Hello fellow Hambers, Attached is a list I have started compiling to help me start gathering parts (and funds). I know this is very newbie stuff but I have to start somewhere and those of you who would like to lend some hot rod wisdom I would greatly appreciate it. Please take a look and add/edit things you find are necessary. I realize there are going to be tool costs to build the car but we will leave all of that out for now. Thank you
You sound sincere man do us a favor and post the list so we don't have to down load unzip and what all.
Haven't looked at the list...try to post a picture of it so it's easier to view here. I would bet that whatever you have budgeted is not enough. My guess is that there aren't many non-pro builders who come in without being at least 25-50% over budget. At least that's been my experience on the few cars I've built.
I have a history of coming in about 50% over initial estimates. It's hard to lsit all the incidentals.
Do yourself a favor and don't even try to calculate a budget. That kind of nonsense will only break you heart.
AMEN!!!!! Figure on twice as many parts and twice as much money Louie but dont let that discourage you http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=415187
For you non-unzipping people I am putting his list below. I would throw my .02 out, for some time I did actually keep a list of things to do. I would put anything small and stupid on the list that needed to be done. Down to adding coolant. I figured that by having a list it would keep me in line from doing something like starting the engine without oil. By using a list with a bunch of small things it also lets you keep your objectivity that even though it's a long process (mine is going about 5 years now since engine purchase) that you won't lose interest because you are actually making progress rather than looking at it as a single hopeless project after the initial starting inertia has worn off. <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="1" frame="VOID" rules="NONE"> <colgroup><col width="204"></colgroup> <tbody> <tr> <td width="204" align="LEFT" height="19"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">Ch***is</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">steel for frame</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">motor mounts</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">transmission mount</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">body mounts</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front spring</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">dropped axle</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">spring shackles</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front spring plate and u bolts</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front spring clamps</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front shocks</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">bearings</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">spindles</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">tie rod arms</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">spindle hub nuts and washers</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">kingpin set</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">pitman arm</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">spindle stop nuts</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear end housing and axles</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">differential</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear four link arms</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear panhard bar</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear coilovers</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front wheels</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">back wheels</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front tires</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">back tires</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">lug nuts</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">hardware</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">Body Components</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">body</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">grill shell</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">grill </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">taillight lenses</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">vinyl top (****ons, thread)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">door latches</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">door handles exterior</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">head light buckets</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front gl***</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">hardware</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">Drivetrian</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">engine</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">air cleaner</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">carburetor</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">carburetor linkage</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">gas pedal</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">distributor</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">headers</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">header baffles</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">spark plug wires</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">spark plugs</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">alternator</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">alternator bracket</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">starter</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">thermostat housing</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">radiator hoses</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">radiator cap</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">radiator (pet****?)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">alternator pulley</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">water pump pulley</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">crank shaft pulley</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">belts</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">fan (spacer?)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">bell housing</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">clutch</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">throughout bearing</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">flywheel</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">clutch master cylinder</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">clutch plumbing</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">transmission</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">shifter linkage</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">shifter ball</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">drive shaft</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">u joints</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear-end housing</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">speedometer cable</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">hardware</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">fluids</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">Brake Components</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">master cylinder</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front disc brake caliper</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front disc brake pads</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front disc rotors</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">transition flex lines (front)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">transition flex lines (back)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear drums</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear drum pads</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear drum rebuild kit</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">thru frame fitting (4)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">tee fittings (2)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">proportioning valve</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">inline brake light switch</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">10 # residual valve (rear drums)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">2 # residual valve (front discs)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">brake line clamps</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">3/16 brake line </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">brake line binder</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">brake lever and pedal</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">e brake cable</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">e brake components</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">e brake lever</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">hardware</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">brake fluid</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">Interior Components</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">subfloor material </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">roll cage material</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">steering wheel</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">steering column</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">splined steering coupler </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">steering box</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">dash</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">tachometer</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">speedometer</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">water temp gauge</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">oil pressure gauge</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">fuel gauge</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">four point harnesses</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">seats (foam)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">rear view mirror (convex)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">stop light sight gl***</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">door handles interior</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">hardware</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">Electrical Components</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">wiring</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">fuse box</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">fuses</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">starter ****on</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">ignition switch</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">battery cables</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">headlights electric</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">taillights electric</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">relays</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">headlight switch (on/off)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">turn signal switch (3 position)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">front turn signals</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">flasher</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">battery disconnect</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">battery</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">gauge lights/wires etc</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Dude, I don't think I've ever built a car by buying individual parts! Built several cars, but I buy project cars and change parts as needed, then I tend to buy many parts as ***embles or a replacement group of parts. For instance, its cheaper to buy a clutch as a "kit" then it is to but each part separately. As you are a newbe, I'd suggest you start by finding a project that is as complete as possible and fix it up or repair as you go. After you get your feet wet a couple times, then maybe you stand a chance of finishing up a ground up build. By buying a project, you set a price range for buying the project, then set the price for the drive train, then steering and brakes, then on, and on, and on. Gene
I'm quite impressed by the time you took to create an expansive list like this one. I thought about doing something like this, but my general knowledge of cars and engines is pretty scarce so it would have been ten things. Anyway great list so far, and thanks for publishing it. Now maybe I can take your list and use it for myself. Financially budgeting my project would just be a joke and it would cause an aneurism I'm sure.
Man organization is great but it scares the **** out of me !! If you are starting from scratch you might consider finding an project that someone else started because you can usauly buy a lot for your money . and dont forget to take your time and go to the swap meets !!
Making that list is a nice exercise but you need to focus more on immediate needs. Anything on that list is pointless after the 'steel for the frame'. You don't need to know what kind of turn signal switch you'll need. Go get the steel - don't worry about how you'll cut it, weld it, frame design none of thta really matters. Find some money, get a truck and get a couple sticks of steel. Once you have the steel then you figure where and how to cut, weld, shape etc - you see, now you are focused on one particular step in the process - the size of the gas tank and type of master cylinder didn't even enter your mind did it? Believe it or not, that is exactly how cars are built in guys' garages all around the country. Good luck, oj
I didn't see what kind of car are you wanting to build, this will be a big factor in cost!! Open roadster, closed cap pick up, full fenders, no fenders 55 Chevy 40 Ford? All this factors in, buying someone's project of what you want would be a good starting point, but make sure it's what you want, buying a project then finding out it's not what you want can cost you a lot of money.
Lists scare me .After looking at all of the stuff on the list it looks like the project will never get done plus it's probably missing half the things your going to need anyway.I just go a step at a time.When I'm done with one item I go to the next logical step.For me breaking it down into a number of smaller projects keeps me motivated.Each completed step gives me a sense of accomplishment and gets me pumped to tackle the next step.As for a budget... it is what it is.Once I commit to a project it's gonna get done no matter what I have to spend.If I knew what a project was going to cost before hand I probably would never start it plus I don't like lying to my wife.Everyone likes to do things differently but for me a list just don't work.
I keep a spreadsheet to keep keep track of my costs and where they are going in the car. It is not cool having to change the goal cost of the build as it progresses and you decide to build the car a little nicer than initially planned at the start of the build
I understand what you're trying to do. Project budgets are good. So- fill in the numbers, double it, double it again, and then throw it away. Spoken with experience. My '51 Chevy has a project plan that lists major components and ***ociated costs- but I only budget the next 'stage' as I'm completing the present one. I always leave room in the wallet for 'deals' that I'll use down the road... or sell off. Building a hot rod isn't so much an exercise in engineering as it is in hunting and picking. I troll swap meets looking for specific items, yes, but I'm always on the look out for something special. So I suggest you budget for the frame and suspension to start with, and when that's done go on to brakes and steering, then to engine and drivetrain, and then to radiator/cooling, body work and so on and so on.
I think having a budget keeps you from buying the parts you really want. After you p*** the budget, you will say "screw it". Then you will buy the name brand fancy part you wanted in the first place. So...... You end up buying parts twice. Cheap is easy to buy, but hard to get rid of. I have done it.
There's a lot of good advice in this thread. What they're saying is what I experienced, anyway. I used to plan how much everyhing was going to cost, so I wouldn't get buried in the dumb car. Once I exceeded that number I stopped keeping a budget list. The thing is, once I exceed it, now what? I call it done? I sell it? I kept going because it's going to be done if it kills me. I try to economize where I can and scale back some of my more ambitious ideas if I can. Since my shop expenses have gone through the roof I also wheel and deal more on parts than I used to. If I have something laying on the shelf too long it goes on craigslist or whatever. If I can flip something I will, but I won't go too far out of my way to do it, either. I think you're always better off buying a complete car that needs minor work or changes, *IF* you can buy it right, not overpay. If you add up the cost of each individual part in your list,well it's a whole lot. These cars are so expensive I try and save wherever I can that won't compromise the level of build I want. I do everything myself except for something that costs too much to buy the tool to do it. There's nothing wrong with paying someone for their time and experience if you have the dough, I just can't afford it. Plus I enjoy the challenge. I'm not even sure how much I care about driving the thing, I like putting it together.
the little things add up. On my 54F100 project: Bolts from Fastenal $245.00, Welding supplies from Toll Welding $680.00 and more little items yet ????
My advice is to find a project that was started and stalled, you know, someone who made a list of ALL the things to build a hot rod and got about half of them and then ran out of the big three, time, money, and ambition. There is alot of good advice here, I'd take advantage of it. I made a list of the things I'd need to build a 32 3 window coupe, three years later I'm on the road with my hot rod....... Oh did I mention that it's a gl*** 29 roadster, make the list if it makes you feel better but don't get married to it. Good luck and keep us posted.
If you are starting from scratch, then some detailed drawings of what you want to end up with are useful for clarifying what you need. Your list needs lots of detail per item to avoid buying parts that you ultimately don't use. I can't tell you how many times I have made a swap meet purchase of a part the looks great only to find I needed a different version or size. Even with a detailed plan, you have to be flexible enough to take advantage of opportunities that can come up. Good luck on your project.
Guys thank you very much for the advice, keep it coming! My real reasoning behind this list is so I can start figuring out good deals for each of these parts. When I go to a swap meet or see something on Craigslist I can reference my list to see what normal prices are for for each particular item. Plus I think its a good way to keep notes for each part that way I get it correct the first time. I have thought about buying a half finished project but to me that takes so much of the fun out of the build. I really like the idea of focusing on one part of the build one at a time. However I was thinking about buying a donor car or truck for major stuff like the engine, transmission, and rear end.
1) The detailed list is like your Christmas Wish List. You will be tempted to buy the 'fun' parts and ignore what's important right now. From my experience as a Restoration Shop owner I would see time and again the newbies come in to the store with big plans of paint jobs and engine rebuilds, and then they walk out with a radio and a car cover. Said radio sits on the shelf for two years while the warranty expires, gathering dust next to the car cover they don't want to throw over their unfinished project. 2) Start with large monthly goals, like "January...paint rear axle ***embly". You don't need to list "buy a can of paint". 3) Also start with a foundation (frame) and build up from there. Don't even think about a motor and what type of headers and carb you'll be running until you know what foundation it will be sitting on and how you plan to stop it. 4) Don't get too far ahead of yourself on parts. Learn from others mistakes. Look at all the ads for project cars for sale. Most of them come with a ton of un-used parts, and most of the cars are have un-finished areas. Finish one area before buying parts for the next area. 5) It may not be in the budget, but if you can buy something turnkey that is less than what you want it may help you do a better job building the the car you really want. In 1990 I bought a 66 Mustang GT and immediately tore it all apart for restoration. Granted, it didn't run and nothing worked on it anyway. I figured it would be 2-3 years before it was finished. In the meantime I bought a 66 Mustang coupe in driveable but decent condition. I got my fix driving the one car while restoring the other. I ended up doing a better quality job because I wasn't rushing to get it back on the road. What I started with: What I bought to drive: What I ended up with:
Actual budget is a moving target unless you have all the cash to outlay today. And then it can still be a moving target. Example: I started dealing on tires for my parts hauler in December. The place I found them had them for about 96.00 and change but they were out and had to wait for a new shippment to come in from over seas. Most bias ply tires are made over seas these days. Anyway they are finally in the states now but the price has come up by about 10 bucks a tire. Ayway you need a spot for incidentals, like nuts and bolts welding rod or wire etc. You also show nothing for rubber for the body. IE door seals, window rubber etc., or Window channel for the doors if you intend to have door gl***. But not to dispair you won't need rubber until the last so you can get started now on the other stuff. I don't see a wiper motor on your list or a neutral switch (sorry I just couldn't resist neutral switch)
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