Projects Building your hot rod or custom

On my current build 1940 merc..I decided to jot down all purchases, parts and raw materials. So far I'm surprised how little I have spent for as far I have gotten...

 

No, I don't keep track to the penny, but I try to keep a vague number in my head to see basically what I have into something. I try not to put myself too far upside down on a car, in terms of what I have into it versus what it is worth when I'm done. That's especially the case when I'm not in love with a car. But generally speaking once I crack into a job, I just buy whatever it is that I need to get it done. I make the best effort to not be abusive of a budget, but even if I go over a bit, I'll forget how much it cost if years later I can look back on how nicely the project came out and how well it has worked. The truth is pinching pennies has easily cost me as much as giving myself a blank check for certain projects and cars.

But some cars I've had for a real long time. At that point you have to stop counting because stuff wears out just from age and use, and it needs maintenance. It's not really fair to count that.