MTFCA Forum

I am thinking of making a small run of reprinted Stevens catalogs. It will be the same catalog T-106 that is online but in a paper book that is way more user friendly.

I have already made a test copy with my printer to sort out printing issues. With the poor condition copy I have and the online version we have found missing pages, and format problems, ect.

My main issue is going to be cost vs quality. Even using the least costly paper and printing, I am satisfied with the print quality. By stepping up one grade of paper I believe the print and pictures will be plenty good enough. The issue is how close to original do I wish to make it. The pages of the original catalog are in poor shape and will require a lot of "photo shop" time to get to look nice. The online source is missing pages, so everything is out of order from a "printing" standpoint. That is also fixable but again a lot of time is involved. If I was making a run of a 1000 or more catalogs, that time is not a big issue. But I do not see a market for a 1000 catalogs unless I was to get all the vendors to take a bunch and list them in their parts catalogs. ???. Maybe a 100 at most, with me selling them.

So for right now I am planning on doing 10 copies (maybe more) with all the fixes I can do for very little "photo shop" time. I think I can have all the main issues address to give a good flowing catalog with few noticeable problems. The main issue I will probably leave alone is the white strip down the staple line. It bugs me but it is the most time consuming fix of all. And really it is not a terrible deviation from original.

Right now it appears that the catalogs will need to sell in the 25.00 to 28.00 range plus shipping. And trust me, I am not really making a profit. I hope to not lose money, but profit is not really in the picture.

So I guess what Im asking is, how many may be interested in a "second run" copy.

For the few who would question "why" I am making these. They are a very valuable source of info when searching swap meets for these old tools. I wanted a "repro paper copy" to carry to the swap meets, and not the original.

Here are a few pics of the first run "test copy" The second run will address some of the issues but not all. But overall I think most everyone will be pleased.

I'd be in for one Donnie - I have the original "pocket" version (2 actually) but would like the larger format one for the shop.

Donnie, I would like to get a copy. A copy would be good reference source and is a must have for any model T restorer or avid T enthusiast imho.

Donnie, please sign me up for one, thanks for making this effort!

Count me in for one please.

I’m in for one

Me to, Love to have one

It may take me a little while to get the bugs worked out with the printer. This is just something I came up with to occupy me while I recover from surgery. Its amazing how bored a person can get when all I can lift is the weight of a gallon of milk ... So each time I go back for a doctor checkup I also go by the printer

The first copy cost me 50.00, the second copy will also cost me 50.00 plus the "photo shop" time. Then if Im happy with the results they will get cheaper the more I make. Since I do not see a endless market, I have to weigh how much money I want to throw at the project. This is not a money making project, but I do not want to lose a bunch of money either. But even with the quality I have right now, it is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY better than the old Zerox copies that we used to get years ago. The actual quality of print and pictures I show above looks better in person than in the pictures above.

Im not striving for a 100% reproduction. But I do want something to be proud of doing, and also be a very good refrence or research item. This catalog will be 80 pages long.

Donnie,

Yes, I would like one.

Thank you,
Terry

me too please, I think this will be valuable information while I fill in my missing tools.!!!!
Harold

Sign me up also Donnie.......... Dale

You can put me down for two please if you will. Don

I too would like one … I can't read but the pictures look neat!

Me too!

You can put me down for a copy please.

I also would be interested in one. THANKS,STEVE

Me too. We have part of one that covers some of the Model T tools but a full one would be great. Someone above talked about a pocket size one, could they post a photo or two of it.

Donnie,

Yes, I would like a copy also. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cutoff

Looks like I'll need at least 20 of the second printing.

The good thing is after I get the printing format set, I can order any amount I want with a minimum of 5 catalogs. The printer will always have my info for years to come.

The pocket version mentioned above was made as a reprint from an original several years ago. I have one of the reprints. I hesitate to post it as pictures till I can get permission to do so.

Hi From Iowa! I too would love to get a copy - if possible? Thanks John

Thanks to the online version of this catalog I was able to find a rare tool shown in the catalog. Now I must admit I missed it while looking at the online catalog, and a fellow forum member pointed it out to me when I asked on the forum what tool I was looking at, since I did not remember seeing it before. If I had a paper catalog at that time, more than likely I would not have missed it, when first looking for what it was. I was able to buy it for 23.84 shipping included. Without knowing what it was I may have passed up the buy. I probably will never use it. But it is a very nice tool for the collection. That almost missed buy is what started me on this printing adventure. The catalog I am trying to get reprinted has most of the tools in the catalog being "model T specific" but there are also tools that will work on Ts as well as other makes of cars. This cylinder gauge is one example of such tools. I already have most of the "T specific" tools in my collection, so for me it is the "other" stuff that interests me. Without a catalog, the obscure, unusual tools are usually just overlooked.

Here's the catalog I have - kinda large for a "pocket" though !

I would like one also

Hello Donnie,
I would like to buy a copy of the Stevens Tool catalog reprint also.
Many Thanks, Bill

Donnie, Put my name on the list as well. I would like a copy. Thanks, Darryl

OK, for now I am maxed out for the first run. If all goes well Ill do another run later. Thanks for the interest ....

Donnie, count me in for a copy.

The printer is currently making my second "proof" copy. If all is OK with the proof, then he will make 20 "test" copies for me. Those will be the copies for the first 20 people who have contacted me. After I see how the feedback is for the first 20 copies, then I can print as many as I want any time.

I know it may seem to be slow , but this could be a "money pit" if mistakes are made ....So I'm taking it one step at a time.

Thanks for all the interest ....

I'd like one too. Don't worry about the "money pit," I'm starting at that with a couple planned projects of my own.

Would you sign me up for a copy of the second run also when all is ready Donnie? Thank you.
Take your time, make sure all is well and we'll happily wait awhile. We don't have hay down right now.
Money pits: Right there with ya Chris. I'm working on an (OT Warning!) old tractor and by the time he's up, running and not even painted, I'll have enough in him to have bought a really nice/half early model T!
Can't drive that to town for ice cream...
Thanks for doing this Donnie!

Donnie, I'll take one when have some ready.
Jerry Young

Still waiting on the printer. With the holiday volume of business and rush, it may be January before I hear from them ....

This sounds like a have-to catalog.I can use one also Thanks --David

Update, ..... I went to the printer today to pick up the "proof" copy. It came out really nice, The lady who did the "photo shop" work really did a nice job and the proof came out nicer than I thought it would. I think they did more work than my budget allowed just because they seem to be a very nice company to deal with. So I placed an order for 25 of the catalogs. They are all spoken for. I plan on sending out this first 25 catalogs and request feedback from those buyers. If they are all happy I will then start accepting orders for runs of 25 to 50 catalogs at a time. All depending on demand. I can not try and keep track of any more than the first 25 buyers at this time. If you want to state that you are interested in a copy that will be fine, but I just can not keep up with pre order info. When I get the second run of catalogs I will post them in the classifieds for sale with all the contact info at that time. They will be 24.00 each plus shipping. I am going tomorrow to check on the best, and most reasonable way to package and ship them.

Thanks for all the interest, and I really think everyone will be pleased with the catalog..

I also would like one
tom leroux
hoitserviceinc@ca.rr.com
714 412-3200

I'll be watching the classifieds for the next batch. Thanks for doing this for us!

Donnie, when you're ready, let us in the first batch know what the cost is including shipping and how you want to be paid, thanks!

Mark, I should know in a few days how much the total cost will be. I know what the printing cost should be, but shipping and sales tax is not figured yet.

I am really happy with the way the catalogs came out. The photo shop work was great. The original had tears, water stains, holes, wrinkles. I know where they were but, now I really have to look to see anything.

I should have first batch ready to ship, sometimes next week. I want to have the catalogs "in hand" before I start contacting folks.

Again thanks for the interest. ...

Thanks for doing these, looking forward to my copy. Darryl

I would be interested in a copy of the tool book. I sell Model A parts. My Father bought load of parts and of course there was always lots of Non-A stuff and T- tools etc. misc. I know the tools for the A,s and the T's are very similar. I would love to id some of these. Right now I'm gathering up tools for a 1925. I thought the A's had a lot of changes (early, late, mid. and all points in between). I appreciate the help. do you know the price point. Thanks let me know. Also I might be interested in a few to sell in my shop and at the swap meets. again thanks

I picked up the first batch of catalogs today, So I will start contacting the first 20 people listed above. Those first 20 buyers are my "quality control". I hope every one gives me feedback as to their opinion of the catalogs. If all goes well then Ill order the second run and start selling them in the classifieds.

To help me with this first batch I ask everyone I contact (or contacts me) to please do the following: (Please read closely)

Send me a return e-mail to, dobro@artelco.com with the following
1 your "complete" name
2 your user ID (so I know for sure what name goes with what user ID)
3 your "COMPLETE" mailing address
4 and how you will be paying ( pay pal, check or money order)
5 first batch is only one catalog to a customer (sorry)
6 have the e-mail subject line have "Stevens Catalog" and your name or user ID in it.

I am selling them at 26.00 each and free shipping in the continental US. I will have to figure shipping for International.

My payment info is dobro@artelco.com for pay pal (I prefer "friends and family" but it is not necessary if you prefer "for goods or services" )
My mailing address for check or money order is:
Donnie Brown
8421 hwy. 336 west
Clinton AR 72031

I will do my best to get these out fast as I can, but Im "old" "feeble" and "walk with a limp" so please bear with me ...

email and paypal sent

Hi Donnie, I just sent you payment via Paypal and an email per your request.

E-MAIL SENT

email and paypal sent this morning
Harold

I have started processing the orders. I will have several ready to go out tomorrow. I will have to process the orders that are sent by e-mail first,just to keep confussion to a minimum. I'm not a shipping warehouse , so please bear with me.. I also always try to send a reply e-mail when I receive the payment. I probably will not send those e-mails this time. Thanks

Donnie; Would like a copy also when you do your next run. Thanks Ray

Best as I can tell, I'm number 25 above so I keep my trap shut and fingers off the keyboard right now.
Can't wait to hear feedback here! Exciting times!

Please put me on the list, Thanks.

After the dust has settled and my keyboard has stopped smoking from all the e-mails I have 5 paid with pay pal that will ship tomorrow, and 5 waiting on a check. So that is half of the 20 taken care of. Everyone did a good job of getting the info that I needed to me. I may wait till Sunday to start e-mailing the last 10 for their info. Maybe if Im lucky the other 10 will e-mail me with their info first. After this first go round, maybe I will have my system a little more organized before I do the second run. . Its hard to keep 20 peoples e-mails separated, Then throw in a few question e-mails, and my poor old brain is smoking. . I hope everyone is pleased with the catalogs, As I said before this project is not about making money, I will make a little profit, but that will probably just cover the gas going to pick them up and a foot long cony at Sonic for lunch. I just want to try and give a little back to a hobby that I love to be a part of.

To clarify something about the second run. I am not keeping a list of names for it. Its just to much work to keep it straight ( at least it is for me). But everyone who has said they want a catalog from the second run, just makes me know a second run is needed. I will list them in the classifieds for the second run and probably mention it in the main forum page.

Thanks again, and I think Ill go to bed now .

got my copy today. looks great, maybe a tad darker, only for picture clarification, on the next run, but overall GREAT !!!!!!!!
Harold

Thanks Donnie - my copy arrived today - great job !!! Yours is earlier than my pocket catalog as mine has my starter/generator kit and yours has the front spindle cone removal tool - all good stuff !!!

Sorry it completely slipped my mind, other things going on. I will take to Tom tomorrow about getting check out.
Mark

Payment sent by pay pal Sunday morning

Harold, That is a good suggestion. I will check with the printer to see if we can help the contrast a little bit. As to contrast, the original looks just like we printed the catalogs. It was in poor condition, with torn pages, writing on the pages, rust and grease stains. It, after all, is probably over 100 years old. We addressed those issues mentioned, but never really thought about contrast.

I have mailed over half of the catalogs, still waiting on a few checks, and one pay pal payment. And I still have a couple that have never answered my e-mails yet. I will try to contact them a couple more times, and then move onto next in line. I also had one person change their mind, and he did e-mail me saying so. So number 21 in line was notified and he was happy to take the other guys place in line.

Overall everyone has done a great job of sending the required info in the first e-mail. It really helps when juggling 20 buyers, lots and lots of e-mails, as well as various payments coming in at different times. not to mention I messed up and had some e-bay auctions running. So I had to juggle all of them at the same time. Next time I will not have any e-bay auctions going at the same time .....

After I receive a few more "feedbacks" I will be ready to do the second run. It looks like everyone so far is pleased wit the catalogs.

This has been a fun project, that required nothing "heavier than a gallon of milk". It was just something to do during my surgery recovery time, but it actually turned the recovery time into something good.

Thanks again for all the support.

Donnie,

I received my copy today. The USPS delivered it to the wrong home one street south of me with same house number, not common but happens both ways on rare occasion. That neighbor hand delivered it to me.

When I opened the envelope my first reaction after seeing only the cover was "WOW"! After glancing through the catalog "WOW"! After taking 10 minutes and reading some selected pages "WOW"!

I believe you and your printer found the appropriate selection of parameters for the reproduction of this item. You have posted in the past that they corrected many deflects that you did not expect them to correct. I would not change a thing. You are not passing it off as an original and it has a very clean background, my guess is maybe even better than the original. I am also sure the quality of the paper is much better than the original catalog. This is a wonderful reference document.

A++ that will hold up for many years.

Thank you,
Terry

Ditto that!!! Got mine yesterday and WOW it is great!!! THANKS, Donnie for doing this.

I received my catalog today and it is fantastic!

Now if I can only find a Stevens dealer near me to purchase all those handy tools and stands.

i'd like a copy. jerry sherer- 18934 fargo rd.- wilder, Idaho, 83676

Received mine Saturday. Outstanding job! Thanks Donnie

Will mail the last catalog tomorrow. So far everyone seems to like the quality. So I have ordered the second run of catalogs. I will be doing them in runs of 25 at a time. That way I will not be overloaded with orders. When I have the catalogs in hand, (probably next week )I will list them in the classified. I have not attempted to keep a list of names for the second run.

Overall everyone in the first batch did a good job of sending the required info in the first contact e-mail. That is very important to the seller (me) so confusion of handling multiple buyers is kept to a minimum. I only had one of the first 20 interested buyers never contact me again. After several e-mail attempts I moved on to next in line. One of the most confusing things , that I did not expect, is the two different names associated with each person. The user ID and real name are not always associated with each other to us sellers (me). It is something we can figure out, with a little bit of looking, but it's one more thing to confuse my ancient mind. .

So, I guess I will let this thread fade away and move all further efforts to the classifieds. Since the catalogs are now a "for sale" item. That is where they should be. Thanks for all the interest and input.

Have fun and be safe ........

I received my copy today.

It is Fantastic! Clear images on heavy weight paper. This is very nicely done.
I am quite pleased with this and I am sure you will be as well.


A big Thank You, Donnie, for producing these, Bill.

Got mine yesterday! Fantastic. Thank you Donnie.

Hi Donnie,

I received my copy of the Stevens Tool Catalog yesterday. It is very nicely done although I have difficulty reading the light colored print, my eyes aren't what they used to be. GREAT JOB!

Many Thanks, Bill

Bill, I have the same problem. My old eyes do not see as well either. The colors and print are very close to the original. It is actually a little better than the original to read. The old 90 to 100 year old catalog was really in poor shape.

The next run should be in soon.

I have listed the second run in the classifieds, any of the above interested folks that did not get a chance at the first batch please go to the classifieds .