Built vs. Bought - Is there room for both?

[CaliWagon83]

I know I'm probably going to start WW III with this thread, but I felt I needed to kind of address the elephant in the room. I want to preface it by saying I love GBF, and that this is one of the friendliest, most diverse, most helpful automotive forums online. I really do believe that, and I've been a part of several.

I am in awe of the resourcefulness and creativity of many on this board. As we all know, certain parts are extremely hard to find for our cars, and it doesn't seem like the aftermarket is especially keen on making new ones. On one hand, I think we're all in the same boat of scrounging eBay and Craigslist for original salvage parts. I've bought several off forum members already.

However, I'm realistic about my knowledge, abilities and expertise, and when it comes to hard-core wrenching and fabbing, I'm an admitted greenhorn. Sure, I can change my own oil, plugs, air cleaner, etc. But beyond that, I'd rather defer to the pros, or those more experienced. I know some of you will say "Just get in there!" And I agree! Once I have the space, means, and a better set of tools, I want to roll up my sleeves and get a little greasy. But there are just certain things I'm more comfortable letting the pros do.

I also want to say I have mad respect for you guys that are doing the majority of wrenching on your own rides. I am in awe of your knowledge and expertise, and I'm thankful for your willingness to share that expertise. However, for my upcoming wagon build, I think I'm probably going to take it to a shop. Not that I don't have the desire to put in the "sweat equity" of building it myself, but that I don't have the knowledge or tools to do the extensive amount of work I know needs to be done to get it to where I want to be. I don't want you to think I'm some moneybags "trust fund baby." Sure, I have some disposable income I can put toward the wagon, but I'm also going to have to dig pretty deep into my savings to do a lot of it.

Also too...If there's one positive to having a shop build a nice G-Body, is that it increases the exposure to the platform, and if there's increased interest in the custom/restomod community, aftermarket support could follow if demand increases. Anyway...I've put on my poncho for the inevitable rotten tomatoes I know will be coming my way, so...I'm passing the mic...

 

[Turbolq4]

See, you put in the work you know how to do and farm out the rest. No shame in that. My hang is with "car enthusiasts" that just pay someone to do it all then troll the car show scene trying to get into a giant di*k waving contest. Push your limits, gain skills, enjoy the culture.

 

[motorheadmike]

You do you.

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/doing-it-the-hard-way.63210/#post-549793

 

[Local Hero]

I agree, no shame in farming out what is beyond your skills. I just can't stand the guys who show up at a show proclaiming to have done this and that and everything on the car, when all they did was write the checks.

As long as credit is given where it's due you'll have no problems from me.

 

[CaliWagon83]

I have no intention of building a show-winner. In fact, I think a few little nicks and dings are a badge of honor. I do want to fix the rear bumper filler, just 'cause it personally bugs me, but if you take a close look at my gallery, you can see my wagon's far from perfect up-close, but as a 10-footer, it's a jaw-dropper. I mainly want to beef up the suspension, chassis and drivetrain where it gives me the performance of a more modern car, but with the looks of the original. I want to DRIVE IT! 🙂

 

[tc1959]

I did everything except spray the paint and sew the seats, I enjoyed the process of restoring the El Camino. I spent many hours in the garage, drinking beer and working on the car with my old dog at my side. I am glad I was blessed with the skills to build and body work the car, It was fun.

 

[lilbowtie]

A man that knows is limitations - I can really respect that !!

 

[joesregalproject]

Nothing wrong with having someone else work on your car. Me for example, I am more than confident repairing body rust, doing filler work, metal fabrication, and painting cars. But when it comes to welding on a frame, I send it out. I have a shop that I trust and I've done a lot of business with, and I know that they have a lot of experience welding frames and they know what the hell they are doing.

Same thing, I can tear down an engine, and reassemble it with a brush hone and new rings and bearings and make it run better than before, but would I be confident building a 400 horsepower engine in my garage with the resources I have? Probably not. Could I do it? Sure. Would I be confident that it would last? Eh, I don't know.

Also you've got to take into account the value of your time. It would take me a lot longer to build an engine in my garage than it would to just save up and buy a crate motor. And building a motor myself isn't gonna save me a ton of money over just buying a crate motor. Sometimes my time is just more valuable.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I will say, if you want one of these ready built, short of health issues or lack of skill to finish it safely or properly, buy a new Camaro, Mustang or Challenger. The Challenger or Charger are the only practical choices for anyone other than a single guy or very small family. Seriously, do us a favor and buy a new belly button car, it will end up faster, more economical and reliable with warranty.

 

[Malibu Mike7981]

I think we all know our limitations. As for me ive built several g bodys, the only thing i never done was body work and paint. I source that out. My 81 malibu will be hitting the paint booth next sat.