Wife says yes! Step 0:spreadsheet/list/BOM ?

[johnpinetree]

Hi all, been chatting with Bradley about taking the plunge for a little bit now. Long story short, my wife gave me the thumbs up to go for a build! Excited and nervous!

So, the way my brain works is I'd like to figure out what all it is I need to get this thing done, both to get a good picture financially, but also to wrap my head around the project.

Does anyone have a bill of materials (BOM), spreadsheet, or any other sort of organized list of all that went into their build? Seems like many of us here crazy and enthusiastic enough to take this on probably think along the same lines. I also saw someone on here mention that it was useful for insuring the beast. It would be nice to start with a template.

Excited to get going, I imagine as things go I'll be leaning a lot on the community!
---------------------------------------
Juan Pino
Denver
empty garage

[NAZ]

I always use spreadsheets to help plan my builds. As an engineer, I really get into the technical stuff and like to be organized so besides the BOM and costs data, I estimate time to complete too. My wife, the MBA, tells me whatever I think it's going to cost and however long I think it's going to take -- double it. Funny thing is, she's always right. I'm days away from finishing my latest and it has taken twice as long as I expected and has cost more than twice what I planned.

Better double whatever you think it's going to take for your build.

[johnpinetree]

NAZ would you be willing to share your document? Sounds like a like mind, and would be a phenomenal place for me to start.

[toadster]

it adds up REALLY quick!! and congrats!!!

https://cobradreams.com/original-list-of-parts-for-the-roadster/

here's my running spreadsheet of 'extra' stuff...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FpEApz3NWGMQ2CXqUVNh6Jb8u0ksuT_tVp6Zl0dF6RE/edit?usp=sharing

[BradCraig]

I have a whole stack of “extra stuff” I haven’t added to the spreadsheet. I may never actually do it, does it really matter? :-)

[JIMOCO]

I have a very detailed spread sheet. Send me a PM with your email address and I will send it off to you.

[narly1]

I created a spreadsheet for the parts I'm using in the engine build part of my project. I find it useful for keeping track of how much I've spent, how much more I still need to spend, and what things I'm spending it on.

When the time comes I will probably do the same for the actual kit build.

[Kmcallahan]

Congratulations, remember plan your work and work your plan.

[CraigS]

Dang you want to know how much you will spend ahead of time? Decide if you can afford $40-50K and if you can, go for it. If you will break out every time something comes up and it will be another couple $100, maybe this isn't for you. I just reread what I typed and it does sound a little harsh. I don't mean to be, but this is a hobby so spending a $100 for a better tool, or part I like to look at as an investment. The tool I will have for the rest of my life. The better part will increase the value of the build.

[j.miller]

Spreadsheets lead to suicide...….Money, 50K. Time, 3 times what you could ever imagine it taking. Marriage, start keeping your eyes open for a new one about 1/2 way through (hence the 3 times longer then you could imagine). WHAT !!! jus sayin...da Bat

[RBachman]

If you go for a full kit with common accessories and new components (no donor), wheels/tires/IRS/heater/powered steering/brakes/etc. then figure $30k+/-10%. The engine and transmission will run between $12k and $15k unless you want a 550 hp beast, then add another $5k to $8k. Figure $3k for consumables, extra screws, rivets, hoses, tape, paint, sealers, adhesives, wire ties, clamps, clecos, electrical connectors, shrink wrap, extra wire, etc.. Modifications can be all over the place, but I figured about $2k...not sure what it ended up as, but that's close. You're going to need tools, and probably some specialized tools. If you go black-out, add in another $2k to $3k for powder and ceramic coatings.

Build your list and budget. Then, don't buy stuff until you need it. It's less painful that way.

Edited to add paint and body costs. Figure $5k to $10k depending on what you want done and who's doing it.

[Jetfuel]

I just love how you guys like to expend others people money...lol
First off is what do you want your dream car to be Juan ??? a Sunday cruiser with the better half that looks awesome and drives as advertised based on a Mustang donor or a tire ripping monster that will make your heart skip a bit..
Figure what you want first then do the math

Jetfuel...

[GTBradley]

What Jetfuel said and the bat...short of actual suicide. The thing is, there are myriad combinations even within a well defined class of roadster. A spreadsheet might not have made me commit harikari, but it would have definitely put me in a jacket with sleeves that tie in back, begging passersby to scratch my nose.

I decided to settle on how I would be using the car and what impression I wanted to make. You’ll compromise on both to get most of what you want, but keeping these things in mind will help you with decisions long term and short with few regrets in the end.

BTW, if your better half changes her mind after a doubling of the budget, we never met. :p

[KDubU]

Budget min $45k and go up to $55-60 depending on a few factors. Can you do it cheaper, sure but you will have to watch your dollars and cents and do bodywork and paint yourself.

Edited to add that you could get a lot of that back if you choose to sell. Will you get 100%, maybe but look at it this way, do you get 100% back once you take a new car off a lot? Unless it’s something like the new Ford GT, you will not. A roadster is no different and is a luxury but damn fun to drive and truly the words, “you only live once” are applicable here for both buying one and driving one.

[Fman]

Congrats on your decision to build this car, I am just getting to paint and its been a great experience.

Basic breakdown financially:

IRS car with some upgrades delivered to your door $28-30k
Dart block engine (347/427), TKO trans $15-20k
Paint $10-13k
Misc upgrades $2-3k
Reg fees $2-3k

I thought I could build this car for $55k, not happening...just be realistic with yourself and what kind of car you want to end up with. Those are rough numbers but things add up quickly on these builds. You will also spend some money on tools unless you already have everything. PM me if you want some more info on what I have spent, I have receipts and can give you a more detailed breakdown.

[GTBradley]

That’s a good point about fees, in Colorado you are required to pay tax on internet purchases, so at the DMV they will ask for kit receipts. I was caught unaware by this and handed over just the FFR order. The clerk never asked for anything else, but that still added $2K.

[Hacksaw84]

I have an excel file I am using for tracking my build, its mostly complete. Sometimes it makes me want to puke but I am good at suppressing it.
I can send it to you. Shoot me an email.

michael.a.craven@gmail.com

[Papa]

Hi all, been chatting with Bradley about taking the plunge for a little bit now. Long story short, my wife gave me the thumbs up to go for a build! Excited and nervous!

So, the way my brain works is I'd like to figure out what all it is I need to get this thing done, both to get a good picture financially, but also to wrap my head around the project.

Does anyone have a bill of materials (BOM), spreadsheet, or any other sort of organized list of all that went into their build? Seems like many of us here crazy and enthusiastic enough to take this on probably think along the same lines. I also saw someone on here mention that it was useful for insuring the beast. It would be nice to start with a template.

Excited to get going, I imagine as things go I'll be leaning a lot on the community!
---------------------------------------
Juan Pino
Denver
empty garage

I have a detailed planning spread sheet that I can send you. PM me your e-mail address and I'll get it to you.

Dave

[johnpinetree]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies. Like I said, this is how my brain works and I'd like to get things down in some organized fashion both for cost numbers as well as a sense of the project.

What I really really want to avoid is paying for something twice, or better said buying part x and then realizing I would have rather done it another way and buying part y instead. Spreadsheets and such will go a long way towards avoiding that type of pitfall.

[toadster]

I have a whole stack of “extra stuff” I haven’t added to the spreadsheet. I may never actually do it, does it really matter? :-)

plausible deniability of spending ;) LOL

[Nigel Allen]

Building a half decent Cobra replica in Australia (FFR or local kit) starts from $85k. Most are a little to a lot north of that. Basically whatever price you see items advertised in the USA, double it and then wait. Hopefully provides a small amount of consolation.

On the flip side, once registered, they seem to hold their value indefinitely. Not that I am planning on selling anytime soon. I found a lot of fun and excitement in the planning stages prior to order. Once I began the ordering process it did get scary shelling out bucket loads of cash as I did buy most things in single orders from vendors to save on freight costs and logistics. My kit took just over 6 months to arrive and required a deposit of $25K to the local agent at the time.

In the end I am glad I did buy up-front because the AU$ went on a big slide after the GFC and now it would probably cost me $120K to do it over. The other benefit is I had pretty much everything on hand, which made for it easier for layout referencing plus more garage time and less parts sourcing.

Cheers,

Nigel

[CraigS]

Whether you go w/ a spreadsheet or not you need to do a ton of research and decision making first. Example is engine and trans. There have been quite a few threads here and the other forum so search for them to get a wide range of opinions and experiences. A probuilt engine and trans can be $12-15k. A second hand engine/trans from someone upgrading an older Mustang could be $2k or less. EFI or carb determines your fuel lines and pump. A single hose and mechanical pump on the engine vs a feed and return line and electric pump and maybe a pressure regulator. $60 vs $250-350. Or wheels/tires. FFR wheels $12-1300 or American Muscle Bullits for $550. Tires have a similar range so the combination can range from $1200 to $2500. Also I'd look through every build thread and make notes. And feel free to ask specific questions but we'd all appreciate if you search the forum first.

[RBachman]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies. Like I said, this is how my brain works and I'd like to get things down in some organized fashion both for cost numbers as well as a sense of the project.

What I really really want to avoid is paying for something twice, or better said buying part x and then realizing I would have rather done it another way and buying part y instead. Spreadsheets and such will go a long way towards avoiding that type of pitfall.

Maybe this got mentioned already, but I did not see it. Remember that you can always deduct individual kit components and receive a credit on your order. For me it was seats, parking brake lever assembly and cables, radiator hoses, head lights, power steering hoses, fluid reservoirs (brakes, clutch, coolant), shift stick, and a few others. I purchased these and others twice because I did not know they were deductible and hadn't planned ahead for them. Other common parts like the gas cap, gas tank filler tube seal, ignition switch, fuel lines, reservoirs, and a number of small parts are commonly upgraded to better components.

[Presto51]

Like to add to the planning stage is don't forget to do a WBS of your project. It will go along way in keeping you on track and focused. .

Ron

[NAZ]

Maybe this got mentioned already, but I did not see it. Remember that you can always deduct individual kit components and receive a credit on your order. For me it was seats, parking brake lever assembly and cables, radiator hoses, head lights, power steering hoses, fluid reservoirs (brakes, clutch, coolant), shift stick, and a few others. I purchased these and others twice because I did not know they were deductible and hadn't planned ahead for them. Other common parts like the gas cap, gas tank filler tube seal, ignition switch, fuel lines, reservoirs, and a number of small parts are commonly upgraded to better components.

Great point! I didn't know about this when I ordered my kit and ended up sending many large parts back for credit which the shipping cost ate some of. Had I planned better I'd have saved some $$ on the initial order.

[Vegasjack]

I don't believe in spread sheets, not with the cost column anyway. It will just make you think you are spending too much and either not buy it, or buy something less expensive and/or cheaper made. But what you can afford and you move along your build, Take the receipts and toss them in a box so you can tally it up later. If your on a tight budget, then budget each month what you can afford and only spend that amount. In reality, why do you care how much you spend on your build? If it is too much are you going to stop the build? Yes, it is nice to know the end tally. But you can't factor in your hundreds of hours work on it, research, training, doing over, drinking beer looking at it. Just build it and forget about keep track of every penny you spend on it! jMHO. Good luck on the build.

[hope2build1]

I don't believe in spread sheets, not with the cost column anyway. It will just make you think you are spending too much and either not buy it, or buy something less expensive and/or cheaper made. But what you can afford and you move along your build, Take the receipts and toss them in a box so you can tally it up later. If your on a tight budget, then budget each month what you can afford and only spend that amount. In reality, why do you care how much you spend on your build? If it is too much are you going to stop the build? Yes, it is nice to know the end tally. But you can't factor in your hundreds of hours work on it, research, training, doing over, drinking beer looking at it. Just build it and forget about keep track of every penny you spend on it! jMHO. Good luck on the build.



I'm with you...this is in the "turn your head and cough" category, sometimes it's just better not to know, and even better not to share cost data with spouse!

[Papa]

I'm with you...this is in the "turn your head and cough" category, sometimes it's just better not to know, and even better not to share cost data with spouse!

In my house, that worked exactly one time. :p It's much simpler for me to be conservative, get her buy-in, then come in under budget.

[BradCraig]

What is this “under budget” thing you talk about?

[Traveller]

Put me in the no spreadsheet camp for "plausable deniability" purposes.

(But between you and I, it will cost $50k - but what the heck, you can't take it with you).

[Boydster]

I did use a spreadsheet, and I kept it updated all the way through my build. Before I purchased, it helped me forecast how much my car would cost; helped me plan what mods I wanted, where to get them and how much they cost; and kept me on a financial track during the build. I now have a record of everything I bought and all the mods I did to my car. I also kept track of parts I didnt use, things I sold off and returned items. 5 years from now, I can look up who I bought this widget from that doesnt work anymore to get a new one or I can answer someones' question about what thingamajig I used for this or that. Its a nice record of the machine you built, instead of just a drawer stuffed full of (some of the) receipts.

Its also a great way to plan your car before you buy... what FI system are you gonna use, what wheels and tires, where are you gonna buy the leather...

[NiceGuyEddie]

Budget $1,000 for painter's tape, acetone, shop rags, silicone, drill bits, rustoleum, sandpaper, tire/wheel mounting and balancing, and a few hand tools you may not have.

[RaserX]

Don't look, just spend, it will hurt less.

[rich grsc]

What is this “under budget” thing you talk about?
Explain it like you're from the government; "anything under 50% over cost, is under budget"

[Mark Eaton]

If FFR was giving away the kits and asking for payment when finished based on what I thought it was worth I would probably pay about $200K, maybe more. There is no car I would rather drive and building my MK4 has given me endless escape from my high pressure job. You can't put a price on that.

[Jstanding]

Life is TOO short for spread sheets. If you want it go for it. I couldn't tell you within 5K what I have invested in my roadster. I sold a Cuda I built as a young man to finance the original kit cost and then threw out every receipt for purchases from then on. I know that sounds irresponsible but if i questioned the $$ end I probably wouldn't do it.