Got the nod from the CFO!
 

NOTE: posted this over on the FFR-dedicated site, but wanted to just share in my exhuberance with all my schmobra brethren. Have consumed most of a 6-pack of Shiner 100 Commemorative since posting this below.

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Was chatting with the wife about color selection for when I build the C**ra. My plan all along has been to go with Guardsman Blue w/ White stripes. But, I've really been taken with the Kandy Apple Red w/ Silver stripes as exhibited by the current POM. So I showed her pics of both, and she really likes the red. Can't argue with her there, so I won't.

We then reach a rather significant milestone, wherein she asks "how much will this cost?" I just kind of shrug and say "well, I've never really tallied it up" (liar). She says "oh come on, you know" (correct). So I come back with "hmm, I'd say $30,000" (low-end, it'll assuredly cost more than that). Her reaction: "meh, that's really not so bad".

EDIT: I realize it will run well north of 30k!

Yes!!!

Now the "only" thing I have to do is the accumulation of fundage. Projected order date: first quarter '10.

Here's what I'm a thinkin' for this car:

Basic Kit
I.R.S. with 5-lug
Cragar aluminum mags (look vintage, but light weight: check out their website)
Kandy Apple Red w/ silver stripes (possibly with the extra pinstripe on the outside edge of the stripes)
Twin pusher fans up front (see POM picture, it's a shameless rip-off by me)
452 Super FE by Southern Automotive
Top-loader wide-ratio 4 speed
Chrome over-riders up front, no hoop
Chrome over-riders out back, with bumperette
Drop-butt mod
Liberal sprinkling of goodies from Whitby and Forte
Rolled cockpit edges, wheel openings
Hoops under the hood and trunk lids
Riveted hood scoop
Competition dash w/ glovebox
A/C with outlets hidden under dash (defrost vents on cowl)
Functional oil cooler
Stewart-Warner gauges
Electric fuel pump
Ashtray on transmission tunnel

Have I done anything mechanical even remotely close to this? Aw, heck no! Used to have a '66 Mustang 2+2 that I did some work on, but nothing like this. So what?! I've only been dreaming of doing this for, oh, the last 30 years or so off and on. Time to stop thinking about it.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' with it....

That is Just COOL!
 

So now its time to get SERIOUS!

452 Super FE by Southern Automotive
Liberal sprinkling of goodies from Whitby and Forte
Rolled cockpit edges, wheel openings
Hoops under the hood and trunk lids
A/C with outlets hidden under dash (defrost vents on cowl)
Functional oil cooler

ohh yes - well north of 30

yes indeed well north ..... :D

hehehe, more like 50k

Sssshhhhhhh!!!!!!! :LOL:

well a 3 is a 5 ....... at least in today's accounting that seems to be the case so you should be good to go :)

452 Super FE should be good for - what - 450 HP?

Uhhh, the Freddie Mac one?:confused:

The accounting error is no big deal. Obama will give you what you need. Just say oops and then give your self a bonus.

Seriously, has anyone here spent what you intended to spend??? I know I went at least 10K over on my budget. There are little things like tax, car cover, mats, fire extinguisher, insurance, delivery (Ohio to NY). It all adds up.

Oh, dont tell your wife about the operating costs. You will use a half tank pulling that beast out of the garage.

In the end..... Its all worth it, no regrets here!

I've already started innocently, and somewhat randomly, tossing out some higher numbers. Laying the groundwork....

Here's how its done:

Tell her you are "feeling middle-age crazy and think you are going to go buy a new Z06." She'll turn white with fear (thoughts of young hot blondes racing through her mind) and at a loss for words she will say "How much?". You'll say confidently, "$80k." Then let that percolate/soak in for about 10 days. It helps if you walk around with a blank stare on your face, like you are lost. Then, throw the kit brochure in front of her and say "Changed my mind, I am going to build it myself and save us some money." She'll say "Save how much?" You'll say "Maybe $30k." She'll jump for joy and offer to....."love you long time."

$50k. Done deal.


p.s. Add a line item to your budget build sheet called "Ace Hardware." Insert $5000 for the amount.

Just tell her you got her stimulus!!!