If your area has a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, I advise the thread to look into those as well. They sell building materials that they took out of remodels and that people donate. A lot of stuff is really cheap. The one near me sells countertops for a buck for example. There's also a "garage" section for things taken from garages... so just let your imagination run free.
Picking up hose on the highway will get you in a heap of trouble if you're married. 
n8 said:
This thread is awesome and I just want to say that everyone is screwed if you ever decide to enter the $20xx Challenge (assuming that you haven't).
Thanks! glad you like the thread. I've never entered the challenge but I've built many challenge priced vehicles over the years. I've got a 81 Malibu that I've got less than challenge money in but I don't keep records and I doubt anyone would believe I built it for under 2 grand plus there would probably be complaints that "fair market value" should be used for some of the expenses even though I didn't spend any money. . I might go run exhibition some year just to hang out and meet folks. The only thing that might possibly get me to enter would be a "Kit car" sub class.
I'm sure there's quite a few people in a similar situation on this forum that could build really nice cars for challenge money but they don't enter because it wouldn't be fair to the DIY guys working in apartment parking lots, car ports, etc. or because they would rather spend their time on a project with a better ROI.
Here's the Malibu. Fully rebuilt 357 SBC with MSD ignition, mini starter, Canton pan, headers, TCI T-400 trans, Hotchkis suspension, Flowmaster stainless exhaust, GN 10 bolt rear with 3.73 gears. Landau vinyl top and B pillar trim are missing in pic.
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So getting back to the kitchen. I disassembled all of the cabinets so I could swap around doors, hinges, etc. This way I could have doors open in appropriate directions and make everything look as nice as possible without spending any money and not have it look really funny. I cut stuff up to make back splashes, sink fascia, kick panels and other pieces. Then I used some Rustoleum Painters Touch semi gloss black on everything for uniformity. It killed me to "Paint" quality cabinets but I had almost a full quart left from some car project (no money out) so it got used and it's good enough.
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n8
New Reader
9/26/18 12:34 p.m.
NOT A TA said: ...because it wouldn't be fair...
Exactly my point! haha
You should try to make it up to the Challenge to at least hang out and spectate if you can.
In reply to DWNSHFT :
I would not have found this without your bump, so thanks!
just say and read straight through. Fantastic!
solfly
Dork
9/24/20 11:55 a.m.
Just read this whole thread. Stealing some ideas. Bump.