Looks like that A (a 28 or 29) got a sealed beam update probably in the late 40s. Sadly that one indeed looks like beyond redemption unless one is performing a labor of love.
Yep, it's a tear-down right to the frame, and then the tedious process of walking over to a virtual mountain of parts, picking one up with your thumb and index finger, and restoring it. Then, when that's finished, you go back to the pile, and........
"They say that the price of restoring a car doesn't depend on the amount of money put to finish the project; it’s in the journey throughout the restoration."
Sometimes they say, "the best way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your wallet."
1. Add up all your restoration bills 2. Divide by 2.5 3. Calculate current market value
You're going to need patience, and the right venue. There's a limited market for these. I think you should try Hemmings, maybe MBCA, and try your patience and try CL. If it is really exceptional, maybe BaT. I am sure you will price it realistically. I don't mind these cars and wouldn't mind having one if I had storage space, they are one of the high points of 70s chic - I still think of that green early car that was for sale in Spokane.
Ours is a 450 SLC and it just doesn't fit in with our short/long term plans. I hate advertising it but I wish I could find a home for it.
Thanks. I haven't tried at all to sell it really. I have little patience for the flakes that Craigslist tends to attract. I would probably try discouraging some people from even looking at it.
As it was born a 5-speed, coverting it back to a manual would probably be easy, but the cost of a LHD conversion would probably exceed the value of the car. JDM people learn to live with RHD - dicey passing, but easy parking.
That's a 1982 Nissan Bluebird that might make a nice daily driver, especially if you modified it back to a 5-speed stick and changed it to left-hand drive.
CL is probably the worst idea, especially if you are going to only use it. If the car is as nice as it sounds, it should qualify for BaT, and if your expectations are reasonable, could be a good bet. I don't see too many grossly underpriced cars slipping through the cracks there.
Thanks. I haven't tried at all to sell it really. I have little patience for the flakes that Craigslist tends to attract. I would probably try discouraging some people from even looking at it.
Yep, it's a tear-down right to the frame, and then the tedious process of walking over to a virtual mountain of parts, picking one up with your thumb and index finger, and restoring it. Then, when that's finished, you go back to the pile, and........
I run into quite a few cases of people taking on a restoration without a clear idea of how long and hard this road can be. Of course, some cars are a lot easier than others, and I suspect a Model A would be a walk in the park compared to a '59 Cadillac. There are some skill sets which are essentially if you're going to do the restoration yourself---welding, body work, upholstery work---all tricky for the rank amateur to learn.
I've seen some big restoration bills in my day---recently $160K on a Mercedes 280SL (still not done) and $300K on an old Ferrari (still not done).
I can see it if you love the car or have a clear direction to profit (like with many old Ferrari), but I can't imagine laying down 160K to restore a Pagoda. And then you hit the big problem, you make it too nice to drive. A driver restoration is best, and even then, I estimate I could put 50K into the fintail without a lot of issue.
Speaking of that project car, I had it out yesterday, and I notice what seems like more blow-by out of the dipstick area than I have noticed in the past. The car has been out on the highway and I drove it spiritedly in town, which may explain it, but it seemed more apparent. I hope that doesn't bode too unwell.
Pic of the car from yesterday, a S550 cabrio pulled up beside me, which made for a fun comparison, also, the color of the sky works with the color of the car:
I run into quite a few cases of people taking on a restoration without a clear idea of how long and hard this road can be. Of course, some cars are a lot easier than others, and I suspect a Model A would be a walk in the park compared to a '59 Cadillac. There are some skill sets which are essentially if you're going to do the restoration yourself---welding, body work, upholstery work---all tricky for the rank amateur to learn.
I've seen some big restoration bills in my day---recently $160K on a Mercedes 280SL (still not done) and $300K on an old Ferrari (still not done).
I like the flat top, but a new set of wide whitewall radials shouldn't be more than a grand or so, why not do it and have the car ready to go?
Some sellers are so clueless. Here you are trying to sell a car for $17,500, and you won't spring for $500. Makes the buyer wonder what else you are cutting corners on.
I can see it if you love the car or have a clear direction to profit (like with many old Ferrari), but I can't imagine laying down 160K to restore a Pagoda. And then you hit the big problem, you make it too nice to drive. A driver restoration is best, and even then, I estimate I could put 50K into the fintail without a lot of issue.
Speaking of that project car, I had it out yesterday, and I notice what seems like more blow-by out of the dipstick area than I have noticed in the past. The car has been out on the highway and I drove it spiritedly in town, which may explain it, but it seemed more apparent. I hope that doesn't bode too unwell.
That reminds me of a friend of mine who has said he's going to have my car "stolen" like on the TV show where they take an old car and "restore" it, usually to an aesthetically displeasing spec.
I can just see my car "restored" in orange with a billet steering wheel and a SBC under the hood.
Although thinking of engines, the 4 cyl diesel in the Bluetec is almost exactly the same displacement, but 50% or more hp, and probably thrice as much torque. A modern MB I6 would be heading for triple the hp, that would be a unique resto-mod.
I can see it if you love the car or have a clear direction to profit (like with many old Ferrari), but I can't imagine laying down 160K to restore a Pagoda. And then you hit the big problem, you make it too nice to drive. A driver restoration is best, and even then, I estimate I could put 50K into the fintail without a lot of issue.
Speaking of that project car, I had it out yesterday, and I notice what seems like more blow-by out of the dipstick area than I have noticed in the past. The car has been out on the highway and I drove it spiritedly in town, which may explain it, but it seemed more apparent. I hope that doesn't bode too unwell.
A Model A doesn't like to go much faster than around 40 MPH so freeways are out. a T is good for, what? Maybe 30-35 MPH? Also, what year did they start using starter motors? I don't like cranking a car. Even though I know all of the rules it still scares me. One good backfire and it's broken arm time or at the least, a dislocated thumb. and, no a T does not stop well! My Model A would lock up a wheel or two in a panic stop.
Of course they are geared so low that taking your foot off of the gas is nearly enough to stop!
Some guy in London is pissed at me right now because I'm not interested in shipping my Mercedes to England. I thought one of you guys might snap it up!
Isn't there a two speed rear end accessory that might add a few mph to an A? I wouldn't want to drive one on a local interstate anyway.
Shipping the car to London, welcome to Craigslist! If a legit foreign buyer wants it, they can arrange their own shipping and have it picked up at your house, after you have the cash of course.
Some guy in London is pissed at me right now because I'm not interested in shipping my Mercedes to England. I thought one of you guys might snap it up!
Make a smooth ride to San Francisco for sure!
He can send a trucker to your house and they will gladly drop it off at the port of his choice. Let the buyer do all the work.
RE: Model A going faster:
Yes, you could buy one of these, hopefully with a free life insurance policy attached:
@omarman, To somewhat tie 2 of your car ad's together. My dad had 2 Things at the same time, both the color of that Mercedes.
Ah the orange Thing thing. The 70's were just...ripe for that autumn pallet.
In 1979 my cousin and his wife bought a Dodge conversion van for full sticker around $18K. I drove it once and it was just a van. With orange paint, black stripes captain's chairs and shag carpet. We called it the great pumpkin.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
Aged driver quality W113 on BaT - insane to restore it, but it might be useful as-is once a few needs are addressed - same color as my car. Being at BaT, it isn't cheap.
The 250SL is the rarest of the "Pagoda" roadsters, but not the most valuable by a long shot---the 280SL is the one most buyers want, as they are more powerful and better appointed.
I hope the car gets preserved, but there is no way in hell anyone is going to come out ahead on this. You could possibly patch up the floors, slather them with goop, replace missing pieces, try to work up the paint as best you can, spiff up the interior here and there, get it running well and just enjoy it as it is.
Coincidentally I had looked at that 250SL listing earlier today. The color drew me in. Odd in that parts of it look quite decent but the interior is not good and there are some spots on the underside that seem very questionable. Most dubious of all are the rockers, at least on one side, that appear to be pop-riveted into place and then covered with stone chip and more blue paint.
Coincidentally I had looked at that 250SL listing earlier today. The color drew me in. Odd in that parts of it look quite decent but the interior is not good and there are some spots on the underside that seem very questionable. Most dubious of all are the rockers, at least on one side, that appear to be pop-riveted into place and then covered with stone chip and more blue paint.
I think W113 rocker covers bolt on like that, also pointed out in the ad. However, I see a few other areas of possible decay disaster. Spend 150K to maybe get 100K when you are done, sounds good.
Well, let's see. Paint and chrome dinged up. Not run in many years. Torn seats. Top shrinking. Top bows damaged. Wood trim missing in places. Muffler holed. Oil leaks. Holes in floors. dash leather dye coming off, mickey mouse wiring under dash, carpets deteriorated. VIN plate in wrong place, headliner on hardtop stained, surface rust on engine compartment components, perished bushings throughout the suspension, transmission leak, rusted brake lines, rusted rocker panels, rusted perch points for suspension, rusted beauty rims and hubcaps (some of them).
Comments
2. Divide by 2.5
3. Calculate current market value
I've seen some big restoration bills in my day---recently $160K on a Mercedes 280SL (still not done) and $300K on an old Ferrari (still not done).
Speaking of that project car, I had it out yesterday, and I notice what seems like more blow-by out of the dipstick area than I have noticed in the past. The car has been out on the highway and I drove it spiritedly in town, which may explain it, but it seemed more apparent. I hope that doesn't bode too unwell.
Pic of the car from yesterday, a S550 cabrio pulled up beside me, which made for a fun comparison, also, the color of the sky works with the color of the car:
Convertible Top With Factory Air and no issues?
T Tops x 2 and a shed full of parts.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I can just see my car "restored" in orange with a billet steering wheel and a SBC under the hood.
Although thinking of engines, the 4 cyl diesel in the Bluetec is almost exactly the same displacement, but 50% or more hp, and probably thrice as much torque. A modern MB I6 would be heading for triple the hp, that would be a unique resto-mod.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=mercedes+fintail+v8&&view=detail&mid=40A85A7DCFB6C89C211040A85A7DCFB6C89C2110&&FORM=VRDGAR
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Knock knock! Who's there? Orange! Orange who? Orange you glad it's 1975 again?
Selling a 1 of 1 Trans Am with a 455 HD. Once restored this car can sell for 75,000 to 175,000.
Orange you sorry it's not a Super Duty?
Of course they are geared so low that taking your foot off of the gas is nearly enough to stop!
I thought one of you guys might snap it up!
Make a smooth ride to San Francisco for sure!
As for the T--remember, you are talking about a car 100 years old!
Shipping the car to London, welcome to Craigslist! If a legit foreign buyer wants it, they can arrange their own shipping and have it picked up at your house, after you have the cash of course.
I saw your ad, isell - you need some pics
RE: Model A going faster:
Yes, you could buy one of these, hopefully with a free life insurance policy attached:
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/ruckstelldualhigh.htm
To somewhat tie 2 of your car ad's together. My dad had 2 Things at the same time, both the color of that Mercedes.
In 1979 my cousin and his wife bought a Dodge conversion van for full sticker around $18K. I drove it once and it was just a van. With orange paint, black stripes captain's chairs and shag carpet. We called it the great pumpkin.
I hope the car gets preserved, but there is no way in hell anyone is going to come out ahead on this. You could possibly patch up the floors, slather them with goop, replace missing pieces, try to work up the paint as best you can, spiff up the interior here and there, get it running well and just enjoy it as it is.
Or maybe put 15K in it, make it sound and roadworthy, and have a nice sunny day driver.
Nice color anyway, and it has the correct color code on the body tag.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Honestly, the information is out there to make intelligent decisions on classic cars.
So there you go. Good luck at $40K.
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1985-dodge-ramcharger/6700288887.html Ram Charger. Sellers says needs work but it actually looks pretty decent.
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/classic-77-ford-pick-up-ford/6676318120.html 77 Ford Ranger. Seller claims 66k miles
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1988-pontiac-formula-firebird/6700220478.html 88 Formula. I Liked these back then. Black, stick, solid roof. Would like more pics
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/bumblebee-28/6700201205.html "Bumble bee Z" features include insane seller
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1985-chrysler-lebaron/6700192362.html 85 LeBaron. Don't see these everyday
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1990-bmw-325i-e30/6700086034.html "Odometer stopped a month ago"
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/police-cruiser/6700067412.html Old police cruiser for a grand
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/cto/d/1968-plymouth-sport-fury-hemi/6700302278.html