I know it's in bad taste to pimp your own stuff here that's for sale on ebay, but I'm sending out some info that might help someone here connect with a nice car. This is not my car, it belongs to a friend of mine. I am not involved with the listing. This car belongs to Ed Levy in Ft. Smith, AR. Ed has had me do some work on his cars in the past, as he has some disability problems and it is difficult for him to work on cars. This is also the reason he's selling this car, as he would much rather keep it but can't. Here is a link to the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Model-T-MODEL-T-FORD-Brass-Radiator-flat-tub e-4-door_W0QQitemZ320380080651QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item4a98241 20b&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
When Ed bought this car a couple of years ago, he brought it by my shop. I was very envious of it at that time, because it was much nicer than my '15. The body work and paint were 10 times as nice as mine. Ed then took it to a rebuilder in Tulsa and had the mechanics completely gone through, and a new interior and top installed. He also had the rebuilder change the hogshead to a later one so he could have a starter. The only thing I can see wrong with the car is that the wheels (which are the correct round-felloe ones) are painted a blue-gray color, rather than the correct black. Other than that. you'd be hard pressed to find fault with it. Ed is including a new-in-the-box Ruckstell kit (made and sold by Chaffin's) and new-in-the-box Rocky Mountain Brakes. If you're wanting to get into a Brass car that you can just get in and tour, this is the one you've been looking for.
So sad to see a car photographed in dim lighting inside a dark garage. The car has been relisted several times. Guess what, it is because his auction skills are terrible. Does the owner know how to get the car outside? When selling a car on eBay you need to make maximum use of the 24 pictures you are allowed to post. Also, there is no limit on words, so use lots of them to describe why this car is so good.
Have him take the car outside. Get a good digital camera, capable of 1 Meg pictures minimum, and show us how good it is. Lets see some pictures with the top up for goodness sake!!! With those few rotten, small, low quality, dark pictures why would anyone bid on it?
How kind! Couldn't that have been said with just a wee bit more tact?
At least Ed is honest and calls it the 1916 model that it really is!
I hope Ed gets plenty for the car. I've always enjoyed reading his posts here on the forum. Although I've never met him, we have exchanged a few emails regarding T questions in the past. He's clearly a standup guy.
With absolutely no offense intended, can somebody living near Ed help him take some photos that better show his car for the beauty that it is?
He will get more if the pictures he uses really bring out the quality of the car. Royce makes a good point. Whether you are selling a car or applying for a job you should always put your best foot forward.
Ed is not a professional ebay seller, so his ebay listing skills (or lack of them) could be better. And as I mentioned he is disabled, so moving the car outside for better lighting really is a big deal.
Ed's limited ebay experience probably will cost him some money when all is said and done. But the fact that he is not able to represent it better does not detract from the fact that this is a very nice car. The very best pictures in an ebay listing won't really show prospective buyers what the condition of a car really is; that is why I jumped in here to advise the Forum family that this car is a nice one. It is top-notch all the way. I realize that this Forum is viewed by only a couple of hundred folks, while the Model T section of ebay is viewed by thousands. But I know this car personally and Ed is my friend, and I'd like for both Ed and the car's new owner to be happy with this auction's outcome.
Why would anyone bid on it? Well, hopefully on my recommendation of it, if not for the dimly-lit pictures. That was my intent when I initiated this thread, and it is still my hope. The car is 50 miles from me, but if anyone here is a potential buyer and requires better pics of the car, I will go to where it is and provide them to you. Just click on my name to send me an email.
People just hate it when you tell the truth sometimes.
Mike I wish your friend the best of luck. If you and a computer savvy teenager with a digital camera went over there for an hour the car would be easier to sell.
Isnt this the Edward Levy that has posted many times here since 2005? You would think we could all band together to help a fellow that has contributed so much over the years. We all are going to be faced with tough times someday, with selling our T's just to survive a real possibility for some.
Royce - You have got to be kidding us with that statement....
Vince M
Bob,
Yes, this is the same Ed Levy. By all reports, a wonderful, very nice, caring gentleman who is now of the age where his body parts are not as supple as they once were.
I have heard great things about Ed and his car...he would not be selling it if it were not for his health. He posted the car on our classified section awhile back...he offered it to us before it went on the auction site. His car has a lot to offer, and although I have no idea what the reserve is, he offered it on the classified for less than what he has in it. Unfortunately, it was offered so long ago, that it has been purged from the listings. Sounds like a great car from a great guy.
PS..I have nothing at all to gain from this..I have read the Forum for awhile, and there are several posters who I greatly admire...Ed is one of them, and I, too, wish him well.
Dave
Vince,
I am completely sincere in everything I have stated. Does that irritate you? If the fellow lived within 100 miles of me I would go over there tonight after work and personally fix his auction description.
Royce,
You can be honest without coming across as arrogant and mean. Its called people skills of which you have few. Unfortunately the lack thereof considerably overwhelms your knowledge and good technical advice on this forum.
Sincerely,
Vince M
Harbor freight and all the home supply stores like Home Depot/Lowes sell quartz halogen cheap lights tha are singles or pairs on a stand. usually about 12$ per lamp. Get a drop cord and a couple lights to shine on that car and retake the pics, Rental houses that cater to painters have these to rent also. Should be easy to light up the garage.
Guys, we don't need to be arguing over this. I think we can all agree that better photos would help; so does anyone live near Ed who can help him out?? We'd jump in to help if someone needed help getting their car running, why can't we do the same when someone, who has been a good contributor to our forum, needs some help when it is time for his T to go onto someone else?
I'm out in CA, so I can't be of much help!
T'
David D.
Vince,
People skills don't work on some people. You don't know me, and have never even met me. I am not insulting anyone here. You are reading something which does not appear in my words.
Being observant and factually stating what is wrong with the advertisement in question is not insulting nor rude. In no way is this intended to be an insult to anyone.
I am however disappointed at your insults directed towards me when I am only trying to help. Please try to work on your people skills.
It may be good to remember that we live in a three dimensional world…for those of us with good eyes, there is the benefit of depth perception, as well as sight. When both ears are working properly we not only hear sound, but the direction from whence it comes. A few days ago, in another thread on this Forum, it was noted that there is an element of our lives lacking on this Forum – any Forum, for that matter. There is no way to convey inflection, intonation nor body language here. This internet/electronic age in which we find ourselves is great for instantaneously sharing information, but it is lousy when it comes to the “vibes” we receive with personal discourse. Has happened many times on other threads…please don’t let it continue on this one. Years ago, the messenger was killed when the message was not liked…even though the message was correct. Enough hatred in the world without having it continue on this thread.
Seems to be a superior auto owned by a great guy….maybe some kind neighbor will help Ed.
Seems to me like Ed has been in the hobby and in business long enough and knows enough people that if he wanted help he would have asked for it. I'm not going to be the one to go pound on his door and tell him he took bad pictures and needs pictures of the engine, etc. in order to get more money for his car. Maybe you would, but I wouldn't.
OK, I'll turn the lights on for you. That is easy with a digital photograph. The real problem is the camera automatically adjusts to the brightest light source and that was out the back door area.
I had all intentions of buying the car when Ed first listed it in our classifieds. Unfortunately, I suffered some financial setbacks and was unable to follow thru. I had many discussions with Ed about the car and was very impressed with his knowledge, history of the restoration, and the people who had done it. That, coupled with the recommendations of Mike Walker (who had seen the car personally and who I very much respect and trust) made up for the poor pictures (Ed HAD gotten someone to come take pictures, but unfortunately those were the result!). Like Mike said, Ed is not in the position to be able to move the car or take better pictures. That's why he's forced to sell it. Hopefully someone nearby can take better pictures for him to show the true quality of this car! I would still buy it if I had the money. My 2 cents!
Royce,
Getting to know you pretty well, actually.
Vince M
I just want to send out a big thank you to everyone who has lent support here on the Forum and in private emails to me. Ed and I both appreciate it very much.
Ed came by my shop today and we had a good visit. He is of the opinion that the pics in the listing are adequate and he doesn't want to re-do the listing. (So everyone can relax about that part. ) He figures that anyone who is genuinely interested in the car can come take a look at it in person if they like, and probably would do so before spending that amount of money. Even really good pictures aren't like looking at the real thing.
Anyway, as I said before, it's a nice car and I'm confident it will find a good home. Thanks again for everyone's help.
Great!
Now can we start a thread on the blue wheels??
JOKE, I tell you son, it's a joke!!
Back to job hunting. . . .
T'
David D.
And another exposure just in case you need it:
hehe...you got me David I ain't saying nuthin about them wheels! I'm trying really hard to watch what I say so my twisted sense of humor and rotten stinkin corpse don't cause any more problems. hehehe
Hey Bob, this might be right up your alley!
Built right by somebody well known here.
Modified with a starter, turn signals, etc. for safer "daily driver" status.
Ruxtel and Rocky Mountain brakes available for better brakes and gearing.
An open car, more fun to take people "Touring" in.
Might look into this.
Dennis.
Gotta do something about those blue wheels, though.
IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, they would look much nicer natural wood.
I think you're right, Dennis. This car looks really nice. Had I already the proceeds from the sale of the airplane, I'd probably be talking with this gentleman. Then again, it may be just as well... That car is in Arizona, quite far from my location and the way e-bay auctions work, I think it's unlikely there'd be an opportunity to inspect and test-drive the car before committing (though plenty of people go the e-bay route and do very well--my neighbor across the street has bought motorcycles, a Miata and a Corvette that way and he's very happy with his purchases). Anyway, looking at it philosophically, it'd probably be a good idea to take several months to educate myself on Model-T's. And I suppose there's something to be said for not being in a hurry.
Bob
And yeah, I think you're also right about natural wood spokes!
Bob
Bob, it's in Arkansas...
$13,213.00 sale price. That seems like a GREAT DEAL to me. I hope that helps Eds situation.
As far as the picture quality, James Golden is right on,"The real problem is the camera automatically adjusts to the brightest light source and that was out the back door area."
With some cameras, you can overide the flash function. Bt using a flash, in a situation like this, the camera would have adjusted to the flash, and produced a better picture.
Sorry for offering a bit of un-solicited advice, but maybe that will help somebody in the future.
A much better solution would have been to simply close the garage door prior to taking the photos of the front of the car.
Erik Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
Is the buyer any of our Forum family?
Ed,
Congratulations on selling your car. No doubt your honesty and integrity had plenty to do with its sale. You were right about the pictures - they were plenty good enough, obviously.
Though you no longer have a T, you are part of the T family and always will be.
Please stay in touch here on this forum. You have plenty of great things to say and it's always nice to hear from you.
Seth
Erik, I have to laugh at your response. Your reply, is so typical, to, SO many of the replies here on this forum. Arrogant & selfish.....
There are numerous situations, where lighting is less that perfect. I was just trying, to offer, a helping hand, to anybody that has experienced, a less than perfect lighting situation.
Simply because...... Everybody doesnt always have a garage door to close, behind their subject....
Thanks for playing Erik. I'll be good now.
My post was neither arrogant nor selfish.
Erik Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
Sorry for offering a bit of un-solicited advice, but maybe that will help somebody in the future.
Of course it wasn't Erik. Everybody has a garage door in their camera case....
It was selfish and arrogant because I presumed that the 1916 Ford that sold for $13,213 on eBay was in a garage that did not have a door???
Erik Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
As far as the picture quality, James Golden is right on.
"The real problem is the camera automatically adjusts to the brightest light source."
I was only suggesting a solution, to a common photo mistake Erik. LIGHTING.
If you were at a car show, in a park, late afternoon, the sun, low in the sky, BEHIND your subject....... Would you close the garage door?
You don't have to explain the proper method of taking a photograph to me.
I commented on a specific situation, the photograph of the 1916 Ford in question. Then you decided to use my post as your personal "poster child" of what you consider typical, arrogant and selfish behavior on this Forum. Apparently your behavior is acceptable because you included this disclaimer: "Thanks for playing Erik. I'll be good now."
Now you are trying to belittle me by being a smart-aleck.
Erik Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
Not at all Erik. I'm just being overly sensitive, to, YET ANOTHER, less than friendly reply. Which there seems to be a LOT of on this forum.
For your information, my disclaimer is:
"Sorry for offering a bit of un-solicited advice, but maybe that will help somebody in the future."
It was in reference to, the backlighting, in the photo. I offered a simple solution, to a COMMON PROBLEM. Yet, in your opinion, having a garage door, in the camera case, will also solve that problem.
This is, MY mistake, in voicing this here. But it is in MY opinion, that a LOT of people, come to this site, for answers. The expertise, of its members, is immeasurable. Yet, there are, in many instances, snide, rude, and disrespectful comments offered, instead of help. I've mentioned this before.
Please pardon me, for offering, a bit of my experiences, as a photographer.
My post WAS NOT arrogant or selfish and you have some nerve singling it out and promoting it as such. It was not "less than friendly."
Erik Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
Not at all Erik. I'm just being overly sensitive, to, YET ANOTHER, less than friendly reply. Which there seems to be a LOT of on this forum.
You really need to re-read and comprehend my original post:
"A much better solution would have been to simply close the garage door prior to taking the photos of the front of the car."
Do you comprehend the phrase "would have been"? Can't you see it is past tense? Do you not understand that it refers to the '16 Ford on eBay?
Why do you insist on taking my post out of context? Also, do you take pleasure in unnecessary and irrelevant elaboration by repeatedly inferring that I was suggesting carrying a garage door in a camera case? Your comments were not in jest. You were being a mean-spirited, smart aleck.
For the final time, my original post was not arrogant or selfish and you have no business promoting it as such.
Erik Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
You really need to re-read and comprehend MY
original post.
"Sorry for offering a bit of un-solicited advice, but maybe that will help somebody in the future."
Or even my SECOND post.
"I'm just being overly sensitive, to, YET ANOTHER, less than friendly reply"
Or if that isnt enough, try reading my THIRD post.
"I'm just being overly sensitive, to, YET ANOTHER, less than friendly reply"
GIVE IT A REST!!!
We're not talking about your first post, the constant reminder of your unsolicited advice or prowess with a camera. We're talking about your obnoxious second post that said my post was selfish and arrogant and so typical of posts on this forum.
I really want to know what justification you have in saying that? My post was not selfish and arrogant. It was not "less than friendly."
Then, in subsequent posts, you are condescending and you mock me.
Backpedal all you want with the overly sensitive schtick. It doesn't justify your behavior.
Erik Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
GIVE IT A REST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys really need to go see a marriage counselor asap. With all this arguing, I'm afraid that divorce proceedings are right around the corner...
Shall we take bets as to who gets the last word?
Thunder = No light but much noise.