Highlander160
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Posts posted by Highlander160
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I didn't read every reply so if some of this was already said, oh well.
Lots of cars "lose money" but do our cars REALLY lose? Some a little more than others, some not at all. Henry made almost 5 million Model As. YOU CAN'T LOSE ON A MODEL A. Go ahead, hit me with your best. Dear ol Dad bought his decades ago, 4 pickup trucks ago, he had a lotta money in it, like almost $5,000 in that little stock coupe. Not perfect but nearly show worthy, add a 1 to the front of that figure today. He consumed the trucks mostly, scratched out a decent trade-in on 1 or 2 but sold the others over the years, usually for way less than paid.
You want to really scream and cry? Then you shoulda dropped $200K on a swanky Bentley in the late 2000s. Watched one hammer at auction yesterday for $33K, and it was really really nice, needed nothing.
Show of hands, what did a 34 Packard 8 club sedan sell for in the mid 70s? We paid $1,900. Today that very car would probably fetch close to if not over $50k. Still nice, the old restoration held up well. It cost the next guy $30k to restore it, yes years ago. Are we getting there?
Ok. One of the cars I want back is my old 69 Boss 302. I had less than $4,000 in the car all in. I loved it. I sold it in the early 80s for $6,750 to buy a house. In the condition it was in last I'd seen it the value today is close to $50K. Are we there yet?
Uncle Joe's old 37 Plymouth 4dr sedan was never worth anything, except to Joe. He washed and waxed it weekly but age and lack of tech means it's just as far down the value stick as it always was. Even as a fair survivor you'd be lucky to see $4K for it. "But it's original!" So are lots of things but if they were "meh.." then they are now too. So what is this place we arrived at?
Let he among you without a lease car in your driveway cast the 1st stone. Yeah, it's perspective time. I never got the memo that all you car enthusiasts are dealers. That message began a cpl years before tech stocks made overnight millionaires in the 90s. Couldn't pick up a vintage car mag that didn't have an article about how stupid and expensive it was to restore a car. Who remembers that? I do, I was doing restoration for a living, which also made me a thief, liar, opportunist, greedy, and every other form of putrid human scum extant. To everyone? Not at all, but believe it or not I was told in person at a major event, "...and we tend to view you restorers as a necessary evil when it comes to our cars." Yeah, that's a word for word quote. Today I still service and restore. Evil reigns Supreme! OK, I'm being a dick, deal wit it.
Let's go back to perspective. What do you want? That's all you need to know. How many sofas have you owned? Stoves? Mowers? Did you make money on em? What is the value of your left elbow out the window on a warm summer evening just going for a burger somewhere. Because you can. Because you like it. Because deep down you need it. Because it makes up a little of who you are your perspectives of then and now, quality, style, and don't forget plain ol fun. I dunno fellow car folk but last I heard those ideals were priceless. For everyone? Oh hellz to the no! I wouldn't want it to be either, would you? Didn't think so. You want it? Get it. Life is short, live a little, and remember you spent and lost more on your regular transportation than you ever will on a collector car. Ever. Your results may vary, void where prohibited, no purchase necessary, see your retailer for details, tax n title extra...
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This isn't new. Banks and financial institutions have recognized collector cars as tangible assets since the 90s. Financing was slow to follow but that's been with us for some time now as well. No need to spew venom and disrespect to the auction and high end collector crowd. That cheesey little Mustang Sports Roof bought over 30yrs ago for chump change is now deep into 5 figures, even as an intact project. And you're done with it now so what, scrap it like it's 1973 again? No? Oh, you want that profit huh. If this gives the idea that I have maximum disdain for the canned "idiots with money" comments there might be brain cells left. Otherwise they're the ramblings of sad people who's lack of regard and respect for the fellow car folk probably starts over the top of their bathroom sinks.
For the record this isn't directed at anyone, however I do hope it helps steer the convo in a more positive direction vs the stereotypical hate the player fecal matter.
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18 hours ago, Hemi Joel said:
Not accurate on at least a couple things: they are not front heavy. Weight distribution is approximately 50/50. Also the CV joints don't wear out because the front is heavy. They support no weight. They wear out from lack of lubrication.
I would agree here. I'd say the idea of front heavy is intuitive vs true. My driving experiences bear that out too. The one that followed is superior in every way, he got that right. Another model year and we'd have had more than one brand while the rest of the industry tried to play catch up. They're quite sure footed at speed, have a very modern level of behind the wheel confidence, and with 4 speeds can stay up with traffic. Getting used to the select shift doesn't take long either. I've never driven a supercharged version but am told you know it when you drive it. Make mine a simple Westchester, blackwalls, supercharged, and a leather interior. And oh yeah, drip rails. They missed that. Am I wrong? Not if you look at the Hupp Skylark or Hollywood Graham, they have drip rails.😉
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I have the ad and pics in the other Ford section:
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Last few shots...
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4 minutes ago, Lee H said:
That’s a lot of wear on the steering wheel for only 14k.
I can't account for every day of this car's life since 1960, other than I know a previous owner left it outdoors for a year or so back in the late 80s. Everything else says it is as I represent it. But hey, thanks for playing...😉
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More pictures, details of body mounts, rockers, frame numbers and more.
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Yup, like it says 14,000 miles. Black original paint, some minor chips and rub thru spots but very nice, 352 4bbl, red interior. Perhaps one of the most solid and unrestored versions you'll find. Red interior, 3spd auto, several unique features. Car has 1.25 sway bar, ⅜ fuel line, 3" brakes, electric wipers, no PS or PB. A previous owner was in the process of making it a full power car including seat, windows, steering and brakes. That was never completed. This is a no rust car with the exception of 1 minor area at the end of the right ¼ inner trunk extension (pictured). Rockers, body mounts, hemlines, inner fenders, lower cowl, floors, in nearly dream condition. Trunk mat is still soft and supple and original. Wash and reuse. Seat cloth is "dry" which is to be expected at this age. This is not a car you'll hop in and drive home. It has to be reassembled in certain areas, mainly the interior. Feel free to decode the door tag, and yes the frame number is still quite clear and matches the tag. Turn key this car has a value in the upper mid 30s. I'm asking $27,500 or best offer which frankly leaves a generous amount of "meat on the bone" so to speak. Please don't waste our time with ½-ask offers. Photos below, if there's something specific just ask. I'll be happy to oblige. More pics will follow in a reply post, big files,zoom in.
Reach me by msg here or call/text: Seven 3 Four 637 1421
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18 hours ago, wayne045 said:
Look at my post on 2005 Mustang Wayne.
We've already spoken about my car. What is it you'd like me to see?
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If this seems like a crazy price I've only found single pcs from $75 or certain pairs for $200. This a whole set. Thanks...
Cleaned with old school turtle wax:
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On 10/30/2023 at 2:42 PM, 58L-Y8 said:
" I did a sedan, and the body was 3 years older than the car, unceremoniously chopped apart and "stuck together" with a silly amount of lead to try and correct. There's no floor, just wood atop the frame."
Since you are intimately familiar with the sedan body, which was by Budd, have you determined what sedan body they recycled to create the 'stuck together" for Ruxton? Dodge utilized Budd bodies at the time.
The body was actually a British car called a Wolsley Messenger from 1927 They whacked the cowl, cut out the floor, and sectioned the rear like 4-5" with very large lead seams. Merciless.
Shagged from another AACA forum topic:
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So was I just being harsh or snobby? Or, can you see what I see. I was involved in the Ruxton from bare frame to finish and it came to my place after for some much needed correction. Kool? A little. Great car? Not in my book, but I tend to judge things based on experience and exposure. I hope you can see that it wasn't just sounds from the south side of a horse headed north. Enjoy...
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This just in from the "Useless without pisc!" dept:
Frome here, Cord, Ruxton respectively. May continue below, big pics...
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I'm not totally sure how to take the above. I see it like enjoying a fine dessert but the chef hid a bug in the bottom, and you found it when you were nearly done. Packard: nothing finer, period. I've done a baker's dozen from the ground up and my opinion is immovable. L-29: I'll stand pat with what I said above. Model J Duesy: some day, maybe, I've driven 4, and language limits here don't allow me to really drive home the point. It doesn't do many things with total aplomb, except show up maybe. Power? Check. Style? Check, but there were some dogs. Handling? Just think about a lane change and add a bit of wt to that side of the wheel. I'd have a hard time staying out of it if I had one. Auburn: Light, simple compared to all the above, not hard nor easy to drive, an old car with all the wonderful charms of, well, an old car. Speedsters are self abuse at 6'2" and 240lbs. Cadillac: way more hits than misses. Their 12s and 16s run and drive like modern V8s, but heavy which is to be expected.
The Ruxton was mentioned above, and I had the unique experience of both being involved in a body off resto, and also having an L-29 and Ruxton in the shop to compare. The Ruxton was a high school shop class project compared to the L-29. Having studied the history of New Era Motors (Ruxton) and what I noted along the way, I guess no surprises. I did a sedan, and the body was 3 years older than the car, unceremoniously chopped apart and "stuck together" with a silly amount of lead to try and correct. There's no floor, just wood atop the frame. The instrument panel is better suited to a beer truck. The shift mechanism really is shop class chic. The single kingpin is about the size of a medium impact socket, so no wonder they shed front wheels like a squirrel sheds walnut shells. Even the one I had a hand in had lost a front wheel in its past. If I was a billionaire there would not be one in my collection. An oddity at best, Ruxton was the product of a 20s era "Gordon Gecko" and it showed everywhere (the unhip might look up who that movie character was).
I've met very few Packard models I like less than others, and I never met an 1101 I didn't like. I freely admit my love and honor hits the brakes at 1948, unless I'm looking at her rather sexy rear profile, but then she turns around and is cross-eyed with a mouthful of gumballs. I've arrived at these experiences and opinions beginning at age 14 when dear ol Dad said "You drive..." our 1934 1101 Club Sedan. 14, driving a 34 Packard. That should explain it all quite well, no?
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Nobody? Just an old Ford?
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Someone was going to add it. I'm not. Engine never had a PS pump.
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Build date is 08C, March 8th. Hard too know when the car came to MI ( my state ). A local Starliner enthusiast was thinking law enforcement or some civil duty, but also floated the idea of a production "mistake" (as in Clem and Leo built the wrong car) or that civil cars may have gone on HiPo platforms. Somebody might shed light yet.
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Ok, let the tales and head scratching begin. I have an incredibly ORIGINAL 1960 Ford Starliner. 14K orig miles, 352 4bbl, Cruise-O-Matic. The vaunted HiPo variant has to have a select number of features which are proprietary. If my research bears correct it must have the following:
3" Front brakes
Heavy duty front suspension with larger sway bar (mine is 1.25!).
⅜ fuel line.
Electric wipers.
Manual brakes.
VIN codes 'Y' eng, '1' trans, and blank axle code.
HD shocks and front coils.
I have all of that on this car, and nothing has been changed or altered.
What it doesn't have:
3" driveshaft, 5 leaf springs, front brake line at the core support, and a 360HP 352 with a manual trans.
Save your comments about attempted conversion, etc. This is an unmolested car. The VIN is crystal clear on the top of the frame and matches the door jamb tag. The engine is original and codes and dates as it should. At some time in it's life someone was going to make it a "full power" car to include windows, seat, brakes and steering. That was never finished (thankfully) and the engine never had a power steering pump, but they did put a new control valve in the steering. The fender well shows it never had power brakes. Car is black, red interior, and stunning original paint over a ZERO RUST EVER body.
So let the debate begin, as to WTH is this? It also has 14X6 wheels vs the 15" which are reportedly for HiPo cars. My guess is that it's a cop, municipal, state or fed car. An Atlanta build if that lends any additional ideas, and there is an oil change sticker from 71 in a place in Cumming, GA, not far from "shine" country so, revenuers? This should be fun. Topics are worthless without pics so here's a teaser. Enjoy...
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61 Starliner interior trim set. All the parts including ¼ trims, door and ¼ window mldgs, mirror center braket and A pillars. Full set, a little shelf dirty, felts attached, factory parts. Will be cleaner when it gets to Hershey, spaces C2I 117-119. It's my understanding that this was an interior option for the 61s, but does fit a 60 as well. Asking $400 for all of it, WILL NOT SEPARATE. Cya there, or make a deal before Mon morning 😉
Seven 3 Four 6 3 7 1421
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I'm a vendor near there. Trust me, it's not bad at all. And you're in a spot that has a little extra navigation. My advice after a dozen + years, take your time, be patient, listen to just 1 person guiding you in. Most ppl walking will move out of the aisle, some won't so just wait em out. I put this in there and have zero trouble.
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No? Not interested?
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I'm always open to offers, as long as they're not insulting that is. Thanks...
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Barrons: Lenders Are Looking to Fuel Classic Car Buying
in General Discussion
Posted
The aroma was already perking, and shortly after the usual slobbering angst against those who can bid on 6 and 7 figure cars follows. If you disagree with that perhaps we read different things, or indeed different intent. Not just here BTW, it happens on lots of car forums. Saying it doesn't is flat out false. Yeah, I don't like it in those places either.
I think available liquidity is a good thing. May they be "movers and shakers" for a long time to come, and if their collections help that it's a win. Better than taxpayers money, no?😏