When it comes to the cost of restoring classic cars: Don't ask, they don't tell

From Detroit Free Press: When it comes to the cost of restoring classic cars: Don't ask, they don't tell

To restore classic cars like those cruising Woodward this week ahead of Saturday's Dream Cruise, you need quite a bit of cash -- but just how much is often a mystery.

Many gearheads like Bill McClenahan, 60, maintain a poker face when you inquire about the price of their car restoration.

"You want the best, you want the nicest and you don't want anyone to know how much you paid for it because they'll call you crazy," McClenahan said.

The retiree from Sterling Heights has a stack of bills from restoring his 1932 Chrysler street rod. But he said he never added them up.

"That's why I don't go to Vegas anymore -- because I can't afford it because I have the car now," McClenahan said.

The closest he gets to Sin City is when he stands behind his car, where an artist airbrushed a scene from Las Vegas.

"I'm a Bob Seger fan, and this car is called Ramblin' Gamblin' Man," McClenahan said.

It was a risky bet to bring the car back to life when McClenahan got it in 2007.

"When I bought it, it was just a metal body. Everything on the car has had to be customized, made or bought," he said.

Among the cool features: a convertible roof, push-button electronic shifter and the the matching trailer.

"It's the trailer that sets it off," McClenahan said. "The car's unique, but everyone is 'Oh, look at that.' They get a kick out of seeing the trailer."

The trailer, a cool accessory, also is a necessity.

"When I travel, there's no room for chairs, luggage or cooler, so that's why we got the trailer," McClenahan said.

If the trailer or car don't grab your attention, there's a good chance the horn will.

"I don't know if they were ever on cars before or not, but the old nostalgic oogle horn just makes a crazy funny noise," McClenahan said.

McClenahan isn't married, but jokes it would come to an end if he had a wife and she found out just how much money he spent on the Chrysler.

As he gears up for his fifth Dream Cruise, McClenahan said the cost was worth it.

"A lot of work, a lot of sweat, a lot of money, and the payoff is people coming to look at it," he said.