Need Advice on Parting Out

SeaDweller · 01-01-2003, 02:58 PM

Well, I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but I'm not having much luck selling the SC. For some reason, folks only seem interested in my engine, transmission and wheels, so I'm seriously considering parting the car out.

I'd certainly prefer to sell the whole car, but I'll be damned if I'm going to sell it for $8K. I've been offered $5.5K for the engine alone, and I know the transmission, wheels and A/C are worth at least another $3K.

Should I go this route, how is the best way to proceed? I don't want to get into selling a knob here, a switch there, a fender here, etc. I simply don't have the time or facilities to do it.

I realize I could sell the engine and transmission, but should I leave them in the car until they're sold? If I sold the engine, transmission, wheels, and A/C, is it likely I could sell the body and interior fairly easily?

Any advice would be most appreciated, and yes, I realize that the time and aggravation won't be worth it, but I simply can't bring myself to give the car away.

Jim Richards · 01-01-2003, 03:10 PM

Michael, what makes you feel that you're only going to get $8k for it? Is the condition less than desireable? If not, I'd expect you can get more than $10k, but I'm no expert on SC valuations. Good luck with whichever direction to take on this.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

If you have room....parting it out can net you more in the long run. But it is a major pain in the buttocks....if ya have a thick skin....do it.

Are you still planning on moving to CA?

Adam · Adam's Garage

Is it because the car is a Euro model? I would have thought a Euro would be more desirable (except for emissions...)

SeaDweller · 01-01-2003, 06:50 PM

I'm not 100% sure about the relocation yet, but I was looking at houses in the Redondo Beach/Palos Verdes area last week, if that provides any clues.

I also have some friends that are pressing me to move to Westlake Village, so my head is spinning.

It seems this comes around at the end of every year, and I've dodged it for three years now. Ultimately, there's a 90% chance it will happen at some point, so I've got to plan accordingly. I may even shock everyone and make the move on my own volition so it's not hanging over my head every year!

Yes, the car has some rust issues, but it's not full of cancer. For someone who can tackle the body side of things, this car is perfect. Mechanically it's like new, as I've replaced nearly every mechanical/electrical item in the car with a new factory part. I'm afraid to add up my receipts, but I've know they easily exceed $25K in total. Even the darn tires have the little rubber spikes still on them!!!

Cosmetically, the car could be driven for years, as it's really in very nice condition overall. You can pick it apart when your a foot away, but as a daily driver, it's great. I get complimented on it constantly, so it can't be that bad! My plan for a strip and repaint was to end up with a near concours car, not because it's in terrible condition. That's why I poured so much money into the mechanical side of things.

Oh well, I'll give it another couple of weeks, and then regroup. I really hate to part out such a nice car, but I simply refuse to sell it for what a basket case was going for not even one year ago.

stealthn · 01-01-2003, 07:12 PM

Hey,

You could always try a good reseller and set a consignment price excluding commission to see what would happen.

My two cents...

Good luck

steve rush · 01-01-2003, 07:55 PM

I seem to remember that a Chevrolet in the eighties was $12k something new; and $30k in parts over the counter....sort of pizza for $10 a pie or $3 a slice...
And if you keep the round parts on your car till last, maybe eBay'er would provide a buyer for the roller to convert a Targa etc. (no offense) for someone else.
You would not be there for the last tail lite lens profit/sale but the
residue in the driveway would not linger past the larger items.
Most folks have a beginning or some sort of start on Their "P" car dream, but don't need all of the extras in a package deal, i.e. they are willing to pay more for the missing pieces in their puzzle.
Happy New Year

SeaDweller · 01-02-2003, 05:19 PM

By the way, I forgot to mention that the folks offering to buy the engine, transmission and wheels never even came out to look at the car!!!! I guess parts are more desirable than a whole car nowadays!!!!

makaio · 01-02-2003, 05:50 PM

Sea, I just registered my 78 SC as a Historic Vehicle today! No more smog checks for it! Yeah they say you can only drive it in parades or events. But every time I drive it, it's an event.