Total Newb - Debate on type of build

[Bhattman]

Hi All, I am excited to join the clan. I am interested in building a EB and have two opportunities. I am not mechanically inclined (never had the chance) or autobody, so trying to make use of available parts and farming out some work. I have the opportunities below. I am looking to sell the Bronco as a way of making some money. Question is, what maximizes the profitability and interest in the market.
1) a 1976 restored chasis with refurbished 302, and automatic transmission. I would then get a done body shell/tub, get it painted and put it on top. Would still need to do the interior. Thinking an EFI or supercharger would give it more power to be more marketable. Would try to make it a refreshed original. Original color was the light blue, so try to keep it as close to original as possible. The chasis and glovebox VIn would match. (To be clear, I can buy the chassis with 302 and transmission already mounted, every other part I still need to get and procure)

2) a 1969 new TDK chasis (hence no VIN Stamping) with new suspension, done body shell / tub and ready to prime and paint. Original engine was 302 engine and transmission needs rebuilding, so may look to a crate Coyote 5L or put one from a F150 and refresh it. But still would need to rewire with a new harness and make it a bit more modern with a bit more luxurious interior and console. What is the easiest way to get a Coyote Engine or another performance engine in there with lower costs?

I could possibly do both at the same time. Which one would yield the most profit?
I know these are big and open ended questions so would love general feedback and thought. I have learned a lot on this community so appreciate your time.

 

[Scoop]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you can't do most of the work yourself I think it will be difficult to farm it out and make a profit. I would not recommend a "Total Newb" to take on either of those projects. My 2 cents.

Good luck!

 

[JB Fab]

The amount of profit will depend on how much you can do yourself, and the quality of the work. If someone is going to pay cubic$ for a Bronco they typically prefer to buy from an established builder (even if it is an auction).
If you don't have experience in building/restoring classic vehicles, or have really solid connections in the industry you will have a real challenge on your hands making enough money to make it worth headache.
My 2c....

Good luck!

 

[Scotty]

I thought for a moment that I had seen this post before. I had not, but there was a similar inquiry a few years ago.

It's not a precise response to your specific questions, but many good points were made here:
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/t...ill-being-the-most-money.312358/#post-3398358

 

[Bhattman]

I thought for a moment that I had seen this post before. I had not, but there was a similar inquiry a few years ago.

It's not a precise response to your specific questions, but many good points were made here:
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/t...ill-being-the-most-money.312358/#post-3398358

Love this link and thread!!! Thank you!

 

[Bhattman]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you can't do most of the work yourself I think it will be difficult to farm it out and make a profit. I would not recommend a "Total Newb" to take on either of those projects. My 2 cents.

Good luck!

Perfect to hear

 

[markatherton]

Also a 1976 is not the best year to pick. You will eliminate the entire California marketplace due to smog considerations.

 

[serial car restorer]

I've been restoring cars and trucks for 35 years, and I can do everything except machine work and final body and paint myself. I do it for fun, not profit. Which is a good thing, because profits are few even with the amount of work that I do myself. Occasionally I even lose a bit. If you are looking at this strictly for profit, I'd recommend a different way to make money.

 

[Shimmy]

i don't have anything to add here. lots of sound advice given. just curious tho, where did you get the idea that flipping a bronco like this would turn a profit?

 

[Bhattman]

I've been restoring cars and trucks for 35 years, and I can do everything except machine work and final body and paint myself. I do it for fun, not profit. Which is a good thing, because profits are few even with the amount of work that I do myself. Occasionally I even lose a bit. If you are looking at this strictly for profit, I'd recommend a different way to make money.

Well said and understood!

 

[Bhattman]

i don't have anything to add here. lots of sound advice given. just curious tho, where did you get the idea that flipping a bronco like this would turn a profit?

I was looking at BaT prices and the restored prices vs what I can bring it together with. The key is a “reputable resto” shop vs individual, which dictates the bigger values. Without the history, it doesn’t work!

 

[scoutingranch]

Bhattman......read what these fellers have written and follow their advice. Period.
They know their stuff.
How do I know? Been in the vintage Porsche biz for 40 years. A tough racket it is. and, without connections, you are D.O.A

 

[Bhattman]

Yes heard it loud and clear. Do it for a passion. Do it yourself. You won’t make money. Period. I love tough advice and this is exactly why these communities are life savers.

 

[Torkman66]

Bronco purchase maybe 12k
Nice drivetrain installed 25k
Body and paint farmed out 25k
Interior farmed out 10k
Total 72k
Now add at least 30% for unknowns which are vast!
Total minimum 93k

I’m sure some folks are already saying how these prices are higher than needed, but these are having someone else do all the work…I actually think these are low estimates.

Finally, given this work will be farmed out to several different places, consider this as well:
1. Not knowing the local industry or the right people, you will get ripped off in at least one or more of the above work.
2. You will give your bronco to one of the shops above with a 4 week time estimate and then will be trying to get it done and back from them 6 months later.
3. Total time will be a few years and even then it may end up on BaT as an unfinished project that just needs to go.

40 years experience restoring all makes and models. Do all my own work in my shop from rust to paint to motor and interior. Please trust me, given what you said in original post, don’t do it.

 

[Bhattman]

Thank you!

Your math was similar to my math. By farming out I meant more getting guys to help me who know how to do it instead of professional companies. I do have access to people I know.

Chassis with 302 engine and c4 auto - $16k plus $2k for shipping to me
$14k perfect tub ready to paint
$5k paint
Other engine mods and heaters etc $10k
AC/heat - $2200
Interior - $10k
Labor - $10k

I have about $70k here.

 

[serial car restorer]

$14k perfect tub ready to paint

I think you'll find those new tubs are NOT really "ready to paint". Especially if you are looking at the $14k Chinese tubs. Even the more expensive $20k-and-up bodies will require finishing work before paint.

And a $5k paint job is only one step up from Maaco job.

Finally, if you are paying others to do the bulk of the work, $10k for labor is—frankly—laughable.

In short, none of this is as simple or easy as it seems.

 

[Bhattman]

I think you'll find those new tubs are NOT really "ready to paint". Especially if you are looking at the $14k Chinese tubs. Even the more expensive $20k-and-up bodies will require finishing work before paint.

And a $5k paint job is only one step up from Maaco job.

Finally, if you are paying others to do the bulk of the work, $10k for labor is—frankly—laughable.

In short, none of this is as simple or easy as it seems.

Superb insight! Thank you. It’s definitely not easy. And not easy means more

 

[serial car restorer]

Been in the vintage Porsche biz for 40 years.

Ironically, the only resto I've done at more than a tiny profit was a 1972 911T.

 

[Bhattman]

Ironically, the only resto I've done at more than a tiny profit was a 1972 911T.

What do you know, I literally just got a 72 911t land on my lap 5 min ago. Can I msg you about it?

 

[serial car restorer]

What do you know, I literally just got a 72 911t land on my lap 5 min ago. Can I msg you about it?

Sure. But note that my profit on the 911T was due to having extensive knowledge on what is correct for that car, a lower-than-market buying price due to seller situation that put off many risk-averse buyers, a fair amount of work already done, and some really lucky market timing. And I actually did that car for myself. It took over a year to finish, and I kept and drove it for 2 additional years before selling. So it's definitely not typical for a flip-for-profit job.