Cars rebuilt from the scrap yard

[Ohjai]

What is the general feelings of a car that has been restored from the scrap yard?  Are there things to be wary of?

How is the resale of a restored scrapped car?

Thanks

Jim

 

[GARY F]

How do I delete this?

Edited January 22, 2022 by GARY F (see edit history)

[JohnD1956]

Are you talking about a car that now has a "Salvaged" title?  Surely a "salvaged" title would impact the value of the car.  As far as it being a good car, there is no reason it would have to be a bad car.  Probably depends on the integrity of the restorer. 

[NTX5467]

PICTURES of the "before" car would be important.  If the car had had serious body/frame damage, or even rust damage, THAT would be important.  PICTURES would show what was done and how, which if it all was done well (or better!, re-primering and sealing all of the welded metal joints, for example), probably not a real deal-breaker as to value (in spite of the additional labor involved in doing these things).  The other "unknown" issue might be the compentency of the person doing the repairs, too!

 

IF the car was just a car in the yard, complete, in decent shape, restoring it would be not much different than if it had been a rusty barn find, other than the issue of the "salvage title" or not.

 

KEY thing is to know what you're getting into.  IF you might feel uncomfortable, say "That's nice, let me think about it . . ."  Then leave not to return.  Continue your search, if desired.  EVEN if you might really like the car, what might happen to it in a few years if you bought it?  Which would then be on YOUR dime, even if you might have purchased it at a discount.

 

IF the work had been done by an acknowledged "professional restoration shop", it could stand to be a better car, but with a much higher selling price.  Still, look it over and ask for pictures.

 

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

[Rusty Heaps]

I currently have 5 field/junkyard rescue vehicles. Only one has a salvage title. If the car is reasonably intact and mostly rust free, then why not. They’re not building any more of them! Just inspect and plan to replace the entire brake system, fuel tank and line, suspension work, and rewire the vehicle. You’re probably going to have to do that on any restoration anyway. Then you can focus on the paint and body work, then the upholstery. Save the endangered antique vehicles! 😁

[Ohjai]

Thank you all.  From the comments, I get the  feeling it does not matter if a car is rescued from the "Crusher".  Just be careful doing the inspection to avoid unpleasant surprises.

 

Jim

[Smartin]

My pink 58 Roadmaster has a "rebuilt" title.  There is no indication that the car was in a terrible accident.  Front clip was repainted, but it's not cobbled together.  Sometimes those titles get salvage or rebuilt status because the repair cost would outweigh the value of the car at the time.