Author Topic: Restoration Build Sheets (Read 855 times)

Horseplay · « **Reply #25 on:** May, 11, 2011, 06:17:48 AM »

Quote from: Kats66Pny on May, 11, 2011, 05:59:36 AM

Yes, that was the $5,000 purchase price included.

I adjusted the number some (found some receipts with exact cost).

Here I thought you were holding out on us and had gone on a huge shopping spree!

You've got some key things covered already. One thing I will warn you about is how easy it is to spend a fortune buying all new shiny stuff. For a while there I was spending hundreds every few weeks at NPD and such. Every single part down to nuts and screws and lengths of wire will be/is new on my dust collector. Much of this stuff could have been "updated" later instead of right away. Stick to the bones first and dress it up later. You'll enjoy driving it more than showing off the boxes of cool parts in the garage!

Kats66Pny · « **Reply #26 on:** May, 11, 2011, 06:28:03 AM »

Quote

Here I thought you were holding out on us and had gone on a huge shopping spree!

I wish I could go on a huge shopping spree for parts! I might be able to do more shopping this summer since I *think* I have a good job. lol I say *think* because its a new car lot (used cars) that is just opening up. I know the guy/owner from another local car club forum and he hired me to help him out. Right now, there's only 1 car on the lot and so I only worked last Friday and then I go in again this Friday. Eventually he says I'll be working Wed- Fri (and Sat too if I want) once the car lot starts picking up and there's actually something to do. Right now it's just empty and we've been looking for cars to buy to put out there.

But anyway, yeah I'm not going overboard on the shiny right away. I'm trying to buy only stuff that is needed, or if I see something cool at a good price. Just the basics and needed things for now.

RustyRed · « **Reply #27 on:** May, 11, 2011, 06:45:10 AM »

Quote from: Kats66Pny on May, 11, 2011, 06:28:03 AM

I wish I could go on a huge shopping spree for parts! I might be able to do more shopping this summer since I *think* I have a good job. lol I say *think* because its a new car lot (used cars) that is just opening up. I know the guy/owner from another local car club forum and he hired me to help him out. Right now, there's only 1 car on the lot and so I only worked last Friday and then I go in again this Friday. Eventually he says I'll be working Wed- Fri (and Sat too if I want) once the car lot starts picking up and there's actually something to do. Right now it's just empty and we've been looking for cars to buy to put out there.

But anyway, yeah I'm not going overboard on the shiny right away. I'm trying to buy only stuff that is needed, or if I see something cool at a good price. Just the basics and needed things for now.

I had a client that started a small used car lot some years ago. He's still doing pretty well at it. He was smart and opened his lot in the sort of rough part of town where there would be more of a market for cheaper end used cars.

To find a decent stock of dependable cars you pretty much have to go to the car auction.

My client was smart and only put decent cars on the lot and made sure to give folks a square deal. The reputation and repeat business is where you make your money. He literally had people buy a car, total it a year later then come back to him for the replacement for the one they totaled in addition to sending a few of their friends his way.

Kats66Pny · « **Reply #28 on:** May, 11, 2011, 07:05:40 AM »

This guy wants to be able to provide decent cars at decent prices. He doesn't want to be like a lot of used lots and sell over priced pieces of junk. His plan is to also open up a detail shop so folks can get their cars cleaned, oil changed, etc. If his plan that he told me actually works, then this will be a cool job and he'll have a good successful business.

Mainly we've been looking on Craigslist and wholesale section at local dealerships. I'm sure he'll eventually look into the auctions, but right now, he's working 3/4 days out of town for his other job so making it a little difficult. That's where I come in. Helping him find cars to put on the lot and get things going.

Horseplay · « **Reply #29 on:** May, 11, 2011, 07:20:18 AM »

Outside of auction vehicles it's going to be pretty tough to get a high enough margin on his sales to make a go of it. Think about it. You don't think the majority of his used car customers are also checking out Craigslist and such? If he has a license to sell used cars he can participate in wholesale car auctions (where all his competitors get their cars). You can also go and buy as an agent of his company. Wait until you see what you can buy at one. It can literally be quarters on the dollar compared to what you find on a used car lot.