Built vs Bought

[SteveSS]

I've always respected the built more than bought but...If a guy earned his money by working hard and bought a fast car, that counts too. A guy might have just as many hours building a car as the guy that saved up from his job and bought one. Going to school counts too. If someone got through medical school so he could pull in the big bucks, good for him. That ain't easy. A mechanic and a doctor have about the same hourly rate these days.

 

[jimbosride]

A lot of people in the hobby build their cars due to lack of funds. As for me I can afford to buy a built car but I enjoy restoring one myself.

But buying a built car for half the price it cost to build it, Now that's real fun.

I myself have no issues with people who buy built cars and I have allot friends that just do that.

 

[Don selleck]

I've bought a few new ones and have built a few of the old ones

 

[68BabyBlue]

I wrenched on my first truck to earn the money for law school. I bought the best finished cars I could afford from that time on. I have tremendous respect for built rather than bought. But many guys who bought finished cars have paid their dues as well.

 

[DeltaV]

The character of the guy is all that matters. Some have humility and others haven't a clue.

 

[kiwigtx]

The character of the guy is all that matters.

Exactly....some guys with all the money - chequebook racers, can be real nice guys....others can be total a-holes.

 

[Don selleck]

my first project was a 72 beetle 1600 dual port, paid 350 bucks for it. rusted out floor pan made a baja bug out of it, that was 1983. borrowed a torch from my buddies dad after he showed me some brazing techniques, I brazed a hood off a 72 catalina, well cobbled . I had the motor rebuilt I assembled the short block, put a single Weber 2 barrel on it. second gear feathering the throttle would push me across the snow with 15" chevy rims with adapters and all season radials (not touching the ground) i swiped from a farm that had been knifed on the sides so I put inner tubes in them. I followed a few of my friends down trails thru the winter of 85-86. Looking back what a blast, with little to no money.

 

[RemCharger]

Some would like to build cars, but make a living doing other things with their hands. ( friend of mines an orthodontist)

 

[Davefinan]

If a guy with money has fun buying his hot rod that’s all that matters. Likewise for the guy who has fun building his car. I see no reason why either side should look down their nose at the other.

 

[Kern Dog]

When I first bought the Charger in 2000....

I wanted to step up the quality over what I'd done with my other cars. I wanted to stick to stock with some things and do other things a bit different.
I'd go to car shows and ask questions. How did you do this? Where did you find that?
It was disappointing to get responses like Dan Panelbammer did the bodywork, Big Block Bob did the engine, Four Speed Freddie did the transmission, Torsion bar Tommy rebuilt the suspension and Dashboard Dan rebuilt the gauges and dash.
I didn't want referrals, I wanted advice so I could do things myself.

 

[Don Frelier]

When I first bought the Charger in 2000....

View attachment 1941740

I wanted to step up the quality over what I'd done with my other cars. I wanted to stick to stock with some things and do other things a bit different.
I'd go to car shows and ask questions. How did you do this? Where did you find that?
It was disappointing to get responses like Dan Panelbammer did the bodywork, Big Block Bob did the engine, Four Speed Freddie did the transmission, Torsion bar Tommy rebuilt the suspension and Dashboard Dan rebuilt the gauges and dash.
I didn't want referrals, I wanted advice so I could do things myself.

Could you please send me dashboard Dan's number?

 

[Black_Sheep]

I have more respect for the guy who puts in the work. Not begrudging the guy who just writes checks, because there's a place for them in this hobby too.

 

[Don Frelier]

I bought it:

and built it:

 

[dadsbee]

Oh boy..

 

[chargervert]

Probably gonna die building them!

 

[DeltaV]

Probably gonna die building them!

There are worse ways to go!

 

[chargervert]

No doubt!

 

[michigander]

I’ve done both ways, in the beginning always built because it was best I could do on a budget, usually creating clones out of cheaper models. Then I aged (experienced) got better at my restorations, finish paint work done by friends in the trade and builds were much nicer. I learned cost to build a clone was similar or more than higher end model just initial investment was greater or be patient for the right deal. I chased numbers for a while, looking for rare or low production. Now I’m building my first B-Body restomod where numbers don’t mean anything to me so I’ve gone full circle. I guess Im looking for a challenge or financial beating as my wife says .

Today my free time is harder to come by and my expectations are the highest ever so I don’t see any difference between the guy who builds or buys in varying condition. Life’s too short, enjoy what makes you happy just drive an old muscle car while you can.

 

[eldubb440]

us po boys build em .......

 

[oldkimmer]

I’ll die b4 my cars are built. Kim