The sad state of things here

[Geekay]

Geekay;

I need to put this into perspective. The Pomona Swapmeet is the largest event of it's kind in the western US and less than an hours drive from the Greater Los Angeles area. It is huge market place with literally thousand of parts booths and around 2500 cars & trucks for sale. So to see nothing in the way of parts is a bit disheartening. And to see one old beater priced the way it was is the height of absurdity.

 

I for one wouldn't mind seeing a few more of these trucks out on the road. In fact it wouldn't bother me a bit. They stand out (or not) on their own merit. Besides there is absolutely no chance they will ever be as common as say the GM trucks of that same period. There seems to be quite a few non runners for sale in my area. I think though that for the most part they will stay that way....non runners...for quite some time to come. I think that is because of the lack of aftermarket parts and general awareness or exposure to these models. It might also be because there is no real restoration guide either. Let's face it ....as things stand right now they are not a project for anyone that is less than fully committed.

 

Jeff

Thanks for the extra info Jeff.

 

The fact that my suburban van is "rare" makes me committed to the task and thanks to this forum i am able to keep making progress. Without this forum i would have given up as I just do not have the mechanical knowledge/experience. 

[Jeff Balazs]

Just so you know my comments here have been made because I see a tough time ahead for continued restoration of these trucks and their owners. I wasn't there looking for anything in particular. My truck is complete. But I can't help wondering how a lot of the non runners and "project" trucks still out there are going to get saved? When you look at the size of an event like this ..... it ought to have some vintage Mopar presence. Heck I saw a fair amount of Studebakers and parts for same.

 

I guess what I am trying to say is that something needs to be done to bolster interest in these vehicles or it seems likely that fewer and fewer will get saved. Not sure what that something is? But I think there needs to be some attention drawn to the topic.

 

Jeff

[ggdad1951]

Just so you know my comments here have been made because I see a tough time ahead for continued restoration of these trucks and their owners. I wasn't there looking for anything in particular. My truck is complete. But I can't help wondering how a lot of the non runners and "project" trucks still out there are going to get saved? When you look at the size of an event like this ..... it ought to have some vintage Mopar presence. Heck I saw a fair amount of Studebakers and parts for same.

 

I guess what I am trying to say is that something needs to be done to bolster interest in these vehicles or it seems likely that fewer and fewer will get saved. Not sure what that something is? But I think there needs to be some attention drawn to the topic.

 

Jeff

honestly this is WHY I go picking for parts..not to make a ton of cash, but to get people parts they need.

[Dave72dt]

Just so you know my comments here have been made because I see a tough time ahead for continued restoration of these trucks and their owners.

 

I guess what I am trying to say is that something needs to be done to bolster interest in these vehicles or it seems likely that fewer and fewer will get saved. Not sure what that something is? But I think there needs to be some attention drawn to the topic.

 

Jeff

Media attention and aftermarket support. There's a reason the other brands are more popular. There were more of them, there was more aftermarket support and so they were a lot easier to restore, rebuild or customize, lots of media and support continues to grow for them. It wasn't that many years ago decent support for the Mopar muscle cars was available. It's still limited compared to other brands. As some here can attest, development of new replacement parts is pricey and uncertain. You pick a brand with fewer initial numbers and little support, it's going to be tough sledding. Promises to buy and actual buying are two different animals.

It's going to cost more as the number of project cars and trucks and parts in good condition is reduced and people will have to start with poorer condition projects and travel further to find them. We've been dealing with that here in the Midwest for years so you dry climate people may have to readjust your thinking on what is scrap level and what can be repaired.

Tim's BBQ is a good start. The group parking at "Back to the 50's" is another. Maybe attending shows with your truck more frequently, doing cruises, attending some of your social events in your truck, a bit more of using it for daily activities. They need to be more visible where people can see how cool these trucks can be.

Edited April 28, 2015 by Dave72dt

[Jeff Balazs]

Mark;

I know that ....and teasing aside I applaud you for that.   I am certain most of the fellows here feel the same as I do about your efforts.

What we have here works pretty well actually. But for the fellow who happens to come across one of these trucks for first time.....but has not gotten this far what is out there to encourage him? I am just going by my own experience and what I see offered up for sale in my area but there are some very obvious shortcomings to attempting a project like this. And I think many of the "projects" for sale that I have seen that were begun as rat rods and never completed are a sign of this.

 

What Dave has said makes a lot of sense. And maybe there are some other things that could be done to make some headway towards this. Just an idea.....but perhaps we all pool our experience and put together an online restoration guide as part of this forum?

 

Jeff

[Dave72dt]

I think a lot of unfinished projects happen because people find out it may actually be "work" and requires a fair amount of dedication.   Magazines and TV make it look easy, everything fits and bolts on and in a couple of weeks or months, it's done.  Personal welding and fabrication skills can, and are, often overrated or non-existent, the adrenalin rush of a new, cool project wears off, part procurement and backorders set in and may be wrong or don't fit, and the realities of financing or our short term attention spans find something new we may think is even cooler

[John-T-53]

...snip....

Tim's BBQ is a good start. The group parking at "Back to the 50's" is another. Maybe attending shows with your truck more frequently, doing cruises, attending some of your social events in your truck, a bit more of using it for daily activities. They need to be more visible where people can see how cool these trucks can be.

 

MOPAR ALLEY is show in the bay area, coming up soon. June 14. I plan on being there!

[Jeff Balazs]

I think a lot of unfinished projects happen because people find out it may actually be "work" and requires a fair amount of dedication.   Magazines and TV make it look easy, everything fits and bolts on and in a couple of weeks or months, it's done.  Personal welding and fabrication skills can, and are, often overrated or non-existent, the adrenalin rush of a new, cool project wears off, part procurement and backorders set in and may be wrong or don't fit, and the realities of financing or our short term attention spans find something new we may think is even cooler

True enough Dave......and there will always be those that bite off more than they can chew as well.

I was just thinking that if a realistic guide to restoring these trucks were available that maybe a higher percentage would get saved?

 

Jeff

[ggdad1951]

True enough Dave......and there will always be those that bite off more than they can chew as well.

I was just thinking that if a realistic guide to restoring these trucks were available that maybe a higher percentage would get saved?

 

Jeff

 

there is..THIS PLACE!  

[Jeff Balazs]

Right Mark......but that assumes that a prospective buyer for one of these trucks knows all about this site. And as much as we all know how well this site works......it doesn't mean that everyone knows about it. Also while pretty much everything has been discussed here it does not mean it is very easy to find for a newbie.

 

I am not exactly sure what would work the best but if we to pool our ideas and efforts we might be able to go another step towards raising the awareness about these trucks and saving a few more. Just an idea from a guy who had no ties to Mopar at all before this truck of mine.

 

Jeff

[48Dodger]

....Tim's BBQ is a good start. The group parking at "Back to the 50's" is another. Maybe attending shows with your truck more frequently, doing cruises, attending some of your social events in your truck, a bit more of using it for daily activities. They need to be more visible where people can see how cool these trucks can be.

 

Thanks for that Dave. I've been putting on the BBQ for 8 years now. It gets a little bigger each year, but the main thing people experience first, is the people. Second is the number of Pilot-House trucks in one place. Its not a huge number, but definately bigger than Pomona or any Good Guys show around here. Many guys tow or drive thier trucks here because they are committed to building a Mopar truck and many come to find the inspiration. Its no surprise a friend of the BBQ sold his Ford truck so he could finish build his 50 Dodge, or pair of friends stopped by to see the old dodges at the BBQ and left saying "we know what we're gonna build". There are a lot of Dodge truck owners/builders in hidding and I do what I can to flush them out and bring them to the forum. The story of John from Lodi, having two PH's in his driving. He loaded one and brought the project to the BBQ and left newly inspirerd to finish one, and joined the forum. All I'm saying is, judging from a swap meet is only one way to decide how the old dodges are holding up. I like to believe that if you tally the grass roots efforts around the world and in our own backyards,....Dodge trucks are way ahead. No one is concerned that Chevy or Fords trucks need help, and those who are concerned about Internationals and Studebakers have a bigger gripe than we do. lol. Just another thought to add to the disscussion.

 

48D        

[Captain Neon]

Sorry Bob.......but it was under the title "the sad state of things here".

While we were there looking at it a potential buyer offered him $3900.

It was relisted in C/L this week at 8k so I have to assume he turned that down.

IMO he would be doing better than great to get that much.

 

Jeff

He's not really trying to sell it.  He just likes taking it to swap meets and talking to people about it.  He has it on C/L so people will talk to him about his truck during the week.  I like taking my P15 on road trips.  I like to talk to people I meet at gas stations, restaurants, etc., about my car.

[Captain Neon]

I think a lot of unfinished projects happen because people find out it may actually be "work" and requires a fair amount of dedication.   Magazines and TV make it look easy, everything fits and bolts on and in a couple of weeks or months, it's done.  Personal welding and fabrication skills can, and are, often overrated or non-existent, the adrenalin rush of a new, cool project wears off, part procurement and backorders set in and may be wrong or don't fit, and the realities of financing or our short term attention spans find something new we may think is even cooler

You mean that in the real world people don't go from barely running engine on a stand to fully restored car in two months like on Counting Cars?

[Merle Coggins]

You mean that in the real world people don't go from barely running engine on a stand to fully restored car in two months like on Counting Cars?

 

Shoot... they do it in 7-10 days on Overhaulin'.

Edited April 29, 2015 by Merle Coggins

[Don Coatney]

Youns are watchin too many unreal reality shows.

[Merle Coggins]

Youns are watchin too many unreal reality shows.

 

I call it Unreality TV

[Desotodav]

A friend of mine sent me the attached pic of a truck which she saw recently for sale here in Oz. I reckon the fella has two too many zero's on the end of his price! I didn't get to read the rest of the story attached to the advertisement as I got a photo of the ad rather than a link.... but I suspect that any amount of sales pitch would fail to see the seller get the asking price on that truck! ...

 

We rarely find any parts for PH trucks at swap meets here in Oz... probably the reason I tend to buy whole trucks when I find them rather than small parts!

[Jeff Balazs]

Davin;

OK....you win. That is very sad. And I think I see a brown snake peeking out from underneath it.

I guess things are tough all over.

 

Hey I just watched "Tracks" last night. That was one tough Sheila. !700 miles on foot with just her dog and a few cranky camels. The term "Epic" is actually appropriate for once. What a trip.

 

Jeff

[Bobacuda]

Jeff & Davin -

That ad must be a misprint....he's really offering that much to get someone to get it out of the brush and off his property, right?

[Desotodav]

Jeff & Davin -

That ad must be a misprint....he's really offering that much to get someone to get it out of the brush and off his property, right?

 

It's the real deal Bob - was advertised on Facebook.

Maybe he should have added the words 'rat rod' and added another zero to the end of the price?

[ggdad1951]

Davin, that is just SOOOOO wrong...I thought us Yanks were crazy!  Is the guy smoking something wacky?

[Jeff Balazs]

Thanks for that Dave. I've been putting on the BBQ for 8 years now. It gets a little bigger each year, but the main thing people experience first, is the people. Second is the number of Pilot-House trucks in one place. Its not a huge number, but definately bigger than Pomona or any Good Guys show around here. Many guys tow or drive thier trucks here because they are committed to building a Mopar truck and many come to find the inspiration. Its no surprise a friend of the BBQ sold his Ford truck so he could finish build his 50 Dodge, or pair of friends stopped by to see the old dodges at the BBQ and left saying "we know what we're gonna build". There are a lot of Dodge truck owners/builders in hidding and I do what I can to flush them out and bring them to the forum. The story of John from Lodi, having two PH's in his driving. He loaded one and brought the project to the BBQ and left newly inspirerd to finish one, and joined the forum. All I'm saying is, judging from a swap meet is only one way to decide how the old dodges are holding up. I like to believe that if you tally the grass roots efforts around the world and in our own backyards,....Dodge trucks are way ahead. No one is concerned that Chevy or Fords trucks need help, and those who are concerned about Internationals and Studebakers have a bigger gripe than we do. lol. Just another thought to add to the disscussion.

 

48D        

Hey Tim;

There is no doubt at all that the BBQ and other such events have had a beneficial or inspirational effect on many folks. God only knows how many people you have helped along with their trucks. You are awesome    and it is all good. 

 

I have been trying to look at this from what I believe is a broader perspective than what has been discussed here. There are lots of people who want vintage trucks. And many of these guy's are like me..... not dyed in the wool Mopar fiends. They like what they see but have a lot of reservations due to perceived supply shortcomings and lack of general information.. While we all know about this site and what resources are available it isn't so obvious to the the fellow who see's one of these trucks for the first time. I am not sure what can be done to help make these trucks more attractive to potential buyers?.....but I am certain there is a non mopar only market for them and often they are the best value for the money.

 

Jeff.

[jeffsunzeri]

It's sort of disheartening to hear of the lack of MoPar at Pomona. I've never attended and now I'm not so sure I'll make the trip down there. I know it's the biggest on the West Coast and I would expect to see a lot of MoPar stuff, but it sounds like the same stuff as shows up at GoodGuys shows - Chevy, Shivvy, Chevvy, Chevrolet, and some GM, dusted with a little Ford and Pontiac. A couple years ago one fellow had a small booth of nothing but MoPar stuff and he did quite well. It became the hangout-of-the-day for a couple dozen guys seeking refuge from endless Delco, 350/350, Rochester, GM stuff.

 

For years we've had the MoPar Alley show in the Bay Area, and frankly, if you're looking for pre-60's stuff it is very sparse. I went to the Spring Fling MoPar show a couple of times in So Cal with high expectations, and it's about the same as the MoPar Alley get together. Lots of muscle car stuff, almost nothing for flathead powered vehicles.

 

I'm thinking this may be a good excuse to gather up all the spare parts laying around and go sell at these meets. Who knows - it could start a trend!

[Big50Dodge]

 

For years we've had the MoPar Alley show in the Bay Area, and frankly, if you're looking for pre-60's stuff it is very sparse. I went to the Spring Fling MoPar show a couple of times in So Cal with high expectations, and it's about the same as the MoPar Alley get together. Lots of muscle car stuff, almost nothing for flathead powered vehicles.

 

 

 

This is where we have to use places like this board to figure things out.  If something else fits - tell the rest of us.

 

I have a beater 95 Toyota with terribly rusted rocker panels.  The folks at Toyota decided to make these rocker panels part of the support of the unibody for the vehicle. Heard through the grapevine that S10 rocker panels work just great for replacements.  Toyota wants over $110 for each panel - compared to about $15 for the Chevy ones.  I haven't tested it yet, but later this summer I plan to make the $15 sacrifice to see.

[Jeff Balazs]

Well things got a little bit sadder. Same truck 2 weeks later. Listed as a daily driver on C/L at $6999

Oh ya and "fresh" paint too. I suppose the idea was to seal in the freshness.

The inside got the full treatment too. Inluding the handles etc... at least he took the seat cushions out before spraying.  I want to laugh.....but I suddenly I have the blues.

 

Jeff

Edited May 2, 2015 by Jeff Balazs