Would it be really expensive to get an old car that runs, but needs to be restored?

Question

There is this really, really old car that I want...I am okay if the body has some rust on it and cosmetic type problems...I just want it to be reliable...of course I want it to be restored, but I could only afford to do little bits at a time. Is this doable, or should I just wait until I have enough money to do it all at once?

Answer 1

Most old cars are often restored over time. It's what I do and for most people it can take up to 15 years to complete a project. If it's your dream and you love the car then get it. However unless you have put some money in the motor and transmission I would not count on it being reliable for a while.

Answer 2

I'll tell you what.I have an old 87 Gm pickup that i refuse to part with.I just sank over $4000 in it on a whole new drivetrain including new engine,tranny,transfer case,rearend but the truck itself still looks like crap.I have spent the last 2 years dumping money into this truck thats probably only worth $1000 max.After i got the whole drivetrain done,i kinda lost interest in it and i started wonder why i dumped so much money into a turd instead of going out and buying a newer truck with that kinda money.Remember ANYTHING is possible if you put you mind to it but when it comes to restoring and old vehicle,you better be certain you want to do it and not just do it half a$$ed. Your gonna need a deep pocketbook and alot of extra time.Make sure just buying a newer vehicle is not the way you want to go.Good luck.You can do it if you put your mind to it.People do this kinda stuff all the time.

Answer 3

If the car runs and none of the engine needs to be fixed then yes making small repairs to the body is possible but will look weird.

Answer 4

It is very expensive to restore automobiles. Unless you have a real collectors item you will never recoup your money.