Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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Looks real nice.It would of killed me to drill into that cowl with all that luster on it.

Thanks George. You're right, I was nervous mounting stuff to mine the other day too. I've learned one lesson from my Son Dan.........lot's of blue masking tape to protect stuff. He's a masking tape madman, but it does save a lot of scratches.

BTW, I didn't get to thank you formally for the part number of the KD seal tool. There is no way in the world it would have come out without using it. Thanks to you, Denny, Gastrick, and everyone who helped on that one.

Don

Don
What's the running total up to now. We saw all the loot in the back room, so I figure you're doing all right. If you get the job done under 3k, we all are going to have to bow down to you and chant "You da Man!" Looks great so far on both rods, PS if yours is project 3k, what's Jr.'s? Steve

No, unfortunately I went a little over the 3K............ok, a LOT over the $3K. I honestly have no idea whatsoever at this point, I stopped keeping track, but if I had to guess it would be $ 15,000. I figure that is pretty accurate because I know the withdrawls I have made from several savings accounts.

Don is right at $ 20,000.00 in parts. He is meticulous about record keeping, and we were just talking the other night about the figure, and he has spent $ 10,000 in this last 60 day push we have been doing on it, and he had spent $ 10,000 prior to that. Not too bad considering he has not cut any corners, like using TP 'complete '32 grille/radiator/insert setup, a TCI super streetfighter tranny, polished Edelbrock dual carb setup, etc. All relatively high dollar items. There is also a bunch tied up in the engine itself in high dollar parts.

The most surprising part to all of us is how much the little things add to the bill. There is rarely a day when we don't run to the hardware store or Lowes and drop $ 30-$100 on things like bolts and nuts, or blades for the air saw, or grinding discs. Even doing our own painting on everything but the bodies, we have a fortune in paint, hardners, thinner, mixing cups, etc.

Brian mentioned the 1-800 ordering thing, and it is really convenient. But it sure gets expensive. Both Don and I have a bunch of money in just shipping costs..........him more than me because he has been overnighting stuff to get it here quickly. None of this takes into account the things we don't figure into the total, like the gasoline we use getting to the shop every day, or the rent we pay each month on the shop, or the electric bill that climbs when we are welding or running the compressor a lot.

No, it isn't a cheap hobby, but few hobbies are. When I was really into fishing I used to say the fish that we kept cost us about $ 1,000.00 a pound.........by the time you factor in the boat, fishing gear, gas, bait, etc. However, I have to admit that fishing is looking better and better all the time.

Don

you know what they say about boats "its a hole in the ocean you throw money into" at the end of the day after you have ate the fish all you have left is and old boat thats not as cool as an old hot rod!!
even at 15K you done great ..

Any chance at a few nice clear full car shots outside in the sun?

Yep, I can do that. In the meantime how about a couple out on a dark rainy night????? Reason I say that is because I got to take my first ride in the T tonight !!!!!!! It was slightly wet, and the slicks are really tricky ..... it wanted to go sideways a lot, but I took it out anyway.

My replacement wheel cylinder came today , I got it on and bled the brakes. They came right up, and had a really firm pedal. Soooooooooooooooo, we took it out into the driveway and I made a couple of passes, but as soon as I put some power to it the thing wanted to get loose on me. I let Dan take a few passes too, then Don came by and got to drive it too.

Being the bad influences they are, the guys talked me into taking it down the street a ways, and it really pulls nice and goes straight as an arrow. No noises or shimmys or anything. Even sitting on plywood it was comfortable, and the ride wasn't harsh like I expected. Tranny shifted nice and firm and I can tell this thing is going to move pretty well for what it is. Felt good to drive something that plants you in your seat again.

Dan and Don are pushing me to get the interior done now, and have offered to front me the money for it. I'm happy with just foam for now, but they are insisting, so tomorrow I'll go talk to the guy at the upholstery shop.

Here are a couple of nightime shots. Dan did a video of he and I taking our little spin, and if we do a YouTube I'll post it. Can you guys see the grin on my face, I can't seem to erase it.

Don

I always get a little sad toward the end of a project. It's a great feeling getting it done, and getting a chance to play, but it seems sad to to see it come to an end! Nice job, once again.

I understand what you mean. It was kind of strange standing there last night watching it actually being driven past me. Luckily I have a two other projects, my Dodge truck and my old '27 to do, so I will have those things to keep me occupied.

Today I have to go over and wash the whole car. Driving it in the rain really messed it up, but ask me if I mind getting it dirty!!

Don

Is that terrific, or what??????????

Yes Bob, I gotta say it's pretty cool. It's been so many years I forgot how much fun these things are.

Don

Way to go....Glad to see you driving it.

Don MEYER

Don---The pictures kinda look like a black cat setting in a coal bin, but I can see the big grin!!! Congratulations---brian

Congrats Don,
Great looking car! You're making me itch for it bad, I haven't had a running toy on the road for over a year. I gotta get this thing done before spring......

ALRIGHT! The big moment! Congratulations! the Turkey Run is no longer in doubt; you will definitely make it now...