Projects Knowing When To Quit - Selling Advice

My dad p***ed away last October and over the last few months I had the difficult task of moving my mom to a senior living facility and selling her house. She had a 4K square foot house filled with all kinds of stuff. The process was a bit of an eye opener for me and made me re-evaluate my own situation.

I realize I have more stuff than I need and projects that I will probably never get to. I really want to start down sizing and concentrating on the stuff I want to keep and enjoy. I have my '34 Ford 3 window project which I want to keep and would like to start working on.

I also have my '63.5 Z Code Galaxie which I've had for several years and while I like the car, I think I need to throw in the towel on it and admit I should sell it. As much as I'd like to keep it, I don't see me being able to get to it for quite some time. I think that I need to prioritize the time I have enjoying other activities.

The frame has been painted and all new suspension installed with police interreceptor brakes, springs and sway bars. The engine is a fresh build 390 and T-10 4 speed trans.



The body is currently a roller, stripped down and ready for paint. I was going to have it painted the original white and then take it off the frame and install on the new frame/ch***is. The body is located in Southern CA at my old house. I sold the house to a friend who is a professional body/paint guy who works at a Chevy dealer in the body shop. I cut him a deal on the house in exchange for painting the car.



I have a full XL interior (a little rough) for it as well as all trim and everything needed to go back together.



I'm trying to figure out a value but also if I should have it painted first. Is it better to paint it the original white or try to sell with the option of buyer selecting color of choice? Or paint it a different color that might be easier to sell?

If I go ahead and have it painted I think it might be worth the effort of swapping the body onto the new ch***is before selling. I think it would make it more appealing but not sure.

I guess one other option would be to keep the car and have a shop put it together for me but I think that would be pretty costly. I think this car completed would be worth decent money and would look like this:



It could be a very nice car but I have several others and I can only drive one at a time. I think I need to be realistic about how many cars I need.

What do you all think?

 

Well, an un***embled project isn't going to bring the money a running car would. And there's still a lot of unknowns; is all the trim ready to install, or will some have to be restored? I see some interior stuff that still needs work, another expense that a potential buyer will see. I don't see paying a pro shop to finish it as being economically viable given what these are worth. Realistically, I see that as about a $7K car at most the way it sits even if the body shell is painted. A possible good deal for a dedicated DIYer willing to put in the work, not so much otherwise. It might be worth as much or more as parts, but there's the h***le of parting it out.

 

I have been pondering this scenario myself. I'll be 71 in ten days and just lost my oldest son 2 weeks ago. A lot of people look at these cars as an investment while very few can be considered as such. Your 63 is one that could be if finished. JMHO. To me most cars are worth what you can get for them the day you sell them, again JMHO. Post a few adds in different places with different scenarios and see what comes down the pike. Good luck and I'll be watching.

 

you have had to deal with some difficult Family situations - you have my sympathy. as for you and your stuff, just sell the fastback as is. yep, you will be just letting it go for less than what you have in to it. so be it, the relief of not having it in the way of focusing on the '34 and selling more stuff will be worth it. no way to put a true as is value on 63.5. some will try to buy at s**** price. but, for someone out there it is a dream opportunity and will pay a reasonable price.

 

Sounds like you already paid the guy for the paint job, so seems foolish not to at least get the paint portion done, and you'll definitely want to mate the body with the frame before you sell, because any potential buyer is going to be really scared off if they have to make 3+ trips with a car hauler/trailer just to bring it home. That cuts into the value way more than you might think.

A car with nice paint, on the frame and rolling, with the parts organized at least so if someone came with a trailer and a big pickup truck or van could haul it all in one shot, would really help a lot. A guy coming from out of state is not going to want to circle back around to haul **** twice. And everyone knows paint jobs are expensive, so having the paint done certainly can't hurt, especially if you're not going to get reimbursed for the "deal" you cut on the house you sold.

Get it that far and then see how you feel. As-is, it's going to be a really difficult sale, like pennies on the dollar. No one wants a dis***embled project with parts spread out all over the place unless it's dirt cheap.

 

The hard truth of this hobby is there is very little likelihood of making money or even breaking even. I've had a similar decision to you, gutted it up and sold a car i had for 57 years, not even close to what was in it. I've got 2 more, was going to upgrade one that would cost me about 2,500--before i realized i'd never see a penny of it returned when i sold it. It goes for sale later this year. Age, family health, space, and willingness all come before any vehicle. Bottom line--if you can move it in any fashion, do it. You might find life will go on--and maybe easier. I did.

 

Stepping out of line.... I gotta say a guy on my block bought a six three and a half Galaxie, new.
The color was a deep metallic copper. That paint color was Magic to the power of that machine.
Sorry to interrupt the topic here.

BTW I'm holding more than I can chew also.

 

I just sold two projects that I had not so much money but a bunch of time into and they still needed more while the roadster I've actually wanted to drive was on the back burner for seven years. I finally just said **** it, sold them cheap and moved on.

I still have more projects than I need but at least now the roadster is back to the front and will be until I'm driving it. Getting closer every day!

 

I have to agree 100% with what he said, I'd get the body painted bolt it solidy back on the frame, maybe get it running to the point where it could safely be driven on and off a trailer and organize the parts so you can present them well in an add. 90% of the guys who actually know what the car is and are wanting one want original paint color. The scary part for most would be done and having the interior redone to factory specs is just $$$$ more than a daunting task for most Performance car restorers. The concept of "everthing is there, I can take it to my guy and have it done".

 

Hey 1693, that is some very seriously rough sledding. My wish for you is to navigate it in the best way possible and find some way to some semblance of positivity a**** the tragedy.

And on the OP topic, Squablow is right on point IMHO. Get 'er painted, body on frame and re***ess.

 

Definitely collect on the promised paint job since the body is already there and he owes you. Mount the body on the ch***is and like 34 5w Paul said, re***ess. Even as a project, it will be much easier to sell with the paint job. I would also stick with the original color, that way you won't alienate the purists who may consider buying it. The white with the blue interior is a very popular combination. This won't be the quick path but it should bring you a little more satisfaction in the end.

 

I feel ya having a similar situation a few months ago. I got a decent deal on a 50 Pontiac coupe. It was exactly what I'd been dreaming for many years. My 34 coupe [avatar] had been at the top of my bucket list for just as many years but I couldn't p*** up the Pontiac. After getting the ol' girl running I climbed underneath and didn't like what I saw. My wife never did like the car and after much thought and hand wringing I let it go so I could play with the 34 coupe. Best decision I ever made.
By the way, Tow Truck Tom......back in '64 parents of a friend bought a shiny new 64 Galaxy XL in that deep metallic gold. Stopped me in my tracks! Unbelievable paint!

 

I'm hearing you. Often our family does not have the p***ion or interest in our stuff as we have. Many times I gave seen an old hot rodder p*** away. All their hot rod memorabilia and rare vintage parts and cars be taken to s****. The family has no interest in selling it all individually. The old boy often refused to sell anything before they died.

 

At 75 and losing a good friend not that long ago, I have sold off some old signs and a gas pump. I still have lots more. I'm slowly going to continue. I still have two finished 32's and for the right price anything I own if for sale. I wanted to get rid of some of the more valuable collectable stuff. If I sell my coupe I will start another project just to stay busy. The garage is still my safe haven. Just keep on moving.

 

Been there and done that, had 4 cars and three bikes and a five car garage full of stuff. Sold my 60 T-Bird, 30 Model A pickup and my KLR 650 dual sport. Then I cleaned out most of the garage and gave away or sold parts I hadn't used in the last 20 years and still need to get rid of more stuff. I'm in my 70's and realistically will never use the stuff and my son isn't into old stuff.

 

It all boils down to time vs money. You're gonna lose money any way you slice it so you gotta ask yourself if you're willing to waste your time with re***embly. Blow it off, cut a new deal with your buddy and use your time on the things you really want to do. Advertise the new roller then mention to the buyer you got a body that needs paint and some bits and pieces he might be interested in. Then offer to make a package deal.

 

Yup, the time had come for me to settle down to just two finished running and driving cars.
My days of building are over!
Just maintenance mode now.

 

Have your house buyer fulfill his painting obligation, then mount body on frame.
The more ***embly you do, the higher the selling price return.
Concentrating on one car/project certainly would free up space and dollars..there I said it, now do I practice what I preach?, that would be a no.

 

I'm in the middle of a Model A Business Coupe restoration that I just ran out of gas on. Entire driveline and ch***is is done, but I just can't get myself to get back into the project.

 

Have your friend fulfill his obligation and paint it the stock color. More people will go for an unmodified canvas. Loosely bolt it together and sadly, take the hit. I have one I wanted 40 years. It for sale after 2 years

 

I think we will all eventually be in your situation. Its just a fact of life that when you are young you see endless possibilities but then when you are in your 60s and 70s you begin to realize you just don't realistically have enough time or resources to finish all of your ambitious projects. That hit me solidly a little over a year ago and I finally sold a car I owned for over 30 years. Truth is though, I don't miss it at all. I like having the extra space and there is less stress about what to do with all the stuff. I am now considering getting rid of more cars that I have grown cold on.
And I agree with Squablow's ***essment of the situation.

 

so sorry for your loss.
One of the most difficult things to endure.

 

I'll say one more thing and then done. No matter how far you go with it before selling it, seek out the forum or group where the guys who are seriously into those big block full size Ford performance cars from that era hang out. That's if you can do***ent it's heritage. The guys who really are into those usually have several and know the guys who are willing to pony up to get an authentic one at any stage of completion. That's your best market.

 

This is an interesting question. I am most likely younger than the average here. My dad is 77. When he was 70 he looked like he would easily have another 20+ years. At 74 he had gone down hill a little bit but doing well. The last 3 years have taken there toll. If he keeps going I would say he probably only has 3 or 4 good years left. His shed time has reduced drastically due to his health and he only drives local now.

I hope he decides to downsize whilst he still has his mind. It will be easier for both of us and he can have an input.

I don't want to sound negative but I can see an unusual situation developing in the next 5 to 10 years. There are lots here that mention they have more projects than they are likely to get through. In the next 5 to ten years they will have to decide to either downsize or leave them for the family to sort. I can also see that in the next 5 to 10 years gasoline engines will be on the decline. If I was to buy a project in 10 years time knowing it will take at least 5 years to finish, I will have to be asking myself how much use will I get out of it between 2037 and gasoline being a thing of the past.
To be perfectly honest with myself, there may be a lot of project cars on the market in 10 years time but it may not make any sense to start one. We all know 5 years to finish a build can take longer if life gets in the way.

So to get to the point, if you have decided that it is unlikely that you will get to this car it makes sense to sell it. You may loose money but you free up space and may be in front then say in 5 years time.

Steve

 

My condolences. Lost my Dad almost 2 years ago and it really brought a reality check re. my own mortality at 60.
I'm with Squablow and the others that say cash in on the paint job you've already paid for. While he's getting the paint work done, you should gather up a gas tank, battery, some gauges and fire up/break in that engine. Drop the painted body on the restored/running ch***is and loosely bolt on the front clip, dash, seats, etc. Even w/o gl***, trim, interior, you've got a running, painted car that's had all the hard work done and ready for the fun stuff; interior kit and final ***y. A much easier sell.
Like Mr 48 said, get in with a Galaxie forum. The Galaxie fanatic that buys it may already be sitting on NOS stainless, etc. This will net you more $$$ for the 34.

Another thought; is your painter friend interested in the car? Maybe he'd be interested in cashing you out on the value of the paint work and buy the (rest of) the car. Even if it's to flip it when he's done.
Either way, he's painting the car. He could be painting his car instead of yours...

 

On the painting deal: get what you bargained(already paid for in the discounted-house deal) for, but I would add: whether or not you keep or sell it, for future situations, which *will* happen, have your buddy do***ent the metal-> paint process to prove that it's not a bondoed-rusty-holed-cheap-***ed-slobbered-paintover. Any buyer will want to know the quality of work done, & pics'll help to prove it. Is your buddy well known/respected in your area as a bodyman? Have him literally sign on a receipt for you stating what was done(don't need the prices). Should help w/the future value, or at least net a quicker sale. Also agree w/the paint it orig color - esp if this's a resto, engine break-in & at least partial ***embly - if you can possibly swing it.
Marcus...

 

One thing to add to the post above mine, take or have the painter take lots of pics of the body before, during, and after paint We all know fresh paint can hide lots of sins, so complete do***enting of the condition before and after is a boost in the sales column.

 

One thing I have done with great success is to offer to ship a project (for the cost of transport) I have found that many dreamers only buy a project they can drive it home or is non driver located close to them. When I offer prearranged transport the number of potential buyers rises dramatically.

Many transport companies wont take a non driver but I have a car hauling trailer and truck. Since most buyers don't have one, and don't have a clue how to arrange one I have offered to transport for a fee and I am sure that increased the selling price and made it happen much faster.

For buyers that are farther than I wish to drive I have all the details for them of who they can hire to do the transport or where they can rent a truck and trailer. Notice the important part of that sentence: Details.
Buyers don't want a generic answer of "hire someone" or "rent a trailer" but they really respond to a detailed answer with reasonable estimates of costs.

I sold three 1947 - 53 GM truck projects (and a couple frame less truck bodies) this way.

 

Paint deal is already made, and it's a major cost for most people to get done.

***emble with interior that you have, slap some new carpet on the door panels and clean it.

More People can relate to an ***embled car. A pile of parts scares off a lot of buyers

 

Hello,

My wife and I have already gone through that scenario of moving someone to a senior center and then selling their house to keep the expenses lasting for care. It is disheartening, but it had to be done for the sake of the remaining 3 kids. We had to go through all of the remaining stuff in the house and it was not a great thing to know or see. Stuff that was of value to them just was not of value to us. But, it was a good thing there are two other siblings that wanted to clutter up their garages with boxes of stuff they will never use. Or have used in their lives. But, to each his/her own.

As far as quitting, no true hot rod/drag race folks truly quit. The physical stuff gets shut down and in time, gets sold or thrown away. The memories, the photos, the writing, reading and enjoyment of history keeps the flame alive. There is no need for kids/grand kids to go through the stuff and be surprised as what has been stockpiled up in the dusty corner for years. Why? Slowly at first and then it starts to get clear as to what is actually of value. Time is valuable, your health is valuable and so the life that we all have left is also valuable.

We may have physically quit building, but there is more to life than having a project going on in the crowded garage. Parts that have not seen the light of day for years, needs to hit the road. Don’t worry if your friends and neighbors think you could get more money if you finish or partially finish projects. Money at this stage of the game is relative. What you have is what you will enjoy. No need to feel you “should” to get the waiting parts together for more money. Time and life are important, too.

You have a garage full of stuff ready to sell or give away. The guy renting your house is an income for you. The sale of the car/parts and stuff for someone else, may clear things out faster. The buyers may want to finish it in their own version, not yours or anyone else with a similar car or situation. Make the sale price attractive to everyone. If is sits too long, then lower the total to get it sold.

Jnaki

If my old friend from our teenage years is/was still around, he would have bought the parts you have, but the body would be painted black like his old Mel Burns, 1963 Galaxie Hardtop Sedan. The blue interior still remains as stock as his, so that would have helped in the sale. But, we are all too old to continue any changing projects at this late stage of the game. 60 years from high school is a long time to wallow in clutter.

Clean out your stuff in the garage storage areas, the garage drawers and sell them all. Either sell fast or give them away to younger relatives or friends still in the throes of doing long term projects. When you look at your cleaned up garage and drawers/cabinets, you will smile and be happy. At first, you will think about the stuff that is missing, but over time, you will be involved in other, “just as important stuff,” like health, friends, family, relaxing without worries, and beyond…YRMV