MTFCA Forum

Like most of ya’ll out there I have a dozen T frames, a dozen front axles and around a dozen rear ends with driveshafts and radius rods. But today I met a fellow that wants to build many T chassis and restore motors. He even bought babbitt and lineboring equipment from Gene at Chickasha last month. What I’d like to know is fair market values for these items. All rear ends are ‘17-‘25. We’ve agreed on $325 for complete motors and $25 for individual crankshafts. Thanks in advance....

I think you are selling a little low. A good T crank has more value and a complete engine, the rods alone have core value of $140.00.

Not being greedy just realialty.

To each is own.

All the Best,

Hank

I think if you have someone who wants to put the parts to use you should make whatever deal makes both of you happy. Prices can be dependent on locale and situation.

Amdy

I agree with Andy.
If someone is buying quantity, you kinda have to cut a little slack, or lose the deal.
In quantity, you're probably not going to get much more for engines needing rebuilt.
Same with crankshafts, unless a EE...
Axles : $25-30
Rear ends needing gone through : $150-200
Unless something less common...
Just my guesstimate

Sounds like a new supplier is hoping to set up shop.

$$ to donuts your iron continues to rust after the transaction.

Prices sure do vary by location! I scrapped 30 pounds of rods because they were unsellable. 30 crankshafts went with them. I have 6 engines that for 2 years have just sat because they will not bring $200 each. Last Auburn CA Swap Meet I gave away 6 high heads none cracked, 4 transmission covers and 6 pans. The rear axle housings had gone to scrap as well. Don't think this is all in the past. In June at this years Auburn I plan to put in the free pile more than last year.

Hank mentioned core "value". I scrapped 2 dozen magneto field coils because the freight I would have had to pay was more than was offered for them as "cores".

And I'm sure no one in the hobby would have been interested in purchasing them for scrap price, either

now that we know that mag rings are worth only scrap, let's make a list of parts we'd all scrap rather than share with someone in the hobby:

1. mag rings
2. transmission covers
3. engines
4. rods
5. ?

I don't recall seeing any of these items offered in classifieds for scrap $.

is it something in the CA water, or is this attitude everywhere now?

Everything seems to be priced higher in California, and the shipping to the Midwest or East Coast can be a deal killer.

I was not trying to be greedy in anyway folks, just seems when getting a part, we pay.

I am all out for a helping others and giving package deals, volume discounts, etc.

Yes, freight is a deal killer about fifty percent of the time. I did not know the situation and was not implying anything other wise, but did not want to see an elder being taken advantage of either. Seems he was “asking”.

I am all in the game for helping others, especial someone doing a start up in keeping the hobby alive and well.

All is good.

All the Best to All,

Hank

boy! i would like to sell some at those prices!!!!!!!!!!! charley

I think I fell asleep for while! Did not know the demand and prices dropped that much. Wow, thanks to all for the eye opener!

If it is rebuildable I am going to shelved it for someone else for another day. I hate to see waste.

All the Best, and Thanks for the wake up!

Hank

My experience is that I buy for retail price and sell for wholesale price!!

Thanks for all the input and perspectives guys. Layden, I’m sorry to hear you dispensed with so many integral components like that. I’m with Scott’s opinion. But I’m getting old and don’t have anyone to leave this iron to so I’m dispersing in the cheap. And I’m amazed at the number of recent freight charges. Ex. I went to FedEx on a Monday to get a quote on shipping a low head to Butte. I informed the interested buyer of his $42.36 charge immediately and went to send it on a Wednesday and was told “”fuel cost increases”” sent the freight up to $46.52. Maybe this will make swap meets more popular. Thanks to all for the comments.

I shipped a head last year and it was $30 if I recall...

One of my pet peeves for over fifty years years, the guy that won't sell a part(or parts) for a decent price, but will sell them for scrap at a fraction of the price if he doesn't get his price. That goes for anything, not just T parts. I don't get it. Dave

d stroud wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 25, 2019 4:48 am

One of my pet peeves for over fifty years years, the guy that won't sell a part(or parts) for a decent price, but will sell them for scrap at a fraction of the price if he doesn't get his price. That goes for anything, not just T parts. I don't get it. Dave

Pride........just dumb, stupid pride. If the seller is demanding a high price for a common part and you refuse to pay it, he will arrogantly hold on to it.......until there are no buyers for along time. So he decides to scrap the part, rather than "cave" to what he considers "cheap" buyers. It never occurs to him that his asking price may be ridiculous in the first place. Seen it happen many time over the years and it's sad.

that junk layed in my yard for 30 years and no one even stopped to look at it let alone make an offer. charley

d stroud wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 25, 2019 4:48 am

One of my pet peeves for over fifty years years, the guy that won't sell a part(or parts) for a decent price, but will sell them for scrap at a fraction of the price if he doesn't get his price. That goes for anything, not just T parts. I don't get it. Dave

I don't get it either.

I've given away so many free old car parts over the years....I can't even keep track of it all.

My attitude has always been that you win in life if....as you're taking your last breath, all you have is your last nickel, the clothes you're wearing and a crowd of loved ones around you.

I love this old car stuff intensely but in the end it's just stuff.

As for your original question George, those initial prices sound fair. If the guy really is going to set up shop, make him a good package deal.

What a great philosopher you are Don. Thanks for your input. And Charley; I don’t think the previous comments about scrapping were directed at you. I hope to be consummating a totally reasonable ‘deal’ when I return to Texas. Yesterday was THF and today will Be Greenfield Village.... tomorrow Piquette. Any other Forum Friends at the Village today?

Selling old or Model T iron has a drawback. The shipping weight and cost can be more than what a part is worth. If it is desirable part that’s a different story. And of course how bad you want it.

Im glad to have great people before me save these parts. People like you George make this hobby great. A little $ in pocket and parts that get used. A good deal for the next guy and more usable space at your place. Win Win and keeps this T thing alive for next generation. If your happy and he is happy is all that matters.
Enjoy your trip!

Well, if a complete rebuildable motor were available near WV for $325, I would be all over one. Shipping from out west where it seems all the good stuff is, has become almost non affordable. - Matt

Awww... thanks Dallas. I do love the hobby - sitting in the middle of Greenfield Village now watching people pay $5 for an 8 minute Model T ride - but, I must confess, I’ve seen too many widows of Model T friends of mine get 8-9 cents on the dollar for their dearly departed husband’s T parts. Altho I don’t need the money to put a grandkid thru college, I’ll not scrap my “collection” either.

George House wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 25, 2019 2:48 pm

Awww... thanks Dallas. I do love the hobby - sitting in the middle of Greenfield Village now watching people pay $5 for an 8 minute Model T ride - but, I must confess, I’ve seen too many widows of Model T friends of mine get 8-9 cents on the dollar for their dearly departed husband’s T parts. Altho I don’t need the money to put a grandkid thru college, I’ll not scrap my “collection” either.

You're a good man George.

I need to get out your way and check out your cars...and go see your friend with the 54 Ford.