TTR
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Posts posted by TTR
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Not for last couple of years.
The ones I’ve had in the past either didn’t have what I believe it takes (i.e. passion for old cars + ability and willingness to do or learn to do things correctly, no matter how slow* the process might seem) or moved on to establish their own shops, etc.* I couldn’t tell you how many people believe or think restoration or rebuilding of decades old car is as easy as those TV shows make it seem.
I’ve often asked or wondered if they also believe in Santa Claus, tooth fairies and unicorns.-
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Just a brief update on this ongoing "problem"(?) of not having found any shop apprentice/assistant/helper.
In case anyone is or knows someone interested about the type of jobs I need help with, some of my current workload includes (but not limited to) 3 cars:
- 3 complete (1950s vintage) engine rebuilds.
- 3 complete (same era) transmission rebuilds (2 Automatics, 1 3-speed Manual)
- I engine stand build (my own design, from scratch, needed for above engine rebuilds)
- Numerous other component or system rebuilds/restorations for above 3 cars (Axles, Brakes, Chassis/Frame, Suspension, Steering, Electrical/Wiring, Custom Fabrication of Parts, etc).
- Preparing to remove/disassemble/strip/refinish a rolling chassis/frame from one of the above cars along with complete overhaul and refinish of all its related components.
- Replace some rusty panels/ sections in the trunk area of the above car while the frame is off (I've already fabricated all replacement panels/sections)
- Re-organizing/Servicing some shop and storage equipment/facilities/tools/etc. (I've been throwing a lot stuff, including NOS parts, etc to dumpster)
- Selling, Packing & Shipping parts I reproduce.
- Assisting couple of clients buying or selling vintage cars.
- Expecting another car (for me to work on) to be delivered in couple of weeks (Unfortunately, I agreed on this already months ago, but hopefully it won't take more than 30-40 hrs).
- Etc, etc, etc ....
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Been attending various Monterey events since early ‘90s and planning to continue.
Went to Carlisle/Hershey swap meets twice, ‘89 & ‘90, IIRC, but have no interest or plans to do it again.
Hauled and displayed a clients car (my restoration) at Amelia about 15 years ago, no plans to go back there either.
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Here’s a fun(?) little quality(?) comparison of various equipment.
First picture:
On the left is the engine stand (holding a ‘56 Imperial 354” Hemi) I built 25-30 years and which I’m fabricating a copy of to mount the engine (‘60 Chrysler 413”) on the right onto.
The “new”, as in never used, orange & black engine stand in the middle was just given to me by a friend and it has a label stating 1000 lbs !!! capacity. I don’t know about any of you, but there’s no way I would try using it for either of the engines in the picture, even if they were stripped of all accessories.Perhaps it could safely(?) support some small four cylinder (Fiat 600, early VW, etc) engine, but then those often are light enough to just manhandle on the workbench as is.
On the very left, holding a cast iron 3-speed automatic transmission from the aforementioned ‘60 Chrysler (300 F) is one of my wheel dollies. Technically it’s a two-piece unit, consisting of a +/-10” high base dolly + a +/-15 height extension allowing the car on them sit much higher if/when needed. Each of the 6” casters on each dolly is rated at 900 lbs load capacity (i.e. 3600 lbs per each dolly = 14400 lbs total capacity for four dollies).
Second picture:
Mine vs. a store bought (I’m guessing Horrid Fright and less than hundred bucks) w/1000 lbs !!! capacity.
I’m not sure I can or dare to use latter for anything.
I can’t even see myself giving it to anyone as the word of such crappy gift could come back and haunt me.
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On 2/21/2022 at 9:36 AM, TTR said:
As far as I know, neither exists, but if you find quality ones, I’m all ears.
I made my own with casters and materials capable of supporting (& easily movable with) 3500+ lbs car on each one of them, but then again, as someone who takes (vintage) cars and everything I do to or with them seriously, cheap isn’t nor has ever been an option.
Having never had enough money to waste, I can’t afford to be cheap.As another point of reference to quality expectations I have for my shop/work equipment.
Due to needing another engine stand for my shop, I just spent over $600.- this morning on materials alone and now have to spend several hours to fabricate it.
So, theoretically, if I'm allowing myself generous hourly rate discount, the total cost will be at least $1500.-, but on the other hand, I know I won't find equal quality for less, especially when I need one right now.
I've already built two, one about 25-30 years ago (and now copying its design*) to accommodate conventional back-of-the-block mounting and one I designed/built +/-15 years ago to accommodate dual side mounting required for longer engine like Ferrari V12s, etc.* When I originally built it, to test its strength, I mounted a '57 Chrysler 392" Hemi with all its accessories (incl. A/C compressor, etc) on it, carefully stood on top of the engine and bounced myself up-and-down to see if the stand would break or falter. Had it broke, I would've designed and built a stronger one.
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Since my year round, weekly/bi-weekly leisure drives in my PB Roadster commonly include high elevation, mountain routes*, I carry chains as they are often required during winter months.
Having had grown up in society where severe winters and snow levels are/were common and all able bodied/mind young men are required (= MANDATED 😉) to receive at least a year’s worth of basic defense/military training, etc I’m well acquainted with use of chains, as some of my/our aforementioned “training” involved operating various types of motor vehicles in the deep snow and/or locations with no roads.
*Here’s a view of one of the local mountains where one of my favorite leisure drive routes (Angeles Crest Highway) is located.
Picture taken 10-15 minutes ago.
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On 2/21/2022 at 9:27 AM, John_S_in_Penna said:
I recently bought a car and talked to Bill's Auto Works,
who wrote to you above. He was unable to do it, but
he gave me references. I chose one of his references
who was close to the area, and that transporter, with
a one-car enclosed trailer, did a fine and conscientious job.
So this is a recommendation of Bill and his referrals.
4 minutes ago, rbh3rd@yahoo.com said:On recommendation from Bill, I just booked with Dave Phelps (@Rusty_Tinman) and am very grateful.
Thank you gentlemen, this ^^ is were the real value of online/web forum recommendations lay.
Way too often people ask recommendations for various services in forums like this, but neglect to provide feedback (good or bad) on those which they received and follow up on.
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3 hours ago, 1wonton said:
Thank you for the input; both carriers have a 4-6 week scheduling period (then no guarantee), I am looking for an earlier pick-up date.
None of the large carriers will give you an exact date until they have full or very close to it for that route.
OTOH, they will likely give and guarantee sooner pick up date to suit your schedule if you book the entire truck.
Air transport is another quick service option.
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What the heck are you guys moaning about again ?
Just consign your old/used car(s) with Barrett-Jackson or Mecum auctions, so you too can be rolling in the dough and laughing all the way to the bank because some nitwit with more dollars than sense will pay crazy prices(s) for all of them..
Problem solved.
BTW, what is a “sticker shock” ?
Something electrifying ?And so far, I haven’t seen anyone holding a gun at my or someone else’s head forcing me or them to buy anything, let alone a car. Maybe I live in in a different reality or universe than some of the AACA forum members ?
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On 2/17/2022 at 2:23 PM, James Matthews said:
I am looking to buy a set of wheel dollies. I was wondering what is a good brand to buy as well as good place to buy them.
Thank you.
As far as I know, neither exists, but if you find quality ones, I’m all ears.
I made my own with casters and materials capable of supporting (& easily movable with) 3500+ lbs car on each one of them, but then again, as someone who takes (vintage) cars and everything I do to or with them seriously, cheap isn’t nor has ever been an option.
Having never had enough money to waste, I can’t afford to be cheap.-
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What does the tires & tubes bought at a swap meet +/-25 years ago and now, decades later, are exhibiting problems has to do with Coker Tire ?
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13 hours ago, J.H.Boland said:
Taking photos isn't anything new in our family. My grandmother was documenting farm life with a Kodak box camera as early as 1907. She developed them herself in her own darkroom too.
13 hours ago, 8E45E said:Thank goodness for people like her who were astute enough to document history with photographs.
Yeah and to think if people like her would’ve been crying foul about any and every latest modern feature and gizmos the world was bringing forth at accelerating pace even back then.
Of course they didn’t have their favorite internet forums to do that on, but just think what general store clerks or mail carriers had to put up with such chicken littles back then.
One can easily see those luddites and old-time “geezers” back then cursing out the modern motorized contraptions taking over the world, while in their minds, animal drawn carriages/cart/coaches or even old fashioned walking would’ve sufficed.
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How much (hands-on) experience you have with “antique auto upholstery” ?
Are you intending to focus on “authentic” restoration of (pre 1940 ?) interiors or just do whatever the customers want you ?How large is your expected (local ?) customer base for the type of service you’re intending to provide ?
Etc, etc, etc,…
And same questions (& more) can be applied to pretty much any type business you might consider venturing into, but perhaps more so if contemplating something in the field of “antique” automobiles.
I don’t know where you’re located, but here in SoCal there are thousands or more upholstery shops, most of them claiming to be experienced or specialize in antique/classic/etc cars and I can drive 15 minutes any direction from my shop to find couple of dozen of such, but I wouldn’t give them jobs on my clients (or my own) cars if they offered to do everything for free, materials included.-
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Interesting topic.
While I don’t have an answer at this moment, I recently came up with similar (but different) engineering math question regarding engine rev’s.Is there a somewhat easy/simple math formula to determine maximum (safe) engine RPM, e.g. “redline”, for stock configuration common, 50+ years old engines for which the manufacturer never provided such information ?
Let’s say, for example, some 1950’s Buick (or whatever brand) OHV V8 ?
P.S. Apologies for hijacking OP’s thread.
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While I’m not a high volume seller (or buyer) on Ebay, I’ve been involved with it over 10 years and never really had problems with my transactions.
OTOH, most of my seller listings are set with “Buy-It-Now” prices and mainlyintended for general advertising/marketing for those who may not know my (specialty) products. Doesn’t cost me anything to have them sit there for months/years and if someone buys one of them, I just relist another. No biggie.
Most of the people who need my products, either know or hear from someone else I have them.
As buyer, I don’t have time to peruse things I don’t have a real need for and rarely consider anything listed as an “auction”, but if I do I might contact the seller with direct offer to stop the clock and bank on the money.
Unless the enthusiasts/hobbyists one-time/single car offering is something truly exceptional/unique and potentially high yielding, like all other auction houses, BaT seems to give a preferential treatment (= prompt listings, reserves, etc) for their high-volume consignors/partners (= dealers, etc), with whom they too seem to have become engaged in with market/value manipulation/perceptions.Well, someone wisely said long ago something like “There’s one born every second/minute/hour/day !”.
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It appears (again) my comments or message they were intended to convey got misunderstood, probably due to English not being my first language and never having received any formal education for it (or anything else for that matter), so I wish to apologize for any confusion or offenses they may have caused here.
First, my comments weren’t intended as some wholesale “conspiracy theory” against ALL auction sales or reported results.
They were merely made in hopes of eliciting some common sense thinking and healthy dose of skepticism on these crazy/inexplicable sales, e.g. like someone allegedly paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for bling’d up resto-modded ‘6? Pontiac Corvair, ‘7?Jeep Cherokee, ‘8? Ford Van, etc vehicles which one can find countless comps available everywhere.
While I admittedly can’t offer any specific “proof” regarding my claims, or should I say suspicions about these inexplicable “results” (= achieved prices) being nothing more than bogus marketing gimmicks, I have been involved with this hobby for 4+ decades and more often than not, have not seen evidence suggesting otherwise.
Additionally in these past 40+ years I’ve met and know numerous wealthy, individuals involved in this hobby, but never met any of these “bidders/buyers/collectors” who would just throw money away, like has been claimed at these “reported result” prices at these circus-like events in past 30+ years.
Again, I am and have always been curious if anyone (here ?) personally know individuals that have been either the consignor or the “winning”(?) bidder at these “inexplicable” prices in past 30+ years I’ve been hearing about them ?
Or have themselves been one or the other ?
Or, how many of these “off the chart” priced vehicles have anyone actually seen, weeks or months later, at some major (or even minor) events/shows with the new owner proudly exhibiting it to the worshipping masses ?
Given that these “winning(?) bidders” are generally perceived as egotistical “maniacs”(?), wouldn’t it make sense they’d like to show off their grand exploits at any chance available ?
Or, has anyone (here) had an opportunity to see “the books” of auction companies, allowing them to “follow the money” trails of these “inexplicable” transactions ?
If one stops and thinks about it a bit, it should be obvious that “reporting” A FEW (unverifiable ?) AMAZING results will keep publics interested focused on auctions and what (supposedly) happens in them (kind of like some follow other “reality” entertainment, incl. Kardashians or “professional” sports, etc ?).
It should also be obvious that it is auction companies, especially those with TV coverage, best interest for their own survival and sustainability to (self-)promote their own abilities to sell (some) vehicles at “inexplicable” prices so that individual car owners (enthusiasts/hobbyists ?) will consider consigning their car(s) with them (in hopes of bigger payout ?) instead of trying to sell it elsewhere or independently.
Also, it might be worthwhile to keep in mind that just about all automotive auction companies, including those specializing classic/collectible/vintage/etc vehicles are in the business of selling used cars, nothing more, nothing less.
And if they can make it appear more circus-like with some amazing entertainment acts, it should be obvious more people are going to find them alluring**.
In my mind, all this is just business and marketing 101.
*How many here believe everything else they hear/read/see on the books/magazines, internet, movies or TV, etc. without ever questioning or wondering about legitimacy of it ?
Or how many here actually believe everything all other used car salesmen, advertisements or infomercial/telemarketing shows claim in their sales pitches, i.e. “This is the greatest sale event with best prices we ever offered, blah, blah, blah !”, etc…
Besides, who would sit & watch hours on end tons of mediocre (at best) old/used cars being auctioned off at mediocre (or below) prices if it wasn’t for some (faked ?) excitement, glitter & other BS sprinkled in between…
… or …
… watch some of those car rebuilding(?) TV shows without scripted/edited “drama” (a la “Housewives” or “Kardashians” ?) instead of hundreds or thousands of hours of mostly boring(?) hands-on/hard work it actually takes to get any of them done ?
Yeah, I understand all these TV shows are meant to & can be entertaining, but are really they all real/true ?
Just curious.
Or perhaps I just take this hobby too seriously ?
Rant over and out, thank you for reading.
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OK, gentlemen, let me try to make this very clear.
Believing that these outrageous prices at specialty car auctions, especially those on TV, are all real and that someone “with more money than brains” actually pay such monies is like believing in Santa Claus or Tooth Fairies.99% or more of these “crazy results” are just marketing gimmicks developed and employed by auction companies to make people talk about (especially in forums dedicated for such vehicles, like this one) and eventually consign cars with them in (false) hope of a big pay day.
While there are plenty of wealthy folks doing inconceivable (or stupid) stuff all the time, there aren’t that many spending their money on cars that nobody else would.
Again, until someone (any of you ?) provides me with verifiable proof of these crazy money prices actually being paid, I continue to believe they are just BS, nothing more, nothing less.
And this same BS has been going on for as long as I can remember.
I recall 30+ years ago people being flabbergasted about some absolutely insane prices (allegedly) being paid at BJ’s and other similar circuses.
With the introduction of internet/online and TV productions, it all became and will continue to be even more inevitable.
Production of on-going and sustainable content isn’t cheap.
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Yaaaaaawwwnnn !
Every time I see one of these threads, I become more and more convinced G. Carlin was accurate with his assessment of "an average person and half the people/population".Someone call me back when any of you have independently/personally confirmed with a few actual buyers and/or sellers of these (alleged) outrageous/unusual auction sales having been real and money actually exchanged hands.
Oh, and I will expect to see real proof also.In the meanwhile I just assume anyone believing TV show BS like these also believe other "Reality TV" shows, Santa Claus & Tooth Fairies, etc being real too.
P.S. In past 4 decades I’ve met and personally know a fair number of individuals who have bought vintage cars at specialty auctions (including BJ and Mecum TV circuses) and while many have paid more than an equivalent or better car could’ve been purchased privately, none have ever paid anywhere near something like twice (or more) the “perceived market value” of such vehicles, including quite rare ones.
OTOH, just about all have acknowledged it having been stupid of them to buy such car at an auction and most learned quickly from that mistake...-
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??????? & ???
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3 hours ago, 8E45E said:
Photocopy it several times, changing the settings a notch each time (contrast, dark/light, etc).
Each setting might make different characters legible enough to make out.
Craig
Exposure to bright light used in camera flash or copy machines may cause unexpected damage to the original document…
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5 minutes ago, Graham Man said:
My guess in the day these cars were designed to last maybe 5-8 years?
Well, to be fair, just about any and all cars made in past 100+ years, including current ones, were designed to last "maybe 5-8 years". Some perhaps little longer, while others little less.
No automotive manufacturer designs or wants their products to last much longer as that would defeat the purpose of making/selling increasing amount of new ones in the future.
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I’ve heard/read “Fiat” corporate event was rather lackluster in attendance by both cars and people.
Few months back, I was considering entering couple of vintage “Fiats” to a model designated “special” class they featured (or were supposed to ?) this year, but glad now I didn’t bother.
Are the crowds at M-a-L huuuge or at least biggest ever ?
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On 1/21/2022 at 5:45 PM, edinmass said:
Although some call me Don Fanucci!
And what happened to him ^^ after becoming too big for his britches… ? 😳
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@edinmass Thanks for expanding.
It's just that I too have cut up a fair number of, mostly postwar American, cars for parts and while many came with Titles and VIN, etc tags attached, I've taken efforts to prevent them to be used in unscrupulous manner. Most of my experiences were 20+ years ago and most of the parts, especially (West Coast) sheetmetal, ended up in northern Europe.
Besides, I've heard, read and seen plenty of (bad) examples where cut up car's single "identity" has been used to not only recreate one but several carbon copies of not only what it was, but also other, more "desirable(?)" models of similar car.
Somebody recreates the "identity" around the chassis or even just (stamped) front crossmember, while other(s) might do same with the engine or the body, etc.
Some of this continues still today, especially in the realm of high-end, postwar Italian sports cars, etc and surprisingly many nice, complete, running & driving lower end examples get "sacrificed" (or should I say "butchered") to recreate fakes of higher end models. Really sad.
Looking to hire (shop) help … Riverside, CA
in General Discussion
Posted
And to make this sound even crazier/scarier, of all listed tasks or work, I can, do or have done most of it in-house/myself, but after 3+ decades and no longer being a thirty something, it has become apparent I could use some help.