How much did you spend on your fiat?

Danno · Post by **Danno** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:00 pm

So, you've read my posts where I call my fiat the "Friat." I joined this forum about a year and a half ago (close enough) when I got my hands on my Brother-in-law's Fiat. At first the venture was to fix it for him (maybe) but when it became clear that it was going to cost more than he was willing he said I could have it (what i great guy!!!). Well, I've sold some of the stock parts (bumpers and lights, etc) and I've bought a lot of stuff, some of which I haven't used yet (brake rotors, flywheel, washer fluid bottle and pump off an MG). But I've kept track of most things. I know I've missed some tracking of sanpaper, bondo, oil, and other little things like that, but right now my total looks like this:

Income = 363
Expense = 958 (some of that was shipping the sold parts)

so my bottom line at this point is just about 600 bucks. But most of this isn't even on the car yet, so If my wife asks, I've only spent about $190 bucks.

That's not so bad to get it running again. Step one make it run, step two make it legal, step three make it nice! I have to keep telling myself that's the order....

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:36 pm

you forgot one important step. Once it runs, it has to stop, or you'll never make it as far as legal.

I approached the SpitWad FrankenStein project in a very similar fashion. except i had no income, only expenses. That way, when i eventually do sell it, i have the documented proof to show my wife that:
1. Barrett Jackson is full of sh&*
2. I absolutely DID at least break even

It's a HOBBY honey, i never intended to make a living at it....does scrapbooking put food on our table?

I figure if i keep accurate enough records, some day (if i am a very good boy) she'll let me do it again with another project car.

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:15 pm

Oh my, where do I start? If I include buying the car, 12 years of maintenance, several sets of IDFs, all the restoration, rebuilds and extra cars I brought home for parts....$10K. Not really a bad price if you think about it and I may even be able to recoup most of it if I were to sell it! Now, if I included labor at the going rate I'd be screwed.

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:03 pm

I guestimate that I have 2200 total into a 600 dollar car with 53K. But its never been about the money. I realized while the kids were gettin older that I needed a project for ME. Ive always been the family guy with the great compromise vehicle. Now I actually enjoy drivin.

kmartin83 · Post by **kmartin83** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:06 am

My fiat was a "gift" from my boyfriend's sister. She was moving and couldn't take it with her, as it wasn't running. She said to me, "I know you'll be able to restore her. So, a little over $3K later, and she's on the road. And right way it became a labor of love. My son and I enjoy spending time on the fiat, and it's his hobby now as well as mine (and he thinks he's getting her when he gets his license, hah!)

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:11 pm

i just put $875 into a very nice '78 for "performance parts" or minor upgrades 'cuz i got permission to do so. Think I am done? Bwaahaa! that takes a $4500 purchase from a VERY motivated seller to over $5300.

if the '80 (which we've owned for over 12 years) is any indication....$10k sounds about right....eventually. and that will exclude maintenance and wear items.

and, yeah. My four daughters think they each getta Spider when i die...have i got news for them! my wife and i intend to be buried in ours. Stinkin' ingrates, any way.