You can shop MUCH smarter than that.. I've built a complete EFI system, all new parts, etc, RIMS, tires, and i could cut that bill into 1/4., with new parts (as I used). You just have to be patient.
You can shop MUCH smarter than that.. I've built a complete EFI system, all new parts, etc, RIMS, tires, and i could cut that bill into 1/4., with new parts (as I used). You just have to be patient.
I've done some careful shopping already. I spend days searching for the best price for the EZ-EFI and found it for $200 less than Summit. I'm trying not to rig stuff together, but buy systems that are proven to work. Example, I thought about modifying a stock gas tank ( need a new one anyway ) and rigging up an in tank pump, but once I buy the parts, for a few bucks more I can get the Tanks Inc. system.
I've been re-furbing as much as I can, but my goal is a "like new" car when done. For example, all freshly painted and detailed door jams, but then install corroded old door strikes? No way. $24 is a small price for the appearance.
I could save on glass and reinstall my original scratched up originals, but it would bring down the overall appearance. I've even given thought to skipping the power window to save $600, but 6 months after its on the road, I'd be back into the doors starting over.
I don't think the wife has the patience to see me starting another project on what she thinks is a completed project.
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1995 GT convertible - Laser Red
1995 GT convertible - Black (Son's ride)
1966 GT Fastback under restoration- Code T Red
with White LeMans stripes.
This is my second project. Quit tracking costs of first one when I got over the point that I could have but a new GT with money invested. Got a little smarter on current one. Don't track the costs. Just go a big drawer I throw all receipts into. Since this build is going on for awhile and I tried to wait to ordering parts when CJ or others have big sales. I'm banking on them having one this coming up Friday. Got a bout $1000 worth of parts to finish off suspensions and brakes. Latest car is for my daughter funny how the wife does not give me any sh_t on these purchases. I have not told them I meant that it will be willed to my daughter when the time comes :-)
You can shop MUCH smarter than that.. I've built a complete EFI system, all new parts, etc, RIMS, tires, and i could cut that bill into 1/4., with new parts (as I used). You just have to be patient.
YES! Don't buy it till you're ready to use it or there is a really good deal on it. There may be a better or more affordable option come along. Always research the heck out off it and compare all venders.
Remember, a car is never "done" when it's a custom or modified. After about 10 years of mine being near finished, I've decided to lose all the polished aluminum under the hood. it's just not as cool as it used to be and a PITA to keep polished. I probably have over $35k invested in mine easily. I had to do mine twice.
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"LAZARUS"
Goodguys Younguys award winner TX-2000
MCA Grand National Pinnacle Award: Best Modified Driven, Sept 2012
Modified Mustang & Ford article: ?/2013
2 years of hard labor later
I'm not saying it can't be all new. Mine is pretty much all new. I somehow found the rims I wanted, new, for $350 or so (Ok, I'll never find that deal again, and I doubt others will either), but I think HUGE money saver was a powder coating setup.
I guess it also depends which route you want to go. You wanted ezi-efi, I went with EEC-IV as I liked the idea of non-aftermarket, plus i got the chance to make my own harness, yadda etc.. (plus I THINK it was a lot cheaper to make, but I actually can't remember what it cost to do my eec-iv).
Yeah...don't do that lol! Seriously, I keep receipts but not a running tally. I put my car together in 1990 and am pretty sure I have a lot less in it than if I'd had modern cars. Plus I get to work on it. So, it's classy transportation and a hobby. That said I don't want to know what I've spent on it.....
im trying to explain to her why i "need" the 65 crager shelby wheels for the car at 1700 dollars....she keeps countering that i have wheels and those rare ben hur hubaps that look fine....plus i am at the 10 k figure i told her i would need to finish it years ago...
Come on guys we all know our projects are never finished.... my projects (currently 3 of them ) are like furnaces that I keep shoveling money into.... problem is that the aftermarket keeps coming out with more and more cool stuff for our classics that we really want.
We buy car parts and our spouse buys shoes, handbags and jewelry..... I do like the etrade to paypal setup! That is a great idea! That will help keep you from needing a good divorce lawyer.
Bought my 68 vert 35 years ago after many months looking. It was a keeper from the start. Have all receipts/records except for gas. Have never added it up, no intention, what's the point?
I will say this: I buy something I'm currently working on not because it's on sale. Exception is good stuff at a swap meet from a private individual that's nice OEM.
If it's a hobby then you spend what you can, when you can and enjoy it the rest of the time. I've had mine over 15 years and have driven it in various stages of restoration/repair and have enjoyed every minute. If it were ever done it wouldn't be a hobby anymore. If you have deadlines and are counting your pennies you are in trouble. an anal friend of mine is into Studebakers and has a year into working on his driving 64 Lark. He just told me he needs to add up his receipts and see what he has into it. He plans on enjoying it and handing it down to his son. I told him to put the receipts away and only get them out if he needs one for warranty. Adding it up would serve no purpose whatsoever.
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Mild 302
T-5
Global West arms
TCP Strut Rods
Wilwood Ft. Discs
235/45/17 ft
275/40/17 rear
Always a work in progress
Why would someone get the EZ-EFI, when it's NOT multipoint and the stock 5.0 is multipoint and there are millions of them out there?
You mentioned replacing the door strikers, I don't know the condition of yours, but most of these kind of things can be restored. Eastwood has paint/coating/powder coats/etc... for most everything you can think of.
You could take all the 'old-n-ugly' parts, buy a Harbor Freight powder coat system (on sale) and have them look better than new.
Also, I feel most OEM stuff is better than aftermarket. I bought the Scott Drake turn signal lever a few years ago, and it's all ready rusting thru and has never been exposed to the weather, it's just from being inside the car.
I paid $500 for a re-chromed front bumper (different project) and now it's showing rust. While the old rear looks show room.
I picked up a full 5.0 HO with all but the computer and AOD for $300 from the local Pick-n-Pull yard. I bought a full aftermarket A/C for $25 that'll fit where the stock A/C would. I got 5 lug rear end I wanted for $75 from someone else upgrading there mustang.
I waited a long time to find the front disk brakes at the right price and I'm looking to adapt in my own custom A/C system from a universal setup.
As far as spending money, if you look at a new car, these can get in line with the cost of a modern mid-level car, which is probably about $20K+
On the other side, there a plenty of ways to save money if you shop around and are willing to do some fab work / research yourself.
Don't forget your old parts probably have some value.
I don't keep track, I figure the car isn't worth anything because I am not going to sale it. With that in mind I build to my budget. No 10,000.00 motor. My crate was 2000.00 with warranty. I also have no hired labor and I set the money in it's own account. Nickle and dime payments make it hard on my mentality. I just save money along and start the project when the money is there. I am still married and my wife is a accountant. That being said I am saved up for next project and waiting for inspiration. From this point on it is just a hobby and not a unhealthy obsession, or that is what I tell myself.
Why would someone get the EZ-EFI, when it's NOT multipoint and the stock 5.0 is multipoint and there are millions of them out there?
You mentioned replacing the door strikers, I don't know the condition of yours, but most of these kind of things can be restored. Eastwood has paint/coating/powder coats/etc... for most everything you can think of.
You could take all the 'old-n-ugly' parts, buy a Harbor Freight powder coat system (on sale) and have them look better than new.
The combover, I think, turns a lot of people off.. I have grown to like it. In fact, mine is polished now.. Sticks out like a really bad toupe! I can dig it.
That's why I mentioned the powder coater.. In fact, I have the HF one, and it's great! Free oven from Kijiji.. Things look like new. I might actually do the strikers, even though they have some play (A little weld should fix that! I assume they aren't supposed to have play).. I'll try the 'chrome' on it. Never had much luck with it.
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