----- Original Message -----
From: "DOC - Ken" <kennkim@netzero.net>
To: "TRIUMPH LIST" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2000 7:10 AM
Subject: Restore or buy restored.
>
> bit cheaper to just buy one that was majority restored.
> Ken
Ken; The general rule of thumb in market price versus cost is about half,
that is, you can expect to buy a car for just a little more than half of
what it cost to restore it. So, it's always cheaper to buy a restored or
even partially restored car. However, that doesn't mean you won't have to
some work, even do some work over. There are as many levels of restoration
as there are restorers, so you'd better be armed with knowledge on what it
takes to do a car to whatever standard you desire, and examine each
prospect closely. As far as doing the car yourself, few have the skills
required to do a top notch job in all areas. Yes, a few restorers can and do
high quality work in many of trades required to restore a car. However, most
owners of high point cars of any marque depend on experts in various trades
to obtain a true #1 car. Most of us, myself included, who like to work on
the cars achieve a "close but no cigar" end product. People do sell nicely
restored cars in the hobby as they move on to other cars or leave for other
interest. But, there's a lot cars out there where corners have been cut for
a profit, or inexperience has affected the quality of the restoration. The
only way to know things are done right is to do them yourself. Obviously,
it's the most expensive and time consuming approach. So, the choice is
restore, with all the inherent agony, or buy, with the frustration of the
search and the risk of the purchase involved. Good luck. Jerry Oliver,
Olympia, WA. P.S. You can look at a TR250 I'm restoring at
Http://members.home.net/slantws/index.htm and click on "TR250" at the bottom
of list on the left column.
|