That's the thing about older things, isn't it?

You get into the period I consider "the maintenance years," after which follows the decision of whether you want to just gradually rebuild, or start from new. I've always believed in keeping old mechanical things until they literally can't be repaired anymore. Staunch supporter of the "right to repair movement" in pretty much all aspects.

Good on you for choosing the rebuilding route. And yes, it costs money. Constantly. Every step of the way.

While I haven't kept exact tabs I'm pretty sure we've rounded the $5,000 mark on things that have been replaced and upgraded on our 2003 Silverado. Radiator, fuel pump, transmission, chasing some electrical ghosts, more... Although not strictly part of rebuilding, the latest outlay was $1,100 for a new set of tires.

But frankly, I'd rather pour money into repairing an older vehicle than dealing with one of these new all-plastic rigs out there.