I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ubtripn · 07-23-2011, 12:19 PM

List out all of the parts your going to need, get price quotes, total them up then mulitply by 3. (Formula does not include labor.)

That is what it feels like I have gone through with mine. They may have thrown paint on it but that is about it. I just took my last $1000 out of my truck savings for a steering gear, tranny mod, generic self rhino lining, seatbelts, water pump, radiator and a couple of other things that should finish it off.

Yiou know what I think would be cool, a beat up, dented, scratched to heck truck with a perfect engine and drivetrain that runs with indisputable reliability. That would have cost me less too!

**Clyde65** · 07-23-2011, 12:29 PM

brother, it's a disease and it progresses as satisfaction waines. we all live with it, some have it worse than others but we all have it.

when your truck is done and you take it to a show or the auto parts shop or where ever, and someone comes up and says "nice truck", it will be all worth it.

ubtripn · 07-23-2011, 12:36 PM

Man, it certainly is beginning to feel like it =)

Gene · 07-23-2011, 01:12 PM

I know exactly how you feel, I have a few odds and ends before I can drive my truck, and it's driving me crazy! I think back to all the things I bought but really didnt need and I kick myself in the butt.

ubtripn · 07-23-2011, 01:45 PM

Yeah, the hindsight hurts as well but I am keeping my eye on the prize when it finally gets here.

Eddie H. · 07-24-2011, 08:33 AM

Any restoration project will usually take twice as long and cost 4 time as much as you plan on in the beginning.

ubtripn · 07-24-2011, 08:38 AM

Amen to that.

fastwillie 696969 · 07-24-2011, 10:16 AM

its only money

Dunenutt · 07-24-2011, 10:55 AM

I started out with a goal. Convert to 4X4, be extremely reliable, very comfortable, look awesome from 20 feet, and do it in 2 years. I am now almost 3 months over my goal, it will probably pass a 10 foot test, it's comfy, it likes to catch fire, but it is a 4x4!

I am glad that I did'nt put a dollar limit on it, because that would have been gone a long time ago. It's the last nickle and dime things that add up fast.

When it's done (hopefully sometime next month), I will drive the wheels off of it! You will know it's me by the stupid grin that wont leave my face.

Keep a positive attitude, and focus on your goal! Believe me, it will all be worth it in the end!

big_al_71 · 07-24-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastwillie 696969

its only money

x 100

**bigsnookmaster** · 07-24-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

x 100

Tell me about it!!!

**lolife99** · 07-24-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubtripn

List out all of the parts your going to need, get price quotes, total them up then mulitply by 3. (Formula does not include labor.)

Lets all remember this thread, when someone posts up a HUGE price for a truck or truck project they are trying to sell.
They may be taking a HUGE loss.

flashed · 07-24-2011, 01:12 PM

My truck is going to be finished within budget mainly because I didnt set one .But as was said above its only money and they print more every day.

ubtripn · 07-24-2011, 01:21 PM

Thanks for the responses. It is only money, problem is, its starting to be money I don't have but I will be there in about 1 week. It's been a great journey.

8door · 07-24-2011, 02:32 PM

Nice to know I'm not alone.
I'm looking at my project this way.
When it is done I also will drive the wheels off, like mentioned.
As to cost, don't ever figure labor this a passion hobby.
When done I will have a near new truck that is about half what a 2011
model cost, with whole bunch of

factor.

ubtripn · 07-24-2011, 04:44 PM

That is the end goal, a paid for truck that I like MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gene · 07-24-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunenutt

I started out with a goal. Convert to 4X4, be extremely reliable, very comfortable, look awesome from 20 feet, and do it in 2 years. I am now almost 3 months over my goal, it will probably pass a 10 foot test, it's comfy, it likes to catch fire, but it is a 4x4!

I am glad that I did'nt put a dollar limit on it, because that would have been gone a long time ago. It's the last nickle and dime things that add up fast.

When it's done (hopefully sometime next month), I will drive the wheels off of it! You will know it's me by the stupid grin that wont leave my face.

Keep a positive attitude, and focus on your goal! Believe me, it will all be worth it in the end!

Sounds like we're building the same truck

VA72C10 · 07-24-2011, 07:06 PM

make sure to post up pics when you get a chance

oldspowered67C10 · 07-24-2011, 09:48 PM

The X3 formula is pretty accurate. Ive been doing restos on various kinds of cars lately to flip and make some money and thats the formula I used to decide if its worth it or not to do a car.

I don't know why it works but usually it ends up being somewhere between 2 and 3 times my initial parts estimation.

68GMCCustom · 07-24-2011, 10:05 PM

I started with a complete chassis/powertrain build and left the body and paint.....and still spent way too much!

But it does drive like new, only better...and has more power then any offering in the '68 lineup!

YBNORML · 07-24-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Lets all remember this thread, when someone posts up a HUGE price for a truck or truck project they are trying to sell.
They may be taking a HUGE loss.

Amen to that!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

ChevLoRay · 07-24-2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddie H.

Any restoration project will usually take twice as long and cost 4 time as much as you plan on in the beginning.

Exactly! This has long been my observation and one I have quoted many times. It's just unreal to think otherwise. If it all comes together for less money and in shorter time, it is a plus for that project. No guarantee that it will apply to every one.

Zoomin · 07-25-2011, 12:25 AM

Look at it this way: you could have spent that money on booze and hookers, and have nothi....

Never mind. I'm not sure where I was going with that.

Dunenutt · 07-25-2011, 10:19 AM

LOL, I need a new keyboard, and monitor. Pepsi burns... when it comes out your nose!

Steve Hafner · 07-25-2011, 01:03 PM

"Just ad a Zero"

The estimate to repair some rust and then paint my 70 LWB was $3000.
After 2 1/2 years, if you ad a zero, you'd just about have the total of what I've spent since I bought the truck 15 years ago.
BUT, as my favorite quote says: "You only get one life . . . then you'll be dead for a LONG time" !!!
There are WORSE things I could have spent the money on:

Food . . .
Clothing . . .
Car Payment . . .
House payment . . .

07-23-2011, 12:19 PM	#1
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! List out all of the parts your going to need, get price quotes, total them up then mulitply by 3. (Formula does not include labor.) That is what it feels like I have gone through with mine. They may have thrown paint on it but that is about it. I just took my last $1000 out of my truck savings for a steering gear, tranny mod, generic self rhino lining, seatbelts, water pump, radiator and a couple of other things that should finish it off. Yiou know what I think would be cool, a beat up, dented, scratched to heck truck with a perfect engine and drivetrain that runs with indisputable reliability. That would have cost me less too!

07-23-2011, 12:29 PM	#2
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! brother, it's a disease and it progresses as satisfaction waines. we all live with it, some have it worse than others but we all have it. when your truck is done and you take it to a show or the auto parts shop or where ever, and someone comes up and says "nice truck", it will be all worth it. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

07-23-2011, 12:36 PM	#3
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! Man, it certainly is beginning to feel like it =)

07-23-2011, 01:12 PM	#4
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! I know exactly how you feel, I have a few odds and ends before I can drive my truck, and it's driving me crazy! I think back to all the things I bought but really didnt need and I kick myself in the butt.

07-23-2011, 01:45 PM	#5
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! Yeah, the hindsight hurts as well but I am keeping my eye on the prize when it finally gets here.

07-24-2011, 08:33 AM	#6
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! Any restoration project will usually take twice as long and cost 4 time as much as you plan on in the beginning. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"

07-24-2011, 08:38 AM	#7
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! Amen to that.

07-24-2011, 10:16 AM	#8
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! its only money __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

07-24-2011, 10:55 AM	#9
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! I started out with a goal. Convert to 4X4, be extremely reliable, very comfortable, look awesome from 20 feet, and do it in 2 years. I am now almost 3 months over my goal, it will probably pass a 10 foot test, it's comfy, it likes to catch fire, but it is a 4x4! I am glad that I did'nt put a dollar limit on it, because that would have been gone a long time ago. It's the last nickle and dime things that add up fast. When it's done (hopefully sometime next month), I will drive the wheels off of it! You will know it's me by the stupid grin that wont leave my face. Keep a positive attitude, and focus on your goal! Believe me, it will all be worth it in the end!

07-24-2011, 01:12 PM	#13
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! My truck is going to be finished within budget mainly because I didnt set one .But as was said above its only money and they print more every day.

07-24-2011, 01:21 PM	#14
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! Thanks for the responses. It is only money, problem is, its starting to be money I don't have but I will be there in about 1 week. It's been a great journey.

07-24-2011, 02:32 PM	#15
8door Not too old to learn Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 617	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! Nice to know I'm not alone. I'm looking at my project this way. When it is done I also will drive the wheels off, like mentioned. As to cost, don't ever figure labor this a passion hobby. When done I will have a near new truck that is about half what a 2011 model cost, with whole bunch of factor. __________________ 1968 C10 a way to long restoration.

07-24-2011, 04:44 PM	#16
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! That is the end goal, a paid for truck that I like MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

07-24-2011, 07:06 PM	#18
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! make sure to post up pics when you get a chance __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

07-24-2011, 09:48 PM	#19
oldspowered67C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cherry Valley,Ca Posts: 468	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! The X3 formula is pretty accurate. Ive been doing restos on various kinds of cars lately to flip and make some money and thats the formula I used to decide if its worth it or not to do a car. I don't know why it works but usually it ends up being somewhere between 2 and 3 times my initial parts estimation.



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07-24-2011, 10:05 PM	#20
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! I started with a complete chassis/powertrain build and left the body and paint.....and still spent way too much! But it does drive like new, only better...and has more power then any offering in the '68 lineup! __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

07-25-2011, 12:25 AM	#23
Zoomin Man of Mini-Talents Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,295	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! Look at it this way: you could have spent that money on booze and hookers, and have nothi.... Never mind. I'm not sure where I was going with that. __________________ Steve Project - Ruth 66 Skylark Project - Lola 60 Biscayne Project - Iron Ox 54 GMC 100 Project - Darth 69 Camaro

07-25-2011, 10:19 AM	#24
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! LOL, I need a new keyboard, and monitor. Pepsi burns... when it comes out your nose!

07-25-2011, 01:03 PM	#25
Steve Hafner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Northport, Alabama Posts: 1,353	Re: I learned the secret formula to the cost of these trucks! "Just ad a Zero" The estimate to repair some rust and then paint my 70 LWB was $3000. After 2 1/2 years, if you ad a zero, you'd just about have the total of what I've spent since I bought the truck 15 years ago. BUT, as my favorite quote says: "You only get one life . . . then you'll be dead for a LONG time" !!! There are WORSE things I could have spent the money on: Food . . . Clothing . . . Car Payment . . . House payment . . . __________________ . . . . Life is short . . . we only have, right now. . . . . My 70 C-10's BUILD THREAD: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475526 Last edited by Steve Hafner; 07-25-2011 at 04:15 PM.

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