Phase budget one-pager
Three budget lines. One phase. Zero fantasy-car lifetime numbers. Print it and refuse to fund outside the phase that is true right now.
Phase Budget: Money Gate
One phase at a time. Fund the build that is true, not the car you wish you already owned.
Three budget lines (not four)
1. Must-buy this phase (next 90 days)
Parts that unblock install or measurement in the active phase. No trophy, no "while I'm at it" volume buys.
2. Scarce and long-lead quarantine
Documented scarcity with return path. Tagged shelf, photo of packaging, written re-check date. Not vendor urgency.
3. Trophy and ego
Allowed. Separate line. Admit it is a trophy. Do not let it pull money from functional parts that matter more.
Checkout gate questions (before money leaves)
- Which phase is true right now?
- Does this part get installed or measured in that phase inside 90 days?
- If not, is it on the scarce quarantine list with storage and a re-check date?
- If the seller is wrong on fitment, can you return it without eating a spite restock fee?
- Which budget line pays: must-buy, quarantine, or trophy?
If you cannot answer cleanly, close the tab. Impulse is not a funding source.
Risk shelf vs cart
Risk shelf (quarantine)
- Documented scarce parts (measured, verified, tagged)
- Long-lead mechanical parts after test-fit
- Trophy purchases budgeted separately
Cart (active phase only)
- Parts installed or measured next 90 days
- Consumables for the active phase
- Emergency wear items that stop work
Worked example table (labels only)
Use labels that match your build. Do not invent dollar amounts. Fill your own numbers based on measured reality.
| Phase | Must-buy (90 days) | Scarce quarantine | Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal / structure | Floor pans (measured), braces, welding consumables | NOS quarter skins (sealed, tagged for paint phase) | None this phase |
| Mechanical hard parts | Rotating assembly (after machine shop measures), brake hard parts | None | Polished valve covers (vanity, not function) |
| Paint / body | Paint consumables, panels already fitted | None | None this phase |
| Reassembly / trim | Weatherstrip (measured), glass, emblems (verified), interior soft trim | None (all scarce items already quarantined earlier) | Upgraded wheels (driver build, not required) |
Fit & Phase · Not vehicle-specific professional advice. Verify fitment yourself.
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