Building a car is no easy feat. It’ll take a lot of time, money, and patience, especially if you’re starting from scratch. While it’s perfectly normal to make mistakes along the way, some can be expensive to fix. Before you start on your project, it’s best to figure out how to build a car without making costly mistakes.
You’re bound to run into unexpected costs when you’re building a car from the ground up. Here are tips on how to stay on track and avoid any unnecessary expenses:
First things first, you need to decide if you’re making a street-legal car or simply adding a custom car build to your collection. The DMV sets specific guidelines that homemade cars must meet to be legal for use on public roads.
Different states will have different rules regarding ground clearance, emission control, and other factors, so be sure to double-check with your local DMV before ordering any parts.
Don’t be afraid to do your research and draw inspiration from other DIY enthusiasts. They typically share reliable shops and other helpful tips on forums and in their vlogs. Automobile books can also be a big help for any technical information.
When building your own car, you can choose between creating the chassis yourself or taking an existing chassis from an old vehicle. Most experienced DIY enthusiasts recommend starting with a secondhand chassis.
Creating the chassis from scratch can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. You also have to be particular with materials, welding, and other specifications. However, if you’re committed to building one, then you might want to consult a mechanic for help.
You’ll have to order several parts and accomplish many tasks, so it’s best to make a list of everything you have to buy and do. From the body panels to the brake system to interior accessories, you’ll have a lot to cover. Having a detailed list ensures you’re less likely to forget anything important or order the wrong parts.
While it’s important to follow your project plan, you’ll most likely have to make a couple of revisions later on. You might have to replace suspension parts after or swap out the tires, but consider making changes over time. This will help you budget more and also give you a better understanding of where your car build is currently at.
While the exact cost can vary depending on several factors, expect that a custom car project won’t be cheap. Some people spend around $80,000 on mechanical components alone, which means you’ll have to shell out more money for tools and equipment.
Here are other possible factors that can affect your total expenses:
If you’re on a tight budget, building a car kit is always an option. You can find car kits selling for less than $25,000, which means you can probably complete the build for around $35,000.
High-quality parts can be pretty expensive, especially if you factor in their shipping costs. Plus, you’re also likely to order different parts from different sellers. With a CarParts Plus membership, however, you can save thousands of dollars on shipping alone.
CarParts+ offers members several benefits, including free shipping on 500,000 parts sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Furthermore, while most shops only offer 30-day returns, CarParts+ members can enjoy double that. You can keep working on your custom car without having to worry about rushing through the process because you can return parts within 60 days.
Aside from free shipping and extended returns, you can also enjoy the other exclusive perks that CarParts+ offers, such as 24/7 roadside assistance and VIP member support. Sign up for a CarParts Plus membership today and take your auto parts shopping to the next level.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.