Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I thought a safe, dependable hot rod could be built for $ 3000.00. It wouldn't have tons of chrome and flash, but would be a basic, get-in-and-drive rod, that would not be embarrassing to drive. I felt if I built it the way we used to, by using parts we could scrounge from swapmeets, and other sources, it was attainable.

The main reason I thought this project might be appropriate is that there are a large number of our members who are thinking about building their own rod, but don't know how to begin, or what car to build. That first car can be very confusing, and mind-boggling when you start adding up the costs and labor.

The car I am doing is the most basic car you can build, a Fiberglass T Bucket. I chose this car because A) I have a couple of them laying around and B) While they are a great entry level car, they also can be built expensively and of show quality. I am not going to build it in the traditional nose-down, rear up in the air style, but rather, I am going to put it low all the way around. I am probably not going to use the bed, just an old fuel tank back there.

I have a stash of parts that I have been accumulating off of Ebay and swap meets, and will use as many of these as I can. To be honest in the pricing, I will add in whatever I paid for those pieces as I use them, because if I didn't, it would distort the actual amount I have in the car.

The basis will be a T Bucket kit I bought off of Ebay about a month ago. I paid $ 530.00 for it, and picked it up. It is a body, bed, and 2x3 inch rectangular frame. The front of the frame is ok (I won't Z it) but the perch needs modified to drop the car lower. I will Z the back of the frame about 12 inches more, to drop it level.

For front suspension, I am using a 4 inch dropped Superbell I beam axle I bought on ebay for $ 190.00. We actually bought 2 at the same time, and my Son is using one under his '29. The radius rods are '37 Ford (I think) They have already been fitted with bungs and rod ends, but we will reweld them and add a brace to the front edge, as we are going to hang the front spring and shocks from this wishbone. The spring I have in the picture is too short, so I'll order a new one from Speedway, probably. The shock mounts are also Ebay and I paid $ 50.00 for the pair, and I paid $ 20.00 for the chrome shocks (used).

I have a '99 Chevy 5.7 out of a boat that we repowered for a customer, I got it free. It is a roller cam engine, and I will only have it machined, honed, and do a bearing and ring job on it. It ran good, but the guy wanted a brand new engine, so I got this one. I will change the cam to a better profile, add a four barrel intake, and maybe one of those carb adapters to put 2 X 2 barrels on it for the old time look. I will probably build headers, or use blockhuggers.

I just won a 3 speed Chevy trans and New Hurst shifter for $ 29.95 tonight on Ebay (shipping will probably be a little bit) and will try to use it if there is room for the clutch pedal. T Buckets are a little tight. If not, I'll get a 350 from the junk yard and freshen it up.

For a rear axle, I was going to use an 8 inch Ford I have, but it is already set up for coil overs for the other T bucket I have, so I don't want to mess that up. So, I will pick up one at the junkyard, for about $ 100.00

I have two steering boxes to choose from: a '55 Jeep that I got free on Ebay, (it was misrepresented as being rebuilt, and the guy told me to keep it and he still refunded the money.......nice honest ebayer) or I have one out of a 2002 model BMW that makes a great cowl steering unit. I paid $ 75.00 for it, and my Son is using the same model box in his '29, works great.

So, tonight I mocked up the car, to get an idea of what I need to do. As it sits in the picture, there is $ 900.00 invested in it. I am keeping a log, and will keep posting updates as I go along.

Some of you may not agree with the way the car will go together, and that is ok. It is meant to be an exercise, and give some ideas to younger or less experienced rodders. If it accomplishes that, it will be worth it.

Here are some pictures of where I am at right now.

Thanks, hope this didn't bore any of you.

Don