I was bitten by the rust bug in college years ago and couldn't help looking for old iron when I was cruising around town. That's when I happened across this gem. It's been sitting on the side of this fellows house for years. I would imagine he gets a few vists a week about it. When I visited back in '99 his family was polite as was he. He told me up front that it wasn't for sale but I was more than welcome to take pictures. He told me that this was his high school hot rod and he was unwilling to let it go. It broke my heart. I think he knows that he'll never get around to it but just can't bear to let her go. He has a heart of gold though. Anyhow, after moving away, I moved back to town this past winter. There she still sat. The situation is unfortunatly still the same. This fall I believe I'll drop in and ask him if he'll let me build a shed over the thing. Following up, we have become good friends. The story of his life is something special with quite the hot rodding background. I've since picked up a rough coupe and he's nice enough to let me measure his from time to time. Here's to good friends.
Save it please, keep going after it, tell him how much the car is needed and its preservation is important for future generations. Plead, be nice, whatever it takes, save that poor thing, it's part of history.
Often I complain about the lack of sentimentality with people...........and then you see something like this. Oof! Sometimes persistence pays off. The shed might be just the ticket as long as there's not a grandson waiting in the wings to swoop in for it in the end.
Sad in many ways. Sad for the owner for he can't or won't save it. Sad for you as well me because we both would save this jewel. Sad for the car as if it could talk I am sure it would be asking why no one puts her on the asphalt and lets her run in the wind. Sad as one sits dying as a result of lack of oxygen and another dies as a result of to much...........
Perhaps the gesture about the shed is a good first step - and maybe drop a few hints aboutibeing a survivor and how "no one" should change a thing, just restore her to her former hot rod glory. Maybe he's afraid some fool will make a billet mobile out of it. I wouldn't want to let it go either. Good luck.
Perhaps you could bargain with the old guy about thrashing to get it running - and safe - and then bring it back to take him for a ride in it so that he can enjoy it again. Perhaps even take him to a cruise in or cruise night to share it with him. This type of gesture might be the key to making it yours.
When will we ever get the message...the car is to do with as he wants. If I find myself in the same situation and my old car in the driveway gives me a single moment's peace or memories a year I will keep it there for that purpose alone and hope once the word is passed that I won't be bothered any more. When I'm gone, if my kids don't want the car they'll sell it and I won't care because I'm dead and I got my kicks out of it!
Wow!!! I'm sure he gets pestered on a frequent basis. I'd take the go easy approach...friendly goes along way. Remember it's always possible that he promised it to a relative, and blood can be thick. Keep shootin the shit with him, show the passion for his creation, and get him to tell you all about his glory days. Another thing to ponder, he may not want to let it go because it keeps people stopping by.
Find out if he really wants it restored to it's former glory ... then offer to do it for him with his help and $$$ of course! If he's not capable maybe an offer from someone who is would be enough to at least get your foot in the door and be able to work on it. He'd probably appreciate it so much that your name would jump to the top of the list when the time to let the old girl go actually comes around ... and the price would probably reflect your input as well. At a minimum, you'd be able to work on a cool old hotrod, probably hear some amazing stories, really brighten the old guy's remaining days and make a new friend. Steve
You should tell him those model-A coupes are bringing at least $4,000... then offer him $5,000. JOE PS~ I know it's a '32...
Another thought - this guy might just be your new best friend. Ask him to come up and hang out at your shop while you work on your cars, and listen to his stories. I'm sure he'd love an audience for his tales of speed, cars, love, and life. I think I'd preface the entire idea with the idea of you wanting to buy his car, but tell him you understand why he doesn't want to sell it. THEN invite him up to enjoy hanging around while you work on your car. Perhaps even have a few other buddies show up in their cars. Thing is, if you are sincere about including him, he may grant you the purchase of this car, and then be able to watch you restore it AND eventually get to go riding and play in it again. You never know, and what is the time investment worth? You may wind up making this poor old guy's last days wonderful, as well as learn some stuff from him as well. I know I'm leaning towards the sappy bit here, but hey, you never know.
Did you notice the ol' time mods done to it? Raised wheel wells and rear fenders. It's a time capsule! From the look of the carburator with it mouth open to the heavens, the engine will be toast. Go offer to put a shed over it. That'll put you first in line. And then offer to let the guy hang out in your shop and see what you are doing. Perhaps, while he's with you in the shop, you can plumb into his Oxy line and do a little cutting or gas welding "on him".
are the cars in the background his too? he can probably fill your head with knowledge. i would befreind him for that and forget about the car for now.
I am the proud owner of an 1933 Plymouth coupe powered by a 1953 Merc.Flathead, 1949 Chevrolet front suspension bolted in, 1940 Chevrolet headlights on front fenders,air conditioner from 1953 Desoto (afternarket) with cast iron V-twin compressor,1949 Plymouth rearend,1954 Chevy Brakes up front (wider than the 49 ones). Two trailer loads of spare parts stock and "Hot-Rod" all because I befriended a man I met at one of the very first Pate Swap meets held. We always made it a point to meet up there in future years and I gradualy learned of his Hot-Rod. He purchased it used in 1947 after returning from a stint with the US Navy in WWII, he modified it gradually over the years he owned it .He was reluctant to tell me of the mods at first due to we both owned stock 33 Plymouths also.and he wasn't sure I would appreciate his altering the old coupe. He owned it for 56 years. He had his wife for only 48 years at the time I got the coupe. I had to promise him I would never put a "Small Block Chevy in it" He stood in the street as I left with the car and I am sure he was crying as I am now! I have been it's keeper for 10 years or so now and I will never alter it unless approved by him. I think I will call him, see you guys,ole soft Leroy
That ain't no model A. That's a genuine 32 five window. Later engine to be sure. The idea of suggesting that you restore to to the way he had it. and Do see if he would help you with it, if only for advise on how he had it. I would also suggest to you, and you to him, that you would like to document all that he did to it, and the progress you make on it with him. I can't speak for the owner, but it it were me, I would like very much to see it come alive again, to leave a legacy of me behind. Now for the ghoul part, If he does agree to such an arrangement, he will need to give you title to it before you start. HellRaiser
There are many old cars just waiting for the right time and right person. I know where a 32 Ford Victoria is ... been sitting since 1955 ... never a HotRod was just a old driver when the guy died of a heart attack. He was somewhat well to do and had a new 55 Buick also. The Victoria was his work car. I have been friendly with his widow since the early 60's when I mowed her lawn and did yard work ( I was a teen ager ) , I dated her grand daughter for a about 6 months. In the late 1990's, the widow went to Sunday School with my Mother-in-law until my mother-in-law died. . The widow is in her 90's ... and still NO Victoria. for me. I saw the widow last Saturday. She says the Vicky will be mine one day. I just hope I live long enough to get it ... At least the 32 is in a small garage ... And not many folks know where it is
The Jalopy Journal
