I was talking to a friend (who hits a lot of the big national auto swap meets) a couple of months ago, and mentioned that I had an early Joe Hunt magneto. He said "You mean one with the early style red metal Joe Hunt tag on it", and I said "Yes". So he gets back from a road trip and calls me, and says, (as I am into Rocket Olds engines), that picked up a Hildebrant Olds Oil Filter byp*** valve (bolts on the oil filter boss and re-routes the oil back into the engine...good if you have no room for a filter and choose not to use a remote filter). He says he already has it sold at $150.00, but I can have it if I want. I said no thanks as I bought one at a swap in the mid 80s for $5.00 (and mine is not for sale). I asked why are they worth so much money, and he said they are very hard to find and he knows of collectors who will buy ANYTHING with the word Hilderbrant on it (just to put the stuff on a shelf). He also mentioned that he was able to pick up an early Joe Hunt magneto tag (just the tag ) for $75.00. He said guys restoring old g***ers and FED's want them, to make a later magento look like an older model. So, as I do not go to that many swaps anymore, what other hot rod related vintage items that you can "hold in the palm of your hand" now sell for "REAL" money. I know the early curved gl*** SW gauges and probably original SCTA timing tags bring serious money, but what other small things go for big money that you have run into?
What ever happened to picking up a box of Stromberg 97 cores cheap? Then there is anything early Ford, wishbones,brakes ect. I wish I was looking for this stuff when people were giving it away. $75 for a magneto tag? What is this world coming to? It wasn't that long ago any odd G.M motor could be bought for a good price,but not anymore. The speed equipment for these motors is going up by the day.
things that fit in the palm of your hand and cost big .....in this order ...... engagement ring...... wedding ring..... divorce papers....
My best "purchase to sale" benefit ratio was on a 2 into 1 carb adapter. Was an old Speed Gems, and it sold to our favorite 97 rebuilder, Charlie Price of Vintage Speed fame. I paid $3, and sold it for $330.
I went to a craft show last month, virtually no car parts and found a wood box with fitted tools inside for $15. It has a label that says KR Wilson, oil groove cutter. Hmmm, sounds like babbitt. Bought it, asked around, its for Model A babbitt and sells on ebay for $2000
I think the last NOS W&H Ducoil distributor cap that sold on ebay, went for over $250.00 (and they hardly ever show up anymore). I hear that NOS brick red color Vertex Magneto Caps, are also bringing good money these days.
Decent condition p***enger side mirrors from a 67 lincoln continental fetch some good money. Last one I saw sell went for ~$1,500. I think that cl***ifys as a small part.
Heck, the cheapest I could find adjustable lifters for a flathead up here was $19.50 apiece (Federal Mogul). Speedway set was cheaper... Flatman
Oh yea, there's also a half sheet (18 bills) of uncut 1953 $5.oo for $1,300 on ebay right now... People must be worse at math than I thought, that's only $90.oo worth of fives!
I need to buy 3inch cutoff wheels, and i like the 3m green corps, but they are up to 31 bucks for 5!!! at the local napa. they last a long time, but i dont know if thats worth it or not. trey
not when the cornwell guy sell the the cheapies for a buck a peice! also-try the norton frecut 3 inchers-about 1.25, and I would take the pepsi challenge against a greencorps disc any day of the week. and I think they might actually be thinner than the greenies,to boot! I get 'em at my local welding supply house. if they don't stock 'em, tell 'em to order you some-you wont be dissapointed. don't know about the "hold it in your hand " part, but I realized my 65 g.t.o. tri power set up (complete with carbs,linkage,tags and lines) is worth a small fortune. - I saw one go on e-gay in worse condition for 3000!!!
I thought I wanted a set of 48 to 52 F1 front shock mounts for my car. Would you believe 120 bucks at a swap meet?
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