Help determine value of my centerdoor

Wrigley · Post by **Wrigley** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:03 am

Hello, my name is Bruce. I've enjoyed this website for a lot longer than being a member and respect the knowledge contained here. Due to health issues my wife an I haven't been able to use our old cars for the last couple of years. We thought we should let someone else enjoy. I can estimate what my stock '26 model t tourer and my '26 Chevy touring is worth, but not sure how to fairly price our 1923 center door with the Himico transmission. I will get it back in service with a new battery and fluids . I looks beautiful inside and out ,even underneath, but it is not perfect with tiny imperfections here and there.

I will appreciate any views and opinions as to estimating the value .
Sincerely, Bruce Bartlett

Post by **TWrenn** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:08 am

Not an expert but using Old Car reports as a guide I'd say $12-14K

Wrigley · Post by **Wrigley** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:16 am

More pictures

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:24 am

I think the supply of T's is about the same as it was twenty years ago.
https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG96.html

Wrigley · Post by **Wrigley** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:25 am

Thank you TWrenn. I was wondering how the Himico and down draft carb and distributor etc would affect the value. It is a peppy little car. Thanks again.

Post by **jiminbartow** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:56 am

When restoring a Model T, it is very important to research the year of your T to determine the correct color to paint the car, as most people who are willing to pay top dollar for a Model T, want it to be correct. Of course, as we stress here, everyone is free to paint their Model T any color they want, as long as it is for them and they don’t ever anticipate selling it, but if they ever desire to sell it, they must accept that what they like will limit potential buyers to only those that have their taste, so they may not get the price they feel it is worth. With these factors in mind, I would venture a guess as to its’ worth at $10,000.00. Your T looks like a nice restoration and had you painted it the correct color (all gloss black), it would be more desireable, but I understand that your desire is to sell it and probably do not want to invest more work and money into it. If a Model T person wanted to buy it, he would probably want to re-paint it the proper color and might want to factor in his cost of repainting it. Jim Patrick

: A25ED833-B91B-490A-874A-98629B8C6FBA.jpeg (42.67 KiB) Viewed 1754 times

Post by **Humblej** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 12:18 pm

The Himico is a wild card, expect a higher value due to the rarity. Perhaps ask $15k.

Post by **George House** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 12:24 pm

I’m with Jim at $10 K. It ain’t a hill climber with that stacked high carburetor. You’re bound to have a fuel pump. If I had it I’d spend $4K getting it right for me - including a steel firewall, NH carb and coils.

Post by **Mark Gregush** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 12:49 pm

Not everyone is a purest hung up on paint colors!

If and when you do decide to list and sell it, move the car outside and take photos that show the whole car not just little views of it.

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 1:22 pm

How a vehicle has been stored and the location are
determining factors to a prospective buyer.

It looks like the Center Door has been stored
in an enclosed trailer - if that is the case
is the trailer located outside in the elements ?

Is your Center Door located in Connecticut ?

FJ

Wrigley · Post by **Wrigley** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 4:49 pm

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and opinions. From what I was told, the guy who restored this car was the president of the local model T club at the time. I'm not sure why he chose the yellow and green instead of black, must have gotten his share of jeers from the purest, but I'm sure glad he did. I loved the rare factor of not only the body style ,but the transmission! I already had 10 cars at the time I found this and It would have been a hard sell to my soon to be wife if she didn't love the color and cuteness ! Lol. My thoughts were to make us happy, not about how much more I could sell the car for if it was black. That can be for the guy who wants to repaint it.
As for the trailer, the guy who restored the T had it custom made for the car. It seems to protect it well and is vented , I don't see any more issues with it over the 10 years I owned it, than when I first got it. But yes, there are a few imperfections in the paint that I attribute to being previously also stored in the trailer. I'd love to have all my vehicles in a climate controlled garage, but I can't afford it. Yes, it's in Ct.
Not sure what car to sell at this point, but I plan on getting which ever one outside and all set for photos. Thanks Mark.

Post by **BUSHMIKE** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 5:33 pm

I for one love the color scheme. It should sell well in Wisconsin as a “PACKER” T.

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 6:40 pm

I wonder if the engine doesn't have internal modifications as well as the intake and exhaust mods. That thing may be making 30-35 HP.... In my opinion, the Himico adds significant value. Are there any brake modifications?

Wrigley · Post by **Wrigley** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 7:31 pm

TXGOAT2 the brake pedal activates the trans brake, as well as the outside brake shoes at the rear wheels.

I always felt comfortable with the brakes going forward , backward down the ramp....not so much. I believe self activating comes into play going forward? Might need to adjust linkage so more pressure is on the transbrake. I never thought of comparing the parking brakes on my '26 touring car (with the larger T brakes)to the sedan, but these might be the rocky mountain brakes? Can you tell?

You're correct to question the other engine modifications as do I. I don't even know exactly what the intake / exhaust manifolds are. I also can't find any markings on the head giving me clues. All I know, is my '26 Chevy touring car comes stock 26 hp and this centerdoor is much peppery and 3rd gear in the CD is much steeper. I never pushed it to higher rpms , due to aerodynamics of the square box and only rear brakes !

MTFCA Forum