Projects How do you like your Parts? Rare,Med, or Well

Be honest, because it could determine what happens to my collection or your future parts, (headlights, steering wheels, valve covers, engines, manifolds, some RARE items, etc,etc,etc...from the 20s through the 60s) that I've decided to sell. Do you want your parts dirty and rusty, cleaned up, or put in nice condition (this can vary depending on the item). This will be my income for awhile an want you guys happy with what you get. All opinions welcome (even the smart**** ones ). I'll be selling here on the HAMB first, got to help out my Bros' first , whats not sold will go on (you know where). I've been collecting for about 30 yrs and have a concerned about whats right for the parts than what there worth at this point, I know there value, thats not the question. HAMBers*******knuckles, JefferyJames, and Sinticket just to name a few, have couple of buildings full, so I may have some things you'll be wanting so tell me what condition you like your parts in before I get started. I'm more seen this stuff. So lets hear your opinions!!! Thanks in advance, Michael

 

Always, unrestored original condition whenever possible.

 

I would probably prefer medium, that is cleaned, not reconditioned. That said, on my budget, I could clean stuff if it made a big difference in price.

My wish list includes early, straight-across SBC valve covers, 94/97 air filters/scoops, other SBC-friendly early bolt-ons (for that 60's look!), and some "different" interior items for my '46 pickup (doesn't have to be '46 PU specific).

Don't know what you have, but I'd be willing to stop by next weekend while I'm down for GoodGuys! Keep me in mind!

Thanks

 

Cleaned to the point you can properly document it's condition is usually the best time to money ratio. Everybody's gonna do something different so you're usually wasting your time going beyond simple green and a garden hose, and might even be devaluing it.

 

These are the kinds of responses I was looking for. Thanks guys. And if anyone else wants to come by during Goodguys weekend or any other time your near me (I'm only about 15 to 20 miles from Lowes Motor Speedway) just PM me (only to make an appointment, NOT to question me about what parts I have, I may take request at a later date). Thanks, Michael

 

I'd settle for available. Hup parts are like trying to find an ex's virginity. Whispered about like ghost stories but seldom turn into reality.

 

oh... I thought you wanted my address...
and I like my parts Rare...

this is kind of an odd post.

Tuck

 

I've been moving parts all my life at flea markets and the internet, worldwide and have always had happy customers. there will be more people in the parts business these days so here is what has worked for me. Take GOOD photos, give a GREAT discription, if there are FLAWS be up front and say so. Ship it WELL WRAPPED and as CHEAP as you can. Unless you are crating big items don't charge a shipping fee, makes you look gready. If the part is greasy or covered in mud wash it, I NEVER prime parts, and shy away from buying primerd parts, makes you wonder what is being hidden. Overseas bidders are great IMO and are quick to pay, I often feel bad about the shipping they are willing to step up and pay. You are selling your reputation along with the parts, have fun, hope it goes well for you. Bob

 

Thanks for the tips Bob !

 

I like em all

 

Dust the stuff off and then leave it alone. Let the buyer handle any further cleanup if they want to.

 

Like my parts medium. It would be nice if I could afford the rare. Just taking off the shelf dust it off or just take a hose to it and I'm good.

Some '60s stuff is always up my alley.

 

So far just a good hoseing is the ticket. Thanks guys!

 

I never buy "restored" parts. The previous guy never does it to my standards. (sometimes he restores it too much)

 

I'll take the Ardun Heads Clean and Free!

After that, it's really not that important how clean they are I think as much as they are packaged properly and stored well. Also very important is the quality of the image that is taken. When I buy parts I want to make sure that I can see what I am buying so that when it comes in I can compare with the image taken.

If you need help categorizing or taking pics of your stuff I am more then willing to help. We could do it on a Saturday and I'll create a photobucket account just for the parts so that you can post them here with clear images and good descriptions. Let me know!

 

Thanks alot Jeffery, I think I'll take you up on that. Come over soon and we'll get a game plan together. See ya!

 

Just clean or as has been said, medium.

 

I'm glad to hear your given us the first shot. good luck

 

I sold a*****load of old parts on ebay from 2003 til the first of this year. what you do with the part depends on what it is and the condition.

I'd say most of what I sold got reconditioned in one form or another. I always got top dollar for my junk.

 

Got any multicarb intakes? Doesn't matter what engine as long as it's V8......and I'll take 'em dirty, clean, whatever.

 

Got several (No SBC), may be first of the week until I start listing stuff on here. Just check for listings by "BigO". Later

 

the better they look the more moooolah youll get! a little work goes a---long ways glass bead the aluminum intakes etc...

i like my parts raw cause they are usually cheaper.

 

i think it depends alot on the specific part..

but for me as long as they aint screwed up bad, i could care less if they shine or not

 

i like my stuff painted. probably just cause my car is painted

 

Start collecting all the free bubble wrap you can along with stryofoam peanuts & boxes. Local bodyshop and computer store has them here, just ask for dumpster rights. Having the materials on hand and ready to ship quickly makes for happy repete customers. All you need to spend money on is packing tape.

 

Thanks The37Kid for the tip !

 

I think it`s a smart move to listen to The37Kid as i`m one of his very satisfied customers, this guy knows what it`s all about.. Best there is..

As for my taste, the best finds for me that gives me the warmest feeling are the even, medium grey, original finish found on early race parts like hilborn stuff etc..
Most important of all is to not beadblast carbs, brass or bronze parts, as this reminds most people of frozen up stuff full of media, and in most cases it also destroys the original feeling to the parts. If i ever do anything to these types of parts i completely disassemble the part, put it in the kitchen sink, with very warm water, mild green detergent, and a very worn scrubbing sponge (the type that your wife would throw away), this takes a lot of time but this method just cleans up the surface without destroying the charm, patina and integrety of the antique part. Easier to get well paid from us picky guys

Good luck with your sales and please keep me in mind when finding exotic stuff..

 

Personally, I like medium to rare depending on the part. I don't have access to a sand blaster in my small garage, so I'll pay more for a part such as an oil pan or pulley pan if it's had a quick blast and a light coat of primer. It least I can see what I'm getting and get it done quicker. On other parts, I couldn't care less if its been cleaned up or not.

Figure out what you're good at. If you can rebuild carbs and you've got multi-carb intakes, you'll get a lot more for a nice package (clean intake, rebuilt carbs, and linkage) that's ready to bolt on rather than pieces.

I sell some parts I make and spare parts. If you want to make a business out of this be professional. Good pictures, clear descriptions and good communication. (i.e. yes I got you money order, parts going out tomorrow and here's the tracking number go a long way.)

Go to a wholesale box supply place and buy a range of boxes and bubble wrap. Print a few labels on your computer. It's not expensive stuff but looks professional when it arrives. I think I paid $35 for a 5' x 3' roll of bubble wrap to last me until my kid goes to college. I personally hate getting stuff in a cobbled together box twice the size it needs to be, filled with dirty newspapers, towels or whatever you had handy at the time. Also note, customs is always leary of printed boxes (assume what's on the box is in the box) if you ship outside the USA. Plain, brown cardboard boxes work better.

Finally, don't discount international buyers on smaller stuff. Yes it's slightly more paperwork, but they're some of my best customers and typically pay promptly. Get a paypal account; Yes they have higher fees, but international buyers can pay instantly and you can also sign up to take credit cards. I'd rather pay a higher fee than not have a sale. Besides, their currency is worth a hell of a lot more than ours, so they're on a buying spree.

If you're making this a business, run it like one. Good luck.

Good luck.

 

Thanks 49coupe! More good advice. And yes it will be a business. Thanks everyone, I've gotten more good advice than I first thought I would. Michael

 

I buy a lots of my parts from from over your side of the "pond" (ain't got a choice really!!!) and i like to see a clean original part free from oil and crud always looks good when you open the box after waiting for it to turn up