sherriepl3

Ok I'm really just writing this post to commiserate.  I had my wife take her Daily into a shop we've used for years to get estimates on the 100,000 and 120,000 service for our Honda.  I'll admit we change the oil on a regular basis but are mostly late on the rest of the scheduled maintenance.  But I fear the timing belt going out and killing the motor (nice little 3.0 V6). 
 
So they said we should do the water pump at the same time as the timing belt.  Ok no biggie.  The rate was what I expected.
 
But then they got to the Brakes, Plugs, and S-Belt.
Rear Pads and Rotors more then $400
Spark Plugs $350
S-Belt $120
 
So about $900 for basic maintenance stuff.  As much as the Timing Belt. 
 
I did what I think most of you guys would do and went to NAPA.  Total parts in hand About $170.
The breaks took me 2 hours because I didn't know how to use a certain tool.  I expect a real mechanic could do it in 1.
I'll do the other 2 jobs this weekend but expect to spend maybe an hour to complete them.
 
Can someone explain to me what I would have gotten for another $700 at the shop?  Even if I double the cost of the parts that's more than $500 in labor for what should be 3 hours of work.
 
END RANT

Well, here's the car and here's the story:
1969 Mustang Grande, 351w, FMX, ~7 colors
After combing through Craigslist for over a year, and saving my pennies for 2 more, I was able to buy this car off a freind of my dad's back in October of 2014. It came from a storage unit where it sat after being given up on for a short while, with another storage unit of random parts, the original 351w, a ligtly built 351w in the car, a rod knock, and another 351w long block ready to swap in. It was driving as is and, after a tune up and fresh fluids, survived another 3-ish months of high school junior hot rodding with that engine knocking away until we swapped it out. The windows rattled loudly, the 1-3/4" exhaust was louder, and it was awesome.

Hey Guys,
 
It has been awhile since i have been on the boards here. I have a bunch of parts that are from the private stash. All of these parts are in original and excellent condition and some are even restored originals. Below is a list and just some of the pictures i have of the parts.
 
$750.00 - Shelby console insert *Excellent Condition* (Original never mounted) 
$750.00 - 1969 Mustang console *Restored* (Original comes with wiring harness)
$150.00 - 1969 Mustang sport mirrors pair (Original) 2 sets
$45.00 - 1969 Neutral safety switch
$299.99 - 1969 Deluxe door panels *Excellent Condition* Pair (Originals w/out wiring harnesses) Sold + $99.00 for the Quarter panel deluxe panels
$40.00 - Headliner front piece (metal, repainted) Sold
$70.00 - Trim piece set *Excellent Condition* (Set of 7)  Sold
$250.00 - Mach1 hood scoop *Restored* (Complete w/out wiring harness)
$25.00 -  Brand new ashtray gauge pod (Shelby)
$70.00 - Am Radio w/ Knobs * Great Condition*
$450.00 - NOS Dual tip exhaust *Excellent Condition* (w/ NOS box)
$79.99 - Maplight *Restored* (Original w/ wiring) 2 sets  1 left
$10.00 - Ignition switch
$59.99 - Underdash lights *Excellent Condition* (Original) 2 sets
$25.00 - Light switch (Original)
$69.99 - Lock Set (Aftermarket New)
$24.99 - Radio Bezel w/ Wood (Aftermarket New)
$89.99 - Gas cap *Excellent Condition* (Original w/ running horse)
$149.99 - Gas cap *Great Condition* (Original w/ GT emblem)
$19.99ea - 351 Hood scoop emblems (Original) 3 available
$30.00 - Gt rear valance (Aftermarket)
$99.99 - A/c Dash (Original) Sold
$199.99 - Cougar Tach Harness (Engine Bay)
$349.99 - Mach 1 Seats (Original)
$99.99 - Grande Clock bezel w/ woodgrain
$499.99 - 1969 Big Block Shock tower half of a car assembly (everything intacted and perfect no rust)
$199.99ea - Mustang Shaker Scoop (New style not classic mustang) 3 available
$2,999.99 - Police interceptor engine Rebuilt (runs great)
$30.00 - 1969 Cougar front springs (Original)
 
All Prices are obo + shipping. 

Hi there!
 
Just would like to share my project. It's a sportroof 69, Real GT, from France.
I will post some pics :biggrin:
 
Here is the car when I bought it
 

 
And how far went the project :wink:
 

I thought this was a fun build.  I like the paint but think I'd personally swap the wheels out.  The one thing I'm trying to wrap my head around is the math.  They said they spent 40k on the car and parts (seems low) and 310 hours on the build.  It sold for 56.5k.  Now if you were paying straight rates at shop that is at least 20k in man hours probably closer to 25k.  Even if you own the business and pay 1/2 that, it doesn't seem like a lot of profit.  But most the time was volunteer time I think.  Not that I'm knocking them building the car I just always have a laugh at the prices and profits they show on reality shows.
 
 
 
 

Hello, Here is my take on a DIY front cross member.  My original was bent so I decided to make my own. I used schedule 40 1" (1.30" actual) 304 stainless steel with a wall thickness of .130". I used a power conduit bender we have at work. I wish I could tell you measurements but I just eyeballed it and it came out pretty good. The ends are made of stainless angle that is .200" thick and mig welded to the tube. The welds are not the prettiest but it isn't going to break. The old one weighs just under 4 lbs and the new one is 1 lb. heavier.  This one should last the life of the car. since my car is a street car I didn't see a need to add the extra side plate on the end so the lower control arm bolt would go through it. The best part of it is that is was totally free.