Ive been looking for a reasonable price Duster for awhile, something to tinker with. Ive been scared off of a couple because of the needed body work and the perceived cost that accompanies it. Now, I know you cant get into many reasonably priced 70-73 Dusters without them needing some kind of body work, I get it. The fact is I do not know what kind of money this stuff could run into; I just believe that it could add up faster than my wife may be able to tolerate. So, what sheet metal have you guys had replaced/repaired and what was the associated cost? I know everyones situation is different and I do not expect my situation to replicate anybody elses. Im just interested in the what and how much as a way to determine just how close or far off my assumptions may be, thanks.
I appreciate everyones insight and participation in this thread. Unfortunately, for me, nobody has really revealed the specifics I was seeking. Im not looking for overall cost to restore your cars. I was seeking the specifics as to what sheet metal (i.e., quarters, rockers, floors, trunks, etc.) you had replaced and the associated cost to have the work done. Additionally, if you are one of the lucky ones and can do and have done your own body works what would you have charged somebody else to do the same work?
IF you can do all the work yourself, and IF your work is the quality you want in the finished product, then by all means buy a fixer upper. However, I PROMISE you that when you are done, you will probably have more in it than you could have purchased a very nice one for that is already done. Although you can restore, modify of fix up a car for less than $20K, more often than not, once you start digging in, you wind up doing more and more. A decent interior with door panels and carpet will be at least $2500, materials only for a good paint job is at least $2500, motor/transmission work plan on at last $3000, chrome work, etc..... It adds up fast. I do all my own work because I can and because I am VERY picky (even anal), but even so, I probably have more in my car than I could sell it for. So again, unless you can do all your own work, consider buying a completed car.save yourself all kinds of grief and buy one finished or near finished and much cheaper in the long run .
I TOTALLY agree. However, not everybody can wrench and do body work and paint and interior work and etc. We don't know what his skill level is. I also TOTALLY agree with the posts saying that if you do the work yourself, there is more pride, etc. But if you can't do all your own work, buy a finished car.Wahhh wahhh, body work wahhh wahhh.
It ain't that hard, plenty of tutorials on it, dig in people. IMO A car isn't truly yours until you personally have done all aspects of restoration.
I love the "it's not my talent" excuse, I hear that one a bunch. The truth is, if you want it, it's a skill, you will get it.
Here is some inspiration:
Making panels....... | Retro Rides
Enjoy!
I'm going for a " buy the best you can car and then making it better" BUT I did the exact opposite of what I just said. I like beatin on metal and working on the cars. so my first florida car restoration was the worst type of car project you could get. yeah it was rusty as all get out. the only good thing I could say for it was the frame rails and rockers were solid. no rust anywhere in that area. all the other areas did require work(lots of work) View attachment 1714979735
looks sorta ok here in the pictures don't it? well about 50lbs of bondo removal and tons of grinding disks it looked like this
View attachment 1714979737
no floor pan even the trunk had to be removed. A lot of work later it is looking like this
View attachment 1714979738
View attachment 1714979739
and it looks pretty straight too!
I have tons of time into the car (800.00 price including a new black top with no rear window, front and rear seat skins I'm not using since I went a different way on color.) but less than 2k total in parts as of now. I will have another 3k into it for engine work,MegasquirtII, exhaust and turbo work. but that's what I'm saving for since I'm finishing up the top and interior install (yeah making new parts for it too) so it's getting done and I like doing it. I do have a back up car (70 challenger ,440-4spd-6 pack) so it does not hurt too bad to take my time on this one!