Steve_Mack_CT
-
Posts
5,804 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
2
Content Type
Forums
Gallery
Events
Posts posted by Steve_Mack_CT
-
-
You guys may think this car is restorable just because the wood is good, but personally I think your barkin' up the wrong tree. I would leave it alone.
For anyone here familliar with the Bring A Trailer site - "Bring a Lumberjack"...
-
Jim, congrats on the car.
On paint you should be able to ID the original color with either a Packard or aftermarket color chip chart for '41 as most of the literature guys have that. My '39 120 was "Havana Beige" and a very similar if not same color carried over, I believe for at least a couple of years because I have seen it on subsequent Packards.
I see your MB related posts from time to time on "BAT" but had forgotten you had an interest in Packards as well. Thought you had a 110 - did you move it along to get this one?
-
Phil, I definately think so. I started paying attention to more than just the T Speedsters through my pal Tom Laferriere, who has had/built a few ALFs and such, in addition to a pretty cool T speedster in his personal collection. the more I find out about the history of this genre the more interesting it is to me. It seems a lot were built in the 50s such as the Corbin I posted elsewhere here under "notable Speedsters".
We bought the "T" for a few reasons, first, for a project as most of my cars have been ready to go or in need of only minor work; and I wanted something with a little more to be done. Second, the early sporting/speedster style cars have always caught my eye, and last, to experience a very early car as most of our prewar cars have been between '30 and '41. This may help us decide if we want a bigger brass car at some point, but for now anything I need is not that hard to find vs. a larger chassis project, which we were considering.
The cool thing about these cars are you have some room for creativity, and it seems the restoration and hot rod groups both seem to like them. Personally I like everything in period, which seems to be what most prefer. A speedster is definately a different car than even a traditional hot rod (great cars as well) so it is more or less accepted by most in the restoration crowd, and most T people. I think Speedsters represent the majority of Model T activtiy these days, as well.
I would no sooner trash a solid original car to make a Speedster than I would a hot rod, but it is a great use for a complete chassis on an early car where the body and or wood are gone anyway, which is how many came to be, I think in the 40s - 50s.
A look at T Speedster and "Prewar speedsters & Gow Jobs" Facebook pages also points to strong/growing interest.
Are you thinking of jumping in, Phil?
-
Butterworth is the guy I was thinking of, Ronald.
I met a fellow in upstate NY (possibly outside your radius) who is not online that I am aware of, but does a LOT with speedsters - he has a Mercury bodied T (NFS) and may be a good contact in general for you. I have his contact info at home (in office right now) and can get it for you if you want to reach out, his business card suggests he is heavy into Speedsters.
Love the period cars as well, however, with the assistance of Mr. Rootlieb's products, and a talented prior owner, "coachwork" on mine mine dates back to the 2010 - 2014 period...
-
Ha "day care for adults" does ring true at times, and not just as it relates to this discussion. Club politics has a way of creeping in - just human nature, I guess.
On clubs I do not think all is lost for the purist, if their is a true market demand for clubs that focus on the purist in the future, someone will fill it. Personally, I would rather be part of a smaller organization that fits my needs than a larger group - cannot believe I am alone here, niche enterprises exist everywhere and I do not see purist oriented clubs as any different even if they span multi marques. in fact, this should only strengthen AACA if we stay true to our mission. It is tough to see a club you may have been an active member of for decades change, but you do what you can do, as John is here, at the end of the day, worst case, you vote with your feet. It really depends on the will of the majority I think, some clubs may be so focused on growth they are willing to compromise, others may hold fast. This is certainly a good "case study" for those with similar concerns.
Looking forward to John's next update...
-
If you cannot find the real deal you may want to check out the MTFCA forum, someone recently advertised that he is planning a run of reproduction bodies similar to what you are looking for. Those Mercury bodies are pretty cool.
I am aware of an older open (Bearcat/Mercer style wood platform and steel cowl (on the steel cowl, Rootlieb does not do these but but I believe a company called Syverson used to make them, but they are largely out of that business now and I am not sure if this is a Syverson platform or some other type. In CT and still available, as far as I know.
-
Steve M. - your concerns are understood on road safety. My observations are based on several year's experience. It is really hard to police someone who leaves the show, and you can hear the burnouts, etc. and know where it is coming from; but they are up the road and even if you see the car your abilities are limited. That is why I mentioned this as a concern - simple fact is you run a higher risk of that with a lot of modified cars around - your going to have someone showing off. (I appreciate those cars and am not trying to stir any pots, but that seems like a common sense concern to me). No longer on the local region BOD but I can bring the concern back of course. This is another reason I see these as two separate hobbies, I know many do not, but the distinction is critical to me, for many reasons although that has been discussed here too many times.
I will say as a "walking recruiter" for several years at our show that I spoke with many hot rodder/modified types on AACA and did not turn a single one into a member. I have had success in other venues, but maybe that is just my experience and not reflective of things overall.
John I hope you recover quickly, and get good news on the club front.
-
yep, not to go too far astray although related, I agree with Helfen's stance on all AACA activities. Kind of come around on that as our local show has always made it a point to be "all inclusive" with spots for modifieds as well as moderns (i.e. someone with a new Corvette, for example) - modifieds judged in a few specific classes, and moderns popular vote but participants in that class. I used to think this was good overall, and without a doubt it has added to show participation, but at the cost of making our show unique.
After a few years I do not believe it has had any impact on AACA national or local membership at all. No one really knows how to best judge a modified using our system - we just ignore taste, etc. and go on workmanship - but more important no one in the club wants that task! Also we have had space issues in our venue, annoying all classes in certain years, as well as some misbehavior on the road when leaving the show which reflects on us with the town, etc. I would change it but I am in the minority in our region, so I think that policy stands for the long haul. Funny as the same guys who insist on the modifieds fight about who gets "stuck" judging them year over year. All in the name of growth and show income.
Personally, I would love to see all AACA events follow the same rules, but given the general direction of things, that is unlikely. I do enviison the line holding at the national level though, which helps makes events like the Hershey show timeless.
-
Tom is not really an antique and classic car dealer, he is a rabid collector who finances his many great adventures by buying and selling antique and classic cars...
-
1
-
-
Congratulations on a great find, Ron.
-
interesting thread and hopefully the family elects to keep and enjoy the car. We do not know just how long ago Dad purchased the car, and what he was told about it and for what kind of money. Could be he paid what it was worth at the time, or (hoepfully) worst case, only somewhat more than he should have.
What would add value to this car to me, but might be a tall order, would be to know who built it, when and why. Then the conversational value increases a lot - from what I can see, the workmanship is not bad and it has a better overall appearance than a lot of "Bitsas" or speedsters. My imagination tells me this was possibly a 60s build, to emulate a pricier brass car like a Thomas. But that is just that, imagination.
In any event, good luck with it - agree on leaving it as titled, to minimize the hassle factor, as long as your state is not looking to collect property taxes on a true Thomas! :-)
-
These exit under the fenders a couple inches in front of the door jambs - another place to check.
Water on the floor may also be the result of drip from AC condensor - but given the wash scenario my money is on the drain tubes as well.
The best site for you car is: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/
Those guys are more "PG" to "R" rated vs. our largely "G" rated forum here, but a knowledgeable group for sure.
Congrats on one of the better cars of the era, IMHO a bit underrated but if you want to see opinions on value trends you will see plenty on the BW site as well.
-
Not too strange, but I found clues to the prior owner's lifestyle in the '89 MB 560 SL - out of curiousity one day I opened up the factory first aid kit one day and a bunch of condoms came out - I highly doubt they were OEM... He also had golf tees under the seats, and in the trunk. So I guess he was a "Playboy Type"...
A lot of times I have found other old car parts in the older (prewar) cars; or old tools.
-
Guy & Peter some very impressive RR - thanks for sharing the pics and the stories.
A while back I suggested a RR/Bentley section in the forum, but the idea failed to proceed...
IMHO the British section is a good venue for some of the really unique cars like a Railton, but the more common MG, TR , etc. are very well served by some other sites already. An RR forum here might draw more discussion etc. on Prewar RR and even the immediate post war models, of interest to me as I have thought about a Bentley R type or Mark more than once.
Anyway, to Packard42s comments I would also search this general discussion area - I recall some conversation on the newer RR like you mentioned. I think the Silver Shadows are attractive, but understand the complex braking is likely the biggest nut with those cars, I would do my research on that front first.
-
Espage, Location and contact info helps a lot on this site. Good luck with sale, looks clean, hopefully original wheels accompany...
-
Old Guy, Bill Wyman from the Rolling Stones just turned 78 today, so maybe it is all relative?
-
Good luck in your efforts, John. Every time I passed by the VCCA tent a couple weeks ago I thought of you, this thread and the issue at hand. Not a Chevy owner now (did have a '39, '48, '56 - all original cars) but definately understand the desire to keep to the original mission of the club, hope it goes your way, and glad to see the update on things so far!
-
Mine is pretty straightforward as well, my name shortened along with the home state - and while I mostly agree with Marty's preference for actual names vs. "cute online names" I also think the Internet shennanigans in general can drive one to seek a little more privacy. I no longer display my full name here, for that reason, although I am happy to connect via PM and have done so many times here to help and be helped by a generally great crowd.
I have a couple other "handles" that are more interesting. While not real active on H.A.M.B. (not as much time for all the forums out there), but go by "FastBrass" there in hopes the Speedster lives up to that name upon completion. Also, Old World Shepherds on a couple other sites - a reference to our (down to one, unfortunately) "Old World" German Shepherd Dogs - a passion Mrs. Mack and I both share. They tend to be straight backed, larger and long haired with rich color in their coats. Truly "Full Classics" in the world of dogs!
-
Guys one more thing unrelated to my quesitons - regarding Rootlieb's custom work - seems like a lot of non-T speedsters in the works these days, I bet he would do well to come up with a line of simple, semi universal flat fenders - maybe not for the ALF guys but more for the smaller, non Ford projects?
-
Thanks guys! Learning a bit aobut these - my restored chassis came with a very well done platform & stock Rootlieb hood set up; so my cross roads is whether to keep what I have, and work with that or buy the whole Rootlieb kit & sell off some of the other stuff. This feedback is really helpful. Guy, I understand and agree - 2" may not sound like much but when you really study these things you can see where some people hit the mark and others not so much in terms of proportion. You may not be able to make a Mercer or Bearcat out of a "T" but I do want the best period look I can acheive. I s/w Tom Rootlieb @ Hershey, who was very helpful, he even suggested moving fenders forward a bit if my heart was set on Speedster fenders, but again, I do not want a weird looking car.
In favor of keeping the current set up - what has been done seems to be done well, and I do like these just fine with the stock fenders, I am really going to consider the earlier 1912 vs. 1914 fender set up, Guy, as I had not thought about that option before and appreciate the suggestion. Also already have a fire engine single seat that I think will help set it apart a bit, with some cool nickel grab bars, so I do not really need the buckets. I have decided that this thing needs to drop a bit as discussed elsewhere, but maybe not as much with this set up. I will say some of these with the non speedster fenders, when low enough, achieve a nice long look, and not stubby.
In favor of complete Rootlieb kit is the proportion of the longer hood which looks great in any configuration, and if I am not mistaken, I would likely need to do this if I was ever to do any kind of OVH set up - was not thinking that initially but you never know. I figure hi comp head, better intake and exhaust will likely work fine for a fun car. Also, once you spring for it - everything is included, dropped axle, etc. etc. These tend to look sharp when they hug the ground, which involves more mods beyond the 2 - 3" drop the kit provides than we are planning for our first build.
One last question for you Guy (I really appreciate picking your brain both now and in prior exchanges) - how much steering wheel drop does the wedge give, assume it fits under wooden block and I will need to make some adjustment to the opening on the firewall - I don't mind this as I believe you can cover that work with a larger plate from Lang or one of the others.
THANKS
-
This Mercer really defines the speedster genre to me, along with the contemporary Stutz Bearcat. I took a few pics of this at the Dragone tent a couple weeks ago @ Hershey, and now see where it sold for $1.6 M - interesting history, as I am sure is the case with all Mercers of this vintage..
-
Jeff, I happenned to see this Peerless in Dragone's auction results from last weekend. It sold for Model A money - or a touch under $14K - thought I would pass along to the Peerless guys. Lesson learned here is not every auction car is over the top price wise.
http://www.dragoneclassic.com/Auctions/fall-auction-2014/1929-peerless-61-four-door-sedan/
-
David you have added tremendously to this forum. If it took 200 cars to get to the sweet combination you now have, it seems to have been worth the effort.
-
Agree with A.J.'s comments about buying what you like. I would liken the Darrin/Auburn comparison to '61 - '63 Lincoln convts - why are certain Chevelles a few years newer worth twice these cars? And - will that bear out in years to come? sometimes values make no sense which just means they are not a reflection of your particular view on a given car. Other than "try not to do something really obvious as a bad move" the only other thing I would add is different cars are suited to different things.
A good friend of mine recently pointed out that regular (by that I mean occasional) use of his #1 grade showcar (a true investment vehicle) would degrade it - he enjoys the occasional concours with that car, which is probably ideal for it. We drive our SL a lot, and were at a cars & cofee yesterday morning, guy is all over our car, unfortunately I was in a conversation I could not break away from but did notice him leaving - in a beautiful '30 - '31 RR Phantom roadster, interesting he was interested in the SL.
Rusty, contrary to popular belief the R107s lend themselves well to handling the mechanical work yourself. A few parts are ridiculas in terms of price, and a couple jobs I could have done I elected to have done, but these are not the electrical puzzle many new cars are. That said, they remain cheap enough to buy the best unless you are a real hands on guy. Good luck with Mr. Mercer, if you guys do a deal, hope it works out for both of you!
1934 Mercedes 200 Cabriolet C (?)
in Automobiles and Parts - Buy/Sell
Posted
Agree with RU22. I think it is a very limited market - has to be a real hardcore MB collector as that price range (est. restored value) bumps up against some pretty desirable cars from the same era, including larger, more powerful open Full Classics. Personally, I would prefer a postwar open MB if a smaller MB was what you wanted, and a couple of interesting alternatives (open smaller MB) priced almost identically have been sitting out on HMN, for example, for nearly a year. I have to believe the buyer for ths car would be looking at those as well. Cool little car but tough to imagine restoration costs not outpacing the value - which of course is not unique to this car, it's just that he needs to find that MB person who just has to have it.
If this were mine, I might contact the MB CLassic center, see if we can come to an agreement on price, take a smaller, but nearly zero effort profit and be on my way.