72 "converted" 4x4 sold for $79,000 at BJ

[dubds10]

Dave any pics of the truck with the stock rims and caps? Or just the newer rims.

I agree on the build detail and amount of $ invested, it's just rare to see them sell anywhere near covering the actual costs to build. Hard to compare the ones at BJ but I know a few people who've gone and reported back saying even the top end builds weren't that great. Of course everything looks great on TV and in photos lol I don't think many will come on saying they can build one for $30g, but I've seen complete frame off down to stock resto builds sell for less. We've had a few in my family and despite the $ and detail it's always what the local market will bare.

[jeffahart]

Well, I've got well over 10K into my truck and it still basically looks the same, except for the wheels. I guess if you know what your looking at you'll see the axles are changed. But, I usually don't dig too long for parts. My life needs to move forward. When I decide to do something I generally take some time to research then I quickly tire of looking for the ultimate deal and move forward with a purchase, price be damned..... forward momentum so to speak. I spent way more time trying to locate a good deal on axles than I had on any whole vehicle purchase. So, I finally bit the bullet and spent. Now I'm happy and the project moves forward. I expect to loose my A$$ when I sell it.

Lets see:
Radiator, water pump, fuel pump, dash pad, AAW wire kit, wheels, axles, seat cover, retro sound, door handles...... I mean the receipt folder is bloated... it needs to go on a freekin diet. I ain't even close to body work, I first have to do: Engine, tranny, transfer, bedwood, body rubber... blaa blaa blaa

It's gonna be waaaay over $25K when I'm done.

$25,000

[cypressbog]

From reading all the posts here and other threads about the cost of trucks and parts, I guess I'm in the minority here. I fully support the ever escalating prices of these trucks.

[CastIron]

I think the biggest trick to saving money while still doing things the right way is finding the right people to help you. There is a lot of good auto body & repair technicians out there who love doing work on the side. If you're lucky enough to find somebody like that it is a great way to save money on labor.

There's a couple things about professional shops that people may not realize. Just because they are expensive and have a good reputation doesn't mean they always do good work. There's always some guys that will take any shortcut they think they can get away with. And a lot of shops will employ people without any formal training. You might be spending $100+ per hour to get your vehicle worked on but the person doing the actual work may only be getting paid $10 per hour.

And just for the record, my pickup is a mostly original, unrestored '69 C1500. I've had it 15 years and have about $5000 into it, including the purchase price. I really only bought it to haul things and have put about 7k miles on since I bought it. It has spent 99% of its like under cover and while the paint is in decent original shape there is a little surface rust on the frame and suspension. I don't really have plans for a full restoration. My plans are to make it safer, more efficient, and more fun to drive.