Folks Of Interest Is there a problem with the Market Place?

^^^^^ I would at least you would have an idea what someone is willing to pay for it.

 

The market is definitely soft right now. It's a buyer's market, but sellers haven't realized that. Over $20k the market gets a lot tighter, far fewer buyers, and they have a lot of cars to choose from. I've been watching the ads for months with the intent to pick something up, but I'm in no hurry. I've been watching many of the same cars for sale the entire time, with cars appealing to a limited market and over priced. The sellers seem oblivious to that, making no effort to make the car more appealing, lower the price, or improve their ad. Craigslist sellers are the worst, complete crap at returning messages.

I see car after car where the owner/builder has spent money doing things to the car that destroy the appeal IMO. They would be far better off spending less money on things like MII IFS, tilt steering columns, modern steering wheels, bucket seats w/ center console, expensive stereo system w/ sub, modern gauges, and other non-traditional street rod styling. All of these things narrow the appeal and increase the cost.

I like 40 Chevy's and normally would be interested, but not in that car. Not my style (really, it appears to be a mix of styles that don't blend well), and the price is too high.

 

Just about everyone that wants a fat fender car has one. Limited market means fewer buyers. I think you are $10K too hard for the current market.
Joe

 

Someone said early on maybe a live auction would be the best. I agree, I've been selling at B-J and Mecum for 4/5 years now. I got started by selling a not super desirable car, tried Craigslist, Ebay, here and couldn't get more then 20K offered, took it to B-J and got 35K for it! They have the buyers, even for cars like yours that have a limited buyer's appeal. I would get rid off the cans and either ditch the skirts or lower the ass, too conflicting design as it's sitting now (hot rod or custom, hard to tell), easier just to lose the skirts. I could see it hitting 30, maybe a bit more at one of those auctions. I would stick with a reserve, too risky on a non mainstream car with out one. It would cost a few hundred to try, put it in with a 35K reserve (make them work it) and see where it goes, you can always drop the reserve if it gets close enough to let it go. Do keep in mind they do keep 10% of the hammer price so adjust your price accordingly.
PM me if you would like more info and tips on selling at auction.

 

A wise man once said, different strokes for different folks . If you have enjoyed the car, count your good times and move on to your next build. Life's too short!

 

Running an eBay auction with a reserve doesn't really give a fair idea of what people are willing to pay, since many people (like me) won't bid on a car with a reserve price. To me, a reserve price auction just means it's overpriced, and not worth me bidding on if the buyer isn't going to sell it at the end of the auction.

Would still be worth a try, but what I'm saying is if you run it on eBay with a reserve and it doesn't get bid up very high, I wouldn't say that the highest bid price necessarily is an indicator of the value. No reserve auctions get a lot more bid action on them.

 

Very interesting thread.
Got me looking on eBay. Yes, some cars and trucks are way overpriced. I'll wait like others until reality hits the sellers.
One thing I consider is when the car was restored or how long the seller owned the car. If it was 30 years ago, the costs to restore and price of cars before the resto were a lot cheaper.
I see a lot of what looks like a cleaned up older resto trying to be sold off as if
work was recently done
Of course there's the "what would it cost to build one today" scenario.
Just my 2 cents.

 

A lot of rodders have ....What's a nice way of saying this? ....."aged out"

 

Part of the problem w the market is ALOT if sellers have an unrealistic value of what their vehicle is really worth.

 

How's the stock market? Oh yeah, kickin ass and taking names the last 90 days. Check it for yourself, DO NOT simply take my word for it, but look back on every stock market boom. Go back and look at the car market, auction results etc when the stock market's on the rise. Don't confuse prices with the "market" because that can be polluted with fire sale numbers from some in need. Also, don't use singular excessively high sale numbers that defy the norm. Look at activity or the percentage of sales. We have choices. Keep it for now, don't panic, don't focus on the lack of activity. This is what we're seeing, not a measurable drop in value. My 47 Packard has been on the market since Oct. Still have it, still love it, still amazed at it's condition. I almost take it for granted, so used to how good it really is that I seem to forget things when I do speak to a prospect.

Some tips to assist your efforts might be expressing how much you like it. Enthusiasm can be contageous just like negativity. "...if it's so good why are you...?" is often posed by a prospective buyer. Tell the truth. If you bought to flip, tell em. "Well what did you pay for it then?" "Nothing, got paid to remove it." because that part doesn't matter. Flipping is a service to the buyer. You made the investment of time and $$$$ to get a car in the hands of someone who might otherwise not have the means or desire to pay for or accomplish what you've done. Need the space and $$$$ to build another? Tell em that too. Blame your wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfirend. That's usually the case anyway. Brings your humanity to the table. Be fair, honest, answer any questions or concerns in the most simple and understandable ways. I had a guy nearly lose his mind over a scratch in the paint on my Packard. "Hey, that's not the only one. Look here, there's another. Couple chips here too. There's also a small crease in this molding." "Well jeez I have to paint the whole car and you want how much?" "I wouldn't paint it, 8 or 9 out of 10 folks I know wouldn't paint it either. while I offer ZERO appologies for such things, consider all the free bodywork you get with it." "What the hell does that mean?" "It means that the sheet metal is virtually perfect in regard to dents or rust, in fact I dare you to find a rust hole in the car. You won't." And I was done with him because he was trying to beat it up for financial gain vs appreciate what it really is. You'll get plenty of that too. Maybe your buyer doesn't like purple flames. Maybe another doesn't share your taste in wheels. Get creative. Get a price or consider the time it would take to change such things and to "assist" wtih those endeavors of the next owner.

Let's not forget that we here are a fraction of what the real deal is. How many folks have you met that never heard of this place. "Ever visit Jalopy Journal dot com?" "Jalopy what? What's that?" The majority of folks I've posed that to give that response, what is it. What does that tell you? I'm holding out for my number. Oh poor me, I may be "stuck with" an absolutely rust free Packard Super Clipper. Oh the horrors! But then too, the longer I have it the better it's going to get. Then the number becomes firm, maybe even higher. Imagine that, an ad that says "new HIGHER PRICE" because the car has moved closer to the top of the scrotum pole. There's always less effort to focus on the negatives and generally a lot of support for that too. Stay positive, focused, use the shit out of it, put signs in it, brag it up, tell all your friends and co-workers it's for sale. Take it places you might not think of as potential sales venues. Go to a high rent district for breakfast one morning. We have to make our market (almost hate that word as much as patina) positive and strong by our words, actions and offerings. I think we may be past some of the madness of uber high prices, but the cost to "get there from here" isn't dropping any time soon. Remember above when I mentioned selling as a service? See what I mean? "...to get there from here..." Relax, you'll get it done, likely when you least expect it.

 

Market seems to be changing but know of a 40 Ford coupe that sold recently in the high $60s and a 55 as well.

 

Soft or not, the market is the market, and it’s telling you the price is too high.

It sounds like you’re eager to move on to a new project. So you need to make a choice. You can put your life on hold while you try to squeeze every nickel out it, or you can lower the price and chalk the loss up against the fun you had with it.

 

Market is soft because:

• glutted with hot rods, thanks in part by cheap glass bodies with big dollar build that cost $100K selling for $40K. For none HAMBrs its hard to justify the cost of steel over fiberglass.
• baby boomers selling, lots of 80's, 90's built cars, steel legacy cars.
• prices are down on 32-36 steel fords significantly, voice of experience
• younger buyers interest fall more into 60's era muscle or luxury cruisers

A nice black all steel 32 5 window with sbc and traditional running gear just sold on ebay for $47K........
18 months ago that car would have gone closer to $60K IMO.

 

^^^------TRUTH

 

To me an old car is no different then a house that you buy. The more its outside the mainstream the smaller your market becomes. If rapraps car was a 40 Ford coupe he'd have no trouble selling it. I believe a stock bodied 40 Chevy with all the factory trim, grille and bumpers would be much easier to sell then a chopped top, flamed, and a custom stripped of all chrome. Unless you build a car to keep the rest of your life keep it simple with all factory chrome and stainless which is what I have done on the last five cars I've sold and had no problems moving them.

 

Damn!!! This can be a tough crowd for sure. I think the car is superb. Well thought out and executed build. Looks awesome. Probably runs out just great and the inline 6 is a great choice, especially with the shiny stuff under the hood.. All that being said, yes it isn't a '40 Ford. Methinks this should be sold at an auction at one of the big car shows like Carlisle. Put a reserve on it and you will see what the market will bear. Leave it at the show for several days for all the people to look at it and begin to drool and get a premium spot on the block. If it surpasses your reserve, well then you're good. If it only approaches your reserve, you can always pull your reserve while it's on the block and sell it if you are comfortable with the price. Sometimes, once the reserve god away, the price even goes up some more.

Andy

 

Beautiful car, but as we know we build them to suit ourselves. the consensus is to eliminate the huge exhaust outlets, ditch the skirts, no brass knuckles, no chrome radiator hose, and no one is trying to be mean. The skirts would look way killer if you were doing a tail dragger stance, but sitting up high as they are doesn't appeal to me. Changing the other aforementioned items would be quite easy and I think make your bad ass car look better. Do not be offended by any of our comments, we love ya bro and want you to be able to market that sweet car.

 

I seen your car friday night and is a very nice car but would cost too much to make it the way I would like it so no way would I give you what you want,to me its one of those cars that does not know if it wants to be a custom or a hotrod.

 

I looked over your '40 again and here are my thoughts.

Nice car, looks well done. But, as mentioned, has too many competeing elements for a particular theme. If it is a custom - adjust the stance, lose the big tires and exhaust. If it is a hot rod - lose the skirts, white walls and pointy do-dads. If it is a street rod this is probably is not the best site to sell on.

The more you make it yours the less likely it will sell. That is why realtors want to have the house cleared of personal stuff when you sell. Flames, nerf bars and other details are very individual tastes.

I do believe the market has softened. After the economic downturn of a few years ago people are less likely to spend on luxuries. Not to mention that more vehicles are coming on the market as owners age out or pass on.

Lastly, I believe the reason that posting is not allowed on the for sale listings is to prevent needless commentary about a listing. In this case the o/p asked for input. The car dealer saying is "there is an ass for every seat". I am sure your car will sell, it is just a matter of what kind of price will entice a buyer.

 

I too went back and looked at it again. In order to get the number you want I would be making some changes. For that number to come from that car I think the changes would be essential.
1. Lose the flames. It seems "expensive" at 1st but all things considered it's probably cheap in order to get as close as possible to the desired amount, especially considering it's only 3 main parts.
2. Remove the exhaust cans and run something smaller and turned down. If it's really hot rod loud consider different mufflers. Loud inline 6s are an "aquired taste".
3. Find and install the hood chrome. Decent will be enough, general swap meet quality is better than the parts being MIA. Some creative work would go well here. McMaster Carr sells 1/2 round solid stainless stock in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 widths. It polishes so easy it's almost a misdemeanor, 72" long, about $40 a stick, you could make top n bottom trim and get a more completed look.
4. As costly as they are, yeah I'm sayin it, wheels and tires. I'm forgetting the bolt pattern (not OG 6 hole is it?) but even a used popular wheel/tire combo will be more favorable. Maybe what you have will look good with a cap change.
5. Change the steering wheel. Keep that one for an early style hot rod. Race wheel in a kustom, not a big "gotta-have-it" enticement. Find a vintage 60s OEM wheel that works, it'll be cheaper and fit the build. You'll still have the flat racer wheel for the next car, no loss incurred.
Please note that none of this is intended to be anything more than friendly input to assist you in your goal. On the wheel/tire thing, maybe lose the skirts and give it that 60s mag wheel vibe within the other changes mentioned. What I could see in the pic without skirts it didn't look bad at all. I get that some of the changes go against what you wanted in the build but this might make it more mainstream in popularity. Maybe some of this was mentioned already in other replies, I didn't read every one. I've bought and sold a lot of cars over the last 40+ years. This is the spirit in which I offer an opinion.

 

Thanks for the comments.

Sent from my P027 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Your probably correct that this site is not the right place. I'll probably go to another.

Sent from my P027 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

raprap has obviously spent a lot of money on his build and lots of posters have given him suggestions to make his car more saleable, unfortunately a lot of these suggestions will wind up costing him a lot more money that will never be recovered. If I were him, I'd ditch the oversized cans. skirts and brass knuckles and just keep lowering the price until it sells rather then dumping more money into it.

Gary

 

I'm with Gman

 

Thanks GMan.

 

Well I'm with ya too GMan. I considered what could be kept for the next car, the lowest priced easiest to complete jobs, some options as well like the hood chrome. Maybe just paint what's there silver to contrast it like it used to be. I'd spend as little as possible moving in that direction. Rap, did you paint it or have it done? If you did it it's a weekend warrior job that will cost under $200 in all new mat'l, or better yet you might have some black left? I also looked at as many modified 39-41 Chevy coupes recently sold. Your number isn't wrong, just need to get in that zip code of style. Indeed some of the work may even be free. You can do this, contageous enthusiasm...

 

I've always looked at it as a hobby, not a marketable investment. I do it to drive the car I built, smell the exhaust is like coffee in the morning. Don't forget your moms today, without them we wouldn't be here, cheers, NC

 

I have read the posts here on your car. Honestly I would lower the price asking until you sell.
As a car guy I have found that buying additional parts and making changes to the car to sell to a larger buying crowd is throwing additional money and time out the window. Been there and done that. Best to market the price point at a attractive amount to sell and cut your losses and let the new owners mind run ramped on what they can do to the car. Move on.
Vic

 

Well the only thing I can say is that as a finished car your going to have to rely on "there's an ass for every seat"

As a kustom ish hot rod Chevy that's priced to high to be something that gets reworked into what the buyer might want instead you don't have a lot of asses

What the fuck do you think all those hot rod crazy kids are lookin at on those cellphones? Here's a clue, hot rods and customs lol. Maybe your watching the wrong social media but most of the people I know looking at there phones are looking at hot rods on Instagram or the hamb. Believe me if they are hot rod guys they aren't just playing solitaire on there phone.

The market for some thing's might've softening but then you see model A prices going threw the damn roof. I see more and more young people into the tradition scene every day to the point that it feels like when OCC came on tv and every dick and Dan had to have a Harley and drove the prices threw the roof.

As a young person into traditional hot rods I wish it would stop being so trendy and people got into 90's billet cars or something. I like seeing trad cars out and about as much as anyone but shit you got 900 guys trying to buy the same pre war ford stuff and there's only so much to go around before the prices are tripple what after market shit costs.

In the last week I've seen fairly rough model a coupe bodies with no titles go for more money than I can buy a very nice glass 32 body for.

Social media and cultures chosen manor of communicate changes faster and faster and if you weren't keeping it up would be easy to think people aren't into it when really your just out of the loop. Which honestly isn't surprising because why would you be in the loop with what people 30 years younger than you are doing. I don't really know what the hell people ten years younger than me are doing but I can tell you mid 30's people are frothing at the mouth for pre war fords

 

Ok so I went to look at your add quick.

I think your price is a little high but not enough that you shouldn't be getting bites.

I think two things are working against you, because they are working against themselves.

The chop, build in general and motor say custom

The stance says hot rod.

The look and stance is going to sell the car, but right now it's advertising to hot rod guys, who are going to see that six and say "for 30k I'd still have to put a different motor in it"

Dropping that ass down to custom town would get you more traction I'd think. You have less buyers for customs than hot rods but it's easier to drop that rear than do a motor swap.

If you want it gone bad enough to keep cutting the price I'd throw some lowering blocks on it and see what happens. It'll cost you less than whatever your next price cut would be.

Just my two cents that are worth about what every one else's are.