The Ford Barn

Uncle Bob · 01-05-2014, 11:19 AM

Seasoned vets of the hobby know that question can be maddening. The more complex an item (e.g. a complete car vs. a single component part) the more difficult it is to answer. The subjective nature of valuation can make it very complex. There are regional differences, misrepresentations, wild stories, and just plain crazy people. And then there's comparison of seemingly like products/items.

Given the two following examples I would imagine a person could get quite confused. The parts in question are two examples of unused 24 stud aluminum heads, one set are NORS aftermarket, the other genuine Canadian Ford. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Ford-fla...vip=true&rt=nc

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1932-1934-19...vip=true&rt=nc

I've got a thing for aluminum flatheads, not completely rational as there are advantages to iron heads as well, just one of those "it is what it is" things. As a result I watch what's out there for the fun of it. Unless I'm missing something, over $1200 for the NORS set seems crazy high to me. $800 for the genuine Canadian heads is in line with the approximate market the past several years so no surprise there. But what makes the aftermarket ones go for some 50% more??! I'm just gonna chalk it up to there were a couple "nutso" bidders who were just going to not back down until too much blood was spilled. After all, that's what auctions are for. It was a good stroke for Michael, as I'm sure he got way more than he expected for them, but man..... I can imagine some newb having seen these and saying something like "Yeah, but I just saw............"

Hmmmm, maybe it's a good time to unload some '37 type 21 stud aluminum heads........

01-05-2014, 11:19 AM	#1
Uncle Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Salado, TX. Posts: 733	Why "What's it worth?" is tough..... Seasoned vets of the hobby know that question can be maddening. The more complex an item (e.g. a complete car vs. a single component part) the more difficult it is to answer. The subjective nature of valuation can make it very complex. There are regional differences, misrepresentations, wild stories, and just plain crazy people. And then there's comparison of seemingly like products/items. Given the two following examples I would imagine a person could get quite confused. The parts in question are two examples of unused 24 stud aluminum heads, one set are NORS aftermarket, the other genuine Canadian Ford. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Ford-fla...vip=true&rt=nc http://www.ebay.com/itm/1932-1934-19...vip=true&rt=nc I've got a thing for aluminum flatheads, not completely rational as there are advantages to iron heads as well, just one of those "it is what it is" things. As a result I watch what's out there for the fun of it. Unless I'm missing something, over $1200 for the NORS set seems crazy high to me. $800 for the genuine Canadian heads is in line with the approximate market the past several years so no surprise there. But what makes the aftermarket ones go for some 50% more??! I'm just gonna chalk it up to there were a couple "nutso" bidders who were just going to not back down until too much blood was spilled. After all, that's what auctions are for. It was a good stroke for Michael, as I'm sure he got way more than he expected for them, but man..... I can imagine some newb having seen these and saying something like "Yeah, but I just saw............" Hmmmm, maybe it's a good time to unload some '37 type 21 stud aluminum heads........ __________________ Luck occurs when preparation and opportunity converge.