RVAnderson

Hi Wayne: Nice thought; unfortunately, most old car guys won't take the time to read multi-syllabic words like "manufactured" and "precision" on signs. Whether they CAN or not is debatable, and a topic for another time. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In my view, one problem with "juiced" car prices (adding a premium in hopes of negotiating down to the original asking price) is that many swap meet folks assume that I have done the same with my reproduction parts, and will try to negotiate their prices as well.

The problem with moving out to where there are less restrictive zoning laws is that soooner or later, everyone follows you out there and they bring their laws out with them.

R.V. Anderson, spaces GBF 14 & 15; brass-era Model T parts--early ignition coils, pre-T Splitdorf and Heinze; Model T body wood.

Thanks for the info!

Has the car corral been moved again, to the old White Field area, or am I misreading the maps that came with the stickers?

Amen to that. Thanks to each and every one of you for taking time to share and respond. I'm glad I posted: I got to vent just a little, plus from you all I got some tips, tricks, techniques, and a lotta laughs. You guys are great. Hope to see some of you at the new & improved Hershey.

"one of the nicest guys you will ever meet" ??? Mike, you gotta get out more!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Skyking, I have let it go; it didn't ruin the meet or anything close to it. Clearly, the whole transaction revealed more about him than me (at least I think so), his epithet to the contrary. It's just good to sort of talk it over with the bunch of you. Second time it's happened, BTW. Another guy responded to an ad I'd placed in a magazine and begged me to let the merchandise go for about a third of it's value because it was "for (his) club to have on hand." I gave in, but my suspicions were aroused when he complained bitterly about a very minimal cosmetic defect on one component. Next month, he's advertising my same stuff (personally--not in any way for any club--for more than I was asking for it originally. I know, I know--"...twice, shame on ME."

With or without latches? This door was near NOS.

It was the earlier wood-framed door.

Responses to this true scenario solicited from experienced sellers at swap meets: 30-ish guy approaches; asks price of nice 20s Model T roadster door at space ($50). Begs for price to be lowered: cites hardship, dying father's project, etc. I feel for the guy, accept $15. Guy gratefully takes door, then yells: "SUCKAH!! I'm gonna sell this ____ for $75; I know a guy wants one bad!" How do you experienced folks respond at that point? (Feel-good retorts especially welcome.)

These insights are fascinating, exposing an aspect of the restoration world that I've only heard about. I have hired many folks to assist in my restorations, mostly machine shops, but never handed a car over entirely. Speaking of fender artistes--I once carried on an extended conversation with the owner of a "dip & strip" facility who was also very much a car guy. He told me of a Mercedes body that he dipped for the owner who just wanted a good re-paint. It came out of the bath with only 3 fenders. The fourth had disappeared entirely. Turns out, it had been made of paper-mache. Totally indistinguishable from the other 3 original metal fenders. The guy that did that needs to have some kind of award, in my book.

Mr. Push, I hope my post didn't come across as being critical of folks who pay big dough to the shops, or of the shops who invest in scholarly research to make their restorations factory correct. I was just surmising that if one of those were judging, they would naturally be drawn to a close inspection of certain details, and their restoration experiences would give them the background to be more critical ("nitpicky"??) than (perhaps) the self-taught restorer engaged in judging.

Or perhaps they nitpick because they've paid a big shop some mighty big $$$ to do their cars.

I have one, though it's a couple years old.

"The best way to learn and understand the judging system is to get involved with the judging system." I'd love to. But I'm restricted by my teaching schedule. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Quote: "If you want to have a conversation with somebody regarding which way the cotter pins were bent at the factory and DONT forget the overspray in ALL the right places.." <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Or which employees on which shifts were lefties, so you know which way to put 'em in? That's my kind of thing. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Terry, Steve, and Mr. P: Thanks for the information. I guess I find that "norm" disappointing. For me, it's like giving incorrect testimony in a hearing in order to "improve" what actually happened. If someone were to show a car that was hermetically preserved right off the showroom floor, 40-60 years later, the car'd get laughed off the show field, and that'd be a dirty shame. Oldtimers who go to car shows, and who well remember the cars when they first came out, are pretty unanimous that the jewels on display are "way better" than new. I don't think that it should be this way, but I guess I'm in the minority.

Has the club ever addressed the subject of over restoration such as clear-coated 50s chassis, or a mirror finish on what was merely dip-painted rough cast iron when it left the factory? Seems like the restorers should be researching the way these older cars actually were when new, instead of merely equating "new " with "flawless." In addition, it seems that these over (read "incorrect") restorations routinely receive top awards, thereby putting false notions into the public's minds. Seems to me that a glazed chassis on a Ranchero's as wrong as chrome on a brass-era car.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Hand brake left of driver (1915) </div></div> The humble Model T Ford had its handbrake lever to the left of the driver in 1909.

Thanks Steve. Will something be available online when things are "set"?

Anyone know if an online flea market/show field map showing the spaces is available yet?

You simply can't please everyone. May I respectfully submit that ANY show will attract some and repel others?? Car collecting is almost entirely a matter of personal taste, no?? Anything that is personal carries strong feelings because the holder of those feelings feels personally attacked by others who have equally strong but different preferences. Therefore, simply enforcing a cut-off year makes owners of excluded cars feel insulted, while a free-for-all, anything-goes donnybrook is a turnoff to just about everybody. No one should feel insulted at, say, the idea of a single-marque event, defiantly bringing his Ford to a Mopar meet. I suggest that if a group wants to emphasize cars of a certain time period, then make the show a "themed" exhibit with such things as owners dressed in period clothing, other period-appropriate exhibitors (say, for example, collectors of 50s toys, or WWI military items) encouraged to set up; live demonstrations (by all means have as much educating as possible take place). Relieve touchy-feely compulsions and educate at the same time by having a closely supervised "interactive" area with several "beaters" where folks can, for example, see what it feels like to crank an early car (IGNITION OFF!!!) or can sit in it for a photo (maybe for a donation to the club??)--Limit food and drink around the cars, of course, but be prepared to "take one for the team" when you have a bit of front seat cleaning to do afterwards. Fellow club members should be more than willing to help; the goal is benefit the club with some income and the hobby by some educating. Door prizes are excellent drawing cards, and for heaven's sake have something appealing for all ages. Just some ideas, maybe stupid ones, but if anything requires outside-the-box thinking, it's bringing folks to what is to them a memorable and meaningful show. I really don't see how a judged event and a fun-for-the-public event should be mutually exclusive.

I have always understood that the fellow who gets the service should pay for it. How 'bout I shovel out your neighbor's driveway and then hand you the bill for it? If anyone can convince me that trying to get me to overpay as much as possible for something is providing a service TO ME, I'll bid and then happily pay the BP, keeping in mind what is said about a fool and his money.