Will be joining the family here soon..

[Cobra_Troop]

Once I re-deploy back to the states from Iraq I plan on purchasing a FFR kit. My initial plan has changed upon learning from a good buddy in SC that he has a mutual friend who builds these cars(coming from him thats all I need to know as far as quality work)..I purchase kit he picks up builds has another person paint etc..my question is this besides the paint which I know can run a few thousand easily and I have an engine builder and engine in mind what is a acceptable price for someone to charge to build the car? Any input is greatly appreciated and welcome...thanks fro your time!!

[mrmustang]

What someone will charge all depends on the quality of parts he intends to use and the options in which you choose when ordering the kit.

Bill S.

[Cobra_Troop]

Bill thanks for the reply..Im really more focused on the cost one might charge just to build the car..the parts and options I pretty much have figured out, to an extent..just the assembly of the car is what I'm trying to figure out..what is a good round about figure..is 2k-3k acceptable and anything over 4k ridiculous? thanks again

[sharpe 1]

Some of the kit suppliers sell a turn key-minus. Around $32000.00 You can use this as a starting point.
Good luck

[Woodz428]

I, personally, think that if you can get one built for 4K you would be lucky. I charge 5K for a high quality paint job. Before you start thinking that 5K is a lot, you need to consider the time in prep it takes to lay a good paint job. Then price out some paint and materials, it adds up fast. I have not seen any 'glass car that just needs scuffed and shot, unless you want all the body imperfections seen.

[mrmustang]

Again costs will depend on the level of detail and the options you choose for your car. Convertible tops are labor intensive to install, as are wipers, heaters, and some of the IRS optional pieces. I would think that the cost of parts, plus the cost of the kit, and another 100-200 hours worth of labor. Exactly what that labor charge per hour is, is what you should be asking the builder unless he gives you a set price for his time, his shop soft costs (heat, electric, insurance, employees, etc), and his profit. If I could get my FFR's built the way I want them, using my sourced parts and kit for 3-4K worth of extra labor costs, I'd most likely do it every time I built or restored one. But to be honest with you, as someone who works teaching body shop owners how to streamline their offices and make their businesses more profitable and efficient, I do not see where you could get someone to properly build one of these cars for just 3-4K over the cost of your parts and kit.

Bill S.

[Cobra_Troop]

You guys have put alot of perspective on this I appreciate the guidance...Look forward to gettin home form Iraq and geting this started..I'll post some updates when I get home on R&R in July to speak with the builder/painter..again thanks..makes more since...love forums like these and the wealth of knowledge a key board away!!!

[Frank Messina]

Figure $15,000 labor from a good builder. $4000 will get you a stalled build.
Frank

[trularin]

May I suggest a contract of some sort so you know what you are expecting and the builder knows what you are expecting.

Just a suggestion.

[Cobra_Troop]

Once I go on R&R from Iraq I will meet the builder..I just wanted some insight from you guys who have done this already on what to expect as far as figures etc..I appreciate the info..is there anything from your experience that I should know going in..its obvious Im new to this and am trying to get my ducks in a row..Im not afriad to spend money and having a modded LS1 and a turbo Busa doesnt come cheap, but having learned that its good practice to learn from those who have already done it and ask questions as too not make mistake or get taken advantage of...again thanks!!

[Cobra_Troop]

Originally Posted by Woodz428

I, personally, think that if you can get one built for 4K you would be lucky. I charge 5K for a high quality paint job. Before you start thinking that 5K is a lot, you need to consider the time in prep it takes to lay a good paint job. Then price out some paint and materials, it adds up fast. I have not seen any 'glass car that just needs scuffed and shot, unless you want all the body imperfections seen.

Thanks for the info.... Anthing I need to look for during the preping, painting phases I need to pay particular attention to? Im by no means a pro at this so I could easily be fooled if you know what I mean..now mechanically Im good but just about everything else Im a novice..