Recommendations For Selling

S

Sea-weed

Junior Member
I have a very nice 1930 Town Sedan that I want to sell. The problem is that it's in my garage and hasn't been started for at least 7 years. Should I try and get it running before I post it up for sale? Or has it sat too long? It does turn over with the crank and I have put MM oil in each cylinder. I pretty much know the drill to get it started just worried that I don't do any damage.
As you well know, it ran when it was parked.
Will try to attach a pic of it.

Thanks, Rich
(located in Cape Cod)
 

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If I looked at a car that didn't run I would assume if it was easy to start the seller would have done so. Since the seller didn't get it started I would assume it needs a new engine and price it accordingly.

Charlie Stephens
 
Dump the oil and gasoline and replace with fresh. The battery may need to be replaced. I bet with very little trouble that car will start right up. You may also need to burnish the points as they can get corroded a bit and cause no ignition. It is best to prove to a new prospect that it runs than leave to their imagination all the problems the mind can conjure up.
 
Charlie Stephens said:
If I looked at a car that didn't run I would assume if it was easy to start the seller would have done so. Since the seller didn't get it started I would assume it needs a new engine and price it accordingly.

Charlie Stephens
Click to expand...
This makes a pretty good point about the situation.
 
After you dump oil , pull the dissy and dump oil down the dissy hole into the dip tray , drop dissy back in check timing ....
 
I say don't mess with any more than it takes to get it running. See how it is and do more if you need to. Don't touch the timing until you see how it is running!
 
Charlie Stephens said:
If I looked at a car that didn't run I would assume if it was easy to start the seller would have done so. Since the seller didn't get it started I would assume it needs a new engine and price it accordingly.

Charlie Stephens
Click to expand...
Same here - i assume the seller knows theres an issue and they arent telling me and I'm going to assume it needs new bearings. Or the trans is out, or rearend is out. Without the engine not running i would assume everything driveline wise is shot and price accordingly. Hard to test the brakes as well so assume theres work to be done there.

Get it running, even half assed to make it down the block. That way at least the buyer knows the brakes, rearend, trans is good and can hear for major engine problems.
 
Thanks everyone. I guess I knew the answer before I asked the question. I purchased the car because I love old Fords but it gradually got used less and less as I had other "stuff" to do. Now I need the space or a bigger garage.
 
Nice car! It will be easier to sell if the engine is in running condition and you'll probably get a better purchase price too. As long as the engine doesn't need major overhauling/expense and it just needs to be refreshed, I would opt for the time to get it going. As Charlie mentions above, some buyers will be leery or scared from purchasing if they feel something's wrong with the engine. If you're worried about missing something to get it going, check with the local clubs to see if anyone would be willing to help out.
 
Gorgeous, beautiful; very attractive car you have there SEA-WEED.
Thats the paint combo I'm going to have on mine.
Even if it only just starts...you should get a good price...good luck to you Sir
 
I'd get it running and change the J to a Y on the number plate. Could attract a whole new class of potential buyer - you know, the ones who like to make a statement with their plate! :o

Seriously, that is one nice looking A! Are you sure you want to sell it? :confused:
 
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