Just curious, what do do for a living to afford cars like this? [Archive]

WS6

02-01-2010, 05:24 PM

If you're referring to cars that are high end builds like Street Machine of the Year cars, Riddler, etc etc, those people are typically in business. They either started or own/owned a company or are higher ups at a company. Those people also saved for a long time to build the car. From their early years of dreaming about cars until their car was built, they more than likely busted their butt to make it in this world. That includes owning a home and raising a family. The car is payback to them self for all the sacrifices they made through the years to "make it".

As for the rest of the cars out there, there's so many ways people go about it. Some good, some bad. Building it can be most of the fun so many of us do the best we can and farm out what we can't. Most of us also compromise on what we end up building or we are really patient to see it through.

Kenova

02-01-2010, 05:26 PM

I've always maintained that what you do with your income after you get it is just as important, and sometimes more important, than how much you make. Supporting my family, getting out of debt and staying out of debt were my highest priorities. I am now free to spend more on my cars than most others are able to.
Anything I've bought for my cars has been paid for with cash. It hasn't amounted to much, but it's mine and it's paid for. I am, however, dreading the day I have to hire someone for body and paint.:eek:

Ken

thedodgeboys

02-01-2010, 05:48 PM

It took me 10 years to get to the point that I can drive it and enjoy it. I still have more to do but that’s part of the fun. I owe nothing on the car only used extra cash I earned and saved.
I have had to eat a few light lunches and a little Mac and cheese lol…

One big plus is a wife who understands and would rather I spend time and money in the garage and on the car than out at some bar.

PS. I also was able to do most of the mechanical work myself I did hire out the paint work.

ls6monte

02-01-2010, 05:52 PM

I've owned my car since 87 and been working at it since 94 when the first big mods went in. I am a Vehicle Inspector with no gf or kids to worry about. :)

critter

02-01-2010, 05:57 PM

Pimpin'

HarleyR

02-01-2010, 06:01 PM

Do like me...work on Racecars all day everyday and you have no problem affording it... You will be so burned out that a root canal sounds like more fun than working on anything with 4 wheels.... Its sad but a fact for me... my job has ruined my hobby.Recently I have started thinking about building a Pre runner style Chevy truck.... A 2-3 Year project..

twosaturns

02-01-2010, 06:01 PM

when I was single, just out of high school living at home, I wrenched on my car all the time. summit sent me a satin 25th anniversary jacket for being such a good customer! the car and my bicycles took all my money.
been married now 15 years and haven't gotten a 'real' project again (I'm not counting the FWD toys). now, restoring my home and spending time w/ my family is my priority.
point being, as someone else said, it's not how much you make, but what you spend it on. at this point in my life, I enjoy home carpentry as much or more than wrenching.

twosaturns

02-01-2010, 06:03 PM

did you ever take notice that all the high end auction customers look the same? very narrow demographic: white male, 45-65. usually w/ a trophy wife.

dsittler

02-01-2010, 06:31 PM

I work overseas in Kandahar and away from my family for months at a time, this is what I look forward to when I get home. I do most of the work myself (licensed automotive tech) and shop for the deals.
My car is not near as nice as most of them on here but I like what I have.

Derek

Tom 72RS/SS

02-01-2010, 06:32 PM

did you ever take notice that all the high end auction customers look the same? very narrow demographic: white male, 45-65. usually w/ a trophy wife.
I aspire to be that guy!

41565 chevelle

02-01-2010, 06:37 PM

Bank robber

Catch the robbers....:machine:

PT Sportwagon

02-01-2010, 07:12 PM

Well I don't have the money to do a high $$$$ build. I am doing the best I can as I can afford it. Doing 99.9% of the work myself.
My major problem is I have NO place to work on mine except the parking lot. Which the weather hampers my progress quite a bit. also I cannot have it torn down or the Apt management frowns on it. I do most of my work in the eve and weekends when the management is gone.

Tim

NOT A TA

02-01-2010, 07:19 PM

There's always people who can afford to do things others can't. That doesn't keep people from building awesome cars with what they can afford. You can have just as much fun with an inexpensive car (maybe even more since you're not as worried about it).

I think you'll find a surprising number of very nice cars in this thread about sub 30 thousand builds.https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47129&highlight=budget+builds

JEFFTATE

02-01-2010, 08:13 PM

I work at a Chevy Dealer in the Parts Dept ..
( small budget )

I've got less than $20,000 in my car ..

T_Raven

02-01-2010, 11:01 PM

It sucks how much it costs to build a nice car. I'm a certified auto tech and never expected to put more than $20,000 into my 67 Firebird and knew it would take years to save that much. Even being single with no kids and having very few bills it was hard to save money to put into the car. I was spending all my money on tools for the most part. I'm fortunate enough to have been working in Iraq for the last 4 years now. I'm debt free, have all the tools I couldn't afford before, and now I blow most of my money on cars and parts lol. If it weren't for this job I'd have one or two low dollar projects and that's all I would've been able to afford.

Droolguy

02-02-2010, 12:37 AM

I am a Soldier in the Army.

Pay sucks, I only make like $30k before taxes.

I just topped $20k in just parts earlier this week... with another ~$10-14k in paint and interior parts scheduled sometime after March. I am in debt for about $36k on the whole build including the price of the car.

Figure I am stuck in the Army for at least four more years and I can't take a house with me when I move around, my wife left me and sold my dog, so I have nothing better to spend the money on.

My car is literally the only thing I have left that is worth anything to me.

JJEH

02-02-2010, 02:12 AM

Work......save........work.........save..........w ork.........save......

Then you can have a decent car..

WORD!

I'm 30, divorced, have a daughter. I did alot of mistakes in the past, that's one of some reason(s) that i own only a Beretta.

I always had a Job for Mercedes-Benz... but since 6 month i work for the US-Army.

But if you are not "daddy's son" (German proverb), the best thing you can do it the same what shmoov69 said....

One of my future plans is "own a 1969 Camaro Z/28"... but not in Germany :)

Mr.VENGEANCE

02-02-2010, 08:56 AM

bdyman

02-02-2010, 09:15 AM

i used to work for a shop that did the resto mod stuff custom stuff for 8yrs, i have been a body man for close to 20yrs now, im very lucky that i know allot of people in the automotive field, and they give me great discounts on exhaust work, interior work, window tinting, pin striping, sterero work, and you all know much more

my brothers cutlass, will be different he is buying everything on his own, and with my help labor is free, and with my contacts labor will be cut in half, and i show him how shop around to get the better prices

he also buys what he can when he can, the cars i have modified were bought here and there, looking on ebay for prices, shopping around looking on forums for good prices, and just have to buy what we can we the money is there

my car the total in parts were close to 3k paint material maybe 500 all my cost and bought over a period of time a car isnt going anywhere just take your time buy what ya can do as much of the work your self and most of all be patient

Vegas69

02-02-2010, 09:17 AM

I've been lucky to make a few good decisions and do a majority of the work myself. I've also worked my ass off to afford it.

JEFFTATE

02-02-2010, 10:26 AM

its all about YOUR priorities..

im not into the newest clothing

i dont smoke.

i dont drink

i dont have a television... really.

i dont do drugs.

i dont like the finest foods.

i dont care about seeing new movies(my kids kill that one.)

my other hobbies dont require much money.

and I WORK MY ASS OFF.

oh and by the way im a hustler.

Very good Amir !
You got it ..

I try to live on the cheap too.
I have no cable
No kids
No I-phone
No Satellite
No Widescreen
No Reeboks , etc..
I hate to eat out.
No expensive house.
No bling.

WS6

02-02-2010, 04:17 PM

x3 and not just because I'm a student. I'd rather save my money, live debt free, and be financially secure overall. Combine that with a tremendous work ethic and this leads to being able to spend my extra time and extra money on that which matters most to me.

406 Q-ship

02-02-2010, 04:34 PM

Two words.....save and trade

Save money for long periods (and I'm single with no kids and a good job)

Trade for parts and trade labor when I can

Again my car is not anywhere near a 100k car, but I bet I'm into it for 20k (cheap in my opinion)

andrewb70

02-02-2010, 06:22 PM

dogtag

02-02-2010, 06:29 PM

Wifie and I own an Animal Hospital and Emergency Clinic. I'm also retired from Motorola.

Dogtag

MIGOAT

02-02-2010, 06:35 PM

In the under 30 club for now. Regular ol SWAT Cop. The wife helps out the most selling homes but I too realize when you watch Barret and in the mags and most are the same ol 50-65 W/M with a :1st: wife and big pockets.

There aren't too many poor guys with car of the year!

2ndgenhunter

02-02-2010, 09:42 PM

I sold Half my liver on the black market to fund this build.

The good news is by the time its done, My liver will be fully grown back so I can do it again.

Droolguy

02-02-2010, 10:32 PM

She sold your DOG?!?!?

Yes, I had an Alaskan Klee Kai that I raised from a pup.

Back on the subject of the thread though, I don't know how everyone can live debt free... I love loans. Credit score is hovering around 800 right now and it really helps when I finally go in on a house.

Opposite of a lot of people I will pull a loan out for something I have the money to pay for, and put the cash in a bank account that slowly pays the loan off.

gordonquixote

02-03-2010, 06:23 AM

Three pages and 49 posts.....and only one person with big bank has replied....interesting. :)

406 Q-ship

02-03-2010, 08:51 AM

If I could afford it, I'd be done.

Are we really ever done?

fordsbyjay

02-03-2010, 09:22 AM

Three pages and 49 posts.....and only one person with big bank has replied....interesting. :)

I am not sure as to what "big bank" is but I make enough to be classified "rich" by the current administration. I have three teenage girls ( 1 in university) and between the car expenses, insurance, tuition etc I am not so rich anymore. It really boils down to living within your means and patience. Patience is probably the hardest to learn when you are young. Now I just put a few bucks away every month and when it gets high enough I make my purchases. I have bought used parts when I was younger but found more often than not swap meet parts were usually sub par and it ends up costing more in the long run than just buying new in the first place. I also do 99% of all the work myself. I would rather make a large tool purchase than pay labor. Unless you are a cazillionaire I have found most shops do not do the quality of work that I expect. I don't blame the shops for this though, some of those riddler cars cost over a million bucks due to the 1000's of hours of labor and just do the math at even $75/hour. If you have ever done a lot of work on your own car you appreciate the quality of these cars even more. When you spend two days making a couple brackets that no one will ever see you can imagine what it takes to make a car like the Ring Brothers etc.

As far as my Falcon, I have about 20k in parts including the cars purchase price of $7K. I have 4 cars and could easily have one real nice car if I sold the other 3 but I really like the other 3. I am one of those emotionally attached to their car people. Heck, I still own my first vehicle.

To the initial poster, when the budget is low you have to look other places for parts and make sacrifices. Sure I would love some custom Kinesis wheels but instead I bought some Ford racing 17" wheels for $400 new. They cleared my low buck 13" brembo brakes (using more factory Mustang parts). I bought my new T56 from someone else that had a stalled project. I bought my rear suspension from griggs when they had 25% off last fall due to the economy.

fordsbyjay

02-03-2010, 09:36 AM

I actually forgot to mention what I do. I work in the oilfield, I am out of town usually about 250 days/year (except for last year). I get compensated financially for having no life. Any job that pays well requires sacrifice. People that work 8-4 are hardly ever rich. The ones that are there at 5am or 2 in the morning are the ones that eventually make the big money.

John Wright

02-03-2010, 09:48 AM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/werdmelissa-1.gifWerd x2

dropit69

02-03-2010, 10:19 AM

i started by buying a house for 20k ..fixed it up from paycheck to paycheck and payed it off in 2 years..so no mortgage anymore..then started saving and paid for alomst everything with cash..then started buy ing and selling cars on side started small and worked my way up to bigger cars till economy crashed..did good though i made enough that my 69 dynacorn project with about 5ok in parts was free..

Jim Nilsen

02-03-2010, 01:57 PM

I have done quite few jobs along with subcontracting,owning a classic auto restoration parts store and for the last 20 years have moved up to master mechanic/ technician status. It has been a long road to make the really good money I have seen lucky people make it right from the start and been jealous. I have never known anyone to get me into the high paying jobs and have earned it all the hard way. But at the end of it all I have probably learned more and done more for others and that has its own rewards and experiences.

As for being able to afford my car? Who can ever afford that?

Remember that the way to make a small fortune in the car business of racing and such, you have to start out with a large fortune.

jknight16

02-03-2010, 02:22 PM

I wash vegetables at the local supermarket. It's a tough job but I get all the free grapes I can eat.

ssx

02-03-2010, 04:55 PM

Funny topic. I wonder that all the time, when I see everyone dropping LS7's or 9's in their cars, doing complete Airride suspensions or having one of the big shops build it all for them. Lucky and hardwork or a combo I guess. Anyway I'm a Firefighter. Been one for almost 20yrs, and now make decent money because I'm a Captain. I've tried to do it all myself in the past and never really achieved what I wanted (usually due to lacking funds). I'm currently in my Nova just under $30K, but that's because I bought it mostly done, with just little things needed to finish and the person I got it from was buried deep in it. As it sits, probably got almost $40K in it to this point and I still need some Budnik Wheels, GenIV Vintage Air System and Baer brakes.....How I will pay for that stuff remains a mystery! Oh and what really kills my cars is living in Hawaii, the shipping is ridiculous. Last quote I got for a wheel and tire pkg, was over $700 shipping!:hand:

dogtag

02-03-2010, 05:26 PM

If you have 40 k invested, you got off easy, my friend.

It can get carried away faster than you can imagine.

The reason some of these guys drop so much into the cars is that they come to the end of life with a big bank roll and don't have anyone to leave it to as in my case. (Wifie has her own money)

I pissed and moaned about the cost until Wifie says, "Well, then, leave your money to the State when you check out".

I replied, "Bull5hit" I'm not leaving my money to the state or anyone else.
I've got 350 K in my Olds as to date and still not done.

I mean, If you no longer are saving for the future, what the hell else do you do with it?

Dogtag

dsittler

02-03-2010, 06:05 PM

I have been a licensed automotive/heavy truck tech my whole life working various areas in the automotive industry. The last few years I have specialized in fire apparatus which has been the most exciting and rewarding. Last year I got the opportunity to work overseas ( I have never been away from home!) in Kandahar. We get paid well but make no mistake you are in a war zone. This is the first time I made really great money but look what you give up, being away from your family for 9 months out of the year! I love what I do and reward myself with having my car.

Being in this hobby is a passion, so I believe that most of the people in this forum do not make a lot of money but are passionate about their cars. So it may not be all about the money you make, more how much you will give up to make that dream car come true. When I see truely amazing cars, I see hard work, patience, resourcefulness, commitment, vision and hard work.

Sometimes it's not all about the money.

Derek

ITLBTU

02-04-2010, 12:37 PM

i sell dirt. well actually i call it topsoil, and landscape supplies. wrench and fab on the side i'm lucky to have great job in this bad economy. job pays 100k

Haha! That's funny. I just got through selling around 24,000 yards of "dirt" or prime sandy loam... Did you make any trips in the central valley last year for dirt?

tommycomfort

02-05-2010, 06:26 AM

Well, my wife and I are both full time firefighters.

I have been the National guard 21 years and do as much extra training ($$$) as I can get away with while keeping my full time job. (sacrifice - time away from family and projects)

My wife works part time as an EMT for big events in Indy.

We've also filled the back of our property with Chevelle parts cars that I sell parts off of when I need project money.

Not to offend anyone, but we don't smoke, rarely go out drinking and usually take our lunch when we go to our shop/garage for a day of project work. We don't have a super cool HD TV or the latest in surround sound. We have some debt, but thanks to Dave Ramsey (ugh!) we're paying things off while still finishing our current projects. Just have to live within our means and sacrifice in other areas. Sure it helps that my wife is into the hobby too and sees the need to buy a Tremec T-56 before living room furniture....
Tom

AintQik

02-05-2010, 06:47 AM

I'm an officer in the military. Started off as an E1 and worked my way up. I might make a little more than my Army brother but it aint up there with the rich and famous.

I made a decision. I love cars and you only get one go-round. No offense but I don't want to be that 60 year old guy with a bitchin car cause he can finally afford it. I want to be that 60 year old guy with his 23rd bitchin car cause he's been doing it all his life.

You should see the looks I get when I pulled up in my 800 horse power C6. However, time is creeping up on me and I'm getting less and less "is that your daddy's car" looks.

I've never been rich, I just make it work. Helps to have a wife and kids that understand. Unfortunately it took 2 tries to get that right lol!

shortrack

02-05-2010, 07:34 AM

I own an Hvac company.....one employee....me.....and a bunch of sub contractors for installations.....I work out of my house/shop, dont have to pay $1000/wk for a commercial location....bought my work van for $3500 cash so I dont have a lease payment every month...etc

My tow vehical for the boat is a 1985 Suburban.....not a 2009 Dmax qud cab dually......like so many people tell I should buy...and I could make it work but then Id have to get a loan and then there would be no money for a hot rod car......I think the Sub is cool (sometimes it gets more attention than the boat) it is not a daily driver it just sits there most of the time anyway....stupid to have a pile of $$ wrapped up into it

To me its about not doing the wrong things with money......just the other day I was down at one of my suppliers and one of the kids at the counter (who always goes on about how Im a "rich" contractor with a big boat and shop , cars etc) was going on about how he was going to get a brand new Dodge van so he could put sheet metal in it (he does duct work on the side) then flick the seats and have room for people!......(and he wants to build up a Nova or something but cant afford it)

I said "Mike,you work less than 10min from home.....what the h ell do need a brand new van for?......why dont you buy a used van and spend the money you would have spent on that loan payment on a hot rod project?"

Like....c'mon

Tony_SS

02-05-2010, 08:08 AM

I agree.. new cars are nice if you can afford them.. if not, it's just like throwing away your money. I'll never buy a new car in my life again.. you might as well kiss 10 grand away. It's not worth it. I drive an 86 c10 truck, it gets decent mileage, best of all its paid for and it doesnt owe me a dime. Now the wife's car I'm completely upsidedown on.. but that's my fault, we bought it new.

shortrack

02-05-2010, 12:16 PM

The next thing is WOMEN
Women have killed more hot rod projects than everything else put together......if you are single and can find one thats into it then grab her....I gotta admit I see more girls into cars (mostly Ricers but hey maybe you could convert one) than ever before.

Another scenario that I have seen play out OVER AND OVER is the "no time for me" syndrome......I see these guys working tons of overtime week after week, month after month, sometimes for years......got a little Camaro project going on......after awhile (rightly so) his wife finally says "I feel like a single parent!....all he does is work,work,work and when he's not working all he does is work on that stupid car!!!"....you know what happens next....the big D.... then "divorce forces sale"......NOT GOOD for your project.....I personally know divorced guys who make over 100gs/yr and live in a basement apartment, or at their Mom's......dont forget to take some time off and spend it with your woman.....go on a trip once a year, even someplace a couple of hours away, take the car and stay in a Hotel.......spread the love.....if your car runs take her out for dinner or to the beach in it.....turn the car into a good thing.....I know the big block sounds xtremly cool and you couldnt care less but consider a half decent stereo and invite her to bring some of her music.....make some effort for her in the car......the Camaro will understand.

If she can kind of participate.....it will make it a lot easier for you to have your hot rod

Nine Ball

02-05-2010, 12:37 PM

I've got a mechanical engineering degree, and work as a consultant in the offshore oil/gas industry. I work directly for the major oil companies. While I'm very pleased with my hourly rate, it still isn't quite as much as a lawyer's rate. LOL.

Most people get off work at 5pm and go home and sit on the couch. Not me, I work on my other projects and companies that I started. Do I have to? Nope. I just enjoy staying busy, and making extra money, and I enjoy being heavily involved in my true passion, the performance auto industry. My wife complains a lot less if I'm earning more than enough to support my car habits.

I've found it useful to have more than one source of income. I grew up broke, put myself through college, and taught myself all sorts of skills that can generate income. Website design, freelance photojournalism, retail sales, investments, wrenching on cars, marketing, etc... That time you waste watching TV could be better spent on reading a how-to book. Sleeping in and being lazy costs you time too, and time is indeed money. I'm up around 5:30am every day, ready to get busy each day.

Tony

monteboy84

02-05-2010, 12:42 PM

I'm 23, single, and bought a house that was well within my budget, for $98k. I make decent money as a Mech Designer, but nothing out of this world. As has been said over and over in this thread, sacrifice is what affords these projects.

-Buy a USED car - Soon as you drive it home it's going to be used anyway, and if you buy it with 8k miles on it, somebody else has already taken the hit. If you're really frugal, do like me and stretch a $2k car for 4 years and out to 200k miles.

- NO BAR - It's pretty easy to spend $80 per night at the bar on a weekend, stay home and watch a movie or have friends to your house if you feel like having a few drinks. The phrase "Pi$$ing your money away" has meaning, heed the warning.

- Make a budget - Ever get to a Friday and realize that your paycheck has disappeared without you having anything to show for it? Plan a realistic budget and stick to it, you'll be amazed at what you save.

- Debt-free - Don't go crazy buying parts on the credit card. I often buy parts with the card for points, but only to pay it off immediately. Literally, pay the credit card off soon as the charge is posted to your account. Loans and credit cards are great for building your credit score, but once you get a mortgage, do you really need those extra boosts to your score? Figure out what interest costs you every month and you'll get religion quick.

- Work your butt off - Nuff said.

michael6372

02-05-2010, 04:08 PM

I have been working in a paper mill for the last 5 years. We have been working for almost 2 years without a contract. I don't know from week to week if I will have a job or not. The paper industry seems to be going the way of the dinosaur. I sold my cars and have been putting as much money away as possible in case I lose my job. I'm 39 without a college degree and am looking for a new career. I have a great woman that has a job and is into our hobby as well. She stands behind me no matter what I do and that really helps. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and jobs here are pretty scarce to begin with. I don't have any obsessions besides cars and don't drink, smoke etc. I am trying everything I know to find a different career. I work swing shift so going back to school is almost impossible because I don't know from week to week what my schedule will be. I'm not even sure what to go to school for if I could.

Sorry for rambling on, didn't mean to hijack the thread.

Michael.

Mr. Anderson

02-05-2010, 05:46 PM

I work the parts counter at a street rod parts retailer. It's not the best paying job in the world, but it's not bad either. I've got access to any tool I need...TIG, english wheel, mill lathe. And the significant break on parts is a godsend. I wouldn't be able to afford half the stuff I've got in my cars if it weren't for that. Doing all, and I mean ALL of the work myself helps a lot too. I buy as little out of a catalog as I can, parts from friends, ebay, craigslist, swap meets. I agree that it's not about the money you have, it's what you do with it that counts.

I've got probably close to $15k in my '31, and I'll have around $10k in the El Camino by the time it's on the road. And that isn't including any paint work. I consider it a pretty low budget build compared to a lot of the stuff here, but it's also not nearly as high-end as those projects are either.

I'm also single and have no kids, no school loans to pay off, no debt or credit cards. I rent a cheap townhome (with a 2-car garage!), don't have a flatscreen-anything in my house, and drive a beater '65 Chevy truck every day (no car payments).

JohnUlaszek

02-05-2010, 06:04 PM

Regardless of job, my advice is to avoid buying any parts until you absolutely need them. Don't stockpile parts, build using a "just in time" strategy -- too many of us have become curators of part collections.

1. you won't pay interest on debt you don't have
2. stockpiled parts don't typically go up in value, whereas avoiding debt or investing the money can reap benefits.
3. Stockpiled parts will dictate your build, and you might find that set of 16" torque thrusts you bought three years ago aren't going to clear that set of 14" rotors you want today.
4. The market is evolving quickly, buying when you need it lets you get your hands on the latest and greatest.
5. If you bought the parts new, and don't need them anymore you will probably sell them at a loss when you change your mind.
6. If you don't have the parts you won't trip over them.
7. You are going to get smarter if you pay attention to others mistakes and successes; ultimately learning how to put together a car more efficiently..

parsonsj

02-05-2010, 06:16 PM

As for me: I married well. :)

jp

DaviRotten

02-05-2010, 07:54 PM

Hustler.

wmhjr

02-05-2010, 08:44 PM

Regardless of job, my advice is to avoid buying any parts until you absolutely need them. Don't stockpile parts, build using a "just in time" strategy -- too many of us have become curators of part collections.

There is some truth to this, but I think you're taking it too far. It all depends on your project and your timetable. Some parts are very difficult to come by. For example, a nice set of headlight bezels for a '66 GTO. Some things take a long time to get reconditioned. Repops are frankly junk. Or, some upholstery or interior parts.

To me it's all about discipline. I definitely made some changes after starting the project, but I bought parts more than a year in advance and there are VERY few things that are going to waste or are being resold. I knew up front that would be the case. My experience, which is certainly not as extensive as some around here, is that you need to really carefully plan - in detail. That's the key. If you plan around your project and your constraints, the rest will fit together.

JohnUlaszek

02-05-2010, 09:53 PM

Some parts are very difficult to come by. For example, a nice set of headlight bezels for a '66 GTO. Some things take a long time to get reconditioned. Repops are frankly junk. Or, some upholstery or interior parts.

To me it's all about discipline. I definitely made some changes after starting the project, but I bought parts more than a year in advance and there are VERY few things that are going to waste or are being resold. I knew up front that would be the case. My experience, which is certainly not as extensive as some around here, is that you need to really carefully plan - in detail. That's the key. If you plan around your project and your constraints, the rest will fit together.

There are always exceptions, NOS parts for instance, but I disagree my suggestions are "taking it too far". If you know you need hard to find parts, then you know to start looking for them early, but all you have to do is browse the for sale section to find examples of what I am talking about.
And regardless of how disciplined you are, or how good your plan is, life happens, and if you have to put the project on the back burner for a year or five, you are less likely to get burnt if you have minimized your inventory of parts.

DFRESH

02-05-2010, 10:31 PM

Catch the robbers....:machine:

LOL--good one RJ

Doug

wmhjr

02-07-2010, 06:02 AM

There are always exceptions, NOS parts for instance, but I disagree my suggestions are "taking it too far". If you know you need hard to find parts, then you know to start looking for them early, but all you have to do is browse the for sale section to find examples of what I am talking about.
And regardless of how disciplined you are, or how good your plan is, life happens, and if you have to put the project on the back burner for a year or five, you are less likely to get burnt if you have minimized your inventory of parts.

Let me be more clear. I'm not saying you should not think before ordering or purchasing every part. However....

1) Had I not bought parts well in advance, I absolutely promise you that there is zero possibility that my project would be at this stage right now. None. One of the reasons I was able to make the progress I did in the time period I did was that I planned in extreme detail and made sure I was never, ever, waiting on a part if I could avoid it. Time was far too valuable to me. I have limited time to work on the car, and that time is mostly on weekends. That means that not having something I need could easily cost me an entire week at a bare minimum.

2) In many cases, there are small parts that you never think will be an issue, but that turn into a major problem. Example? Small proprietary grommets that are used to mount the grills into the header panel on a '66 GTO. You need 8, and they cost about nothing. I decided since they're listed everywhere and available, I'd wait to order them. About a month before I needed them I decided to order them. Guess what? Nobody - and I mean NOBODY had them. I ended up getting in touch with the manufacturer, but even then they had none and a month later I was still waiting - and had to wait to install the grills. This created an issue where I was not able to detect a fitment issue until the very end. Bad decision.

3) Shipping. Sometimes you order, say, body panels from somebody like, say, Performance Years or Ames Performance. They are oversize and you need to pay for freight shipping. Well, at that point shipping for any other large parts is basically free. Eliminating those shipping costs can be incredibly high. You're actually better off getting the part now rather than later.

4) Fitment and mockups. You never know when it may be an advantage to fit parts well in advance. In my project, I detected a bunch of issues in advance because I decided to mock up various parts well in advance. And in the times when I waited, I ended up with problems more times than I would like.

Just a few examples why planning is more important than just waiting until just before you need a part. Maybe it would be more accurate to say if you have a "long term" project that you have no definite "end date" in mind, waiting for "average" parts is the best practice. But, if you have a real project plan with a specific goal as far as a finish date, I still say planning is the key.

parsonsj

02-07-2010, 06:41 AM

I wrote a column for MaxChevy about this subject once:

http://www.maxchevy.com/columns/parsons/iii_3-parsons-1.html

jp

wmhjr

02-07-2010, 07:02 AM

John, I think I actually saw that article. It made sense. But a couple points. You mention "I bought a Viper T56 transmission one winter when it popped up on eBay. I figured it for a good deal, and I bought it". That's a different statement than "I knew I was going to use a Viper T56 transmission". I knew I was going to use a TKO500 when I bought it - more than 7 months before I really needed it. Glad I did.

On my project, I'm a little let's say "particular" about details. That's a kind way of saying it. I record every single part of the project. I have a spreadsheet that notes the date, category, vendor, part#, individual price, extended price, tax, shipping, delivery mode and tracking number (where appropriate) of every single part down to every nut and bolt. I also scan to PDF every single receipt, invoice, and instruction sheet. It's really helped a lot and hasn't been much of an effort. In shipping along I have saved more than $1600 just in major components by buying in bulk. That's not an estimate. With the flick of a key I can tell you exactly how much I've spent for example with Summit Racing, how much by category (body, electrical, plumbing, drivetrain, suspension, etc), how much in shipping, etc.

Not everyone has the discipline or maybe just the desire to really plan to that level of detail. Not everyone plans to hammer on a project without pause. In those cases where a project is going to take 3+ years, definitely use caution and only buy in advance when necessary. If you have a project with an end date with 18 months, I'm not sure I can agree.

BTW, JIT (just in time) manufacturing ALSO deals with known engineering design, using pre-contracted supply chains that are contracted to deliver the componenent absolutely to your spec exactly when you need it. It is absolutely not appropriate to compare it to a custom, home built project where you have essentially zero control over your supply chain, seeking parts that perhaps have not been manufactured for 30+ years, in a low volume niche market. That was my major disagreement with your article. For my "day" job we use JIT for some of our non electro-mechanical components. Even though we have contracts with our suppliers we often run into problems. Had I waited any longer for example to order those grill grommets, I was informed by that particular manufacturer (who is the only manufacturer of that component globally) that it would probably have been another 6-9 months.

Just sayin - one size don't fit all. There are a variety of ways to get this stuff done. Different situations and different goals call for different solutions. There is really only one set of components I wish I had not bought - some OEM type brake stuff. Not bad considering all the stuff I've had to buy for this project. I've got some very small odds and ends, but it's REAL minor and would have happened no matter when I bought them. After getting them I just decided I didn't like them for the project. Had to get them to see them and decide.

parsonsj

02-07-2010, 07:06 AM

Maybe it would be more accurate to say if you have a "long term" project that you have no definite "end date" in mind, waiting for "average" parts is the best practice. But, if you have a real project plan with a specific goal as far as a finish date, I still say planning is the key.

In order for this to work efficiently, you’ll need to work out a build sequence. You don’t necessarily need to plan every little detail for every bit of the project, but you will need to do that for the immediate task at hand. The idea is to break the job up into several high-level tasks, put them in order, and then turn the high-level job into a detailed plan as it gets underway. As you begin a new high-level task, you figure out what you need to buy, and the order you need to buy it in, just for that task. You don’t need to buy all the stuff for all the other high level tasks out there. As the parts come in, you install them as you go. It will keep your storage needs down, and more money in your pocket.

I'd say we are pretty much in agreement. :)

jp

jfaria78

02-08-2010, 06:24 PM

3 jobs, and a wife that works, and still can't afford to keep up with the Tito Jones's!

72NovaSS

02-08-2010, 06:35 PM

I'm an Apprentice Lineman. I make more than enough for my own good!

eptroller

04-16-2010, 10:32 AM

Don't have kids and dont' get married!

buickfunnycar.com

04-16-2010, 11:21 AM

No kids,a jewish wife who @ 39 still wears the same clothes she wore in HS and just absolutely refuses to spend money.

When there's money to be spent in this household,I'm the one to do it...:yum:

buickfunnycar.com

04-16-2010, 11:48 AM

I've got $350K in my Olds as to date and still not done...

I mean...seriously?:rolleyes:
How's that even possible...?

black73vette

02-14-2011, 11:27 AM

^ finally someone asked that question!

go-fish

02-14-2011, 11:59 AM

I would have never typed that. Especially if it were true.

ChevelleNV

02-14-2011, 12:24 PM

I'm the IT Director/Lead programmer for a small but hugely profitable dot com and make more than enough to get myself into a lot of trouble. I am also single and have no kids. so i spend all my excess money on my Chevelle.......

The Stickman

02-14-2011, 03:10 PM

I don't put that kinda money into my car. I have around $8K into it including the cost of the car.

Zachalanche

02-14-2011, 03:29 PM

It's all about what I don't have. I'm debt free all my spare cash is in my unfinished car. my daily driver is the car I drove in high school. the furniture in my house is either hand me down or made out of old car seats. no cable or internet or phone (I do have a company cell that i use). I could live like the rest of the population, but instead I live like I'm in college so that someday I can finish my car and complain about how much it is to insure. It's a long and painful plan, but I'll pretend it was worth it in the end.

no wife and kids is also beneficial to this hobby.

dcozzi

02-14-2011, 06:48 PM

I work hard but, the economy sucks, pay has been cut and the man who works hard in this country is not always the best paid. That's the way it is. So, I wait and build as I can. Got about 20K in the car and when I get a few more things and a little more time, it will get finished.
Gonna paint it myself, put it together myself and beat the crap out of it myself. Makes the whole wait worthwhile.

Someone on this site said it well. They said, "I am building my car $500 at a time." Always thought that explained my build pretty well too.

absintheisfun

02-14-2011, 08:16 PM

Saved Saved and Saved. My wife and I both quit smoking, thats about 6K a year added to the savings. We are home-bodies that don't really go partying much at all. No kids. All our extra cash goes to our Dogs and our Cars. (not necessarily in that order!)

i dont have a television... really.

Really? Not to sound like a slave to the T.V., but damn I don't think I would be okay without the news with my AM coffee.

Do you watch shows online, DVD's on the puter? Not trying to pry--Just curious.

wife who @ 39 still wears the same clothes she wore in HS

Don't knock it! I'm 34 and still have tons of HS T-shirts that I still wear. I have 2 pairs of jeans that are "acceptable" for public wear. It pisses my wife off that I don't get new ones, but I tell her I'd rather wait until I'm on my last pair. I have car parts to buy! :) And I haven't bought a pair of shoes in at least 2 years.

andrewb70

02-14-2011, 08:28 PM

67CamNKC

02-14-2011, 08:33 PM

I've worked as an engineer in the pneumatic conveying/packaging machine business for a while. An opportunity allowed me to move into sales. My wife and I agreed to use part of my quarterly commission checks to build the car. Needless to say the economy has slowed progress some, but progress is still progress. I've been working on it for a little over 3 years now....

Mr.VENGEANCE

02-14-2011, 09:11 PM

stop buying stupid **** that slows down the build!.. dont eat out!.. eat Top Ramen!.. dont go to the movies!.. read a book!

ahhahahaha

trex1270

02-14-2011, 10:01 PM

I sell sea shells by the sea shore..

trex1270

02-14-2011, 10:23 PM

Actually I am an assistant district manager with Bridgestone/Firestone. I have had two jobs my life...US Navy and Firestone. I actually have somewhere in the ball park of 70k in my camaro, but that is because I built it pro street first, then went pro touring, so the car has been built twice. I am currently building an LS1 and adding HVAC and a couple other things. I will be done then(God willing). Now 70k sounds bad, but I bought the car when I came back from Desert Storm. The build just needs to be planned, which I failed to do. Now I say 70k, but I have sold all the parts that have been taken off the car, so I am not sure where I am at...probably 60k...thats only 3k per year..and that includes the 6k I paid for it(try buying a 69 camaro for that now). I have been building the LS1 for a year now. I still like to go do stuff, like Texas Roadhouse weekly and chasing girls, etc...but when I eat at home, tomato soup or something cheap. I do not have internet..other then my iphone, which is paid for..my company pays 600 towards my daily driver, so I really don't have a car payment.

Flash68

02-15-2011, 04:35 PM

These are always interesting threads... my comment is that most of the responders on this thread (including myself) are not even the intended recipients of the OP.

What do you do for a living to be able to afford to put $100"s of thousands of dollars into a car?

While I would guess he wasn't only targeting the $200-300k+ cars, I don't think he was addressing the $50k and under crowd. And I certainly don't think he was asking for fiscal responsibility lessons that some are preaching. Just curious of the kind of careers and jobs that make high dollar cars a reality.

Just my 2 cents. :)

crustysack

02-15-2011, 04:38 PM

I build boats, custom carbon fiber racing sailboats, so I am able to get exotic material cheap. Also I have done all the work myself on my build (except body and paint). This car has taken me 4 years but this spring I will have the nicest ride around (at least the one I like the best) SHOP AROUND for deals, anything you can do yourself do it- I can't afford to pay someone 50-80 per hour to build my car. Do research and learn how to do something "if a man can do it ANY man can". save save save then spend frugally .

LUACE

02-15-2011, 09:59 PM

I am a legal drug dealer... i sell narcotics to hospitals... and have a very supporting wife with a good career (Oil Trader). Home, food, famiy, bills, and savings (for rainy days) comes first, anything remaining is fun money. Even with fun money i take it easy and avoid impulse buys... the "nice to have' are simply nice to have but not a necessity. Also, i do not buy things on credit. Like my father always told me; "if you do not have cash to buy it, then you cannot afford it". Unfortunately i learned that lesson a little late (60,000 credit card debt) that took me 8 years to pay off... but it made me a wiser more responsible man.

LUACE

11-30-2011, 10:57 PM

Still curious of the kind of careers and jobs that make high dollar cars a reality... Anyone?

SLO_Z28

11-30-2011, 11:26 PM

IT jobs always pay well. Between the state and county jobs available you can get $10000/mo with a pension.

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ventura/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=355333&hit_count=yes&headerFooter=1&promo=0&transfer=0&WDDXJobSearchParams=%3CwddxPacket%20version%3D%271 .0%27%3E%3Cheader%2F%3E%3Cdata%3E%3Cstruct%3E%3Cva r%20name%3D%27FIND_KEYWORD%27%3E%3Cstring%3E%3C%2F string%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27CATEGORYID %27%3E%3Cstring%3E-1%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27TRA NSFER%27%3E%3Cstring%3E0%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3 E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27PROMOTIONALJOBS%27%3E%3Cstring %3E0%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3C%2Fstruct%3E%3C% 2Fdata%3E%3C%2FwddxPacket%3E

I have my sights set on becoming a CHP officer, after a few years on thats over $100,000/yr.

SparkyRnD

12-01-2011, 06:01 AM

while not a high dollar company, we have done decent through this business. Over several decades, I have saved here and there and stored away some money. I also look for a good deal, and will not buy something I don't need, don't want and can't use just because everyone else thinks it is cool. Our current build shows how to build a high dollar car for a very affordable amount, simply by spending some time doing research and discovering alternatives to get the things you want. While it may not sound like much, saving $50 here and $100 there, over the course of a build can save you thousands upon thousands of dollars. Yes, I will not have a crate LS7 and a new T56 Magnum or a brand new decked out rear axle, but all the parts I buy are very strong, work well together and save money. It is amazing what a coat of paint can do for a used part to make it look like a high-dollar part.

One point to make though is NEVER sacrifice on safety items. Buy a cheap stereo that is used, but buy NEW seat belts, brake components, et cetera. Also, one of the easiest ways to save money is to have some money saved up at all times, so that when a really good deal comes along, you can buy it immediately without having someone else buy it before you can scrape together the money. Another point mentioned earlier is build in phases. Do things that can be completed in a week or two so you can be driving and enjoying your car between phases. If your car sits for years without being used, it becomes easier to lose interest / lose money / end up selling at a loss.

And as others have mentioned, set a realistic budget for your life and live well below that. Include money to go out and have a good time every now and then, so that you don't get frustrated and blow a ton of $$ on useless items.

BulldawgMusclecars

12-01-2011, 07:34 AM

There are execeptions, but most of the people I have met from this forum are just "average" type people who are determined to build the car they want, and they sacrifice in other areas to make it happen. They aren't rich, and as I saw in my former career (stockbroker/finanical advisor), a high income doesn't necessarily translate into liquidity anyway.
Many of the people here have owned their car for 10+ years, and put a little in at a time to get where it is today. Like Sparky said, make your car safe first, upgrading where you can. You don't really need the latest billet unobtainium milled widgets all over your car to have fun, either...heck, take the Streetfighter approach and axe all that crap.

Torquedork

12-01-2011, 03:39 PM

How do I afford it???

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

SecondGenFan

12-01-2011, 04:46 PM

I own a Landscape Company and a Printing business. Still try and do all my own work and look for deals on parts to keep it interesting! I think the journey to the finished car is as important as the final results!

badazz81z28

12-01-2011, 05:10 PM

Still curious of the kind of careers and jobs that make high dollar cars a reality... Anyone?Doctors, lawyers, Dentist, and our congressmen :twothumbs:twothumbsIn reality, from what I have seen, the people who have big money in their cars either own a company like Hotchkis / Detroit Speed / BMR / Heidts etc because we are paying them insane bucks to have their parts. Other people who have insane cars are sponsored by these people to show case their products. (you know who you are ;) )After that it really does come down to one's priorities. " I work hard for a living" is a BS statement. The basic concept....Ever hear the term the more you make the more you spend? Even someone who works at McDonalds can afford a nice Pro-touring car if they wanted too. They would just suffer on other things. I admit, Im in the military too but I still have $20K invested in my car and about to buy a new rear suspension, brakes, and an LS engine. Could I do more? Of course....Are you willing to never eat out? Always buy "no name" foods? Wear thrift store clothes? Own a beater car or not one at all? Don't enjoy any of the thrills in life? Some people blow their entire pay check on nothing. Booze and cigarettes add up quick so does name brand clothes. You can make it happen if you really want to. Either you save for it, get a loan, or shift your priorities... anything is really possible. I for one only own 1 car, I walk to work, never go to the movies, never go to Disney land or buy $20 for a hamburger etc...I blow atleast $300 on my car every month! I have a Summit Speed credit card when I want to buy a large item. Zero interest for a year if you spend over $500Bottom line, there really is no good answer, it really comes down to what you spend your money on. I have seen people driving pimped out Escalades and live in a trailer house :bananna2: go figure...

TheJDMan

12-01-2011, 05:28 PM

Still curious of the kind of careers and jobs that make high dollar cars a reality... Anyone?

TV celebrities who use their name to get sponsorships to build a car for their wife.

SparkyRnD

12-01-2011, 05:33 PM

:lol:

71RS/SS396

12-01-2011, 06:27 PM

TV celebrities who use their name to get sponsorships to build a car for their wife.

Pretty bold and ignorant statement if you don't know what the actual sponsorship deals were. I know this individual personally and he does way more for others pro bono than he'll allow anyone to do for him.

nine lives johnny

12-01-2011, 06:48 PM

Me and the other guys at project x build and fix performance autoz
51953
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
running at time attack lap battles

51954
600whp monster

51955
the shop with my street miata

51956
our drift car

NJSPEEDER

12-01-2011, 08:31 PM

Realistically you aren't going to find any one career that most of us have that are into this stuff. Sure there are some guys here that have mega incomes but for the most part we are just working stiffs with a hobby.

Find something you can do, live with in your means or even live as stingy as possible to afford the toys you want. There are a lot of ways to make building a car up more affordable like doing work yourself, shopping for used parts when possible, using an oddball car that doesn't fetch a ton of money half decayed, or even starting your build with a ride that someone else has lost interest in or run out of money for.

The top end cars that you see featured here are great but not everyone here has something professionally built. It is just a matter of a goal and a willingness to work towards it.

As for me, I have a menial job doing mortgage servicing work (it sucks) but it is close enough to home that a tank of gas lasts a month, I get tons of OT, and I usually get a few thou annual bonus. So at least for now it works.

-Tim

shmoov69

12-01-2011, 09:13 PM

TV celebrities who use their name to get sponsorships to build a car for their wife.

Joke right.......?? Ha Ha??.........?!

SecondGenFan

12-02-2011, 05:14 AM

I agree. I think that was a cheap shot at a guy who was a pro football player, pro wrestler and now a business owner while making movies, tv shows is an animal welfare advocate and an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) spokesman, and has addressed the United States Congress in order to raise awareness of illegal animal fighting, plays golf in the Jimmy V Golf Classic and visits with children in local hospitals who are undergoing cancer treatment. And last but not least is a huge car guy and is one of us! Look it up.

Most people do not achieve one of those things in a lifetime let alone all of them. Their are plenty of people who deserve a cheap shot. "TV celebrities who use their name to get sponsorships to build a car for their wife." is not one of them. Do your homework, he has a ton of cars that a genie didn't wiggle her nose and make appear in his garage.

Who cares if he received a few parts for free? If asked i would have happily purchased some parts for that car based on his work for animal cruilty alone.

newsshooter23

12-02-2011, 07:46 AM

I'm a TV news camera guy...do the work I can myself, and buy parts when the Kid+House+Car loan budget allow.

LeighP

12-02-2011, 07:50 AM

I don't worry how other people make things happen....I just make it happen for myself, at a level I can afford.
The more I personally put my car together, the prouder I am of it....but if someone else has the dollars to pay to have it built, but not the expertise to swing the spanners himself, then thats cool.....same stuff is driving him as it is me, just he's working hard to make it happen a different way.

MonzaRacer

12-02-2011, 08:25 PM

Well lets see, never made more than $30k a year,working as an ASE Master tech, took last few years to get down in a hole and then get my self back out. Right now Im looking for a new shop, been thinking of starting my own shop. Just had an interview Thursday at a Kia/Mitsu/Suszuki dealer, hope I get it. I have probably a good $50k in tools and another $6k in tool bills. Got a $7k to $8k judgement I have to pay on and a personal note for like $2500. But trailer is paid off, still got few bucks in bank and havent filed for unemployment YET.
I have two projects, trying to locate some lower priced parts as one car is called "Cheap Trick" (77 Monza 2+2 )so it has to be cheap, hoping engine comes in under $1k (I do have access to a engine machine shop sooo) and can do most anything I need on my own, done it before, do it again. Heck I am even redesigning H body(Monza/Vega front steering, might make few bucks).
My other project was given too me to get out of field so it didnt rust. It title is " What If,,," its a 84 Caprice 2dr ,going for repro 18" Vette wheels, 14 " Vette C6 Z06 brakes w/Kore3 adapters, Got a 47k mile 454 air cleaner to oil pan for $500, still got few trannies, gotta see what it will cost to get them resealed at Bowler (thanks to vintageracer I have a gift certificate I might be able to use for this or parts). I scope deals everywhere, I also can get some deals at Ridetech sometimes as I am close (30miles away). And I can do a lot of fab my self. Ill use Coilovers from Monza front, fab my own stuff for air in rear, and use CoolRide over ShockWaves for the Caprice.
Ill do cheap 17s on Monza and C5 brakes on it and probably wont even have $10k in both. Oh and I finally got my trailer paid off, thinking of refinancing for a garage but hate too. thinking of maybe a large enclosed car port instead.
Dave Ramsey has lots of good ideas to manage cash. Budget, budget, budget. Important first . Home, family, bills, saving, emergency fund, then fun/toys.
Heck I bought a refurb flat screen, got my surround sound for $99 as it was a demo. Buy lots of movies from pawn shops, search for deals on everything,,AND I can fab/fix/mod just about anything to work. Oh and my daily driver was given to me when I was down, it was winter and I was still riding my 06 Buell Blast (its cheap, $57.71 a month, $80 a year for insurance and 60 mpg, jsut didnt get to rid this year, had to get trailer paid off).
Know what you want, envision it and will it to come together, then use brains and little luck to get to end point.
Good Luck.

HELLCAMINO

12-03-2011, 07:55 PM

Worked for the same company since 1989 when I graduated HS. I own a house, was married (separated since 2009, not divorced yet). I have always searched the flea markets for parts before I buy new. I think 95% of my Elco was built from hand me down parts from my Chevelle or flea markets, etc. It will never be "done" to my liking, but I drive the crap out of it and enjoy (almost) every minute of it. I wanted to build a DD that can corner and do track time with the best of them. I work 40 hour weeks and 24 hours every other weekend. I do have an 11.5 year old son that takes up the spare time I do have to work on anything. Throw into the mix of house maint, girlfriend, and that fact that I do drink and like to go out twice a week. It leaves little time and money for my hobby. I have been concentrating on the Elco which I have owned for 12 years and my Chevelle (owned for 23 years) has been moth balled for now.

DartorDemon

12-04-2011, 12:35 AM

700 dollar rims? geez richer, why don't you share the wealth a bit? :D

My car is done at a slow pace on a nickel/dime budget, but i do as much of my own work as possible. Plus, cheaper the wheels, the less likely you are to start bawling like a baby if you ever blow a tire and destroy a rim.

ccobra70

12-04-2011, 07:11 PM

I started early in live saving and just working my butt off, it takes sacrifice, live like no one else so one day you can live like no one else.
I started buying rent houses one at a time paying them off as soon as I could I now have 4 paid for rentals while still working my business (I have a Little Debbie snack route) which does very well. saved my money and built the first car I ever owned 1970 mustang coupe which is featured in popular hot rodding right now on the news stand.

wellis77

12-04-2011, 10:23 PM

Work two jobs and go to school full-time. I also have a car budget which sees funds every month, but I'm very strict to the budget. If it takes longer because I screwed up on parts (which I have) or I want something better (more $$$), the car takes longer to complete. Despite some of the parts I'm using and the extent of my build, it really is a budget build... The car is a priority for my wife and I and spurred on and encourage by my wife as well so that helps

FlyDoc

12-07-2011, 10:47 PM

Army Medical retirement, VA compensation, & the wife is a Nurse practitioner, our three kids are out of the house, (not out of my wallet yet). also just got a foster daughter planing on adopting. wife very encouraging and supportive she also pushes me to do it the way I want it the first time. this does take longer to do but well worth it. you just need to work within a budget and well planed out. I spend lots of time just tinkering and planing out in my head before I buy parts, most times I can figure out how to do it better and cost less.

as long as I can remember my dad had no real project. up until I was about 12 we had a boat and went camping a lot. then it stopped for better than 20 years. then dad retired, got his brothers '64 Impala SS convertible, spent 3 years working on it, got neck Cancer, came so close to getting it done, I finished it 3days after he died. dad was able to do this with RR retirement, sale of his business, and from Farm rent.

I guess what I'm getting at is it will all come in time if you work hard and have a plan.

MrQuick

12-08-2011, 12:24 AM

...im still a muse

solarguy09

12-18-2011, 12:30 AM

i have had my car 28 years. i planned to do the work for years. i wanted to start the resto at 50. i started it at 52. no credit card debt or car loans..no unnecessary debt..years of saving..

snappytravis

12-18-2011, 09:00 AM

I am a Snap On Tools Dealer, My wife and I also own a Pharmacy in Lander Wy, She is a Pharmacist, I started working on cars when I was 13 years old, Like most of the guys on here we all want the same so we buy, sell, trade, to get the cool things we want and put all our spare money in our rides. It doesn't mattter if it is a set of used aluminum slots that you bought for 80 bucks in 1988 or a new Art Morrison frame for 10g. We are all car guys that will do whatever it takes to get a badass ride, pretty cool storys on this post and hat's off to all the women that support there car guys, I always told myself I wanted a good looking blonde that likes cars and I married her sometimes she almost likes cars to much, I am working on a 69 camaro that when it is done we will have more money in it then I use to make in a year. I would bet the top car builders have been at it since kids and have traded and worked hard and haven't made to many bad decisions along the way, (drugs, alcohol, bad women) hmm bad women, and some have probably been broke a few times, It's all about wanting something and working hard for it.

John510

12-18-2011, 01:31 PM

<------------ Professional Hustler

But seriously though, if you plan when your 20 you can be very well off by the time you are 30. It takes brains and hard work.

Instead of dumping money into a car , you can save the money and invest it in something wisely. There are a lot of businesses you can start with less than 5K and lots of stuff you can invest money in right now while the economy is bad. Also, start building your credit but dont use it to build your car! Most people that build cars on credit cards end up in some sort of financial loss at some point in their life.

Right now you can get home mortgages for half of what you can rent them for. Theres easy money (assuming you have credit). Use the extra money to pay down the mortgage instead of spending it on something that doesnt make you money. Or buy stuff on craigslist and resell it for a profit. Instead of buying wheels put the money in a money market acct. And in 10 years, reap the rewards.....

These pro-touring cars are toys. Most people that build them do it because its their hobby and they have disposable income.

Heres a cool article on Yahoo today. These kids will be future millionaires.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/super-young-retirement-savers.html?page=1

brownz

12-18-2011, 06:41 PM

I'm 27 years old I work as a head mechanic for the local goverment and make what I say to be ok money. I have about 36k in my car and will prob have about 40 in it when it hits the road without paint, I will be doing that mayself just like everything else on the car, I try to build the car the way I really want to within reason.

I just bought my first home about 7 months ago and it is over kill for me right now but with the rates and home prices I couldnt pass it up, I have a 2010 civic si sedan that I daily drive and I paid it off in 11 months! I also bought a myself a new truck when I finished college. Its a 2006 chevy 2500HD 4x4 and I paid it off in 23 months!

I have zero debt other then my house and never carry a balance on a credit card. I use it for everthing I purchase but make a online payment once a week. I do it foir the rewards points. They pay me to use the card LOL

I do have cable and a cell phone but dont really have any of the other fancy things that all my friends have, I dont get into video games, going to bars every weekend ect..

I try to save money every way that I can and still live a good life, I have a girl friend that lives with me now and she really likes to get involved with my hobby, she know that I do the best that I can and will only spend money on the car if I have extra money. We are prettey much married LOL.

I have bought and sold several cars over the years and that has really helped me with my car. and I gues living at home with my parents with no debt and making 68k a year helped also haha

Thanks MOM and DAD

SparkyRnD

12-19-2011, 07:29 AM

Another VERY important thing to look at here: you can have a great PT car for the same price as a nice, medium sized SUV or car. The differences are:

a. the new car won't be worth much in 7-10 years
b. the new car will cost a ton in insurance, repairs and taxes over the next 10 years (that money almost never gets factored in)
c. the minute you buy it, the new car is worth much less than you just paid
d. if you drive a junker or econobox for a few years, you can "make a payment" to your savings account for a few years and have enough to build a PT car with.

vintageracer

12-19-2011, 08:28 AM

House husband and general derelict!

I also hustle a few cars every now and then!

frojoe

12-19-2011, 11:41 AM

One point to make though is NEVER sacrifice on safety items. Buy a cheap stereo that is used, but buy NEW seat belts, brake components, et cetera. Also, one of the easiest ways to save money is to have some money saved up at all times, so that when a really good deal comes along, you can buy it immediately without having someone else buy it before you can scrape together the money.

100% agree. After paying off several monthly bills (the unavoidable living basics stuff) the rest of my paycheque goes to a high-interest savings account. I have another friend that is "saving up" for going traveling, but puts away a ~100 a month into a good account, and the rest of his money (over 10g's) just sits in his regular chequing account earning like 0.00001% interest, but he doesn't even buy anything or use it.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using credit cards. I buy everything with credit, but I ensure that I have the funds to pay it off immediately or can comfortably pay it off within 1 paycheque away. My CC pays 1.5% back and between my high-interest savings account, credit card, and regular bank (chosen carefully for minimal charges on the only parts I use), I actually end up making money when I buy stuff vs. just having the money sit there, and also having the general view point of "save everything and only pull out the minimum I need, when I need it".

I'm a mechanical engineer and pay is average, and I love my job. Have about $30K into my car including car itself, parts I've added, and tools. All the while putting myself thru engineering school (emerged debt-free, but prettymuch just dead-even). You just have to be smart with the money, be realistic about what you can afford and when you can afford it, and don't spend outside of your earning means.

solarguy09

12-19-2011, 12:43 PM

Now you guys are talking....Not just the jobs, but money management..You can make less than someone, and end up having more...

I drive the 10 year old truck with 200k miles..Runs great, and looks good. never buy new cars, low miles CPO only..

I am one who has my Budget for expenses on paper for the month, and the year. I live within my means. I carry no Car loans, or Credit card debt.. Only a small insanely low fixed rate mortgage.

What dragged down the market, dragged down solid major companies. as well as other assets. Investing in them will pay, not only dividends, but long term...

I keep my regular expenses account, my rainy day money making .5% , and my Z/28 fund in different accounts. Well now the Z/28 fund is gone,haha.

My Wife Consigns home furnishings, and I did Solar and Swimming Pool Work for 30 years, and now Work with my wife, as well as some investing.

Also, I have had my Car since 1983, almost died 18 months ago, and this is number one on the bucketlist. So I had been saving money to do this for a long time..

But along with what you do for a living, It is Money Management.. Start young and don't follow the crowd... 15% of your check saved...Find a way .

i have friends who buy the new BMW, only to buy the newer one two years later !!! Not business leases, but BUY and eat the depreciation , along with high Debt... So it is what you keep, as well as what you earn.

From some of your posts...Well Done...Smart guys you are... Long term plans over, and over work..

Luck is the meeting of preparation and opportunity...

Good Luck in 2012.

mattdirocz

12-19-2011, 04:11 PM

Just working the old overtime thing for my funds, glad it was there for me this summer worked 80 hours a week for about 3 months. Would love to have full ridetech setup but i had enough for hotchkis TVS and love it figure later on in life i will redo it i am only 25 and have fulltime student wife and a kid that takes most my money and time. So one day will prob let my wife have this car and i will build one of those high dollar cars for me. Helps i do all my own labor thats one of the biggest factors i think in the hobby. Never tore down a suspension before but figured hell learn as i go and buy the tools as i go.