You Too Can Take a Clunker and Turn it Into a Gem

How many times have you heard the phrase “if I only knew then what I know now”.

There are definitely some days when that is the car guys mantra!

Had I known at sixteen that my 69 Olds would be one of the cars I would love to have now that I am forty-something, it would still be in my garage! So rather than regret past decisions, we carry on and look for ‘new’ old toys.

If you have ever wondered how these gems are acquired, there are actually quite a number of ways. Many people have jumped onto the bandwagon of pulling old vehicles out of the bush since realizing the popularity of hot rodding and car building.

Driving down the highway you will actually see quite a few farms that have lined up old vehicles on their property hoping that someone will spot the car of their dreams!

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Technology also provides many avenues to finding that special vehicle. If one is willing to travel or pay for shipping, the shopping grid for vehicles is basically limitless.

You can literally spend days searching sites such as large auctions sites (Ebay, CrankyApe, etc.), retail vehicle sales sites (car lots, antique/specialty vehicles sites), private listings (personal websites, Kijiji, etc.) or even salvage sites (auto wreckers, SGI, etc.). 

One word of advice though: if you are not a seasoned car guy or are possibly buying a first specialty vehicle, you would be wise to seek out the advice of someone who has been around vehicles and knows what to look for. Sadly there are still going to be some who will be selling something as a “in good shape” vehicle that may actually be hiding some issues you may not see.

While some of us are seeking to purchase or build our gems, some people are ‘lifers’ and have owned their car for any number of years. There are also some who have inherited Dad or Grandpa’s baby and have left it as it is or have chosen to restore them. And you might be surprised by who these people are! At a recent car show I struck up a conversation with a fellow who works in the same facility as I do. I found out that not only is he a car guy but he has had his very cool AMC since he was a teenager. Being a guy who is known for turning over vehicles quite frequently, I really admire those people who keep their favorite car for years and years.

There are also, of course, automobile clubs such as the Klassic Kruizers. Many car clubs do not even require that you own a certain type of vehicle. This can be a great avenue for folks looking for a special car for a number of reasons. First, you will be in with a bunch of car enthusiast who probably have or know of someone who has a vehicle for sale. Also there’s most likely a wide range of automobile experience within most clubs. You’ll find people who know mechanics, autobody, automotive history and many other interesting automotive related areas.    

Obviously this isn’t a comprehensive list on how to find your new baby but there should be a few hints to get you going. And trust me, once you have the bug, there’s no turning back!

For more information please email the Klassic Kruizers Kar Klub at: klassickruizerskarklub@gmail.com.

Keep it between the ditches!

Cheers

Don ‘Woody’ Wood