Hot Rods Price of original parts, just venting

Lets see...in 1990 as an unemployeed broke student I scraped up enough $$ to buy a pair of nice 28-9 PU doors for the hefty (to me) price of $80. Instead of investing that money in the stock market, I've warehoused those doors in safe dry buildings for a quarter of a century. Should I sell them for the $80 I paid for them back then? Or am I being a jerk for wanting to get the fair market valve?

 

Corn Fed, I just saw on the Roadster Ute inc web site that they sell new 28-29 pick up doors for only $1200 EACH! you decide what yours are worth...,
-Dave

 

I was working on my car with a couple friends this weekend when I decided I'd buy the beer. Sheesh, I can't believe how expensive beer is today.......

 

You ever go to a large motorcycle rally? $5 or more for a lousy can of beer!
I remember recently buying draft beer in a frozen mug for 50cents. But when it's a hunnert degrees and I've been walking on hot pavement for hours that $5 don't seem too bad.
I also remember having nice spare parts and just giving them to friends who needed them. What pissed me off was they sold the cars and made money because it had nice parts on it.
Now you guys got me bitchin. I agree, if you want a good deal keep looking. 32 Ford and 40 Ford parts ain't cheap. If you want cheap buy a Toyota..

 

These things take care of themselves. I was at a swap meet this weekend and everything was so high no one was buying. Everyone was leaving empty handed. First swap meet in over thirty years that I didn't come home with anything . Those vendors will rethink or not come back.

 

32's-34's have always been pricey, deals do show up (right place at the right time) , but if you're intent on building one, collect parts over time, but expect to pay more than a Model A. I have found since moving from Michigan to the PNW, that I have seen more 32-34 parts here and many were more reasonably priced, but not dirt cheap.
Some guys bring stuff to swap meets just to show off what they have, and if someone really wants something and pays through the nose it goes on it's way. I've seen some same stuff at the same swap meets year after year.

 

Deals come up time to time, just have to not try so hard looking for them because they are usually right in front of you. I scored a set of PRISTINE E&J headlamps, original lenses and bezels, reflectors, and even both original amber half lenses that go between the reflectors...for less than half what a pair normally go for that need to be cleaned up and are missing parts. All because I said I'd be interested if they ever came up for sale one day (they were never up for grabs the whole time I knew of them), and saying it passively each time I saw them. That one day came 8 years later and they were priced for a quick sell, luckily I was memorable and still had the same phone number.

 

As far as I'm concerned, scarcity and the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun. I'd lose interest if everything was cheap and easy to find. Just like fishing would get boring pretty darn quick if you were guaranteed a trophy catch on every cast.

Online is the "gotta have it today" rate. You choose whether or not you want to play that game, nobody's holding a gun to your head. It's goofy out there.

Finally, careful what you wish for. I started doing the swaps five years ago. My brother and I were finding good stuff while looking for parts we needed, and figured we'd bring some of them to market. When you factor for all costs, we pretty much break even, and have a good time doing it. But every so often we hit a major score. And those scores are what bring us back. You take that away, and eventually we lose interest. And so do a lot of other guys. Next thing you know, no more swap meets, and we're all stuck getting everything online.

 

I remember back in the 50's a buck would buy about 5 gallons of gas. Today it'll get you about a third of a gallon. That's 15 times the money.

In 19 and 32 a brand new Ford cost about 500-600 bucks. Today it costs about 50-60 thousand. That's 100 times the money.

In 1913 a buck was worth 100 cents. Today it's worth less than 2 cents. That's half what it costs to print it.

Between greed and the FIAT (phony) "rubber band" dollar that we've been given as the rule of thumb to measure things by, one of these days something's gonna break...

 

If stuff sells online for such high prices, then round up some stuff and sell it online to pay for the parts you want to buy. My girlfriend did this, started with $1 and built a car, still has money left.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/my-girl-builds-a-hot-rod-for-1.825604/

You can see it as a terrible tragedy or a great opportunity.

 

It seems like my cheapness has worked out over the years, I've always bought off type vehicles (not popular or wrong years) only for them to gain in value. I've sold some, kept others and I'm always collecting parts if I get them cheap enough (even if I don't have a car to use them on)........to use on future cars, fund a future project or just trade value.

All in all if you want the most popular cars then you have to be willing to pay the price (for the car or it's parts). If you want cheap buy an off brand or an off year, but don't expect to be the cool guy at the show.

 

It takes a lot of searching and patience to find the good stuff. More of that second thing then the first most of thew time. If your willing to wait and tell people what your looking for the parts will generally make there way to you.

Give you a example. I went to a swap meet 2 weeks ago. Guy selling a Willy's grill and hood wanting $700. Another guy selling the same thing with the radiator on a local website for $200. Two entire Willy's wagons that could be had for under $500 all within 200 miles.
There is a entire barn of 28-29 model A parts up here in Michigan right now. Not showroom condition in any case. But, with a little work they very well could be.

If your willing to stray from the purest trailer queens. You can generally find a trick or two to use a easy to find part and make it look like a rare vintage part.
I have ran a divorced HEI coil up in a fender well. Had what looked like a ground wire running to the engine and a points cap running a modern distributor sleeved inside the original. The coil was original from 47 except for one small hole on the side next to the block where I ran the HEI wire up inside. Modern brakes inside vintage drums, Batteries slipped inside older ones, Radiators that have been cut and fabricated out of easy to find parts made into something with a production of less then 1000.
Lots of tricks to keeping that thing on the road without costing a am and leg.

If you want new looking parts your going to buy them new or make them new. Expecting to find a 32 original anything that is not beat up or rusty is just a bit unrealistic. Having something unique demands higher prices. If you want it to have NOS parts you better start collecting parts so you have them when they break or plan on paying for the convenience of not waiting to get them.

 

As always, supply and demand determine market price of everything. Just once, I wish that I had some foresite, still batting 0. Foresite 0, Hindsite perfect !

 

I'll take issue with your government check remark. Those of us who are retired paid into this every paycheck. I paid into it from the time I was 14 years old, so for 48 years I contributed to my S.S. check and my pension was negotiated as part of my pay package and I worked for the same employer for 43 years. Why is S.S. running out? Because the government has been raiding it for years and qualifying requirements have been degraded to the point of being ridicules.

 

this is one reason why I went to a post war car , as all the extra parts were scrapped for the War and they are harder to find ( kind of like some later O/t cars because of OBumma's cash for clunkers deal which people scrapped good parts vehicles , which has driven up the used car market prices now ) , and if you think a NOS part is expensive or a used OEm part is expensive then get out the hammers and beat one yourself .

 

There is cheap and there is practical. I know about waiting and searching for parts. I have had my 34 for over 50 years. It sat as a fender less roller for that much time watching three sons grow and get educated. Sold many cars and parts wish I could have afforded to save. I still have receipts for parts I bought at Hershey 30 years ago. Attended many swap meets over those years and and paid market value for real steel parts. I only finished this car three years ago after retirement and sale of our home. Trust me, SS and pension benefits had nothing to do with it. Would have made more sense selling it and buying a done car. Have way more invested in this one but really enjoyed the ride. Kept it at the insistence and encouragement of my wife and neither of us regret the decision. Won't be a scramble to sell it at my demise as there are two sons on opposite coasts waiting to give it a new home.

 

You can't say it any better than that !

 

A you're politcal, B you're wrong. Nobody was or is saving those cars that were crushed. You weren't either-those cars were crap.

 

*yawn*

 

I was looking on the bay a couple of weeks ago. Never realized I must be a millionaire for all the junk/cool parts I have stashed.
The aluminum trim between the taillights on the 61 Galaxie, is now a decal, and the real ones are $400.00!
Jeez, I was using them as a pattern for diamond plate cause I think that will look cool.
The dealer under dash A/C is a retirement fund.
BTW, I switched to Jim Beam because beer got too expensive. Shorter trip, better ride.

 

I have a couple of questions. First of all, exactly HOW are hoarders "looking down" on guys like you who have kids, family, and jobs with no company provided retirement, etc? I mean, how is it manifested? What exactly are they doing to "look down" on you?

Second question: Exactly HOW are corporations and banks "squeezing us all?" I don't feel squeezed by any corporation or bank, so exactly how are they squeezing us? And since you're
"looking for a little respect," exactly what would that mean when you receive it?

Last question: How do the "old guys" get "all uppity" and flash their gold chains and rev their rods paid for with govt checks and company store retirement accounts? How do you know, first of all, how they paid for the cars? Or if they built their cars themselves on a tight budget? I go to a lot of car shows, cruises, etc and I don't even see anyone wearing gold chains. Maybe they took their gold chain money and put it into their hot rod.

I don't have much money to put into my old cars. It takes me years to gather enough money to do the things I want to do, a little bit here, a little bit there, until I have enough. We raised three kids and are taking care of an adult child (and will for the rest of our lives) who was paralyzed in a car accident. We do what we're able to do and don't whine about what we can't do.

There is a quote, attributed to Teddy Roosevelt, that my daughter shared with me as she deals with her paralysis: "Comparison is the thief of joy." She is determined to embrace life, enjoy what she is able to do, and not worry about comparing herself to people who can walk, dress themselves, feed themselves, brush their teeth, shower, etc.

 

Us old bastards collecting gov't checks, living the hi life? You need an attitude adjustment boy, I paid dearly for my checks, for a long friggen time, as I'm sure all us old guys have. Collecting parts and hoarding? You young guys are lucky some of us had the foresight to "collect" as it guarantees these parts are still around even if they are harder to come by. We went through the same pain building cars as the young guys of today, in fact, money was even tighter then, and harder to justify spending on a car.

 

It's amazing how far simple courtesy will take you when dealing with a seller - or buyer.
Research current market prices to know if the price is reasonable. Don't expect to make a killer deal every time.
Communicate with the seller/buyer. You are both invested in a successful sale or purchase. What will it take to make the transaction happen? Maybe the seller needs $$$ for a project, or space, or is tired of toting the item around. Or is taking flak from a spouse. If you're buying for a future project and don't need it ASAP, you have an advantage.
Consider unfinished projects - often go at bargain rates. Estate sales are even better because often the seller has no idea of the $$$ invested and no emotional attachment. Although emotional attachment can be positive, particularly if the seller thinks you're "just the right person to serve as caretaker of their spouse's baby."
If you find what you need/want, stay in touch. What's not for sale today may be available next month, or year.
Look in unusual places - Goodwill, flea markets. A problem with car-oriented flea markets is everyone (more or less) knows what the item is/should be worth. Remember no one knows everything, and if you find the item you need (flathead speed part) where it doesn't belong (late model street machine seller) you may make a score. Finally, don't waste your time on things you're not in love with - it's way too easy to get side tracked and wind up with no space and no $$$ to pursue what's important. Just saying.

 

Here is one of many great threads that can be used for inspiration. This guy built something cool out of practically nothing, undaunted by banks, corporations, gold chainers and old guys getting government checks, who I'm sure were trying their best to keep him down: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/what-exactly-am-i-buying.796045/

Envy, class warfare and victim mentality won't get you very far. But some knowledge, creativity, ambition and a "can-do" attitude certainly will.

 

Hey 3 window... yawn II.
But....... I was just on both sides of one of these deals.
The parts were bought for $50 at a yard sale. (NO Not by me!!!!!)
The buyer was thrilled, the seller got rid of old car parts and was happy with $50.
The next day the buyer resold the parts for about $1500.
Again the seller was happy and the buyer was happy.
By my reconing, this is the classic story.
Be happy on both sides of any deal.
Make it work for both guys and sleep well.
This is the American way.
2 guys make a deal. Nobody else. No government no laws, NO Taxes!
Supply and demand always works.
If you want it buy it, if you don't don't.
You can buy the best '32 Plymouth in the world for about $15,000
or you can buy a '32 4 door with 2 trees growing out of it for $15000.
Which do you pick?
ZZZZZZZZ

 

Uhhh.......the Plymouth, if it's a coupe.

Ray

 

Case in point....a 32 grille shell with insert in very nice condition now up to $1625.00 on that much maligned pay web site. Hell if I had one I'd sell it as well. That would buy a lot of groceries for the younger guys among st us. Three days left in the auction and the reserve not met. Just proves the old adage that something is worth what you can sell it for. Good for the seller, hope he is a Hamb member and I wish him well.
Unfortunately, makes those off shore grilles even more attractive out of necessity.

 

I was correcting a guy just yesterday about the origins of an aluminum flathead flywheel that he claimed was made by Eddie Meyer...which he said made it 'rare' and thus very expensive. First I had to explain to him that Eddie never made flywheels and what he had wasn't going to bring the big dollars he wanted. It seems this is now a way for guys to drive up the price, simply 'try' to attach some name or other significance to parts being sold. People, do your research and BUST them.

 

The price is not the real problem here, Prices of everything are set by demand. Sounds like the problem is you need to make more Money. If you can't afford a part, That is your fault Not the price or the sellers fault. Not trying to sound like a dick, But I bet If you made alot more money you would not care so much about the price of what you want. Just saying. Example I am self employed, I have a wife and 5 small kids at home, And I don't complain about prices of hard to find parts, I just work harder and make the money I need to buy it. I hear guys crying all the time how they can't afford a 32-33 ford....My Dad told me long ago, The the word "Can't" has never done anything for anyone. My 33 3 window project is completly payed for from buying and selling, Dealing and trading with others. I never spent a dime from my houshold, And I done it this way to prove my point that anyone, reguardless of their income can have their Dream hot rod If they get off their ass and stop saying words like Can't, and Never. I also have 3 32 fords, 5 model A's a tall T and a shit ton of other projects.

 

Is that the "Goldchainer" that bought the '1-800- 1932Fordroadster' theory? have you seen the state of the economy for the common man lately? The guys that have more money already, are even holding on to it. The $1600 '32 grill shell is a fishing expedition and it looks like he's hooked a whale!.