I thought this could be an interesting conversation.
I didn't want to seem like I was picking on anyone so I didn't want to post in any one restoration thread and risk offending someone. Everyone on this forum wastes money on Mustangs, absolutely, DEFINITELY myself included. I get that. That's why we are here. I get why one would spend more than the value of a car to make it their own. Totally understandable. If ALL you could find anywhere in the US are rusted out shells well then we have no choice. But that's just not the case.
What I don't get is why some in the Rust Belt will take on a Four-Eye that needs full floor pans, front frame rails, wheel houses, quarter panels, doors and fenders and start with that. I live in the South and you can (still in 2020) buy a totally rust free Fox roller down here for $600-$1,000 depending on what you want. And there's many dry areas of the country like AZ, not just the South. Or maybe one that has a couple rust issues but nothing like what I am talking about. If you try even just a little you can find one that's a whole car for not much more and then sell the drivetrain and what you don't use.
http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...68#post1926568
Is it a labor of love I guess? I can understand that. The metal work is cathartic to some people maybe? Is It actually relaxing to those who are good at it? I do absolutely get how it would be rewarding. To start with something like that and end up with a complete solid car must be EXTREMELY rewarding and give a lot of self-satisfaction. I can see how that would be a motivation.
I just think even if you don't do any smart shopping and pay $1,000 for a plane ticket. Spend $600 on food and lodging for a couple nights (really? That'd be staying in a Hilton resort somewhere) and even $900 on a solid roller. Then you got another $600 to get it shipped. You've got $3,100 in a roller that needs none to very little metal work and it's in your driveway. I think everyone on here would admit that those are EXTREME NUMBERS I gave and anyone could do it for far less in reality. I'm old and I would still make it a fun road trip and not even buy a plane ticket and sleep in a roach motel. Is that not better than all the money in China metal panels and fitment issues and the hundreds and hundreds of hours of your time and materials and welding and grinding and seam sealer?
EDIT: I guess my point is I know technically the three years of your labor you put into it is "Free" but...is it really? I am sure if you do the math on "free" labor you CAN do it cheaper than my example of buying a solid roller but.....
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