The real costs of a slick ride

Most of the cars I buy are wrecks or someones unfinished projects. I once bought a '71 V code Cuda (in 2001) for $8,000 that was a basketcase. The guy had been collecting parts but never got around to restoring the car. After I sold off the duplicate parts ( he had three sets of tail lights, two grilles, 2 440's, 2 six barrell set up's, etc.) I was able to recoup $6,000. I try to barter, find swap meet deals, what ever I can to keep cost down.