Hello John:
> I am in a bit of a dilemma. I have (in boxes) a 59 +4 4str that I have
> wanted to restore for years. The problem is when I do even rough
> estimates on how much it will cost it is well over 12-15k. This is
>equal
> to or greater than the value of the poor vehicle. Any idea as to how
>much
> the parts are worth? Sell the parts and buy a restored vehicle. This
> option makes financial sense. Here's the hard part, the Mog belonged
>to
> my Grandfather and of course there is emotional attachment to the
>little
> red car. The groups thoughts would be helpful.
There is unfortunately no easy answer to this question. People don't
restore cars because it makes good financial sense. They do it because they
love to work on cars. Or because it's easier to spread the financial bite
over a longer period of time than popping for the car of their dreams all
at once. Or because they're absolutely determined to make sure that it's
done 'right'. Or because they have some particular emotional attachment to
a particular car that happens to be in an unfortunate state.
When you start thinking about hobby cars in fiscally responsible terms, the
whole mechanism starts breaking down... :-).
As to the value of the car as it sits, that's very difficult to say, but my
guess would be that you'd find it difficult to recoup what your emotions
will tell you it's worth.
It seems to me that you may have answered your own question in your first
sentence when you say "that I have wanted to restore for years". You may be
able to sell the parts and find a suitable car that satisfies the budget
you've set for yourself, but do you honestly believe that any other car
will give you the same 'rush' that settling behind the wheel of your
granfather's car - lovingly restored by you - will?
Good luck in your deliberations
Scott Barrie
'63 Plus Four
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