'33/4 Potters trunk info wanted

[Road Trip]

Hello Ford Barn. I recently acquired most of a Potters trunk and related parts for a '33 or '34 sedan. I have the main body, lid, bumper bracket extensions / spare tire mount, and a filler panel (but I believe it is not original). Main body needs some attention, but it is solid - has had some repair work done to it in the past. No floor, hinges or latches.

Are the missing pieces somewhat obtainable? I haven't decided if I'm going to run it or not. If I decide to pass it along, what is a reasonable asking price range / value? Yes, I know condition is everything. I'm just weighing my options at this point. As for my intentions, the car will not be a 1,000-point restoration, so the filler panel not being "correct" doesn't bother me.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Road Trip

Hello Ford Barn. I recently acquired most of a Potters trunk and related parts for a '33 or '34 sedan. I have the main body, lid, bumper bracket extensions / spare tire mount, and a filler panel (but I believe it is not original). Main body needs some attention, but it is solid - has had some repair work done to it in the past. No floor, hinges or latches.

Are the missing pieces somewhat obtainable? I haven't decided if I'm going to run it or not. If I decide to pass it along, what is a reasonable asking price range / value? Yes, I know condition is everything. I'm just weighing my options at this point. As for my intentions, the car will not be a 1,000-point restoration, so the filler panel not being "correct" doesn't bother me.

Here's what an original Potter Trunk looks like...

[Road Trip]

Looks like the one I have, albeit in nowhere as nice condition....

[Road Trip]

So, back to my original question regarding the missing parts and value?

[Road Trip]

Still looking... Anybody have any guidance or suggestions? Much appreciated.

[Ray in La Mesa]

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The latches look like the standard '36 Ford trunk latches, not sure about the hinges.

[deuce lover]

Years ago I remember seeing them for sale around $750 on up or so.Hardware is unique to the Potters trunks.36 Fords Adaptable, I doubt it.

[Road Trip]

Any idea what the trunk and related parts might be worth?

[rockfla]

IF it helps, I passed on a trunk "only" with bottom filler piece (missing hardware, this past Thanksgiving) for $200obo. The likelihood of finding the hardware and all that was missing is too much of a roll of the dice and time than I wanted to invest!!!

[Road Trip]

Here's some pic's of what all I have. It needs some love for sure, but it's surely worth saving. Still not sure if I want to run it; it is unique and adds character though.

[rockfla]

I passed on everything you got MINUS the sparetire carrier and spreader bracket. At $200 I might have been more willing to invest and sit on it IF that was part of the deal BUT still, finding the locks and hinges....without those WHAT do you really have???

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Road Trip

Here's some pic's of what all I have. It needs some love for sure, but it's surely worth saving. Still not sure if I want to run it; it is unique and adds character though.

[tommy@tommysrodshop]

I've been looking for some latches for a while as well for a restoration project. I have the originals but they are in pretty bad shape.

[Karl Wescott]

The hardware can be recreated. All it will take is will, patterns, time, and money (lots of each, well just one pattern for each part of one side). I have been making stuff by 3D CAD modeling, then 3D printing a die, wax injection into the die, and the part made by investment casting using the wax. Just as a guesstimate one full set of hardware would be about the minimum for a single casting "tree".



I have started on the 1935-36 sedan trunk latch, modeling of the striker is done and about 70% on the rest so I am confident of the technical practically of making parts like these.


I someone was to want to move forward I could discuss contracting doing any or all of the modeling, die design, plastic dies, waxes, and coordinating with the foundry we use. If someone were to move forward by attempting to do the modeling etc themselves I will be very willing to coach. The only secret in doing this type of thing is why one would want to do it.