for those who say the hobby is "expensive"

[ronn]

Im with you Eric.


my only point was there are all different levels of "model A" out there.


One can start on the low end and work up. and still have FUN.

[Oldbluoval]

If you just got it running, etc to enjoy for the summer….
It is “air” conditioned!!

[ronn]

indeed! LOL

[Jeff/Illinois]

As ronn indicated, I don't believe there are ANY hobbies out there today that can't rack up some heavy coin, depending upon how deep you wade into the pool
I won't bother listing them we all know a good sampling......
About the only 'inexpensive' way to spend your leisure hours today is a trek to the local library for a book. Yawn!
My problem today is, I can't sit and read for more than 15 minutes tops, before my head droops and I'm fast asleep.
I'd never make it going to college these days!

[ronn]

Jeff, you could "study" various coffees and become a connoisseur!!!!!!


or maybe a gourmand..... they would keep you awake.


as I just fell asleep in front of my computer!

[oldspert]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I was heavily into restoring 442 and Cutlass Oldsmobiles. When it got so that valve covers and intake shrouds got to be very expensive, I went back to my first real love in Model A's. At least parts are reasonable, even repro parts.
Ed

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by oldspert

I was heavily into restoring 442 and Cutlass Oldsmobiles. When it got so that valve covers and intake shrouds got to be very expensive, I went back to my first real love in Model A's. At least parts are reasonable, even repro parts.
Ed

That was a good move... but you can have the best of both worlds! Keep a 442 Olds in the garage too!
Speaking of expensive, just last week a good friend from high school dropped by. He was telling me about the family farm. His father died about 10-12 years ago, and his mom inherited a fairly good sized, very productive farm. He had moved to Tennesee to be near their son and his family.


Anyway, my buddy said that his mom ran the entire farm thru the slot machines at an area Casino. She is flat broke and the farm is gone. They didn't know she was addicted to gambling. She was a solid church goer, served as an elder in their congregation. Those places need to be banned. I've never set foot in one and have no interest in doing so--

That story is very common, my cousin did the exact same thing, burned through the family farm he was the third generation who farmed it. I know of at least 5 others locally that did the same thing, had houses paid for and had to take out second mortgages to stay in their house, lost their butts by gambling.

The moral of this story is, when you spend $$ on your Model A, at least you have something to show for it

[ThirstyThirty]

I am thinking 'expensive' is a relative word! somethings are expensive and other things just cost a lot...

last night i ran into a listing, another location, and the vintage mid-50's manual transmission was listed for: $8500.00!!

naw!, nothing costly or expensive about old car collecting and restoring...a pair of vintage running boards @ $1K ish.... bargain!!

[ronn]

or one could play golf...........very cheap!


lol

[Keith True]

There is a bottom line to everything.Some try to subtract the work things need from the asking price,to the point of having to pay them to haul it away.I have a nice 28 Phaeton,and I advertised it a while back.I had what sounded like a serius buyer call,and wanted to know if he could bring somebody along to look for him.I said sure,if you want I will put it on the lift for you.The car has 40+ year old laquer paint on it,and has some crazing going on in places.They got done looking,and he said he liked it and wanted it.But,I was going to have to take off $12,500 because that's what the guy wanted to redo the paintwork on the car.He wanted me to sell it for less than a third of my asking price.I had another guy wanting $10,000 off for the same thing.I have sold stuff all my life,but in the last 20 years it has gotten different.I think people are being trained by the internet,not real life.When I hear the words,negotiating points,I tune out and drive my stake in the sand.There it is,take it or leave it.

[ronn]

dam Keith, Im not buying anything from you............


I totally agree.

[AYooperA]

https://en-gb.facebook.com/marketpla...t&__tn__=!%3AD

Here’s another listing, is it worth it? I am sure the comments would the same as above for the ‘29 Leatherback. Waiting for the right Hobbyist to come along.

[ronn]

driven 2 yrs ago or 12 yrs ago?


who knows..........


looks like the one I listed was pulled.

[AYooperA]

Seller claims 2 years ago. Also said “it rained when parked”.

[German guy]

Skiing is expensive...new skis every two years, clothing, goggles, helmet, boots, bindings, lift fees,travel and accommodation. SCUBA diving is expensive...equipment, wet suits, tank rental, boat trips, travel to good locations, etc. Stamp collecting is expensive...just attend a collectors conference some time and you will see 2cent stamps routinely fetching 6 digits. Coin collecting...same. One of my hobbies is collecting rare books (my excuse: I am a professor of Cultural History) and I will not even tell you what I recently paid for a first edition transcript of "The Trial of Joan of Arc" with 90% of the accordion pages still uncut (waxing poetic just thinking about it). Lets be honest...ownership and proper care of a 100 year old car is "expensive". The fact that one can actually DRIVE such a piece of history boggles the mind and I feel privileged every time I roll put of my driveway in mine. Expecting to be able to purchase and maintain one for pocket change with a shiny new paint job and a newly rebuilt engine, trans, rolling gear, authentic interior, and engine bay that looks like it did when it rolled off the assembly line is being unrealistic. If you can not afford the cost...stay away from it or be satisfied with seeing them at car shows or the rare one driving past on a sunny day. I love to watch Polo matches...but to play....I will never have that kind of money. I would love to fly my own jet...but that will never happen either. It is possible to own and love the "A" on a moderate budget...as long as you do not need everything done at once....and are willing to do most of it yourself. Parts are NOT expensive compared with a modern car. I spent 1300 Euro for a new alternator for my daily driver. I bought one for my "A" for 350 Euro.



Driving the "A" is living history. Don't let anyone under-value that experience. If they want to offer $25,000 for your sorted out "A" just smile and say: "No thanks."

[updraught]

I remember reading. as a teenager. that vintage car restoration is not for the working class. Also, another article, not to restore something that someone gives you as they may claim it back later.

[AYooperA]

Deutsche Dude, That was very well said.

[John D]

Having restored a 53 Farmall tractor, and a 77 Toyota Landcruiser, I can say that money is not the main consideration when you find a vehicle you want to restore.

It's a labor of love because something about the vehicle talks to you.

[AYooperA]

https://en-gb.facebook.com/marketpla...t&__tn__=!%3AD

Have no connection to this Seller. Wow, seems like a fair shake to me.

[1928Mik]

"I was heavily into restoring 442 and Cutlass Oldsmobiles. When it got so that valve covers and intake shrouds got to be very expensive, I went back to my first real love in Model A's. At least parts are reasonable, even repro parts.
Ed"


Oldspert Ed, been there done that, and I keep going on the Olds I have since it's far from stock, however i truly enjoy working on my A due to it's simplicity and character, and parts definitely are reasonable in comparison.