Taking a tribute 350 tribute 500/KR/Super Snake...

[TA Coupe]

I once had a Styrofoam ice chest that I hid receipts in so my wife wouldn't find them and one day I decided to start adding them up and when I got to$150,000 or so I figured it would be prudent to just get rid of them. Just might not keep receipts around to be found if your married or to look back on and become depressed.

      Roy

[98SVT - was 06GT]

...... I decided to start adding them up and when I got to $150,000 or so I figured it would be prudent to just get rid of them. .....

That is what it took to build your dream car. It's one of those deals where it's best not to know - until the build is done so you are not tempted to cut corners. Prices on most stuff has nearly doubled since you built your car. People don't realize when they look at a finished car the details that drive a build to the 100,000+ level. Sure you can still get a 20' paint job for $500 but a quality one is going to be 10 grand. Sure you can stick those stock parts back in the engine but one with good parts making big reliable hp will be 20-25 grand,
My wife is very understanding of my addiction and lets me buy what I want or think I need. I decided I wanted a putt around town car and settled on a Model A. She insisted I buy a complete running car. I'm glad I did. I got a nice Coupe with fresh touring engine 39 syncro trans, OD, Kelsey Hayes wheels and a whole host of other goodies. They guy delivered it 200 miles for the fuel cost. It had about 10-12 grand worth of fresh stuff that I'd need to add to a project. I paid 15 total. We bought a Tudor a couple months ago for 9,500. Paint and interior are great and it runs fine. The engine is stock and ugly but I have a B race engine short block that ran 133 at El Mirage. I've got a Winfield head, cam, carb and intake I'm going to put on it. That should double the HP to the 80-90 hp range.
These things are cheap and fun. Buggy springs and a flexy chassis can get the adrenaline flowing at fairly low speeds. 70 mph on the freeway with mechanical brakes makes you pay attention.
Last week I heard of an A that was destroyed in the Eaton fire. The guy wants to give it away. If it's got the title I'm going to grab it and use the numbers for my Lowster build - using the Cleveland, TKO600 and QC from my GT1 car. The dry sump and baby flywheel will really let me get it low.

[SGT.SNAKE]

First and foremost,  buy what makes you happy.

In the end that is all that matters.

But an original will be always worth more than a replica

Agreed. I think everyone chiming in has helped me hone in what I want for this car. As a driver, I wont to hone in on the correct exterior aesthetics. This doesn't have to be all original parts, but at least correct in appearance. The hodgepodge of brackets and grilles just doesn't sit well with me.

[SGT.SNAKE]

The rear window defroster is a rare option.  Allied Metal Products makes the best wiring harnesses.

Thank You!

To a collector - but as we've all seen restomods from a known builders can sell for more than a well restored original. Eleanors were fetching 400+ but are 200-300 now. Maybe it's because Revology will build you a new Shelby licensed GT500KR - base $347,500 (their Cobra Jet Mustang is 322, So it looks like the license tag so you can call it a "real" Shelby is 25 grand) - they will even install an auto pen Shelby autographed dash for $250. Bottom line it's a restomod - old look modern drivetrain and even a new ChiCom unibody. Original 67/8 are 180-190 avg.

I understand that part 1000%. I'd laugh at a 500 w/ a 302 myself. Unless....some race circumstances called for a 302.

[SGT.SNAKE]

Tough to answer this. I've owned a real 67 GT 350 for 54 years now. I also built a 67 GT 500 tribute that took me 14 years to do. I
  The tribute at least looks very close. It has a 428, C6 auto, factory air, fiberglass parts bought at a leading supplier.
  So first, figure out what you want to do depending on the year Mustang you have. Then, what engine. Nothing is more goofy that having GT 500 stripes but a small block under the hood. Just plain wrong.
  Everybody knows that Elanore car from the movie isn't close, but if that is what you want, to for it.
  And finally, you'll be surprised as to how much your finished car is going to cost. I almost fell off the chair when I totalled the receipts. But it's built to my standards ( I did it all myself) and I'm happy with the results.
 Late additions: that rear defogger is a rare option. And you already have a 6 8 GT 350 tribute. Just learn and study, take note from a real 68 Shelby to improve what you have.

I most definitely will sir. Again, my goal is just to make it accurate. As of right now I don't know how far off I am, I guess that will come with studying. i.e. Is the lower scoop off because of the personalized vent, or is the vent itself inaccurate? it will be those things I'll struggle with.

That is key here, at the end of the journey you add up all the receipts and you say... WOW I could have had the real deal

My buddy Mikie found out the hard way

He had a "I told you so moment"

Oh well, he got what he wanted

This is another reason I asked and I'm glad you all chimed in.... I definitely dont wish to be in a tribute 150K. At that point, yes, I'd rather buy an original.

[SGT.SNAKE]

I once had a Styrofoam ice chest that I hid receipts in so my wife wouldn't find them and one day I decided to start adding them up and when I got to$150,000 or so I figured it would be prudent to just get rid of them. Just might not keep receipts around to be found if your married or to look back on and become depressed.

      Roy

haha send me the link to the ice chest... I may need to buy one