Custom Build Shop

[D-$]

very good feedback. This site is so informative and everyone is very helpful. I think at the end of the day I want to build from the ground up and worry less about the esthetics and more about the function. Engine, sub-frame, etc... over interior and paint. I can always spend more money as time goes judging by what I read on here.

[chpr1972]

Buy a car and slowly change it. I have a 66 Lemans conv that I bought without a motor and trans. It now has a BBC 496 10:1 stroker crank 230 236 515 lift comp roller cam. Every thing in the motor is new. It has a center force flywheel and trick flow balancer. A lakewood bellhousing and a TKO600 5 speed trans with a hydraulic clutch and heavy duty crossmember. Rear end is a Ford 9" posi with aftermarket axles.Front and rear suspension was rebuilt and has Heidt 2" dropped spindles and adjustable upper control arms and Hotchkis lowering springs. Wilwood 12.88 rotors and 6 pistons front and 4 piston rear brakes with a Wilwood master cylinder. Hooker comp headers 2 1/8" with a complete pypes exhaust system and rear chrome outlets. The AAW wiring harness and a Vintage Air conditioning and a 'front runner system mounting 100 amp alt and detroit power streering unit. Dual fans on an alumiumn radiator. Fuel system includes a tank inc gas tank, fuel pump and a holly HP EFI mounted on a old school tunnel ram with 2 4BBL throtle bodies and a gasser style air filters. Ansen sprint wheels 17" wheels and performance tires. A Dakota Digital dash and a Custom sounds radio and small amp and a 4 speakers. The car still has a stock interior and body. In the last 3 years some rust has popped out on the doors. It still has not been painted. The top also has to be replaced but I have replaced the motor , cylinders and hoses. Bumpers need rerchromed and a lot more to do. There is almost no labor on the car as I did it all except the motor. Small stuff kills you. Nuts and bolts, window regulator rollers, dynamat,misc adds up FAST! You will not believe what some of the little parts cost. Window rollere $6.95 each x 3 or more per window. I have some where just under $50,000 invested in parts and original purchase. I am retired and this keeps me alive. BUT I WISH I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A FINISHED CAR AND SLOWLY CHANGED IT HERE AND THERE AND ENJOYED IT FOR LAST 2 1/2 to 3 YEARS. Just about every thing done to the car has had to be redone at least twice as some thing added means you have to re do something to make it work. JUST SAYIN.