Is modification and renovation of old car shell economical as compared to new ones

[talha.javed6645]

Hi,

I am just new to car stuff so please bear with me. I am always intrigued by muscle cars which I see in movies and seasons especially like ford mustang 1969 and impala 1967 from supernatural . As the prices of new cars are sky rocketing in Pakistan, I am thinking of getting a car shell and then modify and transform it for my usage. I wanted to ask whether its going to be economical to do so? Can there be such modifications for vintage or classic car that will be economical, will give a smooth drive and will be long lasting.

Really sorry if the question seems dumb.

Thank you

[dani_kk]

Yes it's a good idea but it will require good hefty amount to be spent. See my projects on pw or fb page you'll get to know how restorations are done in Pakistan.

[talha.javed6645]

Thanks for the reply. Can you maybe post the links for both fb and pw??

[talha.javed6645]

Also good hefty amount is very vague term. Can you please give a range?

[dani_kk]

Restorations usually take 200k-1000k depending on enduser

[Xulfiqar]

For old american cars, expect close to spending 2.5 to 3 million rupees in sorting out the body, frame, interior bits n pieces etc, another half mill or slightly more for the engine and gearbox.

And it will require you to become mechanic and welder and electrician all at once. leaving it for shops in Pakistan would result in a pile of scrap which you sinked money in.

Magazines and youtube videos or movies look amazing, but in reality you need ultra deep pockets to afford those.

[pwuser153666427229]

Don't be fooled by movies, it would take an arm and a leg in Pakistan to find an American car to restore, Impalas or other big body GM, Ford or Chrysler cars go for a million plus just for an unrestored shell. If it's a pony car (Mustang, Camaro, Trans Am, etc.) expect 2.5 to 3 mil in asking price for an unrestored shell. On top of that, you would need atleast 4 to 5 mil to restore it, not forgetting you would have to source parts from ME or NA. Spending money is the easy part, finding correct parts for these cars while living in Pak is a challenge alot of enthusiasts and owners shy away from.

So in crux, no it's not a feasible option unless you are a wadera and have rooms full of black money at your disposal.

A viable option would be to get an old Jap car, restore it up and drive daily. Depending on the base car, this resto would cost somewhere around 6-8 Lakh.

[saad2006]

no it's not a feasible option unless you are a wadera and have rooms full of black money at your disposal.

So if someone is willing to put that much money on a classic it means he is a wadera and he has illegal money

What kind of logic is that ?

[talha.javed6645]

Thanks for this. Also can you give example of old Japanese cars you are referring to? Also, does old corolla counts too?

[pwuser153666427229]

Yes, Corolla, Datsuns, etc