Newby from MI

[choptop]

Is it worth it?? Depends on the way you look at it. Financially, depends on how far you go with it. I have over $7k in my choptop and no where near drivable, and prob have another $5k-$7k in it before its done. Chances of getting $14k out of it ( not counting my labor) is very slim. My extended cab has about $5k in it and may take another $3k to complete. I might be able to get $8-9K out of it. Funny thing is, I dont want to sell either one. I am building these trucks for me, to my likings, in my own time. It's kinda like rehab for me after a long day of fixing electrical gremlins and fried wiring at work.
Chances of selling the truck for what you have in it is very slim.
   Now, on the other hand, there is no value that can be put on something built by your own two hands for your pleasure. Everyone on here has a unique truck that was built or is being built to their likings. We all seem to take pride in our trucks, whether rotting out with cancer, or pristine show quality truck, all are equally proud. You will see several trucks with similar colors, but look closer and you will see the personal touches that makes everyone unique.
   A question I get all the time is" Why do you want to build an old truck, the new ones haveall the bells and whistles, and get better fuel economy."  I bought a new truck for my business. It is nice, and gets 17-18mpg. It is a tax deduction, and that is the only reason. If you cant build one of these trucks with the same bells and whistles (fuel injection and all) for less than $20k, then you are doing something wrong. Truth is, you can put fuel injection,Navigation, badboy stereo and butt massagers into these trucks at a lot less cost that buying a new one. As far as milege, my 08 Silverado 4x4 gets 17-18 mpg like I said, my 86 Extended cab gets 19-20mpg with a carb. My 01 3500 crewcab gets 12mpg while my 81 3/4 ton gets 15mpg if driven normally witha 540hp bigblock. Dont see the benefit there of buying a new one either.
    Resale??? My 04 cost 28k new and just sold it for $10k,w/ 128000 miles. $18000 loss. I have never lost money on any of the 73-87 trucks that I bought to resale.
   Key thing  ( and then I will get off my soapbox) is you need to decide if you are wanting to get your money out of it later, or if you are building a truck to make yourself happy regaurdless on anyone elses opinion. Make money, not worth it, make yourself happy---PRICELESS

[1sxychvy]

Thanks so much for your input

Its strickly for me and not resale! I have always dreamed about having one and as long as its going to take me to rebuild I should keep it! I just run into speed bumps like I dont have the tools or a place to build it. Its at my buddies and he helps me but I want to be able to put my own touches on it. Just want to learn more about it and how to get it looking great!

[choptop]

I understand the tool situation and where to build. I have been collecting tools for years, and still dont have em all. I did many repairs, engine swaps, tranny changes etc, laying in the dirt, grass burs, ant beds ( didnt know they could move in overnight) It was worth it. Plywood is you friend, cardboardboxes help. Just because you dont have concrete or a shop, shouldnt stop you. Financially, think outside the box. Built several things $20 at a time, swapping parts. Bought a 75 caprice (yuck) for $125 and put the motor and tranny in a 78 GMC that had a blown motor. I bought the truck for $150, and was driving it around for less than $500. Dont have to be rich, just resourceful, and patient. I built a 300 hp 350cid for my 81 by buying parts here and there over a peroid of a year. Had $1000 in parts after all the receipts were added up, but didnt even realize or miss the money.It is worth it

[cptn60]

Welcome from central Il jst don't get discouraged, build the truck your way you want it. Take your time and do it right, make sure its safe for you and passengers first. Also doesn't hurt to keep your eyes open for deals. craigslist is good, so are local traders. Doesn't hurt to call about things you would like and maybe can't do right at that time. A guy may have pulled a 454 out of a nice c20 you could use some stuff off of, etc. Network, brother!

[1sxychvy]

Thanks for your input!

[JRConnieK10]

definatly takes time. My mom always said Rome wasn't built in a day neither are good trucks. Mine 20 years and never finished. Good luck.

[CruzinHigh]

Welcome to the site!

Just stick with it, I bet you'd find most of us have been working on our trucks for years now.  It has taken me 10 years to save up enough money and finally get a good place to work on mine, tools and time to spend. 

What you'll have when you're done will satisfy you more than any other truck ever could because you'll know YOU did it!

[hotrod24]

yea man i got my 78 two years ago and it was a decent truck but it had alot of guys work on it in the past that did not know what they was doing so i decided to fix up the interior and trust me it was in bad shape so i fixed it up but then i started having engine trouble so i was going to replace the valve seals but that did not work out so i just said what the heck i will just do a ground up restoration so i started tearing it down in my yard that i thought would work out but now i have know where to put stuff so i am getting a place to put it but i dont have a very big yard so if you do you will be alright but it is nice to have a garage though.