong motor, trans, interior done on them. You add a Hotchkis TVS system for $3000, good front seats $1000, rims tires $1000-$3000 (per your taste), incidentals... You're in for under $30K. :twothumbs

IHMO it's a good option for someone not extremely mechanically inclined to built a car from a shell or doesn't have the time/room/facilities to take on a huge project like that. Or for someone that doesn't want to spend $50K building only to sell 5 years later for $30K.

My Barracuda was an original So Cal no rust 340 car I bought as a full running and driving. But I knew in advance it had parts that I would need for my budget buildup: swaybar tabbed LCA's ($125 set used), HD leafs, 8 3/4 sure grip rear ($500), dual exhausts, HD trans ($100 core), good running 68 340 motor w/special manifolds & heads ($1200).

Those are fair market used part prices that I would need to buy if I had bought some six cylinder project car. Just the total of just those parts is more than I paid for my car in 1993!

Now on the exterior it looks exactly like it does now in 1993 when I bought it. It's got few dents, tweaked front end... So there is money that is needed to get it there on the looks department.

[shortrack]

The trailer?

nice........

[79-TA]

Second, and maybe I missed it but, how many people actually add up all the little things that are needed to make the big things work? Its huge.

Yes it is, and always wonder that about most "budget" things in magazines, thought they're usually pretty thorough. My number includes overestimates of some of my earlier undocumented purchases plus maintenance items like fluids and filters. Furthermore, the cost of items that are no longer in the car, but not recovered are included as well (like a second engine that I ran for a couple of years.) It does not include the cost of any tools . . . though that number would be negligible anyway as I mostly just borrow my uncle's.

[68400BIRD]

Nice to see a thread which fits my real world. I love looking at all of the builds on here and know that a lot of it is out of my reach. OK most of it.LOL
I had a car 99% complete and was more than happy with it but I lost it in a fire. I was waiting to get it out of storage before I had it appraised with all of the new bolt ons and new paint. OH WELL!
Time to move on. I bought a 68 firebird in the dead of winter. I was told that it was in a shop with good lighting. I headed out the next day with the temps in the negative numbers and a flash light just in case. Well the shop and good lighting turned out to be the back of a pole shed with a 60 watt bulb. And flashlights don't last long in negative temps. The car did not look to bad but I missed a lot of things. There were no keys so I could not open up the trunk, passenger door did not work and the hood was not on the car. Ended up each little thing was hiding something. I didn't want to pass on the car as he was getting phone calls on it as I was there.
I had a little money from what they gave me for my last car. So I started buying a complete suspension and updated brakes. I then bought all of the sheetmetal to fix the car. I have close to $10,000 in it right now. And it is still pretty rough. I know it will be a under $30,000 car but thats because I am doing almost everything myself. The hardest part is just finding time to work on it. I work two jobs to help pay all of the bills and I have twins that are three years old. So, when everyone is going to sleep I am going out to the garage.:sleeping:

I have a project thread started under 68400bird.

[PT Sportwagon]

Well so far I have about 2K in the wagon. hope to build it for a little as possible. But time will tell.

Tim

[Stg1Regal]

Purchase price on my 82 Regal, $700......
trans..200R4 brf code, 8.5 3.42 Gn Rear, Factory sway bars front and rear, quick ratio powersteering box, Interior ( when i get to it), doghouse , taillights, front and rear bumper fillers, Cyberdyne Digital dash,3 row Radiator with eletric fan, and rims and tires, all from my now defunct 86 Grand National. (free.....!!)

$300 for a 71 Buick Lesabre, with a low milage Buick 455 in it, sold the car for $200 for a demolimtion derby car. parts for swaping in engine and trans,( motormounts and pads , dualhump crossmember) $400.

Headers used $200,Edelbrock Intake manifold used $150, g80 posi unit $100.

Tach and gauges...... Sunpros....$80.

Most of the work , done by a friend, my 16 yr old son, and I. nothing farmed out cept for the poly install.
Standard maintance upgrades.... brakes and suspension (poly) $500 + or -.

A pair of Global west Billet tie rod sleeves, and the Jeep Grand Cheerokee steering on conversion $100, front Tri-bar frame bracing from a Grand Prix $30 . and home made ( out of bed frame rails) frame horn ends bracing front and rear(free).

New front tires,mounted...$40, bought from a buddy, rears used $60.

+ or - under $3,000 taking in consideration I may have forgotten something..... like engine maintance upgrades gaskets and stuff of the like yea front springs....... Probably more around .........$4,000

isnt a pro-touring car yet ..but working towards it... still with all that 8.90's in the 1/8's with a 1.9 60', and 20 mpg.

heres some pics of the engine.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

and picture of the outside..... all in her glory for that price...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[2ndgenhunter]

I love this thread. I know its old, But alot of sweet cars in it.I hope to post mine in here in the near future.

To those that had almost finished projects, Please give updates if you don't have a build thread.
I for 1 would love to see them.

[chevyhector]

I know that I’m way under 30k! I got my Camaro for $500.00 and it was running with the original 327 and a 350 turbo. Don’t think it was nice, it was junk but drivable. My dad n myself showed up with an air compressor, gas, brake fluid and used the guys hose to put water in the radiator. 15 mins later, waved "adios' to the guy! 6 months later got it all put together and drove it for about 1 year without paint, then saved enough to paint her. So, 3 months later and 5k she was painted. While she was getting painted I found a 4 bolt main 350 in my dad's yard (it was used as a planter by my mom) NO JOKE ! I finished the engine in time to help the body shop to install it. about 2 years later I got the wheels n tires. Besides that I did all of the work myself, saving $$$ on labor alone! Now, my son has started wrenching alongside me, what a great life experience !

[Jim Nilsen]

I am glad someone brought this back to the top.

Do I get to deduct the cost of the old stuff that will get removed like the tires and wheels and such?lol

I am so close to the edge on this I can't believe that in the last year I have spent as much to get the car running. For you guys that have done it for way less it is amazing.I once thought I would be done at 20k and then 25k and now the way things are going it will just sneek in. Tires and wheels will just about make the end of it and it could take me over if I was to get what I really want.

The scope creep can really get you over the years and with the influence of the higher dollar cars I got pulled into more new parts.

So keep the thread alive and lets see what you guys are doing on a budget so others won't get carried away and spend spend spend.

Now if someone would just sell me an LS motor for a grand I could deduct the old motor and still be under,:idea:

[NOT A TA]

I am glad someone brought this back to the top.

Do I get to deduct the cost of the old stuff that will get removed like the tires and wheels and such?lol

So keep the thread alive and lets see what you guys are doing on a budget so others won't get carried away and spend spend spend.

Now if someone would just sell me an LS motor for a grand I could deduct the old motor and still be under,:idea:

Of course you deduct! (but only if you sell it or use it on another car, otherwise I would consider them spares that go with the car since you still have the money invested)

As an example: I sold the stock dog dish hubcaps when I bought NOS rally wheels for 200.00 and some used tires for 100.00. (M&B free by a bud) Then a couple years later sold those tire/wheels for 500.00 when I bought the TT II's/tires on my car now. So the 200.00 profit I made on the wheels/tires plus the 25 bucks I sold the original caps for gets deducted from the cost of the most current wheels because that shows how much I actually have invested in the current wheels. So I'd figure it like this

Yokohama tires and TT II's w/lugnuts mounting etc. 2,700.00
dog dish -25.00
profit from Rallye wheelset -200.00
actual cost of current wheels 2,475.00

Likewise if you decided you wanted different wheels (before you used them) and the wheels were sold at a loss then the difference would be added to the cost. This way it becomes a "how much $ to get where it is now kind of thing. I guess there's a grey area in cases of say using wheels for 5 years then buying new ones, so it's not an exact kind of deal.

I got my engine by parting out a car. Bought a car that had an interior fire with a built Pontiac 400 engine I wanted. Sold the parts I didn't need off of the car for $1,000.00 more than I paid for the car. Traded the frame for the towing to get it to my place. So the engine was free and I used the $1000.00 profit to buy a road race oil pan, pro billet distributor, MSD box, carb, motor mounts, and shaker air cleaner base. Total cost to swap the engine, ZERO. A bud gave me a set of chrome valve covers he'd gotten a little dent in (he's a show guy) and the chrome alternator was from the parts car. I still have tires, trans, exterior trim, and a driveshaft from that car, (68 Lemans/GTO) and if I sell them or use on another car I get to deduct them. Believe me, it's a lot more fun racing and tracking a car with a FREE engine! Nothing but time invested!

I'm more of a G machine kinda guy who would rather go to a track than a show so having the latest thing isn't as important to me which helps keep costs down and my car's not "perfect". (I appreciate those cars but can't afford to build one nevermind wreck it pushing the limits) There's lots of used and refurbished parts on my car. However it's fun, been very reliable, and not too expensive. Sure there's more comfortable ones, quicker ones, prettier ones, and ones that can outhandle it, but for my use and budget it's "perfect"! When the budget's tight be creative!

[Rod]

Bought this car for 100 dollars and built the car in my 2 car garage myself, rebuilt my own trans, engine, AAW the whole car if it needed it I did it and under 10,000
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/IMG_1070-1.jpg

[2ndgenhunter]

I've been thinking alot about this thread. I've been doing the math and looking at my spread sheet. I will be right at 15k when I'm done.

I got a 4.8 with 60k mile and a fresh 4L60e for 500.00.
I got a 5.3 for 150.00 just for the long block.
The rebuild kit with gaskets is 347.00
The head, rod,and main studs from ARP was 400.00 to the door off ebay.
My stock 5.3 heads cut to 59cc and punched out to 2.00 LS1 valves 420.00
Picked up a set of comp 918 valve spring for 110.00 with tit retainers.
Stole a comp XR281HR for 200.00 NIB
Set of LS7 lifters with less than 1k miles for 60.00
Freebies include a Z06 intake w/ P&P TB and 28# injector, comp 1.7 roller rockers, and F body acc. The intake and stuff came from my 99 T/A when I upgraded to a fast 92/92 combo and 1.8s. The acc from my friend that bought a car with a bad motor and droped in a junkyard drop out.
All I need is my headers and exhaust and my engine is complete.
So far I'm only at 2187.00 into this build including the car, Which was a Xmas present from my wife.

My spread sheet looks like this.
3000.00 engine and tranny
3000.00 susp.
2400.00 brakes
2500.00 wheels and tires
4000.00 paint and body.
14,900.00 grand total.

Thats my plan. I 'll keep yall posted on its out come.

I'll be starting a build thread as soon as the weather lets me get some
good pics of the car.

Heres it's current state. www.photobucket.com/67300Dlx (http://www.photobucket.com/67300Dlx)

[Scott Parkhurst]

I was talking to a guy about this thread, and he said my car must have more than 30K into it. I laughed and said "Offer me 30K right now and it's yours!"

I guess that's the bottom line, right?

[prine68]

Here's mine, '68 Camaro that I paid $6200 for back in 1995 with the paint and body work completed. I had a 383 built, added suspension and wheels. I keep all the receipts but have never added them up. I would hope I'm under $20k still.

[MonzaRacer]

TOTAL.
Blue 77 Monza 2+2 soon 283 twin turbo, 17s, Corvette/S10 disc brakes,doing my own custom seats/interior,paint/body, and air ride suspension.
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=33865&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1257665343
this was old 77 that got totaled https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=33866&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1257665343
Unknown color 84 Caprice Classic 2dr, getting my old 402bbc, switch pitch th400, Corvette/s10 disc, air ride also,Corvette re-pop 18 black Z06 wheels, probably do my own seats/interior too!
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=33182&d=1255311364

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=34388&d=1259813836


I can do paint and some body work, I have my own welder and lots of tools to play with, so its gonna be mostly on me!

[67rstbkt]

I would say I qualify, although I'm not done yet. Here's what I got in so far:

67 Firebird - traded for my 94 Z28 say $5,000
Sheetmetal: (quarters, roof, and floors) around $2000
Subframe with disc brake conversion done : $700
Viper T56: $500
Global west upper arms: $325
Supplies so far: $500
9 inch rear end - traded for a home gym - $50?
Used driver door: $200
Trunk lid: traded for the rusted out fenders - free
2 repro fenders: $650 on sale :smoke:
radiator support: $100

Total so far: $10,025

I do all the work myself including wiring and paint, so I should make it, I hope :seizure:

[fordsbyjay]

Well so far I think I am under 20K but of course it is not finished. I paid $7k ($6k purchase + $1k for shipping). I looked for many years to find the right car for the right price. Decent shape but not too expensive. I have about $700 in wheels/tires. $700 in seats, $2500 in T56/clutch/flywheel. The 13" brembos cost about $1200. $460 for the aluminum rad and fans. I did all the Fab work myself. For motor I have the 5.0l out of my Pinto with AFR heads,cam, intake etc. It cost about $2200 10 years ago to put together. $2400 for griggs rear suspension. I am sure there is another thousand or two in misc parts that a guy forgets about as well.

Ok, this is getting scary when you start adding this up. I am going to stop there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/11201094395-1.jpg