MTFCA Forum

Reading some of the post, folks having issues finding parts and once large recycled parts dealer going out of business, I need to ask this question, "Is my Model T worth more when sold as a complete road worthy car? OR is my car worth more if I part it out?"

I believe a car is worth more than the sum of its parts. Labor, tools, supplies, shipping, search time, etc. as well as shop space to build a car from a heap of parts, even brand new parts, are expensive. Expertise can be expensive, too, unless you happen to be born with it. As for parting out a car, or any number of them, there are a number of expenses involved with that, too. It's easy to go broke in most any branch of the auto business.

Been Here Before wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 19, 2021 8:04 pm

Reading some of the post, folks having issues finding parts and once large recycled parts dealer going out of business, I need to ask this question, "Is my Model T worth more when sold as a complete road worthy car? OR is my car worth more if I part it out?"

Complete or Parts? all depends.... on the year, model, originality, condition (mechanical & visual), provenance and what the buyerS (plural) need or are willing to pay. My answer is from this perspective: If someone was to build a Model T from parts, all in the same condition as yours but from multiple people, the cost of the individual parts, shipping and sales tax, would be more than than buying a complete vehicle. What is excluded from this calculation is your time and effort to dismantle the parts and the duration to sell them all (if all are sold).
The buyer's labor to build a T from parts or to do "whatever"to your road worthy T doesn't relate to what its worth to you.

How do you make a small fortune in the model t hobby? Start with a large fortune... Cheers, Bill

To all who replied and those who haven't, The parts on the car would be offered as "You pull" the part you need. I would not have to loose money and time by doing the work for some one else. Why the car could, be driven to where the part was needed.

No way would Iet some yahoo go into my car if I were parting it out to "rip" out what they need. They may do nist THAT...as in damage something getting to what they want.

You may not be able to sell all the parts if you part one out. A few parts are in high demand and might bring good money. Other parts are quite plentiful and might be hard to find a buyer for. Unless you have room for half the parts it might be better to sell one as a whole car.

Been Here Before wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:49 am

. . . Why the car could, be driven to where the part was needed.

Sounds great, George ! Let's see - you're in central Pennsylvania, I'm in Blackfoot, Idaho, some 2000 miles away. Drive on out, I'll pull the cylinder head I need. Now what ?!?

Seriously, the model T hobby is not a money-making proposition, nor is it even possible in most cases to recapture an investment. For years it has been more economical to buy a restoration than to "do" one. We're supposed to be about preserving Model Ts and all that appertains - parting out a complete vehicle is definitely in opposition to that ideal.

Perhaps you can flip the question. Which is cheaper, buying a complete running T, or building one from scratch using used parts? I believe the the whole car is the less expensive answer. Therefore, if you could successfully part out and sell most of a complete T (or many used modern cars), you should end up with more money. But it is a lot more hassle, and you run the risk of ending up with bits and pieces that nobody wants before you hit the “sell it running” price point. Wrecked or non-running cars are less risky to part out to break even, due to their lower “whole” value.

Eric

Depends on the year. Early cars ie 1912 and prior bring less money that their parts. That's because all the parts are in demand. Later cars not so.

Richard
Recent case bought a 14 speedster prodject in June
I got it running drove it 10+ miles put it for sale
Bought this speedster less then 5k
Added 1500 tires tubes ect
Posted this car needing paint uphoster at $7500
Long story short my 14 needed new wheels old ones loose
So first came a swap
Lowered the price 5k on the speedster not much interest
Accept I like this or that from folks so I parted it out
Got my 7500 out of it still have wheels new tires the seats and better parts early stuff on my 14 to boot
So yes seems parts are worth more then a complete car but then location might be a factor easier ship
Less the 4 months