I was thinking, yeah, I know that could be dangerous. But, I thinking since the FTE family spans the nation I was wondering if it would be possible to set up a permanent post where we could arrange parts relays or other ways to help member get items from one part of the country to another. Let's say someone in Texas is going to visit family in Minnesota they could check the post to see if anyone is needing a part from Texas brought up to Minnesota or somewhere along the trip. Even if the person seeking the parts is a bit off of the direct path he could make arrangement to meet at a convenient spot Or, if someone finds a car or truck in another part of the country if there would be a member nearby who could go check it out and take pictures for them. I also don't think this would be a charitable event, if could, but the person looking for help could throw a few bucks to the person doing the service. I know I'd be happy to check out items nearby me for a fellow FTE member.

For an example, last year I found part in California I wanted but the seller wouldn't accept anything but cash and only wanted someone local to pick up the parts. I contacted a fellow FTE member and we made arrangement for him to pick up and ship the parts to me.

Any interest in doing something like this? Of course everything would have to arranged solely by the parties involved.

 

Bob I think that is a great idea, members coming together and helping each other in ways other than just keyboarding things. Though I not in a great place I would be willing to help do that. Kurt.

 

I've done that with the SteelSoldiers (retired military trucks) forum. And with German Shepherd Rescue.

 

Kurt no being in a great place might be the best many times. I search CL and FB across the country and find parts everywhere, not a lot but every once in a while and many times they are in the middle of nowhere. I live just north of Milwaukee, WI. We are not on the way to anywhere. It would be helpful at times to know if someone is traveling from Oregon to Chicago. I wouldn't expect anyone to detour to Milwaukee but I would be happy to meet them in the Chicago area to pick up that part I've been looking for but just couldn't justify spending $400 having it shipped.

 

The HAMB has something like this that pops up once in a while.

I figure the '48-56 FTE family is a lot better and more family like than the HAMB and we do something like this. They call theirs a relay post which with some coordination, all on the participants' doing, could be done.

 

I have a 48-52 passenger door ove had listed on eBay and marketplace for several years listed as local pickup only. It's in decent shape but the door bottom needs replaced.

I also have 4 Dentside front fenders I have listed for several years now. Guys say they'll buy one of I ship.

I will not box it to get an estimate. I've done that before for other large items and the buyer backs out because shipping was too much.

I'm done "getting estimates" for shipping. You want it come here and get it.

Something like this might help.

 

Abe, I don't give shipping estimates on any part I sell. In the description of my item I will give the dimensions, weight and my zip code and that they have to make arrangements to have the item picked up at my house. I tell any potential buyer that they need to go to the website of their preferred shipper and find out for themselves. If a deal is made then they go back to the shipper generate a shipping label and email the label. It has worked out great. In the past I'd have people from all parts of the country ask me for shipping costs and I could spend hours checking for multiple tire kickers. I had also been accused of overcharging for shipping, this way the buyer can see the actual cost to ship.

In one my recent purchases, which actually started out as sale, a person in CA wanted a front clip from a vintage car I had. To ship it to CA would have been astronomical. By a chance a friend of a friend was heading out to AZ and CA with a car in an enclosed trailer and would be passing within 20 miles from the guy who wanted the front clip. I contacted the friend of the friend and got him and the CA buyer together and they made an arrangement for the the clip to be delivered to the CA buyer's home. The CA buyer gave the friend of the friend $300 which helped with gas, well at least back then. At about the same time I found some parts in city next to the CA buyer, he picked up my parts gave them to the friend of the friend and he brought them back here for free. All were happy

 

I think the most effective and efficient way of doing this is simply posting a new thread whenever you need something scouted or shipped.

 

Or if you're feeling charitable you could make if you're going to be traveling and willing to haul a part. State where you're going.

 

I think that this is a great idea if it can be pulled off.
I'm not looking for many items myself other than those that many of us are in search of like an original 1949 F1 jack ..
Years back I did go and check out a truck that someone here was interested in. It turned out not to be what was described. I was happy to do it.
My wife and I just drove from North Idaho through Montana then down through Wyoming through Denver to Colorado Springs and back. If someone wanted something on the way and it worked out, I would certainly try to help.
Brian

 

I think its a good idea and could be useful. I travel all around New Mexico, west Texas and Colorado for work, sometimes even into Utah (although lately I've been flying on that trip). Like Bob, I'll typically check Craigslist in the areas I'm going to be going to (just in case there is something I need). I have made pick ups and deliveries for people around the state.

A few years ago I bought a 40 Ford truck frame and suspension. The frame was in terrible shape and had one rail rusted through. I had someone contact me through a private message on the HAMB. The guy was from Houston and really wanted the frame. We got to talking and through a "friend of a friend of a brother-in-law" type of deal we worked it out where I delivered it to Seminole, TX (about half way between Albuquerque and Houston) and he had 2 other people lined up to get it to Houston. I was heading that way for work so it was no big deal.

When it all works out and everything lines up its a good thing for all parties
Bobby

 

Good point, I think your story in post #7 was about as ridiculously fortuitous as one could hope for.

 

My traveling cross country has slowed but I know the nw Montana to ne Ohio route by heart. I-94/90/80 even I-70 depending on the time of year.

I think the concept is great Bob, but I'd rather swing over your way than go near Chicago lol

 

The problem is no matter what it seems almost impossible to go from the NW to the east without having to travel through the Chicago/Gary area

 

Luckily, when we go to Minnesota we can swing to the west and go through Bloomington Illinois and north, rather than going near Chicago. I avoid Chicago and Detroit if at all possible.

We used to make a detour to Minneapolis/St. Paul on the way, but I'm putting that on my no visit list.