Hi Mark
As you may know, I started my buid just after Chris's book was published
My original budget was set at about the 2k mark ( On the road ) !!??
Everything was going to be made from stuff begged, borrowed & scrounged, in true " lo-cost fashion "
Got off to a flying start... Donor free... All plate cost next to nothing as it was all scrap off cuts... Steel for the chassis was reasonable at the time ( £95'ish )... Had every tool needed.
As time went on & after several lay off's due to ill health .... Time on my build became a precious commodity, spending money on the build has become of secondary importance !!??
The new IVA fees, blew my original budget clean out of the water.
Currently at about 3k'ish
Funny you should bring this up .... I have been talking things over with the wife this last week, we are both in agreement that the best way forward for me this year is to throw some more money into the build.
I am very lucky to have such a supportive wife ..... Bless her little cotton socks
Costs can really spiral if you get carried away buying things that perhaps, are not fully needed !!??