ironblock posted:

I did try to make one, once. A spreadsheet. It was a few years ago, and I was easily able to climb over $20k. I'd estimate it's closer to $30k today, but slowing down as I run out of things to buy. The last big ticket items I could concievably spend money on are an OS Giken LSD ($1800), and maybe a transmission rebuild ($1500).

To give you some context, here's what I bought today:

pre:

Name                                      Price      Qty
Side Molding Clip Set                     $44.00      1
Wiper blades                              $29.00      1
Glove Box Kit                             $49.00      1
Water temperature sender w/ Metric nut    $26.00      1
U20 Fuel Pump                            $148.00      1
Fuel Tank Sending Unit O-Ring              $4.00      1
Gas cap rubber gasket                      $5.00      1
160˚ Thermostat                           $13.00      1
Freeze Plug Kit                           $25.00      2
Timing Set                               $209.00      1
Roller Rockers                           $520.00      1
5 Speed Gasket Kit                        $79.50      1
Fuse Box Cover                            $79.00      1
Door Stop Rubber                          $15.75      1
Red Doe Skin Vinyl                        $36.95      1
Oil Pressure Sending Unit                $111.00      1

Add in tax, shipping, and a $250 core charge on the rocker assy, and you're looking at ~$1700 in parts. So, resto-modding a car like this basically ends up being one or two dozen orders like that, spread out over 3-5 years.

In other words, in terms of monthly outlay, it's broadly comparable to buying a 124 Spider with no money down and a 5 year loan (except that the Fiat would have a warranty (which it would need)).

In other, other words, it shouldn't surprise you that my other hobby is retro gaming.