| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-09-2011 @ 12:23 AM |
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I am not sure if your club offers some free advice. If so, I was wondering if you could answer the following question: I am new to the classic car market and interested in purchasing a 1941 Ford Tudor that has been restored and by only looking at pictures it appears to be in good shape. The owner is asking $24,000. That appears to be a bit high. Your thoughts??
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| 42wagon | -- 05-09-2011 @ 3:10 AM |
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Welcome to the Early Ford V8 Club If you are new to early Fords please take someone the is knowledgeable about these cars when you go to look at this one. At first glance $24,000 seems like a lot of money and all though the car may look beautiful there are a lot of details that could have been missed. If the car is in fact a $24K car and you wish to purchase it be sure it has a clear title. Be sure to check the number on the title against the serial number that will be found on the top of the left frame rail. If the numbers don't match walk away you don't want the grief involved with a miss titled vehicle.
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| tierod | -- 05-09-2011 @ 6:55 AM |
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LOOKED AT AN EXCELLENT 41 STD TUDOR, NICELY RESTORED FOR 16K. 24K SOUNDS A BIT STEEP.
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| trjford8 | -- 05-09-2011 @ 7:23 AM |
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42wagon gives some good advice. I also agree with tierod that $24,000 sounds high to me. The 41 cars are not as popular as some of the other models. I'm not knocking 41's as I used to own one.If I wanted a 41 I would look closer at buying a 41 coupe with the back seat(sedan/coupe). Always go look at a car with a knowlegeable person if you are a first time buyer. It will save you a lot of grief later on down the road.Since you are new to the hobby you might attend a few car shows and look at the various models of V-8 Fords. See what you like first(model, body style, color, etc). Once you figure out what you like then start your search for a similiar car. You want your first purchase to be a happy experience, you do not want "buyers remorse".
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| supereal | -- 05-09-2011 @ 10:09 AM |
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Tom's advice is "right on". I know that many members have no regard for price guides, but they are a starting point to gain perspective on the relative values of years and models. For instance, the OLD CARS guide shows a '41 Tudor in mint (rare) condition at $19,500. The #2 cars, those with an excellent restoration, are at $13,700. Sedans are always lower than unique or low production models. The '41 convertible gets up into the 40's, if immaculate, and the station wagons can produce double that amount if in top condition. A coupe in good condition is in a range at least 25% higher than sedans. The price you quote, as the others have noted, is much higher than most seasoned buyers would be willing to consider. If you do plan to deal on that car, at the very least have it carefully examined for mechanical and body problems. A well done cosmetic "restoration" has fooled too many. We have a '56 Chevy hardtop in our shop now, and it is a "ten footer". That is, it looks stunning from ten feet away. The owner just bought it, and brought it in to be made safe for a cross country tour. We found that the engine was worn out, and needed new heads and a new carb, for starters. He was assured by the seller, a dealer, no less, that the engine was a new "crate 350", when that engine is no longer available, in any case. He was curious as to why the driver's side door was hard to shut. We found that the left rear quarter panel was replaced, and the underlying structure was damaged to the point the panel and door sill was crooked. His pride of ownership in his new "investment" evaporated. ANY old car you are considering should be inspected BEFORE the deal is sealed, without exception. If the prospective seller balks, get away as quickly as possible. This message was edited by supereal on 5-9-11 @ 10:11 AM
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| ford38v8 | -- 05-09-2011 @ 2:50 PM |
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I agree with all of the above, and will emphasize some of those points mentioned: Do not buy a car based on pictures only. Take a knowledgeable friend. At the very least, crawl under and inspect the entire underside for rust damage to the floor. Use the available price guides as a reference to relative values only. Never lock in a deal based on those prices or the claimed conditions. In addition to the above, I would advise to agree to an inflated price only on the most perfect example of the model you can find. As rare as these cars seem, once you buy one, you will often find others you could have also considered. Alan
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| TomO | -- 05-10-2011 @ 7:16 AM |
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After you have inspected the car with someone that has experience with Ford in the 32 -48 era, and have decided to purchase the car, have the car appraised by a professional appraiser. He will know the range of prices for a car in the condition that your purchase is. You will have an easier time getting insurance for the purchase price if you have an appraisal and you will know that you did not buy too early. Tom
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| supereal | -- 05-10-2011 @ 7:57 AM |
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The term is "agreed value". This is important in obtaining insurance coverage. It stipulates the amount the insurer will be obligated to pay in the event the vehicle is stolen or destroyed. Usually, the insurer will require, as TomO suggests, that a formal appraisal be furnished. As an alternative, you may offer all receipts for the cost of restoration. When my '47 was rear ended a couple of years ago, I requested that an adjuster be assigned with old car experience. The total damage came to almost three thousand dollars, and even though the other driver was at fault, it would be tough to convince a non specialist that a 64 year old car was actually worth the amount. My agreed value was the key. Another important need is to insure with a company centered on old vehicles. Mine happens to be Hagerty, but there are others. Ordinary firms will just want to add the car to your regular policy, which can be a huge mistake with an antique or collector car.
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 1:32 AM |
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Great advice. Where would I find someone in the Turlock, CA area who would be able to appraise and check out the mechanical side of the vehicle?
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 1:33 AM |
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Thanks...would agree. Apprehensive about making deal without a 3rd party appraiser.
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 1:35 AM |
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Wow....learning from this forum has been very helpful. Will continue to read the great advice. Thanks.
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 1:39 AM |
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Thanks. I am from the state of WA and not having any contacts in CA (where the car is for sale)I am looking for some recommendations for an appraiser/mechanic. Any suggestions?
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 1:40 AM |
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Again....thanks for the advice.
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| TomO | -- 05-11-2011 @ 8:11 AM |
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I don't know any appraisers in Turlock, but Ralph Hubbard from Pasadena, Ca is very knowledgeable about the early Fords. Maybe one of the CA guys can provide his business address and phone number. Tom
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| OldIron | -- 05-11-2011 @ 8:13 AM |
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I bought a 50 Ford once only from pictures and found out that it was not as advertised. If you are a member of the EFV8 Club look in your roster to find someone in the Turlock area and contact them. I have done this several times with great results. I always offer to pay for their time and gas but they have all offerred to do it for free. You might also see if the seller of the car is an EFV8 member. If so ask if the car has recieved a Dearborn award. This would give you an idea how authentic it is. Finally, depending on the above, take the time to drive down and see it. I also live in WA and, when $24,000 is involved a few days trip to Turlock is a reasonable investment.
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| trjford8 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 8:28 PM |
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sthielwcd3, if you are a V-8 Club member check your roster for Terry Davis in Modesto. Modesto is only 15-20 minutes from Turlock. Terry is a long time member and is very knowledgeable about Ford V-8's. If you are not a member send a private message to my inbox and I will give you Terry's number. I don't put people's numbers on websites unless I know it is O.K. with them.
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 8:48 PM |
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Great advice again. Will do just that. We are flying down on Tuesday with no expectation. Sh*lly
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 8:58 PM |
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That would be great if you could provide. I am at loss with anyone I know down there so your recommendation would be appreciated. As mentioned, my wife and I are flying to Oakland then driving down to Turlock on Tuesday to view the Ford. If your friend is available and close by in Modesto, that would be perfect.I am new to the forum, so not sure, other than search how to find Mr. Davis. I might have to get back to you if stumbling. Thanks for the reply. Sh*lly Sh*lly
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| sthielwcd3 | -- 05-11-2011 @ 9:12 PM |
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Update.... I am not a paid member as yet, but of course will become one once I make the purchase of either the 41 in discussion or I find my preference which is a 40 or 41 Coupe (with opera seats). So, will probably will need some help in making contact with Mr. Davis. Thanks again. Sh*lly Sh*lly
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| TomO | -- 05-12-2011 @ 7:48 AM |
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To send a private message, click on the SEND PM box in trjford8's response to your message. Tom
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