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Time to sell?

1. What anybody else has, does or thinks doesn't matter.
Some of the best advice I ever got from an aunt was "You know more about the situation than anyone else."
2. Twenty dollars isn't nothing, unless you don't have it. Same thing for 20K.
3. General rule. If the car is family and there is sentimental attachment, don't sell it. Unless it is taking food off your table.
4. If there is not a lot of sentimental attachment to it but there is still some sentimental attachment, don't sell it.
That may change if your life situation changes for the better in some years.
You can buy a car. You can't buy your memories of a particular car.
5. Over the years, I've seen projects get sold in boxes.
That is the worst scenario to sell a car. And about the only thing that I lose sleep over.
6. Got a wife? What does she say?
 
Hey guys, been a minute since I been active here. Life seems to be so busy anymore. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your hot rods. So I’m at a crossroads. I’m thinking of parting ways with my Runner. I’m worn out, timed out, burned out and stressed out. It’s a project car and needs a lot to get back together. For those who don’t know, it’s a 69 road runner 440 6bbl, 4spd. Bucket/console. I got 20k wrapped up in this thing so far so if I decide to pull the trigger that’s what will be on the sign. Tell me what you guys think or advice, pep talk or tell I’m just stupid lol. Thank you guys, keep rippin!
In my opinion depends on love for the car or love for the idea of owning the car done? I've bought and sold lots of hot rods and exotics over the years but I have bought some really cool projects from guy's that loved the car and wanted to see it on the road. Also bought many from estates of guy's that loved the idea of one day getting it on the road.....I bought a 65 Corvette convertible last year from a widow who's husband always dreamed of owning one since he graduated high school in 65 he bought the in 80 as a basket case I bought it in 23 as the same basket case. Finished it in early 24 sent a picture to his widow who asked if someday she could ride in that car she was close I took the car and gave her a long ride. As she cried she said her husband always loved that car and she wished he'd a sold it years ago so he could of seen it done and on the road. So moral of the story if you love the car but are never going to finish it let it go maybe you'll get to see it back together again even if your not the owner.
 
1. What anybody else has, does or thinks doesn't matter.
Some of the best advice I ever got from an aunt was "You know more about the situation than anyone else."
2. Twenty dollars isn't nothing, unless you don't have it. Same thing for 20K.
3. General rule. If the car is family and there is sentimental attachment, don't sell it. Unless it is taking food off your table.
4. If there is not a lot of sentimental attachment to it but there is still some sentimental attachment, don't sell it.
That may change if your life situation changes for the better in some years.
You can buy a car. You can't buy your memories of a particular car.
5. Over the years, I've seen projects get sold in boxes.
That is the worst scenario to sell a car. And about the only thing that I lose sleep over.
6. Got a wife? What does she say?
Thanks speedbird, there’s a ton of sentimental value to this car. As far as my wife, she gets frustrated with the lack of progress but would like to see it done. She isn’t a real car person either so she could take it or leave it.
 
I've said this more than a few times. If you view a project in it's entirety, it may seem overwhelming or impossible. I've recommended my "pizza-pie" method... one slice at a time. Focus on an individual issue, one at a time. Once completed, proceed to the next. Over time, you'll realize progress and the satisfaction of your endeavor.
 
Thanks speedbird, there’s a ton of sentimental value to this car. As far as my wife, she gets frustrated with the lack of progress but would like to see it done. She isn’t a real car person either so she could take it or leave it.
My history with the hobby is a bit different than your situation, but some of it may apply. I was never in a position to undertake a project, the result of both skill set and career choice, but I was able to buy decent drivers before the prices got out of reach. When I was your age, life forced me to make some hard choices, and I got rid of all the cars, and left the hobby for nearly a decade. Things eventually turned around, and I got back in with a vengeance.

Sentimental attachment is key here. You can't replace that with another car. I know, because when I got back into the hobby, I was able to retrieve two GTXs from my early years, and I turned down a ridiculous offer on the current one. You have the bird in the hand. I wouldn't let it get away. I spent 52 years chasing the one I have now, and it was worth it. You're way ahead of where I was, if you can ride things out. I ended up in a situation where time was getting short, but money was no longer an issue. Bought the car as the clock was running out.

If you end up in that situation, paying to outsource enough of the work to get it on the road may still give you time to enjoy it.
 
The eating an elephant analogy might be closer to home.
Now, if it was a Ferrari....
Hold the anchovies and pineapple.
(Two post up)
 
The common theme he is to keep it and I couldn’t agree more… Consider these pieces of art that will always appreciate in value and in most cases are irreplaceable. I had a restored 68 Camaro that I owned since I was 15 that my brother brought new and I sold it in 2010 and have deeply regretted doing so. At that time I was going through a rough patch and now as I look back from being in my mid 60,s I couldn’t resist getting back into the game again. For us gearheads this passion will never die.
 
I know where you are coming from RR Guy.
Just sold my 1969 Charger 500 the only one in the UK.
Had it for 20 years exactly and wasn't working on it at all.
It needs 30k to 40K spending on it to make it perfect.
I'm retired got loads of time and still healthy.
These cars can be TOO rare indeed.

BUT NO MONEY!

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Sold it to a guy who is keen as mustard and 'gets things done'.
Got LOADS of money too.
Sometimes you got to let them go and have a new owner.
That's LIFE

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No one lives for ever and there is a right time for everything!

Its a lot of work just to get to this stage, its MENTAL.

As my good lady says (often) ''Its only an OLD car, get rid''.

Most folks suffer BURNOUT, some get through it, most don't...:thumbsup:

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Park it, cover it.. let it sit as long as it takes til you are up for it. Think of the odds that you will EVER get a 440-6 roadrunner again without selling a lung and a kid.... if you don't need the money and it's not in the way.. let it sit.
Yep. Sit on it until you're ready. Otherwise if you sell now, you'll cry later and it'll cost 4 times of that you sold it for. True story brother...
 
I have owned my charger since 1970, when I worked at a body shop whose specialty was rebuilding "totals". I bought mine for $500.00, hit HARD in the rear, pushing the tail lights almost to the rear window. As this was my very first major project, and it was worked on only during after hours and weekends, it took until very late 1971 or very early 1972 to completely rebuild with MUCH help from all of my coworkers at the shop and my boss. When it was done, I had a grand total of $1269.29 in it, which also included a new set of Keystone 5 spoke wheels and Formula 1 Super Stock tires. [F60 on the front with 7" wide wheels and L60 on the rear with 8" wide wheels]
over the years since, the car has sat due to "life happens" issues several times for many years. During those times, I considered selling it on and off, and I came VERY close to doing so somewhere around 1986 or 1987 to a guy for $3500.00. When he came to pick it up, he royally pi$$ed me off, so I backed out of the deal and told him to "farg off !!"
I'm glad I did, as last year, a very good friend and his nephew spent a solid two weeks of nights lasting from roughly 5pm until midnight or later with me getting the car up and running again, after sitting from the last time running in 2006. A new stainless tank and fuel lines were installed, the brakes gone over 100%, and the car ran pretty good for the last local car show of the season around here in late September. Didn't even wash the car, and the only "clean" place on it was the front fenders where our fat guts were leaning over them, getting the engine running.
The car made the show, however it was discovered the alternator was not charging, requiring the use of a jump box a couple of times when we stopped before getting to the show. Not washing the car, it was a kind of "garage find" hit, garnering way more attention and picture taking than many of the WAY nicer vehicles surrounding it
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! Afterward, on the way home, the car overheated BAD, pegging the gauge for the last 8 miles home ! Arriving home, it spewed EVERYTHING out of the radiator, but luckily, it still had reasonable oil pressure, didn't smoke, or make any engine noise.
After it cooled down a few hours later, I fired it up to drive into the garage, and there was no smoke or engine noise whatsoever, so that was very promising !
The next day, I looked into the radiator, and discovered it was completely plugged...........
Removing the radiator, I also removed the thermostat, waterpump and housing, plus both block plugs on the side of the block. I then fired the car up and backed it out of the garage, and proceeded to flush and poke into the block to remove countless years worth of black sludge and rust scale. I also rigged up a fitting that coupled with a hose and an air gun to help blast loose the crud. After a couple of hours, clear water came out of the block, so the block plugs were reinstalled after the block completely drained. The car was then returned inside, and I focused on cleaning out the waterpump housing, replacing the waterpump and thermostat, both hoses, and a new "chinesium" aluminum 26" radiator that contained two rows of 1 1/2" wide tubes. The car now runs 180-185 degrees all the time, even on 95 degree days !
over last winter, I replaced the original carpet that had turned to dust because of being dried out, and when doing so, i replaced all the original floor pan seam sealer which had come off in large chunks because it was so old. After that, I added subframe connectors, painted the floor with black rustoleum, then installed new carpet and sill plates. When the seats were reinstalled, I felt a new sense of pride in this car, and after a thorough wash job in the spring, I couldn't wait to get back behind the wheel and put some miles on it !
I had the car going for the town's annual festival in June, and although doctors and hospital visits took up a lot of time this year, a buddy of mine since high school took a long ride early this fall, and the car turned over to 19k original miles !
The car reflects the "life events" of the years since 1970, of me and the car, as both of us are OLDER, and our looks are battered and scared due to how "life happens".
My point of this story is this : I am so glad I have kept this car over the years, and it has become part of me.
If your car has left you "unenthused", but you still care deeply for it, walk away at times, [as I have done with my car] let "life go on as necessary", then come back to it when your enthusiasm returns. You will be glad you did, just as I was glad I came back to my car.
Just the story of me and a car that has become a very important part of myself.
Your mileage will vary.
:drinks:
 
Those were that good ole days of body shops. Today, very seldomly will shop owners allow employees to being in their own projects to work on them. If they can't make money every inch of floor, they're not having it. It's a damned shame how selfish our world has become...
 
If you still have the "fire" (even a little) and the car has sentimental value than as everyone here is saying keep it. That said, no one is getting any younger and if you interest isn't there AND you could use the funds elsewhere to good effect, then sell it to someone who will see it through. Undoubtedly you are going to kick yourself either way but if you do sell it you will not have the option.

I have 5 classic Mopar muscle cars, 2 are done, 1 is being built (by me) and 2 are waiting (70 RR and a 68 FB Cuda). I have thought MANY times about selling off the RR and the 69 Cuda but they don't cost me a dime sitting where they are, they are not currently losing any money and if I die before doing them.. oh well. For me it is about the process of building them much more than anything else.

Everyone has to decide what is best for them.
 
Hey guys, been a minute since I been active here. Life seems to be so busy anymore. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your hot rods. So I’m at a crossroads. I’m thinking of parting ways with my Runner. I’m worn out, timed out, burned out and stressed out. It’s a project car and needs a lot to get back together. For those who don’t know, it’s a 69 road runner 440 6bbl, 4spd. Bucket/console. I got 20k wrapped up in this thing so far so if I decide to pull the trigger that’s what will be on the sign. Tell me what you guys think or advice, pep talk or tell I’m just stupid lol. Thank you guys, keep rippin!
Sorry to hear it. I've had my 67 belvedere II convertible 35yrs. 383-4 speed. Like you I have a lot into it. Almost sold it yrs. ago, also that a trade for camper. End of the day glad I did not
I guess you need to think can you get another one down the road? Cost. Etc. Mine been of road since 2004. Finally on home steche. Body & top. My 1550 in 67. How many did they make in69 rare 6-pak. Lastly i guess time, age, money to finish. Don't Rush Sell. Good luck
 
Hey guys, been a minute since I been active here. Life seems to be so busy anymore. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your hot rods. So I’m at a crossroads. I’m thinking of parting ways with my Runner. I’m worn out, timed out, burned out and stressed out. It’s a project car and needs a lot to get back together. For those who don’t know, it’s a 69 road runner 440 6bbl, 4spd. Bucket/console. I got 20k wrapped up in this thing so far so if I decide to pull the trigger that’s what will be on the sign. Tell me what you guys think or advice, pep talk or tell I’m just stupid lol. Thank you guys, keep rippin!
Is it an M code A12? What is the color combination?
 
For me I pick a small project and complete it, like maybe installing the carpet or painting the block. Finishing that step motivates me to take the next step. I also like to post the steps cause the positive feedback is motivating in itself. You have a rare and amazing ride to play with! Or take a stroll through a car show and talk to others about your ride. I bet it doesn't take too long before someone offers to come over and look her over and maybe even lend a hand with your next step. Then theres the grandkids. No matter what age bet they would like to help grampa put on a lug nut or something. There will be an unquenchable light in their eyes! Bet they pester their folks to let them come over and help again soon.
 
Three things helped me finish my project which took me probably 20 years.
1) I found a Vocational school that offered an adult night program - one day per week for 3 hours. Helped to have the tools, room and other guys working on their projects for motivation. I probably did that program for 12 years.
2) Covid sped things up since there nothing else to do.
3) My son got engaged and wanted to use the car in his wedding so I had one year from engagement to get ‘er done.
I finished it with a week and a half to spare before their wedding.
You never know what events will happen that give the motivation and purpose to keep going.
 
Having owned a large number of cars over the years to honestly count

But having sold my last one approx 2005 ish timeframe . 1970 Challenger 340

I bought my current 1966 Satellite. in Oct 2020
I bought the car right and its gained quite a bit of value since then.

I proposed to the wife and my girls a while back to sell and cash out. Maybe buy something cheaper and with working AC and pocket a nice chunk of money

I got an instant hell no from all

So that said, Even if I have those days when it sits ( not very often btw ) Its makes me grin from ear to ear when I park my butt in the drivers seat ,
Almost as much as when my butt is in the pass seat and one my daughters is driving

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