Quote Originally Posted by Itoldyouso View Post
Yeah, I'm certainly not opposed to spending money on building cars, Dave, but we aren't talking about a car here that can't be duplicated just by shopping around and buying one that Ford already did for you. Taking a car that has a blue book value in the $ 1500.00 range and spending another $ 2000-$3000, potentially, on putting a V8 in it just doesn't add up. You could sell this one and for just a few bucks more find a V8 model already done.

How often do we see someone upside down on some project when they would be far better off going some other direction? Just trying to save him lots of money and work to end up with something that he could find on most used car lots.........and he wouldn't even get his hands dirty.

Don
Quote Originally Posted by DAVE SEVERENSON
As for the $$$$$ deal that Don mentioned, if it had to make financial sense I would imagine 90% of the Hot Rods on the road would still be just in the dreaming stage.... I suppose when you're building for yourself $$$$ should be a concern but certainly not the only factor to be considered. Heck, if it's what you like, build it!!!
Both are right in what they say, as usual, but a '96 T-Bird is not a Hot Rod and it is going to be required to have the critical OEM systems functioning, at least to a large degree. Don is on target with his advice - you will be miles ahead to find the T-Bird you want and trade in the one you have for it. Not only will you save a big bundle of cash, you will have a vehicle that maintains whatever value it has for your son in the future. I'd say if you want to build a car for him you need to go shopping for a solid older model and do your thing. If you're set on upgrading the T-Bird you have then I would think you need to find a wrecked donor of the same general vintage and do a wholesale swap of the engine/tranny, computer and underhood goodies that are different. You're still going to have headaches with a modern swap, IMO.