Gearheads, chime in on this...

[bryanthomas]

This is a subject that I have been wanting to discuss with some intelligent gearheads for a while...

Over the last year I've been reading up on hot rods and choppers. Back in the day the only way to get one of these custom cars/bikes was to build it. Today that is not the case. There are tons of shops that will build you a hot rod or chopper. Which is fine; there are lots of folks like me who would rather buy one, drive it, maintain it, and enjoy it with out having to spend years piecing it together. And there are lots of folks who love buildiong these customs for a living. What do you guys think about people shelling out 50-100K for a custom? I love customs. I love the raw look, raw power, and the attitude they evoke. However, even if I could afford a Dearborn Duece or any of the number of custom choppers out there, I'm not sure I would shell out big bucks for one. Just curious how every one feels about the subject of mass produced rods and choppers and their staggering price tags.

[Vortech347]

I'm a DYI type. In my opinion anyone can buy something. However its the overall Build/Tune/Gratification I search for with my mustang.

[the_pack_rat]

To each their own like anything I suppose.

For $50-100K ...

I can own & enjoy a lot more history(multiple cool cars) than just one custom hot rod.

But if it's what someone really really enjoys/desires & they have the money .....

More power to them.

[LILALLEYKATT]

I spent years in my spare time restoring a 70 Torino GT 429 CJ Drag Pak and I dont believe I will do it again because my time is bettter spent selling real estate thusly enabling me to buy restored or modded whatever...Plus I dont project the image I want to if my hands are greasy and stained...

[chicago_cop]

This is a subject that I have been wanting to discuss with some intelligent gearheads for a while...

Over the last year I've been reading up on hot rods and choppers. Back in the day the only way to get one of these custom cars/bikes was to build it. Today that is not the case. There are tons of shops that will build you a hot rod or chopper. Which is fine; there are lots of folks like me who would rather buy one, drive it, maintain it, and enjoy it with out having to spend years piecing it together. And there are lots of folks who love buildiong these customs for a living. What do you guys think about people shelling out 50-100K for a custom? I love customs. I love the raw look, raw power, and the attitude they evoke. However, even if I could afford a Dearborn Duece or any of the number of custom choppers out there, I'm not sure I would shell out big bucks for one. Just curious how every one feels about the subject of mass produced rods and choppers and their staggering price tags.


I am closed to finishing 2.5 yrs on a Retro Rod. Doing some of it myself, and putting in a crate motor. (tryed and true) Chrome, Paint job, new glass all the way arround, Air Cond, new interior, all new chassi Ford 9in, totally rebuild auto tran, and have spent much more than I ever dreamed. One thing I know is that you can't do it half way. If your into old Iron, the car will knock your eyes out. Was it worth it, only time will tell. The Car 1950 Buick fast back coup, 350hp, 400ft.lbs 22coats of Candy Red, all orriginal Chrome.

[Black_Noise]

well, would u buy a ferrari? or would u rather build a marauder up?

i know i would not poo out 50k for a bike, i did 10k for a brand new gsxr (rice rocket) and i know i would not slap the cash down on the table for a brand new z06 corvette, i would rather supercharger and suspension something else and maybe get my hands a little dirty doing it.

[fairlane347]

This is a subject that I have been wanting to discuss with some intelligent gearheads for a while...

Over the last year I've been reading up on hot rods and choppers. Back in the day the only way to get one of these custom cars/bikes was to build it. Today that is not the case. There are tons of shops that will build you a hot rod or chopper. Which is fine; there are lots of folks like me who would rather buy one, drive it, maintain it, and enjoy it with out having to spend years piecing it together. And there are lots of folks who love buildiong these customs for a living. What do you guys think about people shelling out 50-100K for a custom? I love customs. I love the raw look, raw power, and the attitude they evoke. However, even if I could afford a Dearborn Duece or any of the number of custom choppers out there, I'm not sure I would shell out big bucks for one. Just curious how every one feels about the subject of mass produced rods and choppers and their staggering price tags.


First of all I am not selling me, but I do this stuff on the side because I enjoy it and there are folks that don't want to do the building themselves and I like to help out. See my sig, my web site is new but its a start. I would help you if you are looking for something and oh yeah mine don't cost $100k. That is not saying I build junk but It ccan be done more resonable than some may think. Contact me if you like, I can point you in the right direction if you want something built, thanks.:burnout:

[O's Fan Rich]

I can tell you this, if Ihad 50 k to spend on my Fastback project, I would very quickly get it tio the body shop and have the bodywork and paint done for me.
Then have the interior done.
These are the things that frustrate and slow me down.
So, on that note, I'm cool with it. After all it gives people with the love and talent the chance to make bucks doing what they love.
The rest I would do myself.

But.... I don't have the bucks, so I have to fight through this, to get to the fun stuff.

[ckadiddle]

While we are fantasizing.....
If I had a hundred grand of loose cash to spend on fun stuff, I'd get the full Reinhart treatment on the rauder and buy the wife a newer stang vert. She loves the newer retro body style and so do I. Then her new stang would get fully Reinharted.

I enjoy the driving, I don't enjoy auto mechanic work at all. The only customizing to our cars would be what needed to be done to suit us better.

[KillJoy]

While we are fantasizing.....
If I had a hundred grand of loose cash to spend on fun stuff, I'd get the full Reinhart treatment on the rauder and buy the wife a newer stang vert.


I tend to agree....but I would get the misses a late 70's 911 Turbo.....in red....wide body....whale tail :D

KillJoy

[FastMerc]

Well if I had the money I would have my 67 Pontiac pro done,but I dont so I do what I can when I can.But I enjoy doing it myself. Sometimes time is an issue but oh well. :)

[CRZYBIKER]

I like the buy it rather than build it concept.....gives me a job :)