How long did your build take?

[Spiffav8]

Last night I was out in the garage cleaning up a bit. Knowing that someday my project will come home, I'm always looking for the best way to arrange things for the best fit and function. Things always take longer than I expect and I'm sure the car will be no exception. That got me wondering how long your project has taken. That could be from start to finish or from start to what ever stage it may currently be in.

Just curious.

:captain:

[Rybar]

7 years until it hit the road, and then it's never done so this # is still climbing :lol:

[Spiffav8]

7 years until it hit the road, and then it's never done so this # is still climbing :lol:

I never considered the "They're never done" option. :lol:

[214Chevy]

My first build of my Chevelle took a little over 3 years until it hit the road. I had alot of nice parts on it, 509 BBC, 700R4 (then a TKO 600), leather interior, Baer brakes, frame off, Global West control arms, etc. But, I also rushed the build and didn't know what I was doing since it was my first time ever building a car. I had wires everywhere under the hood. Now, on it's second, more "quality and done right" rebuild, I'm going on 2 years now and hopefully it'll be done by next summer of 2013. Now, the C10 hasn't officially been started on yet. Although, I've been buying lots of parts for it if I see a deal. I've owned it since December 2008. I technically won't begin on it until I finish the Chevelle.

[Matt@BOS]

I'd say two years to get it drivable and "done." Add in another six months to get it 95 percent sorted. Then mine got hit, and that took two months to fix. After all the upgrades it took another six months to sort out. Then I got another engine which promptly died. I should be back on the road six months after the engine gave out, at which point I'll be changing springs, tires and master cylinders :lol:

Oh, and having a shop that was local to me meant that I never really had to worry about cleaning out the garage. Laziness loves convenience...

So Curtis, when is the car coming home? Before or after Dave is racing?

Matt

[Vegas69]

From the day I bought it to the day I hand over the keys. Almost 5 years. :D

[hifi875]

I didn't know any were ever done! There is always something to be done. Mine is a 14 year work in progress. I hope it's never done.

[Vegas69]

The newbs think once you turn the key and it starts, it's all over. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[lilcraigford]

I'm going on five years... but thats more because of downtime with college, funds, and motivation (or lack of). Otherwise, I'm not really in the same league as most of you guys.

[OLDFLM]

How long has it been since June 2nd of 1985? :rofl:

[Spiffav8]

So Curtis, when is the car coming home? Before or after Dave is racing?

Dave will probably be on the track for few before mine comes home. I expect snags and delays, that just seems to be the norm. In a lot of ways I'm lucky to have Jay on my team. It's nice that I can tell him I need to not think about the build for a few and have him totally understand. That and I don't fret about the little things. He does that for me. :lol: Still it's slow and I am impatient.

[SnakeEater]

I'm over five years right now. It has been in and out of shop hell off and on (almost 1 year at Prodigy Customs alone). Mostly it's my own fault due to time away (military) and changing out items. We are almost finished and it will be back on the street. I get the patience part...still trying to convince my wife.:lol:

[Flash68]

First one took 3 years. Should have taken 12-18 months tops. Most of that chalk up to my rookie status.

Learned my lesson and bought a driver that I bought and drove home. Of course l have since turned it into a non driving project by blowing up the motor and selling half of the parts on the car.

So..... short answer..... never! :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

First one took 3 years. Should have taken 12-18 months tops. Most of that chalk up to my rookie status.

Learned my lesson and bought a driver that I bought and drove home. Of course l have since turned it into a non driving project by blowing up the motor and selling half of the parts on the car.

So..... short answer..... never! :thumbsup:

:lol:

[Bucketlist2012]

Rather than just buy a Driver, I took the car that I have owned for 28 years and started on it.. Rookie mistake number one.

It was due to sentimental reasons. I have had the car since I was 23 years old and my Parents were still alive, so it has a great value to me in my Heart. Rookie mistake number two.

I took my factory Z/28 and started modifying it.. Rookie mistake number three.

It needed so much work with everything from Suspension, Brakes, Exhaust, steering, ect.., that I blew my first chunk of money quickly.

Then I told my Wife how much I spent so far. Rookie mistake number three. So it cost me buying her a new 370Z, and a kitchen remodel. There went the Interior money and engine upgrade money.

So, I am making rookie mistakes along the way , and I will never be in the league of some of you guys, but i plan to have fun soon.

So I am sure that I will never be done. Even when I finish one phase, there will always be more to do, or fix.

[SLO_Z28]

I don't think that my car has ever stopped being screwed with, my dad was messing with stuff when he bought it new. It has been restored to stock, twice. Turned into a drag car, turned into a resto mod driver, then turned into the CP car its morphing into now.

[DFRESH]

I hope mine will never be done. If it gets there, i'll get another one.

[Flash68]

I hope mine will never be done. If it gets there, i'll get another one.

Done? :lol: Yours hasn't started until you install at least one of those parts you've been collecting for what seems like years.

You're soon going to be a prime candidate for a new Hoarders episode.

[FETorino]

Done? :lol: Yours hasn't started until you install at least one of those parts you've been collecting for what seems like years.

You're soon going to be a prime candidate for a new Hoarders episode.

Ron told me when putting together a project to by two of everything.:_paranoid

[mpozziCPL]

It's still going on ... ask me again when it gets back from a Southern California resort vacation for some "reverse liposuction."

Mary Pozzi

[srh3trinity]

I have owned mine for about 2.5 years and I haven't even started yet. I knew I wouldn't be able to start for a few years so I have been planning, buying parts here and there and waiting patiently. Looking forward to getting the ball rolling in the coming months. I am not sure at what point I will start the clock though.

[Ron in SoCal]

Ron told me when putting together a project to by two of everything.:_paranoid

Gives you options, right? :yes:

It's still going on ... ask me again when it gets back from a Southern California resort vacation for some "reverse liposuction."

Mary Pozzi

Come on now Mary. You can't just show up and throw that out there. I mean, Jenny Craig and all...:P

[analyte]

My 66 has been with me for the last 15 years. So far 3 engines, 5 tranny's, 2 axles, and 3 driveshafts (finally got smart and went Denny's!!).

Around 18 months ago I finally got serious. I started a frame off of the pro-touring kind so as to have a ride that my daughter and I could spend time attending events and having fun. She's helped pick the wheels, seats, color, etc. I probably have another 2 years to go and so far it's been a blast.

Even after this phase is done, I doubt it will be the last.....

Kerry

[John510]

My car has been in the shop since 2007 and is just now starting to look like it may be done soon.

[73CPCAMARO]

They are never really "done". My Camaro took 3 1/2 years with a lot of hard work by some really good people.

[Mkelcy]

I bought my current project '68 Camaro in November 2002; built and sold another '68 Camaro (the so-called "practice car") in the meantime; probably got started seriously in 2006 or so; hope to get it on the road by mid-September of this year.

[DFRESH]

Done? :lol: Yours hasn't started until you install at least one of those parts you've been collecting for what seems like years.

You're soon going to be a prime candidate for a new Hoarders episode.

Car parts Hoarder---if you are going to be a hoarder, it's the one I reccomend.

I think the gathering of parts for the next phase of the car gets all the attention, but it really has made progress. As you know, in keeping with the theme of not bringing the car all the way down to a shell so that it becomes a massive project--causing me to miss events, not be able to drive, etc--I've continued to do one thing at a time while minimizing the down time and trying to keep it from turning into a massive project with all of the scope creep that I know would happen. That's part of the reason I can say it's an on going project--probably like most of the rest of the group. I was just thinking last night of what's been done in the past couple of years with it-- It got a new rear suspension, the T56 Magnum (after having swapped to the gear vendors and the turbo 400), new Rick's tank, new console, new aluminum radiator and 2 speed Lincoln fan, sub frame connectors, exhaust, stereo and lots of little things of course. In between I watch for deals on parts as you know; DSE complete front sub, new LS3, DSE headers, ECM for the LS3, Speedtech Chicanye Floater Rearend with their Torque Arm, Moser 3rd member, DSE minitubs and Brake Booster, etc. I can see why the parts take precedent--and get asked a lot "So when are finally going to put that stuff in the car?" ---And honestly, only when I know I have all of the parts necessary to do it--but I won't do it all at the same time---the motor and subframe, yes--for sure--that will be the big project since I will rewire the car, add new guages, etc. I'm not in any rush--I don't have to be--and that's what I love about this car--and it's continuious project state. For me, I am enjoying this approach--it's been great to acquire things as I go and can afford--knowing that I have the next improvement on the car to look forward too. I think later in my life--as the kidos are more grown up, I would like to strip another one down to the shell and start from scratch--as long as I have this one to drive. Sooner or later, I will have some power in this thing--

Dub E Fresh

[Flash68]

Dub, you know I like your plan. It's painful to watch but it's sound and continues to be executed according to plan. :D

I'm just impatient to see you turn a corner with all that new power and go fast goodies. :woot:

:lateral:

[DFRESH]

It's painful to watch:lateral:

:lol: I know. It's not easy to do either----my impulse buy tendency would put me into a 5 year project if I let it.

Just got off the phone with Rich--he said he picked up your new suspension. I may beat you in getting my rear setup in the car---I only have brakes left to purchase--then the whole install thing--new exhaust as a result, new plumbing for the brakes, etc, etc----geez. Have to do it though--can't take the rear drum brake abuse any longer--it's worse than no posi.

D

[Spiffav8]

Dub, you know I like your plan. It's painful to watch but it's sound and continues to be executed according to plan. :D

I'm just impatient to see you turn a corner with all that new power and go fast goodies. :woot:

:lateral:

Dave I thought he was collecting all those parts to update the decor upstairs in the TV/Bar room at his house. ;)

[Sieg]

I never considered the "They're never done" option. :lol:

Bought mine in 1989......now 8 months into 2012 it's approximately 30% done by current standards thanks to Lat-G. Never done is quite obtainable at this rate. :drool:

[DOOM]

4 years and not even close yet:faint:

[Spiffav8]

Bought mine in 1989......now 8 months into 2012 it's approximately 30% done by current standards thanks to Lat-G. Never done is quite obtainable at this rate. :drool:

I should have added something like "How long did your initial plan take you to complete", but what are you gonna do.

Yeah....Lat-G stands are constantly being raised by all the pros around here. Still...I like a good garage build and those cars are cooler in my book. Some of our members here have built some amazing cars on their own.

:captain:

[pw2006]

5.5 years for my 63, with a lot of scope creep. Hoping the next project will be 2.5 years. Started the 69 off with a Carter Hickman rendering and a good plan. We'll see how that goes. :cheers:

[Sieg]

I should have added something like "How long did your initial plan take you to complete", but what are you gonna do.
I'm not picking on you, just accepting my reality vs. others.
It's interesting to see others perception of their builds. Some are like girlfriends, some likes wives, and some like life-long friends. :D

I bought my car 1.5 years after I was first married.......the car has her beat by 17 years. Though the car could be much nicer considering the fiscal setback of the divorce........but we're still together and it's appreciating. :unibrow:

[Flash68]

I bought my car 1.5 years after I was first married.......the car has her beat by 17 years. Though the car could be much nicer considering the fiscal setback of the divorce........but we're still together and it's appreciating. :unibrow:

:lol: I like that perspective. :thumbsup:

[Lenie]

Way way to long:rolleyes:

[DRJDVM's '69]

Camaro took me about 3.5 years....Cuda is now entering 6 years...and no end in sight....

[Flash68]

Camaro took me about 3.5 years....Cuda is now entering 6 years...and no end in sight....

Ned, is that what they call the Mopar tax? :D

[Blake Foster]

You guys are just Lazy!!!! :rofl: :rofl:

I did my nova in 3.5 months.and that was after work.
I had some help on the bodywork and had Gary do the wiring and Exhaust.

I would loose interest long before 2 years went by. but i understand why the timeline ends up there.

I normally expect a build in the shop to be between 8- 13 months depending on the body repairs and modifications needed.

[Matt@BOS]

I should have added something like "How long did your initial plan take you to complete", but what are you gonna do.




Initial plan might not be the best way to word it either. We're an indecisive bunch; Ron just happens to be the most vocal about it. :lol:

My initial plan lasted between three and four weeks. Bought the car in April, and somewhere around the beginning of May I went into a hot rod shop to get mini tubs, coilover conversion on a stock sub, and Global West leaf springs. I left with half a DSE catalog having spent 60 percent of my budget :faint:

[tmadden]

You guys are just Lazy!!!! :rofl: :rofl:

I did my nova in 3.5 months.and that was after work.
I had some help on the bodywork and had Gary do the wiring and Exhaust.

I would loose interest long before 2 years went by. but i understand why the timeline ends up there.

I normally expect a build in the shop to be between 8- 13 months depending on the body repairs and modifications needed.

Man it's nice having your own shop and equipment!!!!:rofl: :rofl:

[Z10ROD]

current PT personal car took 4 years from the time I bought till I was driving it still sorting out though ( first Mopar ) must be the tax. already started next car 69 camaro bought at unique performance auction few years ago been collecting parts for a while now


already have
LSX 376 CRATE ENG.
autokraft oil pan
DSE engine mounts
DSE frt sub ( INSTALLED )
DSE ford 9 inch mini tubs and 4 link ( installed )
DSE frame connectors( INSTALLED)
DSE guage cluster
IDIDIT column and DSE SHAFT
Ricks tank LSA PUMP
PRC radiator with fans

STILL NEED QUITE FEW big things maybe whipple charger- T56 magnum just to name a few

I love this style car maybe one of these days i will learn how to drive LOL:cheers:

[Blake Foster]

Man it's nice having your own shop and equipment!!!!:rofl: :rofl:

no doubt about that.

[Flash68]

Initial plan might not be the best way to word it either. We're an indecisive bunch; Ron just happens to be the most vocal about it. :lol:



Guilty. We all pretty much suck in our own way. :lol:

[69znc]

I would suggest the length is not the question. It might be more appropriate to ask compare to your expectations, what is the multiplier to actually get it done:wow: Mine was about 4X, some do to my optimism for things to get done and some to my changing of the vision or plan and some to redoing work I sourced from the wrong person.

[Spiffav8]

I would suggest the length is not the question. It might be more appropriate to ask compare to your expectations, what is the multiplier to actually get it done:wow: Mine was about 4X, some do to my optimism for things to get done and some to my changing of the vision or plan and some to redoing work I sourced from the wrong person.

Well said.

[TorqDork]

Like it says, Two Old Farts plus 5 months and here we are. Just Exhaust and fuel tank left and fire it up. Not a major crazy P/T build but not easy either.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba1a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba1b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba2a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba2b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba3a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba3b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba4a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba4b.jpg

[Spiffav8]

Like it says, Two Old Farts plus 5 months and here we are. Just Exhaust and fuel tank left and fire it up. Not a major crazy P/T build but not easy either.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba1a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba1b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba2a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba2b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba3a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba3b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba4a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba4b.jpg

Wow! :wow: 5 months...you guys must be retired and I'm betting you don't play golf.

Very impressive! Love that Red. :unibrow:

[69znc]

Beautiful car and I agree someone has little to do but work in this car. Having said this the real questions is not the pretty pics, and oh just one more this to do.... send the post when it is on the road or track, push, held up and you say **** yes I am done....really around this stage of putting it together.

[Vegas69]

You are absolutely right. For it to roll under it's own power vs. perform at the highest possible level is another ball game in itself. I've alway said that a show car guy can get away with murder in comparison to a top performing pro touring car around here.

[ehgogreen87]

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=36520&d=1343977985


Ripped out 307, found out where the motor mounts needed to go and threw the ls1 in this pig... Learned as I went, Had mechanic do the completely custom wiring so everything original works properly, right down to the oil pressure gauge. But Id said an average of 4-5 hours a day it was a long 8+months. Got it done and this winter, supercharger, new pistons, new semi-tubbed rear end. prob a new transmission as well...

[69znc]

I spent 2+ years with some of the best known and respected people on this site helping build my ride plus a lot of my own BST. Today after finally having ti together for a few weeks I spend my week-end alone in a gargage getting to this.....photo below. I LOVED it that is why we build them...no one fault just the challenge of bringing together a lot of cool, custom and stock stuff to make my car. Vegas69 your friend Dead Cat knows this car to well! And has been a great help. It is not cost nor commitment. Just takes time...

[Rick D]

^^^^^^You forgot the picture?? You said see picture below! I don't see no pictures, we need pictures!! :cheers:

[TorqDork]

Beautiful car and I agree someone has little to do but work in this car. Having said this the real questions is not the pretty pics, and oh just one more this to do.... send the post when it is on the road or track, push, held up and you say **** yes I am done....really around this stage of putting it together.

Yes we averaged maybe 4 to 5 hours a day on the car and while it's not an all out track car, it is nicely tweaked and should be on road in a week. We had no intention of completely hacking up a pretty rare 1st year Firebird 400. At the same time we were also trying to finish up the restoration of a '78 Trans Am Gold Special Edition.

The '67 wasn't a "Quickie". It was completely stripped and put on a rotisserie. I'm even surprised how fast it went. Must have been the Beer! :cheers:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Harbor/fire24.jpg

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HFTFirebird/fire1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/ta.jpg

[TorqDork]

Wow! :wow: 5 months...you guys must be retired and I'm betting you don't play golf.

Very impressive! Love that Red. :unibrow:

That's Funny... NO GOLF! We have a Golfer friend that did a Chevelle and took him 2 1/2 years to do his.

The color is basically the same as "Boyd" Red We used a good high end clear, cut it with 1500 and 2000 grit and buffed it.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba4b.jpg

[Spiffav8]

That's Funny... NO GOLF! We have a Golfer friend that did a Chevelle and took him 2 1/2 years to do his.

The color is basically the same as "Boyd" Red We used a good high end clear, cut it with 1500 and 2000 grit and buffed it.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Concoors/ba4b.jpg

As long as you're having fun that's all that matters. Great way for you and your buddy to pass the time and have some laughs. The TA looks great by the way. Nice to see one those being brought back.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Tuske427]

To date my car has been apart for 2.5 years. I have no idea when it'll be drivable again. It'll be done when I sell it.

[69znc]

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o536/69znc/camera085.jpg^^^^^^You forgot the picture?? You said see picture below! I don't see no pictures, we need pictures!! :cheers:

Gasket issue, my avitar shows the intake manifold so this was a two day project to get here. I have the manifold cleaned up now for the heads.....

[Injected65]

My Mustang project was officially started in 2005, but there was a 4 year break in the beginning as I got sidetracked by a racecar that took over my automotive ADD. Then there was the 17 month debacle that was getting sheetmetal work done. Lately there was a 3 month delay in having to go back and fix everything that the previous guy screwed up. Thankfully things are back on track and moving forward. I imagine there will be another years worth of work between final body work, paint and assembly. Not that any of it takes that long, but saving up the extra penny's to pay for it does :yes:

[fesler]

I think this is a good thread to see all that you guys go through and it lets all of you know that these things take time you cant do them over night. We as builders have all kinds of builds going and the time to finish all depends on the clients.

We have done cars from 4 months start to finish yes 4 months of build time on our Project Blaze
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/Img0036.jpg

Some take just over a year it all depends on what the client wants and how much he wants to pay per billing cycle.

Some people want us to space out their builds to help off set the money so we work cars in around them and come back to them at least 2-3 a month and these builds can take 24 months to do but I dont like cars in the shop that long they take up working space.

The longest project we did from start to finish was the 66 Mustang, just over 18 months but every aspect of the car is hand built steel.
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/66%20Mustang%20GT/Img1783-1.jpg