Re: [DML] Disputing the $25,0000 rule

[Soma576@xxxx]

In a message dated 11/5/03 6:09:33 AM Central Standard Time, 
spaceace3113@xxxx writes:

> Are we to assume that the values a rising? because 
> I had a wicked car to start with and still spent real money.


I would definitely agree with you.
in my case, i paid about $15,000 for mine and i have put probably the same 
amount into it to get it 'just right' and i still have a little ways to go. 
when i bought mine, it was totally driveable with 41K miles, all updates, 9.5/10 
on exterior and 9/10 interior. the brakes were rebuilt with new tires, 
fascias painted, as well as quite a few other misc things within the last year 
before i got it. 

however.......
i wound up rebuilding the entire fuel system by replacing pretty much every 
part except the distributor, doing a complete 30K mile service, new locks, 
window regulators, seat covers, total clutch and transmission service (all clutch 
and hydraulic parts replaced, tranny opened and cleaned), stainless brake 
lines and new master cylinder, numerous engine control switches, total cooling 
system overhaul with pump master kit, new fans, new radiator, hoses, etc..... the 
list goes on with all the little stuff.

the main thing that gets me is that when i find a problem with a part of a 
system, i wind up doing the whole works even if it doesn't need it, because i 
know that it will eventually and i'd rather get it done at the same time. for 
instance, i had one fan burned out and i was replacing my water hoses anyway so 
i did the whole thing while i was at it. same with clutch. i only needed a 
new roll pin in the tranny and a new clutchline (went to stainless), but i 
decided i might as well do EVERYTHING. it runs you a lot more money but in the 
end it is worth it to know you took care of everything at once. 

i suppose i would be below $25,000 if i only replaced parts that needed to be 
replaced, but i'd also have a car that isn't so reliable and i might fear 
going from ND to TN next spring..... and i wouldn't take home so many trophies 
from shows!

to do it the way i do it, i would say $35,000 is more realistic. 

Andy


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