Dear schlepcar and mid-60s investors!?!?
It's seems like a double edged sword.....if we push for repo items our cars actually have less value eventually. How many guys out there with original 69 z28 cross Rams were happy to see them reproduced?
Honestly, do you really think the most import aspect of these cars is the value as investments? If you want a good investment, buy mutual funds. You'll get a much better return for your money and you won't have to get your hands all greasy to have your investment appreciate. There is only one reason to own these cars, because you really love them. If they aren't that interested, move on to something else.
If you need a part....put it out there. One of us should have it. I try to put extra pieces to good use for someone who can use them. I think everyone has been quite fair that I have met. It's these little rarities that get you in the squeamish position......Hood ornaments,door panel emblems,and all that small stuff that adds up. The consolette rings have me in an endless search, but they are out there....I think.....anyone? somebody? I know it's not the right place to post it,but I had to try.
Honestly, I think this really naive. It isn't like Buick's are going to ever attract the interest to the reproduction market like the Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro. There is absolutely no chance that every part you might need to restore your Buick will ever be manufactured. So this
"old boy" network of original parts will always be needed and like it or not, the parts are getting harder and harder to come by. I needed a tailgate part for my wagon and it took me several months to find it. Fortunately, it was a universal A-body wagon part, so a Chevy wagon part finally solved my problem. Still, a single part like this can put your whole project into crisis. How can you call a station wagon complete if the tailgate doesn't work?
If you aren't doing this as a labor of love, you should really quit. Keeping these old cars running is a black hole of money spent and time wasted. I dare you clock the hours you spend on your restorations and then compute the labor costs based on your day-job. No fooling, you aren't making a penny on these cars.
Edouard