I just picked up another 52 F1 pickup to fix and flip. I'd like to suggest some modifications to help resale the truck that will bring maximum profit and keep the sale price in the mid to upper $20'sK (range $25k to $29K). I'll have $5500 in the truck with purchase and shipping and I'd like to make a few thousand. I do this restomod stuff for self funding hobby and vacations. The truck is a flat head 239ci V8, stock 4spd on the floor and has pretty nice alum wheels (see pictures). I have all the parts, e.g., running boards, headlights, bumpers, etc.

To start, I'll ensure all safety and road ready for daily local driving are dealt with. I'll replace gaskets/seals as needed, change oil and all fluids, tune up, and have truck in primer.

What I need from all of you is your opinion of changes needed and rated on a scale of 1 to 3 (1= little value, don't want/need, 2= some value, would like to have and 3= most value, must have, I want it)

1. FDB - Front disc brakes
2. 4DB - 4 wheel disc brakes
3. PB - Power Brakes
4. RP - rack and pinion steering
5. PS - Power Steering
6. AC - air conditioning added
7. BW - new bed wood added
8. ENG - engine and engine bay dressed up
9. DE - headers and dual exhaust
10. EW - electric wipers
11. 12v - 12 v conversion with alternator
12. FAN - Elec Cooling fan
13. Other?

Remember, I'm looking for a rating (1-3) and comments/opinions on what you think a "typical" buyer would want, value and pay for.

An example of feedback would be (you can copy and paste below example in your reply and over write ratings/comments.

1. FDB - 3
2. 4DB - 1
3. PB - 2
4. RP - 2
5. PS - 2
6. AC - 3 must have, hot climate
7. BW - 3, must have a bed
8. ENG - 2
9. DE - 1
10. EW - 2
11. 12v - 2
12. FAN - 3, want with AC
13. Other, Electronic Ignition, Paint job, bucket seats, stereo radio/cd, elec windows

Thanks so much to all for your time, considerations and comments,
Mark

 

My opinion is if you can get 25 - 29k out of that truck, you are doing really good.

 

Well, it sure won't look like that when done and have many upgrades. I'm planning on putting ~$10k to $19k into it.... that's why I'm asking for everyone's input on what modifications they most want and value. I'd sure like your input.

I'm even considering a Mustang II front suspension with rack and pinion steering.... I think that would be a big plus.

Comments most welcome.

Thx Mark

 

So, my public school math has you planning to be into the truck for 15 to 24K with a target sell 5000 above either amount. Am I correct?

 

Lets see, you have $5K in the truck now. If it is rust free, (hard to tell what is under the primer) you replace the missing grill, running boards, make it complete and it runs drives good, sell it for what you can get out of it then. IMO, many of the mods you mention won't do much for the value of a stock engine, stock geared truck.
Most $20K - $30K trucks are well thought out and built. BTW, welcome to the forum.

 

I agree with Ray, putting more money into the truck isn't going to result in a higher return. A higher sell target will also significantly reduce the population of potential buyers.

 

I like these old trucks but have never seen one I thought was worth 25k to me. For what it is worth I am a cheap *******.

Brad

 

Costs run up quick. I'm assuming you will do all the work. I'm no where near an expert, so my opinion on what upgrades would give you a return on your investment.

I would suggest you check out some other 52's for sale and see what they are asking. (asking and getting are two different things.) Compare what they have in features and what it would cost you to have those.

here are some examples;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Ford-F-1-pickup-/201154059029?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
Yeah, starting at $40K. I wish him good luck on this one. Their web site offers it at $49,995
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Ford-F-1-Flame-Red-Five-Star-Cab-1-2-ton-Nut-and-Bolt-restored-Flat-head-V8-/331301827674?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-FORD-F1-BEAUTIFULLY-RESTORED-ALL-HENERY-STEEL-NO-RESERVE-/161399492555?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
It's fun looking for trucks. Wish I had money.

 

1. FDB - 3
2. 4DB - 1
3. PB - 3
4. RP - 1
5. PS - 2
6. AC - 0 I live in Maine
7. BW - 2
8. ENG - 3
9. DE - 1
10. EW - 3
11. 12v - 3 - only cause I have a 6V and wouldn't mind a 12.
12. FAN - 2 for engine cooling only
13. Other, Electronic Ignition yes , Paint job nope but primer OK so that the final buyer can pick his/her own color or you go with a conservative color if you're gonna paint, bucket seats nope, stereo radio/cd, elec windows hell no it don't take much effort to roll down a window.

 

Thanks so much for your feedback. You get the real question..... What do people want and value. Mark

 

I'll keep the cost in check and take the risks... but most all are missing the intent of the thread.... what do 52 Ford F1 buyers look for and value....? This information will help me narrow my focus and select the mods most likely to add value and raise my chances for max sale price.

Thanks Mark

 

We have kind of avoided the question. For me it's hard because I don't imagine me ever spending that much for a classic vehicle. (Unless I win the lottery) I'm also more of a stock guy. I showed those other trucks thinking you could see what upgrades they have done as a gauge of what is being offered out there.

I will give it a shot though. My number will reflect both what I'm interested in and what I might expect for the price you will be asking. But you do have to remember, I've never been that price point market.

1. FDB - 3 (Safety is key)
2. 4DB - 1 (This also goes in to what gearing you want. This could be higher depending on what rear you plan on putting in. If you leave the stock axle, it's defiantly a 1)
3. PB - 2 (This is probably a 3 based on your price range.)
4. RP - 2 (This is probably a 3 based on your price range.)
5. PS - 3 (At this price point yep.)
6. AC - 2 (Location is key here, in the South it's a 3, or 4)
7. BW - 4 (Your bed must look pristine.)
8. ENG - 4 (At this price range the engine bay better be sharp. This would be relatively cheap to do.)
9. DE - 2 (Depends on the engine and overall look you are going for.)
10. EW - 2 (Will someone that pays this price be driving in the rain?)
11. 12v - 3 (You are not stock, so 12v is needed.)
12. FAN - 2 (All depends on the look you want. I wouldn't want it.)
13. Stereo - 2 I would think you would want some sound system. Oh if you do this and #6, that would make #11 a 4.

Yeah, I went a little higher than your 1-3 range, but hopefully you get my point on them. Please take my suggestions with a grain of salt. If I had that kind of money, I would really have to re-evaluate what I am looking for in a truck.

 

What percentage of profit are you looking to get? What is your time worth? IMO I would do, 2,3,11, 13 and change the rear gear ratio for highway driving. Probably the least invested with the best return.

____________________________________________
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod

"Happiness - 3 pedals and a 5 speed"

 

This is what I do not understand.

OK you are going to do the work to this truck to make $5,000. Why not put $1,000 into the truck and make it run, drive, stop, and sell it for $10-$12,000 and let the new owner do their own modifications.

You will find that the lower the price the more potential buyers you will have. also your mods will not sit well with all potential buyers (they want to make it their own)

I'm not going to do the poll. As what I want or think, is important, is no where near what someone else wants

 

Kevin makes an excellent point. How easy will it be to sell a $25 -$30K truck versus a $10 -$12K truck? If I was spending the upper range, I would want it exactly like I wanted it. Tastes vary a lot. The lower range allows someone to make the tweaks they want. It also opens the door to a ton more buyers.