A Project Car, and then some

[Dangermouse]

I've been leaving it up to Chris to post cars on his FB page, but this one stands out. (I haven't checked D4Sale yet, I'm sure it's on there)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DeLorean-DMC-1981-DeLorean-Project-Car-/271198779445?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3f24b4f835#v4-41

05403 G/M

the ad copy reads like it is some little old lady selling her late husbands car, but the lister is "wreckfinder" who does what the name implies.

My Late Husband Purchased Car New As A Midlife Crisis

& Drove It For Several Years . Air Conditioner Broke & Car Was Parked.
Car Was Stolen & Interior Was Destroyed. Car Was Put Into Storage For Ten + Years Then Was Moved With The Family And Carport Kept Since. It Has Not Run For Twenty +++ Years. Expect Nothing To Work. If It Does Consider It A Bonus. I Cannot Locate The Key . Drivers Door Does Open . Passenger Door Stuck. Don't Know How To Open Hood or Engine Compartment . It Is A Great Project Car For Someone Whom Really Has Vision To Look Past Its Faults And Get Her Back On The Road.


SOLD AS IS NO WARRANTY




http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/TKQAAMXQY8JRfxjg/$T2eC16h,!)0E9s37IehtBRf)jg(T2g~~60_3.JPG

Short of a fire damaged car, surely this is as "projecty" as they come, and may establish a minimum price for these cars. I wonder what the reserve? (Currently at $1525, reserve not met) Surely they don't have a $10k reserve?)

[OverlandMan]

No too far from my VIN. I think it just needs some fresh gas.

Serious project for someone. Is this a CB radio?

1866218663

And is that a brown binnacle?

[Chris Burns]

That car is like an hour away from me! A bunch of Fl cars have been coming up for sale lately. Certainly a long term project and at least a 20k investment to get it going probably.

[Domi]

No too far from my VIN. I think it just needs some fresh gas.

Serious project for someone. Is this a CB radio?

1866218663

And is that a brown binnacle?

Looks like a scanner? There's even an antenna on the roof panel.

[OverlandMan]

Looks like a scanner? There's even an antenna on the roof panel.

Yea I was using deductive reasoning to determine that the roof antenna and the custom-fitted device in the driver-left knee pad were connected somehow. I was thinking CB but possibly with a mic connected to the rear and ran somewhere else... but that faceplate does look like a scanner doesn't it?

Either way, I would consider that an uncommon add-on.

[Michael]

I bet this heap sells for 7 grand or more. It's funny to watch cars like this sell, I think a parts car is worth more than a decent runner. People fall all over themselves to buy ...I mean overpay to get these parts cars with the delusions of restoring it. They then dump another 15-20k in it and after all their labor and effort, they have a car worth less than what they paid, let alone labor. On the other hand, I see nice drivers struggle to bring 20k.

[pezzonovante88]

I wonder if it's seen hurricane flooding...

[Kenny_Z]

...after all their labor and effort, they have a car worth less than what they paid, let alone labor.

Sometimes it's the struggle that brings people to the car. I never bought any of my project cars with the intention to make money flipping them. To me they are (barely) cheaper than therapy or an expensive gym membership. I'll never buy a ready made, driving car. I want to put my blood, sweat, and tears into it. That's the only way I feel a car is truly mine.

I see your point though. I think it's the market. The purchase ratio for parts cars vs drivers is odd. I paid 600 for a 66 Mustang parts car but 2500 for a great running 66 with some sheet metal damage. Both were coupes. That's actually not far off from the average DeLorean ratio.

[Dangermouse]

I bet this heap sells for 7 grand or more. It's funny to watch cars like this sell, I think a parts car is worth more than a decent runner. People fall all over themselves to buy ...I mean overpay to get these parts cars with the delusions of restoring it. They then dump another 15-20k in it and after all their labor and effort, they have a car worth less than what they paid, let alone labor. On the other hand, I see nice drivers struggle to bring 20k.

I wonder if it appeals more to someone wanting to customize one?

$3500, reserve still not met.

[THVGJP]

Surely a parts car, the price for a left front fender is what about 3-4 K if you can find one.
Glen

[pezzonovante88]

Surely a parts car, the price for a left front fender is what about 3-4 K if you can find one.
Glen

That's right. The SS panels alone are likely worth considerably more than the car as a whole.

[Spittybug]

<$5,000 for parts. I bet it smells to high heaven too. Frame has got to gone...........................

[Dangermouse]

were those frame pics added recently? I didn't remember them from the first time.

[dmcjohn]

Frame doesn't look bad considering the neglect the car has had - although there could be repairs needed that can't be seen from those 2 pics...

[OverlandMan]

As Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty would say, "Hey, that thing's a piece of junk, Jack!"

At least it is in it's current state...

[LEVY]

As Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty would say, "Hey, that thing's a piece of junk, Jack!"

At least it is in it's current state...

Yes, that is a piece of yunk but, yunk yards bring a lot of money for their owners:

Left fender: $3500.00 (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
Right Fender, no hole: $850.00 (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
Doors: $450.00 ea.
Original windshield w/logo and integrated antenna: $1500.00 (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
Transmission, auto to std. conversion: $3000.00 (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
Frame: $800.00
Wiring: $350.00
Non-running engine: $400.00
Wheels: $800.00
Lower engine cover: $250.00
Upper engine cover: $150.00
Front facia: $350.00
Rear Facia: $350.00
Steering rack: $150.00
Fiberglass body: $1500.00
Steering column: $150.00
F/R suspension: $2000.00
Fuel tank: $50.00
Instrument cluster: 150.00
Spare tire: $80.00
Left rear fender: $500.00
Right rear fender: $500.00
Front grill: $80.00
Hood: $750.00
Gas cap, keyed: $ ?
Other miscelaneus parts: $2000.00 ?


LEVY

[Mark D]

Thats over 20K you just listed there in parts. By that logic I should go buy up every car below 15k, running or not, and part it out.

Do parts cars really generate that much money? Those individual estimates all seem a bit high but not totally unrealistic.

[LEVY]

Thats over 20K you just listed there in parts. By that logic I should go buy up every car below 15k, running or not, and part it out.

Do parts cars really generate that much money? Those individual estimates all seem a bit high but not totally unrealistic.

Believe me, there are a couple of guys here already doing it!

LEVY

[OverlandMan]

Thats over 20K you just listed there in parts. By that logic I should go buy up every car below 15k, running or not, and part it out.

Do parts cars really generate that much money? Those individual estimates all seem a bit high but not totally unrealistic.

Only if you're cool with sitting on those parts for days/weeks/months/years. I would think it would take substantial time to part everything out that LEVY listed. Additionally, I'd assume LEVY's pricing estimates assume no flaws... which is rare on a parts car.

[eagle-co94]

I just sold a 5-speed conversion setup for $2250 and it went pretty quick. The prices really depend on how long you're willing to sit on parts.

[LEVY]

I just sold a 5-speed conversion setup for $2250 and it went pretty quick. The prices really depend on how long you're willing to sit on parts.

Exactly, and that price was not bad at all.

LEVY

[eagle-co94]

I basically put that price on it to sell it fast. The same with the bent frame ($500). It was sitting in my sideyard and had killed the grass and had to go. With rainy season it's time to get my grass back.

[Dangermouse]

Reserve still not me at $4550.

Reserve at $5k?

[LEVY]

Reserve still not me at $4550.

Reserve at $5k?

$7000.00 and counting!

LEVY

[eagle-co94]

The electronic component in the dashboard is a Ham Radio by the way which is worthless to the owner unless they have a license...unless your thing is to just listen.

[LEVY]

The electronic component in the dashboard is a Ham Radio by the way which is worthless to the owner unless they have a license...unless your thing is to just listen.

You can also use it to cover that hole!

LEVY

[eagle-co94]

Oh and to respond to the comment that it might be a scanner that's partially correct. Many Ham Radios (2 meter frequency range) will pick up police radio channels that aren't encrypted. You just can't transmit on them.

[Dangermouse]

$7000.00 and counting!

LEVY

Looking at the bid history I think there may be some scamming going on to find out the reserve ????

Not me btw

[LEVY]

Looking at the bid history I think there may be some scamming going on to find out the reserve ????

Not me btw

No scamming, believe me!

Have you noticed Deloreans are selling for a higher price lately?

People are making good money selling parts too, if you buy this car for $11,000.00 for example, you sell the hood for $1,000.00, left front fender for $3500.00, right front fender for $800.00, non-running engine for $400.00 (no fuel system), fuel system fro $350.00 and the transmission conversion for $3000.00, driver side torsion bar for $950.00 and windshield for $1000.00 you already have $11,000.00.

You should be able to sell those parts fairly easy, at least at those prices. You still have a lot of other parts to sell and make money.

I believe that is a one owner car, you can also spend some money and fix it for yourself, looks like everything is there.

LEVY

[Michael]

I give this one a 85% chance the winner will back out and it will be relisted. Parts cars like this tend to bring a lot more money than they are actually worth because the "winner" sees the car for sale a few hours or days before the end of the auction. Without considering the cost and commitment of restoring they throw a bid in and much to their delight they win. After a few hours or a night's sleep they wake up thinking "What have I done!!!!????" and back out.

Oh BTW, a lot of the used prices listed are WAAAAY optimistic. A LFF going rate(if there is a going rate for a low demand item like this) is about 2-2.5k I have sold 2 of these in the past year and there has been one on ebay for the past year for 2k with NO TAKERS. That front fascia is practically worthless in it's present state, will need a lot of work(or $$) to make it sellable, and then what you make from it will be a wash. A D/S torsion bar can be had brand new for the 850.00 quoted for a 30yr old used one that may be weak, 500.00 would be a safe estimate. If I found that car I would pay no more than 5k and that's a risk judging from the pics. Only a fool will pay 11k for that, then spend the time it takes to dismantle, clean parts(and/or regrain and repair dents not shown), market them, sit on them for months(if not years), haggle with buyers,...only to come out even money when it's all said and done....still, I doubt you would make 11k in parts they way it sits. Those parts will need a lot of cleaning and refinishing.

[LEVY]

I already hear people complaing of the new driver side torsion bars, still to see how long those will last, ok for average owner but not for concours, not many but still some. If I had one of those few, I would pay whatever the price is to secure one of those as spare.

I don't expect any more bids until very close to the end, that is the way it is, people now know the reserve price .

LEVY

[LEVY]

I contacted seller, she sent me some additional pictures, here are some of those:



1886618867188681886918870

This car seems to be restorable, those with interior spare parts should be able to restore it.

Seems like windshield is original with integrated antenna, I don't see any cracks either.

Engine looks complete.

She told me that this car was covered all time, I would think SS panels are in good shape.

Hope this car find his way to a good person willing to restore it. If this car doesn't go much higher, I may throw a little bid on it.

LEVY

Sorry, I just found what appears to be a windshield crack:

18876

Ask seller to confirm.

[dmc6960]

18866


Check out those hose clamps holding the coolant tank together!

[LEVY]

Check out those hose clamps holding the coolant tank together!

Yes, that tank had to be replaced anyway.

LEVY

[vwdmc16]

Listing ended, Sold for $8,276 after 41 bids

Makes me feel even better about getting my car for just $5k, it was in bad shape but not quite like this.

[LEVY]

This car was not in bad shape at all, exterior was very nice. Interior need to be replaced/repaired.

I'm glad this vehicle is not going to be parted out.

Going to Europe, I believe.

LEVY


Listing ended, Sold for $8,276 after 41 bids

Makes me feel even better about getting my car for just $5k, it was in bad shape but not quite like this.

[eagle-co94]

Well if the buyer is here I'm interested in the Ham Radio. I have a license to use it (if it even works). I'd love that knee pad with it as well as I'd probably put it into my car.