For me, the projects get prioritized. I am one who likes to get the most for what I spend. I generally don't buy cars that can't be repaired or enjoyed without a ground up, although any old car might be better off under that scenario if done correctly. How many times do we see examples of great old cars that got taken apart and were never put back together. Money, time, and level of interest are the variables that lead to that sad end.
Sometimes, I switch between reliability and looks, depending on the level of interest and the cost. I recently spent a bundle on a lot of chrome work on a car that I am not comfortable driving very far away from home. The car runs great, even though it needs to be rewired, but the chrome work has added a lot of curb appeal. If a wiring problem develops, I can't blame anyone but myself. At least I evaluated that before making the choice to spend the money on something else. In spite of the cost, I have been very much enjoying the chrome work.
A paint job might be the most obvious need, but painting it may be a disadvantage during resale if the potential buyer suspects serious issues with what the car looked like to begin with. A rock solid/rust free car that might be resold quickly should probably not be painted, so that this attribute is not covered up. The new paint even may lead to suspicion on the part of a potential buyer.
Being organized about how I "restore" a car has saved me a lot of time and money, while allowing me the maximum enjoyment for the least amount of cost. I believe that anyone who buys an old car and decides to proceed without a plan should be considering the purchase of a fully restored example rather than a car that needs work. Without a full understanding of the process and the machine, or at least a genuine willingness to learn about it in depth, the project will becometh an money pitith in a hurryith.
Paul W.
I guess that what I meant to say is that if the car still needs some work, you probably won't recover your investment. A potential buyer usually doesn't know what you started out with. They only see what condition the car is in now & what needs to be done to it.
When you look on eBay, there are often several
Imperials of the same year for sale at any given time. The asking prices often vary greatly. The highest priced isn't necessarily the best one. It may be truly a gem or it could be the seller has a lot tied up in it. The one that is high priced & still needs work will likely get passed over in favor of one of the others.
Not to point out any specific examples, but if you read the
ad's they often say something like "the body is perfect, except for the dent in the rear quarter" or something like "the interior is like new except the seats need to be recovered" Even better is something like "complete engine rebuild 150 miles ago" ?? Look at the
pics of some of the cars & you'll notice oil spots everywhere around where the car is parked. These all will tell you that even though the seller may have spent a lot of time & money, the spending is far from over & its time to bail.
John
----- Original Message ----- From: "Rob van
der Es" <
r.vdes@noorderpoort.nl>
To: <
mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 12:01 AM
Subject: Re: IML: When the End Is Near: What Have You Got?
> Well, I don't know John..
>
> If you put much money and time in the car it will show somehow :)
> I mean, everyone will notice that efforts are made (by investing time and
> money) to make the car look (and run) great.
> And
ofcourse that will improve the overall condition of the car so it will
> bring up more money if you decide to sell it.
>
> But we never started the hobby to make money I think :) ??
>
> These cars simply deserve it to make them run like new and look like new,
> that's the way I see it..
>
> Happy
cruisin',
>
> Robert
>
> 1960 Imperial Crown 4 door Hardtop
>
>
>
Op Zo, 23
juli, 2006 7:50 am,
schreef john sadowski:
>> I don't think it makes much difference how much time or money you put
>> into the car. When its time to sell, you will get what the going rate is
>> for that particular year & body style based on its current condition. >> John
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From:
YBSHORE@xxxxxxx
>> To:
mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 11:58 AM
>> Subject: IML: When the End Is Near: What Have You Got?
>>
>>
>>
>> Dearest Sellers and Fellers,
>>
>>
>> Do not come to Imperial-land or
AnyOldCarville and expect to make money.
>> As we ALL eventually find out, these ladies are labors of love, a salute
>> to those who came before us and a gift to those who would take them on
>> after we are gone. These aren't like vindictive ex-wives we can't wait
>> to unload, but more like the old girlfriend/present wife who you never
>> tire to think of, regardless of where you tread. I have LOVED every car
>> I have ever had and I cannot say that about my choices in real women!!!
>>
>>
>> A new thread then perhaps, if I am using the terminology correctly: of
>> what you have into your cars as of now, what would be the realistic
>> recoup, including a fair amount for YOUR TIME (for that is truly how they
>> stay on the road!!!), should the need to sell arise, percentage-wise?
>>
>> I know some have had their cars for years etc. but generally speaking and
>> understanding that "showroom" and "mint" are EXTREMELY arbitrary and that
>> all is relative, I would be very happy to see 80% of my money (buy + my
>> time + parts/shop time) as I have "fought steel" in or
der to keep my lady
>> presentable and
roadworthy during my association with her over the years
>> and I would be THRILLED with even less than that, should it be going to
>> another Imperialist !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>
>> ybshore
>>
>> 1956 Four Door Sedan w/354 and
Torqueflight three speed push button
>>
>>
>> NOT FOR SALE, happily!
>
>
>
>
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