1962 IIa - Parts Vehicle or Project? Advice please!!

[HughD]

Hi everyone,

My wife has inherited a 1962 Series IIa - it last ran in the late 80's, and has been sitting outside idle ever since (rusted petrol tank). We'd like to sell the vehicle, but haven't a clue in terms of figuring out its value, or whether or not it would only be good for parts, or if this would be a good restoration project for someone. If we just sell it for parts, we don't have to go through probate and title transfer procedures (two wills and estates are involved here), but if the vehicle has a future on the road then we should.

Anyway, we're very grateful for any advice on this, plus any wags on value, and thoughts on the best place to advertise a sale for something like this.

Photos at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxXZy ... 2lkT2ZETzg

Many thanks!


Hugh

[TimberPig]

Maybe it's me, but I can't see your pictures.

Without seeing it, the condition it was in when stored, and it's condition now are what will determine if it is a project or parts. There are many hidden things to check that will influence a build or part decision, many of which can't be seen in pictures. And in person inspection will reveal things pictures won't as well.

Where are you located, as I am sure a number of us would be willing to take a look at the truck for you if we are local to you?

[HughD]

Hi Timberpig - thanks for your post. I've attached three images to the original post, but hit a max past that. Three more in this post...Anyway, I'm just east of Mission - happy to have someone come and take a look!

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[TimberPig]

From what I can see in the pictures, it looks fairly straight and clean, missing the air filter and intake hose assembly (noticed the air cleaner is in the back, not sure on the hose), but both can be replaced relatively easily. All the lights are intact and look in decent shape too. The interior looks a little worse for wear on the upholstery, but relatively complete. The rear crossmember looks reasonably solid, unlike most, which is a good sign for a reasonably solid frame underneath. It has also had late 2a upper door hinges and mirrors added.

It is a station wagon model, with the safari roof, rear door and sliding side windows, heater installed and a capstan winch fitted up front.

I'd guess value in the roughly $3000 range, subject to inspection, although I may be off a bit, others can likely confirm if I am high or low. I'd firmly consider this a project truck, not parts, as it is very straight and reasonably clean, obviously well cared for prior to being parked. Time will have taken a toll on some components (hopefully drivetrain is ok, not seized etc) but will make a good project truck for someone to put the time an effort into.

I'd give a further look over in person for you, but am not in the lower mainland.

If I were you and your wife, I'd keep the truck, clean it up and drive it. If you want to sell it, place it in the vehicles for sale section on here, and I'm sure it will have a new home shortly.

[red90]

Is the frame rusty? Is the bulkhead/firewall rusty? To be honest, a vehicle like that with unknown mechanical condition and assuming there is no serious rot, you are looking at $1000.

[TimberPig]

Is the frame rusty? Is the bulkhead/firewall rusty? To be honest, a vehicle like that with unknown mechanical condition and assuming there is no serious rot, you are looking at $1000.

I guess I am a little more optimistic on its value. Asking and selling prices usually differ as well.

Agreed on all the points of concern with an unknown vehicle that has been sitting for years. I still see a vehicle with project potential more than parts.

[HughD]

Thanks very much guys for your feedback...

An update - a very knowledgeable forum member (you know who you are - thanks again, and feel free to jump in!) came out and had a look at the truck yesterday, and was a huge help. We towed the vehicle out of its ruts a few feet and had a closer look.

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We both crawled in and under and had a closer look - I can post more photos here if people are interested, just let me know.

Off the top of my head, some findings -

Some things on the downside (I'm repeating the member's observations here as best I can) -

- the plugs were left out. I understand this means the engine will very likely be seized and need to be replaced

- lots of rust in the chassis - the member thought it was in decent shape, considering, but there was a 5" section where the bottom span of the square steel box was completely rusted through. Repairable? Maybe, maybe not.

- lots of rust, and some rust holes in the bulkhead. Probably repairable.

- bottoms of door frames are rusted through

Some things on the upside -

- body is quite straight. No bondo.

- all the lights are there

- safari roof

- original capstan winch

- I have three and a half back seats. They've been stored under cover for decades and are in far better shape than the front seats. I need to have a long hard search for the remaining back half seat though.

Anyway, the member's opinion was that, all things considered, the truck was worth saving. He mentioned bringatrailer.com as an auction site worth looking at (US$99 flat fee).

Soooo, I think my strategy going forward is looking like

- deal with the title and ICBC
- take lots more pictures
- put it up for auction on bringatrailer.com (no reserve - that way I don't have to guess at what I should ask)
- ... and let this forum know when it's available on bringatrailer.com

Hopefully this will land the truck in a much happier place.

Any thoughts or comments are welcome - again, thanks very much for your help!

Hugh

[Volksman]

Hi Hugh. I live in Mission. I could come take a look if you like.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HughD]

Hi Volksman - I think I'm good to go on strategy here, but anyone interested is welcome to come have a look, just shoot me an email and we can arrange something.

Hugh

[TimberPig]

In light of the information provided, I have to agree the truck is worth closer to $1000.

The work you mention is easily done, but involved and time consuming. Most buyers aren't prepared to pay a lot with the work it needs.

I'm not sure Bringatrailer will bring any more money than listing in the for sale ads here will, and you will be out the listing fee, but it's your call. Good luck with the sale.

[RichardV]

I think the value would be around $1500 however I think you would be further ahead to part it out, via some forums down south. If complete and working, the capstan, wiper motors,instrument panel and switches/cables, turn signal and lenses/complete lights and other orig bits will get you to $1000 in US hondo's.

[DrRangelove]

I paid $800 for my project truck. Frame was rust free, motor seized and body rougher than yours...

[The_Anachronist]

That's a keeper!

[m_kenton]

Hi
Did you ever sell the truck?
Thanks
Marc