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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Smithton, Mo.
Posts: 158
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Total $$ invested in restoration
This may be a bit personal, but I'm curious as to how much money it takes to do a decent restoration. Not museum quality, just something to be proud of. I have a '69 K20 I'll be starting work on soon. It's an original Missouri truck, so it's full of rust! Just wondering how deep it'll get into my pocket. Please post your total investment along with an "after" photo. Thanks.
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#2 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,119
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
That's a tough one as we all have different skill sets and ideas of "Good enough". In addition most of us don't keep track of the nickel and dime things that always add up to hundreds if not thousands in a restoration. I'm at least six grand into my Burban doing most of the work myself and nothing done on the drive train. Check my Working Man's Burban thread for more information on what I've done.
This link has a good formula for estimating the costs involved. http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/atta...2&d=1463943853
__________________
Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. ![]() RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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#3 |
Roadtrip!
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Grand Rapids MN
Posts: 13,734
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
If you have the money, it will be cheaper to buy one done already. Especially if you are starting with a rusty truck...
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67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto |
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#4 |
How did I get this OLD!
![]() Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Lamont County, AB, CANADA
Posts: 1,047
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Not 100% if it applies to these trucks. I did a nice restoration on a 71 chevelle convertible. Did a little work myself but subbed out most. My budget was $25,000. After 3 year resto I added up the bills. $55,000.
Like Too Much Stuff said cheaper to buy one restored. I paid for the pleasure, experience and friendships I made. Still believe I got good value.
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1967 Oshawa built LWB Fleetside. 327,3 OTT, 515 Vermilion, CST, PS, PB, Shoulder Harness, Tach,Vac, Speed Warning, Choke Delete, Manual Throttle, Fawn interior. Dealer installed A/C 04/2015, N34 Rosewood Wheel 06/2023 Members who I have met personally. Metaldoc, chevnkevin, 62 Longbed, 72LHorn, 72MARIO, YBNORML, TBONE1964, Classic Bowties, Chevemall, Dagnabbitt. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: lowell ma
Posts: 750
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
I like to stay married, so.. no comment..
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Bigfork, Montana
Posts: 1,137
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Doing a complete frame off resto on a base model truck with a complete rebuild of the drivetrain, with you doing all of the work (no labor costs) $20 -25 is a good ball park. The higher the options, the higher the cost (bucket seats, A/C, tow hooks, instrument panel, etc) If your truck is very rusty it may save money to use two or three trucks to build one! And, as already stated, it's cheaper to buy one than build one. With that said, I'm building one because I want it my way & enjoy doing it. I keep an Excel spreadsheet to track all costs, part #s, vendors & country of origin.
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#7 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,119
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Anything you post may or may not be held against you later.
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__________________
Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. ![]() RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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#8 |
All about them K’s
![]() Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Land of Entrapment
Posts: 6,375
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
I hear that. One time I left a receipt out for a couple grand worth of parts I bought....
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Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's ‘87 IROC-Z all original 50K mile survivor TPI 305 IROC Blue ‘10 Camaro 2SS/RS Aqua Blue Metallic #93 -version 2.0 ![]() |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: dallas ga
Posts: 1,505
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
As some have said it cheaper to buy one "already done" that being said the only way to truly know what you got is to do it yourself! 20-25k for a regular restoration, 35-40k for a good customized truck. This would be you doing a majority of the work with exception of interior and paint
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,374
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Even if you do the work yourself, if you don't have all the tools, big compressors, paint guns, etc, these add up very quick as well as the parts and supplies for the restore.
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1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017 |
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
I don't keep track because I don't want to know. And I haven't even started the restoration yet.
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 552
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Over and above the purchase price, I've got $2500 in my 65 so far. This is with a relatively decent drivetrain and no cosmetics at all. And free labor. It is however a drivable, usable vehicle and everything now works.
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Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer. |
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#13 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
No clue, had the truck 20 years and redone some stuff a few times.
I did buy a nice 65 mustang coupe that was probably fine as is, but did a full interior redo, new wheels and tires, full front and rear suspension rebuild with power disc brakes and a trac lock, swapped from an auto to a 5 speed, and added vintage air. In addition to the cost of the car I easily have another 7k in "upgrades" and this was a restored ready to drive car... It gets out of control fast. This was with me doing all the work. I'll be doing a full resto on my dad's old 67 firebird and I already know I need 15k in just parts...
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#14 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Berne IN
Posts: 3,229
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Saw a quote on here once- "my greatest fear when I die is that my wife will sell my truck for what I told her I had in it". I agree that you could probably buy a nice K20 for around 20K but, probably can't rebuild yours for that amount
Last edited by 72 tigger; 01-19-2017 at 07:04 AM. |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Omaha NE
Posts: 620
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
I have 14,500 total in mine. Did all the work including paint. All new bed and wood floor. Paid 5K , 1972 highlander, 402, PS, PB, A/C, 77K miles. Needed the usual cab corners, inner and outer rockers and floor sections. 1st pic when I drove it home. Already had the 20's and wheels. Don't have a good pic available of the bed, but it is beautiful.
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Smithton, Mo.
Posts: 158
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Smithton, Mo.
Posts: 158
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: RADFORD, VA
Posts: 2,651
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Yep I've always said that too, always cheaper just to buy one already done...but when you can't afford to do that then do what you can when you can atleast that's what I do..
But some people don't like driving around with a truck half-way fixed up, but that's what I have to do..I just don't have the funds to do it all at one time being I'm the only one bringing in Income, So my bills come first then if there's anything left...here lately it's been getting worse...them bills just keep piling up...I think I'm just going to live under a bridge somewhere...of course I'll have a slide in camper on the back of my truck....Oh well
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1964 BBC 402 4x4 ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Smithton, Mo.
Posts: 158
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Mohnton pa.
Posts: 208
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
Its a black hole for money. So buy the very best truck up front, even if its a few thousand dollars above your budget. I just bought mine a year ago for 4200.00, inspected and somewhat drivable. I have another 3000.00 into it, so its a reliable every day driver. This is my regular car I drive. I still have a long list of things to do to it. Really I should of waited and just bought a 15k truck, but im a car person.
Also depending on your age and home life, do you have 10-15 extra hours a week to work on a project, besides all your other time commitments to everyone else. Its so much easier to buy a completed truck and make payments on it. |
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#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, B.C
Posts: 3,794
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How much....wow, what a great question.
First as the guys have said....don't do it...lol, instead buy one, definitely way cheaper. Here is my advice: Take $8-$12k and buy a nice truck, quite solid (absolute very minimal rust) and close to what you want in model and options. Drive it for 6+ months so you start to love it. Then put another $10k into it...that puts you at about $20k or close. You will probably be very close to exactly what you wanted all along. You won't be hitting Barrett/Jackson but you will be at all the show 'n shines and proud of your ride. ....my two bits. All good Coley
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....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 |
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#22 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,237
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
I figure around 34K for my 71. It was in great shape to start wit, and doesn't require a transmission, rear end or engine rebuild. Other than that it's a full restoration, and me doing most of it - less the body/paint anyway.
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Hannibal mo
Posts: 281
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
I don't see how some of you got to your numbers but if you say so... MY biggest expense was body/paint work, that was all metal replace by me except for one fender bottom. I did everything else myself besides that work and have a little over $15k in it. My 69 swb rolling frame with cab was $1200, good fleetside bed bought separately was $600, and good front clip separately for $500- so my basic starting truck was only $2300. From there i redid everything down to bushings, body mounts, etc. Not everything on mine is original GM or NOS stuff butt some is like grille, and a lot of smaller stuff so there is a price difference there. I also bought a 5.3 from a salvage yard employee for $450 and a 4l60e for $350. I did save some money by buying parts trucks to rob stuff like 5 lug disk setup, 5 lug rearend, autowire harness, and so on and then sold other stuff and the trucks when i was done to basically pay for some of my parts or very close to it.
My truck in total at 15k is very good in my opinion as it has been frame off restored, newer LS drivetrain with overdrive, and is just what i wanted but without spending $25k plus... Depending on your skill level it can be done for far less than some are saying in my opinion, and my truck was appraised at 25K by a classic car appraiser. |
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#24 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 784
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
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Rick -69 GMC 910 Long Box, 350 -98 Chev Silverado 1500, 350 Vortec 4L60e -08 Mustang GT Convertible |
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#25 |
Florida Edition
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fruitland Park, FL
Posts: 4,025
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Re: Total $$ invested in restoration
About $30K in this one. $8K in body and paint.
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70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394 |
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