I've found a body that I like at a place called the Rufus Ranch in Minnesota, I'm sure some of you have heard of the place. My question is to those of you who actually did business with them: How did the deal go? Everything like it was supposed to be? All on the up and up? If no money has changed hands between you, please don't post. I'm looking for feedback on actual completed deals here. The guy I've been emailing with has been helpful as all get out, and he seems like a nice fella all around, so it's not like I'm su****ious or anything, just doing my due diligence before I FedEx off a money order to pay for a body three states away. Fingers crossed that the feedback is overwhelmingly positive (which it likely is), I'm just Caveat Emptor'ing here. Of course, this could all be avoided if I could just go get the thing in person, but at 12-13 hrs one way, that idea is basically a non-starter. Thanks in advance for all your time guys, I've learned a lot from this site already.
Drove all 17 1/2 hours there then back again the same in about 38 hours total. Got three sedan bodies, two doors, 2 cowls, grill shell,a 32 visor, a 30 31 visor, windshield complete with frame and slides, a modified A radiator (full cored) for a small block. Tony and Rudy have the most amazing collection of cars and car parts from the thirtys a man will ever lay eyes on. By far the longest and most rewarding, as well as affordable trip, to get cars ever. If you need model A parts these are the guys. Look at the website they have at vehicles sold....it tells the whole story. http://www.rufusranch.150m.com/sold%20vehicles.html
P.S. look at all the pics of inside barns......then see the buildings in the backgorund of the rest of the pictures...all of which is on their property....and all the parts hanging from the walls. Look at the pic of the blue 56 or so mercury. The building in the back has every available inch of the walls covered in parts as well as is parked full of cars...and the rafters ..oh well you get the point.
Have you tried a google search? I recommend a good google search for anyone trying to buy anything from anyone...
Never bought from them ,but heard both good and bad ,I do know they don't give stuff away and a bit high for local prices, but on left or right coasts,they would be pretty much great prices ,Bad were mostly cheapskates, jelousy or envy things I think,We're mostly cheap *** Swede's,Wegians and Germans around here ,LOL,His kid is a member here, search under Rufus Ranch
I bought my 31 from him early last summer. Nothing but good things to say about the whole experience. Thats all there is to say. I wouldn't be worried about buying anything from him...at all!
I was there in August and bought some stuff. I would have stayed forever if he would have adopted me... GO FOR IT!!!
That's what I was hoping to hear. I did Google them, that's how I came up with their website after hearing mention of the place on another rodding board. And like I said, the guy I've been emailing has been nothing but nice and super helpful. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't walking headlong into a scam. The place, the people, and the cars seemed too good to be true, so I thought I'd better do a reality check before money changed hands. Looks like they're the real deal. That pretty much makes my week. Thanks for posting guys, it's been a big help. If anyone else has dealt with them, please do post up your experience.
I picked up a 29 roadster from them in 2004. The price was good especially considering what they go for now. I see I found a pic on the sold page, when i got it, it had 35 wires on it and not the model a rims, so that was to my benifit eventhough that was not what was in the pictures on their website. Also I did not check the decklid at the time, it was not attached, when I got it home it was a 32 lid, that doesnt fit so well on the a body. If you could, I would have someone check out the body to make sure it is what you are expecting or get good detailed pictures. Overall I was satisfied with the purchase.
The fellow went out and took about 30 pictures of this '29 tudor sedan I was eyeing. He got it from every conceivable angle, inside and out. He also focused on all the rust prone spots and showed all the damage to the sheet metal. He was very meticulous with his photo taking, going so far as to sling the body and lift it up so he could take some pics of the under side of the mounts for me. I'm just getting a body, so there's not much to check for completeness. All the sheet metal except the hood, engine covers, fenders, and rad shell. Pic: From the feedback I've gotten here, I felt comfortable enough to go ahead and purchase the body. So now, I'm only a couple of weeks away from having the starter for my first hot rod project. When it gets here, THEN the adventure really begins. [Arnold Accent] I'm as happy as a little girl. [/Arnold Accent]
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