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ideas on classic vehicles

CaneyRiverDogCaneyRiverDog Member Posts: 147 ✭✭

Close friend lost a family member and was left a little cash. They are wanting to buy a classic car or truck with the money as a tribute. Outside of one classic car lot within a couple hrs drive not much to look at. Do any of you know a good source to shop for an antique??

Comments

  • buddybbuddyb Member Posts: 5,368 ✭✭✭✭

    Is Select Fire still gone? He was pretty knowledgeable in cool cars.

  • OakieOakie Member Posts: 40,510 ✭✭✭✭

    I find them on ebay a lot. Facebook marketplace is also a great place to find them local. Craigslist is another for local stuff. Been looking myself for a 56 Chevy truck or a willys pickup, for deer hunting. Love the classic cj5's also

  • Ditch-RunnerDitch-Runner Member Posts: 25,226 ✭✭✭✭

    just a word of advise

    I have looked at many cars in "great " like new" "restored" 99,5% were a fast paint job over terrible body work and rust and that was the good ones . no kidding

    if your not up to speed on what to look for take what ever car you find to a good reputable shop and have it gone over

    I watch a few you tube car guys one is

    Kiwi Classics and Customs

    he is a good fellow and has shown so many classic mustangs among others hacked together to sell in a flipper market and end up at his shop to completely do it right

    they look great but OMG a nightmare when put on a rack and actually looked over and he is just one of many such shops

    here is just one of his videos


    I would pick a car you or they like and research and make sure to go over it before any cash is paid out

    even if buying from a collector car dealer go over it or pay some one to do it better then being sorry

  • scooterdriverscooterdriver Member Posts: 1,184 ✭✭✭✭
    edited June 2023

    No specific recommendation, but…

    Buy from a reputable restorer. It’ll cost more, but your friend will get what he thinks he’s buying. I’d want a frame off restoration with photos of the work and documentation that the numbers matched.

  • Kevin_LKevin_L Member Posts: 2,011 ✭✭✭✭

    Lots here but buyer beware as others have said.


    🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲

  • Lady Rae Lady Rae Member Posts: 2,344 ✭✭✭✭

    My Studebaker found me... He was parked in a driveway I drove by every day.... I see them on Craigslist. Not long ago there was a excellent deal on a 1952 Studebaker truck with the original rebuilt engine.... Sold now. Just look. And if he doesn't know fixing them never ends. Mines in the shop as we speak. Hopefully this year we make it to the Auto Expo

    "Independence Now, Independence Forever."

    John Adams

  • Ditch-RunnerDitch-Runner Member Posts: 25,226 ✭✭✭✭

    couple more thoughts

    buy one thats done and was done right ask for photos and invoices as suggested

    unless you have skills to do the work and like spending all your free time then deep pockets to have it done anbd stuck in a garage for months or years

    avoid partial projects especially some one that have disassembled no way to know whats is good bad missing and finding parts is never a good time

    stick to a popular car or truck thats stock or close to it parts are easire to get and resell is also easier


    dont get me wrong I truly love the odd ball cars and trucks and short model runs of so many cars . but finding a fender or a part for a two year exclusive is a crazy

    any modifications also adds up to more possible issues like hot built engines . not always but just a heads up

    I have repaired and done about every thing possible to a car or truck repaired and replaced every part painterd and rebuilt every part . no not car show winner but very nice presentable I never got to paint enough to be really good

    take it from experience unless you like to tinker or work on one buy the nicest one if you have to go over your budget to get the best one you can and just enjoy the driving.'

    I would also look for one with creature comforts like a air conditioner for sure.

    vintage air is a great product from all I have seen and read i would not complain about it being installed they are amazing and if already added I would not think twice about it over a non AC version getting old helps that decision


    one last thing post what your buddy gets please


    my signature photo is one of my 69 camaros

  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,432 ✭✭✭✭
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
  • buddybbuddyb Member Posts: 5,368 ✭✭✭✭

    Ditch Runner is giving good advice.I see cars for sale that states"all it needs is a paint job".Guess whats the most expensive thing you can have done to a vehicle.I have a friend that was quoted15 grand to have a 68 Chevy pick up stripped to the metal and re done with top of the line materials and workmanship.

  • Ricci.WrightRicci.Wright Member Posts: 5,128 ✭✭✭✭

    I would look for an early Chevy Volt or EV1. Biden might let you drive that when he gets reelected.

    Ain't it purty?? I would put a set of Cragar rims on with some white letter tires.


  • Butchdog3Butchdog3 Member Posts: 940 ✭✭✭✭

    Research before you buy, nuff said.

    Keep this in mind there are reputable folks that know what to look for and willing to look over a prospective auto.

    Search for sale adds, c-list, fake book, auto trader magazines, and bigger cruze in's

    Watch for scammers

    Buy one that either needs no restoring or one that has been reputably restored.

    Buy one thinking you can restore it and save money, not going to happen.

    You would be lucky to sell it for half your expense.

    Happy hunting.

  • Bubba Jr.Bubba Jr. Member Posts: 8,304 ✭✭✭✭

    Find a copy of HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS. It will be full of antique/classic cars for sale.

    Joe

  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,381 ******

    You want to buy a classic vehicle? I don't think they're making them anymore.

    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • truthfultruthful Member Posts: 2,117 ✭✭✭✭

    Go online to Hemmings auto auctions

  • Ditch-RunnerDitch-Runner Member Posts: 25,226 ✭✭✭✭

    Worth a watch

    I watch several car channels on you tube

    One guy is uncle Tony's garage

    He has done and seen it all from working om several car magazines to about every drag racing category

    Any way he released a pod cast today that rang a bell about wanting or owning a older car and the traps people fall into

    He did a great job explaining plan on what you want and what you want to do with it

    Majority of people just want a older classic reliable turn key close to stock as in few to no upgrades getting away from reliability

    I get nothing and not plugging his chanel as many more i like just as well ..but he did a good job on the topic were discussing on here about buying a classic car

  • CaneyRiverDogCaneyRiverDog Member Posts: 147 ✭✭

    thanks everyone...

  • Zebra 2.0Zebra 2.0 Member Posts: 29 ✭✭

    Www.maplemotors.com


    Maple Motors in Hendersonville, Tennessee. They usually have Cool classic cars and update their inventory every Month.

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