We have all seen the episodes of American Pickers & I have read many posts here on the hamb about these places where some old couple has all these great cars & parts setting around rusting away, well I found one today. I went out for a drive in my 56 Olds 88 and came across a place I couldn't believe. Cars up to their axles with trees growing around them. flat head engines sitting in piles, old gas pumps, you name it they had it. They couldn't have been more friendly and showed me all around. But let me tell you they were very sharp on what they had, and what they would sell was no bargain. If you needed it fine, but nobody is going to go in there and buy parts to double their money. Unfortunately most of the cars outside were too far gone for anything other than parts cars but the stuff inside was in much better shape. I look forward to going over there again and listening to their stories and getting a better look. Who knows maybe I will be able to bring some treasures home.
Here's my take on a lot of these older folks with cars just rusting away, yet priced too high to move. If I were too old to build them and lonely for company, I'd have them out for the world to see, priced high, so only an idiot would buy anything. Then, when folks came by, I'd have someone to spend time with and get to tell tall tales. With each visitor, I'd get back a little of my youth for a while. And there's nothing wrong with that. Seriously, ask yourself who would stop and chat, if it wasn't for those rusted up cars? I think when we start paying attention to these folks for reasons other than the car behind the fence, we'll see a lot of stuff for sale and priced right. Maybe, just maybe, the next time you see an elderly person, just ask them how it's going. Perhaps, after a few visits, they'll tell you about the chopped '32 they have tucked away collecting dust.
^^^^ So be two faced? I think most people prefer honesty when it comes to others intentions. There is nothing wrong with telling them the cars got your attention, it is a conversation starter for one and for another, would you want some random person knocking on your door to see how your day is without ever meeting them? I would agree a few more trips would probably let them know you have a genuine interest in them and their stuff than just a quick flip.
I think I didn't clearly understand your point @tfeverfred In the case of spotting some old cars and wanting to check on them, what I thought you wrote wouldn't really work well. After re reading, I think your point is more generic and we should just all take a little more time to talk to old people, just for their benefit, not ours. If that is correct, I completely agree.
I've developed long term friendships by knocking on doors of horders! Posted using Full box of Crayons on the Kitchen Walls App!
Maybe they keep the stuff around to get people to stop and talk but I don't think so. I think that they are car people and they like it. They are older and live a frugal lifestyle and don't need the money. They are sharp enough to know their stuff is not junk and if you want to buy something you're going to pay for it. Who knows if you were really serious and started to count out the hundred dollar bills maybe they would be more realistic on their pricing. He said more than once "If you really need it, it's for sale" I just think he doesn't want people coming in there and cherry picking all his best stuff so you can turn around and double or triple your money. So his initial prices are high to let you know he is not some dumb old guy to be taken advantage of.
well, at least the stuff is for sale, that's the best starting point to do some wheelin' and dealin'. he could have told you to get off his lawn with a shotgun pointed at your chest.
I did not read it that way, I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth, but what I gather from Fred's comments is to give them the friendship and company they are looking for rather than just trying to pry what ever they own of their hands. Maybe that friendship will be rewarded with great stories or more. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
What he said ^^^. That's a nice stash. At least they're willing to sell, even high is a starting point. It's better than the stonewall 'not for sale (get off my lawn btw)' greeting some offer. Build a relationship and go from there. That T gets my vote for pick'o the litter. Nice find.
I think Fred's post makes a lot of sense. I have stopped to talk to people who seem to hoard stuff and won't sell. After you talk to them a while they are more open. I bought my first 56 Chevy from an old guy who had about 18 of them and known not to sell anything. A good friendly conversation or two and I bought one of them even though I paid too much.
I have spent as much as 2 hours talking about anything but the old car(s) sitting in groves or behind barns with the owners.Corn,pigs,weather...you name it.Sort of a 'feeling out' session for both of us.Sometimes I got the car sometimes not but never drove away thinking it wasnt a good day.
I think you really have to genuinely care. The pickers are there to make a buck and usually develop long term relationships. I've done it too. People, young or old, can sniff out non-genuine personality types. How are you tfeverfred?
Fred's point is well taken , IMO . I have retailed autos and trucks for 25 years and now into RV's and motor homes just for the fun of it . Older folks ( I'm almost 70 ) are fun to talk to , much more laid back than " Walmart mentality " youngsters . We talk about everything else BUT the RV/ motorhome .........where did you work , what was your first car , what was your first new car , why do you go camping , etc , etc . , kids , family , jobs , retirement ...........I enjoy it and it's also good for business . T
I've got a friend who is about 60 yrs. old. He has been collecting cars, bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, anything with an engine for most of his life. Some interesting race cars, some muscle cars; mostly "bar finds". (Yes; BAR). He gets a lot of them from guys moaning about their bad finances over a beer. Most are easily restorable. They are all for "someday". Some years ago, he bought a piece of property 100 miles from his home in the city. He never married. About 12 yrs ago, his Mom and Dad both got sick, so, he moved back home to help. He's still there and the stuff on the farm is sitting and rotting. At least most of it is in sheds. It's all for "someday". Whenever I mention selling some stuff to offset the expenses, he says it's all for when he retires and has time to enjoy the hobby. I know he's one of those guys who will talk the ears off a stranger, too. In the meantime, the Roadrunners, Torinos, Novas, a Chevelle, Impala SS, Galaxie, a Mr. Norm ch***is, etc, etc, sit and rot. At first glance, it seems a shame, but, it is something hopeful that he can look forward to while he watches his Dad get closer to that fateful day, (his Mom p***ed). I have stopped bugging him about the "waste" of good projects and occasionally get him out of the house, go out to the farm and help him move some stuff around and talk about his plans; and that's what most of us are in this for, isn't it? Something to take our minds off our problems and get away from reality for a while?
Well said Norby! I think people hold on to things for obvious sentimental reasons, to recapture a little bit of what's left of their past to make them feel alive again after they get tired of life kicking them in the teeth all the time. It's a glimmer of a possibility for future happiness, most aren't stupid, most know that the time may never come when they can head out in the open road in their freshly restored cruiser.
I think a lot of people here have made some very valid comments on why people keep their old stuff around. I really enjoyed coming across their home and meeting them. The wife was great, very out going and personable. Big full head of white hair, wearing blue jeans, I bet she was a real looker in her day. He was a shop teacher at the local high school and had some great stories about the cars, motorcycles & parts. It made me wish I could go back in time and listen to my grandparents stories again. If I never buy a thing from them that would be just fine with me, I just enjoyed their company. I look forward to going back soon. I had more fun there than at the local weekend show & shine or cruise in.
Took a bit of Googling before I recognized that blue sedan was a '32 Pontiac. Did this car still have its one-year-only V-8 intact? And can anyone ID the six-cylinder ch***is on disc wheels next to it?
It was a little of both. I really do think SOME older folks use old cars sitting out to get some companionship and there really is nothing wrong with that. But it shouldn't be that way. In our face paced lives, it's easy to over look who's in the slower lane. Working at the Veterans Hospital, taught me the value of just asking, 'How ya doing?" I miss working there so much. When I take my T Bucket up there, a greeting turns into an hour long story and I'm all ears.
Not sure what was under the hood but wasn't that one year only V-8 in the Pontiac just the left over Oakland V-8 after GM pulled the pull the plug on Oakland. Somewhere in the barn is a 1933 DeSoto that he said that the doors still shut like new so all the wood frame was still in great shape.
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