![]() |
![]() |
#26 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 3,728
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Because 1, I am cheap, and 2, I am not rich, all my builds are as low buck as they come. I shop around to find deals, wait to order stuff when on sale, or find good used parts when possible.
There are certain things you will not be able to save much, if any on, but are worth the price IMO. I am working towards a deal on my Porterbuilt stuff by buying everything at once and hope to offer his product myself down the road. I have dealer accounts with some suppliers for other things. Craigs List is always an option when looking for stuff, or even for getting rid of the stuff I don't need.
__________________
New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210 |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Denver, Co
Posts: 245
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Quote:
I'm one of them... ![]()
__________________
Will 1970 CST10 SWB LQ4/4L80E 2004 Silverado (sold) 2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 2,121
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
My Blazer is pretty low buck... link in the signature.
Had the truck about 7 yrs now, didn't give much for it originally. Only put a couple of hundred in it initially & started driving it. Since that time I have collected parts -scanned Craigslist continuously for cheap parts & opportunities to swap, several trips to the junkyard, & bought a few trucks that could get what I needed off them & sell the rest for profit. Then I started rebuilding it in stages. Biggest factors to make it a true low buck build: 1. Do everything yourself. If you don't know how, research & ask around then just jump in and try it. (Or marry a guy that is talented at this stuff, that's what I did). That's the only way to learn. 2. Don't be in a hurry - deals are out there so keep looking. Some things are just as good used. Now I have a bullet proof Blazer & easily less than $5k in the whole thing.
__________________
'72 C to K20 "Cannibalizer" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post8653432 '85 K30 "Big Nassy" '01 2500 Suburban ...party wagon & tow truck '06 Silverado SS...DD '06 C1500 WT...DD '07 Classic C1500 WT...DD Built & sold cause can't keep 'em all: '72 Blazer "The Bucket" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433190 '55 Chevy straight axle gasser https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173938 '69 Pro Street Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332541 '86 M1031 CUCV http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553619 |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
Account Suspended
![]() Join Date: May 2012
Location: Toughest lil' Town in Texas
Posts: 856
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
|
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Posts: 1,856
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
im not sure what the criteria for low buck is. I hope to have under 12k in mine when done including the truck. But my engine dreams are really hurting that idea.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#31 |
Rusty Nuts
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Clever Missouri
Posts: 1,338
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Mine is a cheap build also. This is not a show truck but a weekend driver, All of it was done by myself and almost finished after three years. Pics can be seen by clicking on my name then click view public profile and on the middle right of the page is 67 photo album.
At first i thought the cost was going to be about 2 grand but now final cost will be about 2800.00
__________________
(Clever Missouri) Southwest Larry Mr Chevrolet My Build, The Marathon Truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=604414 |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,506
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
I've seen a lot of things passed off as "low buck" including suspect workmanship and crusty rusties but to me Low buck is building a nice rig without blowing the budget on things you don't really need to spend the extra money on.
Things to do the low buck thing ans still have a nice presentable truck that no clown will accuse of being a "nice rat rod" at the burger joint on Friday night cruise night. 1. Plan and shop: Make a plan and stick to it and shop prices without cutting quality. Simply hunt for bargains that fit your build plan. 2. If you are building low buck you don't need a crate motor, transmission from a high zoot racing transmission shop or nine inc from one of the name nine inch builders. Finding a good running engine and good working trans that fit your plans that are in a running driving donor rig that you can drive home, tune up and get all of the bugs out of the engine and trans before you pull them and sell off the hulk keeps the cost down. Part of the investment is recovered selling the leftovers. 3. You don't need a 2000 dollar set of rims unless you can get them for 500 with tires because they were repossessed by or traded in to the Tire store you buddy works at. I picked up a set of new takeoffs and 6 lug Rally wheels for less than 400 bucks with all the caps and rings at the tire store I do business with in the late 80's when I was looking for wheels and tires for my son's 70 longbed. Two years later I sold the same set for 250 at a swapmeet after he bought his own mag wheels and tires and changed the look of the truck. 3. You don't need a high end custom made front suspension when you can get a set of lowering springs or dropped axle or pick up something like an XJ Jag crossmember for a couple of hundred bucks. Save the high end stuff for a later build when you decide you want to go all out. Or maybe one of the other board members is selling off his frame complete with GM subframe that has given him 40,000 trouble free miles and has a great stance because he is building a new frame with one of Scott's front suspensions and a nine inch rear on coil overs for more of a show truck look and offers you the deal of the week on his old chassis if you bring your own roller wheels and tires or trade him your uncut bone stock frame and less bucks for his chassis. 4. You don't need a whole load of trick billet pieces to have your truck run good when a well detailed stock engine will work nicely in your low buck build. All of the chrome and billet stuff under some guy's hoods cost more than other guy's whole builds sometimes. It's nice but a real budget killer. 5. Do as much of the body work and paint prep as you can yourself. If you can't paint it yourself and don't have a buddy who can there is almost always a painter around most towns who shoots guy's cars on the side and does good work. Young body and paint men who work in dealerships or collision repair shops always seem to be looking for side work for extra spending money. The main thing is plan, shop and bargain and don't get caught up in the concept of "I gotta have that trick stuff".
__________________
Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
![]() |
![]() |
#33 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Post Falls, Idaho
Posts: 1,757
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
I built mine with budget in mine. Somewhere between $4000 and $5000 total so far.
Link is in my signature. |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,338
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Rusty,
You MIGHT like seeing my rattle canned heap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=463698 Bought it about 1-1/2 years ago for $4500 (cheap in SoCal for a running, not too rusty big window with upgrades). It already had a mildly built 283, TH350 & 10 bolt rearend, so it already had the five lug car pattern. I had a set of leftover 15x7 Torq Thrust wannabe's. I bought 75 series takeoffs from CL for $60. My big expense was taking it to a shop in an old part of town the owners (70's) had owned since in their 20's. They loved getting a chance to work on old GM stuff. Had them install a Pertronix, dual plane manifold, redid the radiator, all hoses, belts, filters, fluids, tuneup, wires, yada, yada. A liberal does of rattle can paint and some used chrome goodies and it is how you'll see it. I've TRIED to do everything economically, but I've been seduced by chrome goodies and disc brake & mastercylinder relocation kits - both new but un-installed - via Craigslist. Neither is installed yet. Oops, EDIT: I'm probably in it for maybe $7000-7500 but its a solid runner at this point. Just needs emergency brakes hooked up, the disc & MC kits installed, seat belts, oh hell.....I'll be working on it forever, lol. |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: the middle
Posts: 296
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
I will probably have around 8k in mine including the truck when i eventually get finished. I did splurge on a couple key areas... Ifs/steering/door latches. Those were safety concious decisions based on me wanting to haul my young boy around with me.
The big key for my build was choosing a good donor vehicle. I picked up a running driving 88 burb and stole the tbi 350, 700r4, brake booster, master cyl., gas pedal, ebrake mech. I picked it up dirt cheap and have already made 1/3 of the purchase price back selling parts i dont need. When im done with it, ill scrap it out and probably break even. Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
My Lost and Forgotten build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=442712 |
![]() |
![]() |
#36 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 8,800
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Mine. I do all my own work, strive to figure out low $ elegant solutions, and reuse or repurpose non-auto items to work. Goal is to have a daily use truck that most people will think is stock at first glance, then start looking closer to see the upgrades.
__________________
1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project |
![]() |
![]() |
#37 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Midway, NC
Posts: 3,275
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
You see I knew there was more of you out there digging around. I'll work on trying to get some links up. I'm not much of a computer geek. You know when I started this I thought about what is low buck and so on. Truthfully it's all over the board. I think what I'm getting at is I want it to be obtainable by regular Joes working with a few craftsmen tools and in the back yard. It doesn't have to be all one color or even rust free. It just needs to be safe and fun. I like some of the high dollar builds but honestly I don't connect with them. Thanks again for the responses. There's a lot of digging to do on here.......let's see some more.
__________________
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=581873 The low buck build threads. Check'em out! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=666022 My build thread Crossmembers CC |
![]() |
![]() |
#38 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Midway, NC
Posts: 3,275
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
You know something else that I find awesome is that there has been so far 900 views. So I know you guys are listening which is great. Where there's a need.....there's an answer.
__________________
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=581873 The low buck build threads. Check'em out! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=666022 My build thread Crossmembers CC |
![]() |
![]() |
#39 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Golden Valley,MN
Posts: 639
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
I guess mine is low buck. I work in a body shop so I have a place to do the work I can't get done at home, so that helps make it low buck. I'd guess I've got about $3000 into it, including buying the truck. I hope to finish it without spending more than $1000.
__________________
My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=495795 |
![]() |
![]() |
#40 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Derby Kansas
Posts: 564
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Mine
__________________
av8tr33337 AKA Bartman ![]() Bartman's Ad-S10 Chassis Swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415418 My First Youtube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6hSt...eature=channel More Pics of the 51 Project http://s668.photobucket.com/albums/v...hassis%20Swap/ 1951 3100 Pickup |
![]() |
![]() |
#41 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Edmond, Ks
Posts: 595
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Mine's pretty low cost. I don't know what you're going for but all told in parts I'm sitting at $1162.25 not including tools, and including purchase price. She's not in paint or anything, but I've got her from a non-running fender missing heap to a driver that runs nicely and gets me back and forth to lowes.
http://6066gmcclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47321 The kids are wanting to stay with a patina build but the more I get into it the more I'm wanting to paint her. Who knows?
__________________
Step by steps: Remove primer to reveal original paint Rebuild a carburetor See My Build - Cecilia! ![]() Some people are like slinkys. Not worth much but funny as heck when pushed down stairs. |
![]() |
![]() |
#42 |
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,525
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
My 65 linked in my signature isn't really a budget build, but more of a budget tinker.
![]() Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035 |
![]() |
![]() |
#43 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Leanna, TN
Posts: 2,061
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Mine is pretty low budget. A $1500 stepside, a Porterbuilt kit (Not Dropmember), lots of help from friends met because of this board, some rattle can paint, and a bunch of used parts.
LINK IN SIG.........By the way, good idea!
__________________
=MATTHEW 69 Stepper...Stroked & Bagged ![]() 2003 Chevrolet Z71 Ext. Cab 1995 Cavalier gas saver! |
![]() |
![]() |
#44 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Midway, NC
Posts: 3,275
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Kool. When I get off work today I will be checking these bad boys out. Keep them coming. Thanks once again.
__________________
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=581873 The low buck build threads. Check'em out! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=666022 My build thread Crossmembers CC |
![]() |
![]() |
#45 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: sacramento ca.
Posts: 1,038
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Heres my low buck build....... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485977
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
Timmy D. "What that grinding noise?Don't worry about that it will eventually clearance itself!" 1966 chevy c10 Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485977 1954 ford customline H.A.M.B 54 Build Thread:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=622142 |
![]() |
![]() |
#46 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Warrensburg, MO
Posts: 2,690
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Here's ours... 47 Chevy with right at $5000 invested for full frame up build with
350/350, IFS, and AC. Just went 1300 miles on Power Tour a couple weeks ago. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=541904
__________________
www.olesargecustoms.com email: chris@olesargecustoms.com '48 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=541904 '33 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6232888 '49 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6364475 |
![]() |
![]() |
#47 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 452
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Hey, I'm honored to be included in this group!
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
It's all about the stance, baby! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=320546 |
![]() |
![]() |
#48 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Phenix City, AL
Posts: 244
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584520
Just started but doin a little every day!!!!! Posted via Mobile Device |
![]() |
![]() |
#49 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Midway, NC
Posts: 3,275
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
Quote:
__________________
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=581873 The low buck build threads. Check'em out! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=666022 My build thread Crossmembers CC |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#50 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Midway, NC
Posts: 3,275
|
Re: Low Buck Build Threads Help or LBBTH
I'm honored to have you share your build.
__________________
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=581873 The low buck build threads. Check'em out! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=666022 My build thread Crossmembers CC |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|