The Ford Barn

rotorwrench · 11-13-2019, 09:42 AM

The restoration of what is termed as low end antique cars such as the model A and many other marques started out as a hobby for DIY guys. The only big restoration shops back in the 50s & 60s were the ones that had clients or wealthy owners that wanted to restore Duesenbergs, Marmons, or Auburns and the like. They weren't interested in the lower end cars so much.

Folks that have made a living in the general restoration of automobiles & related items have always experienced ups & downs but the sad thing is that the next generations may not be interested in the older cars. Automobiles manufactured in this day and age are pretty much throw away cars and few will last into future generations.

My own business in general aviation has experienced the same downturns but no one really has the funds to restore or overhaul them either. They have priced themselves into a smaller and smaller niche market where only experimental stuff and the least expensive stuff will likely survive. It goes back to the hobby DIY guy that wants something and doesn't have the funding to buy it in complete form.

If a mountain is there for the challenge then someone will always try to climb it.

11-13-2019, 09:42 AM	#11
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,017	Re: Interesting read in Hemmings about restoration costs. The restoration of what is termed as low end antique cars such as the model A and many other marques started out as a hobby for DIY guys. The only big restoration shops back in the 50s & 60s were the ones that had clients or wealthy owners that wanted to restore Duesenbergs, Marmons, or Auburns and the like. They weren't interested in the lower end cars so much. Folks that have made a living in the general restoration of automobiles & related items have always experienced ups & downs but the sad thing is that the next generations may not be interested in the older cars. Automobiles manufactured in this day and age are pretty much throw away cars and few will last into future generations. My own business in general aviation has experienced the same downturns but no one really has the funds to restore or overhaul them either. They have priced themselves into a smaller and smaller niche market where only experimental stuff and the least expensive stuff will likely survive. It goes back to the hobby DIY guy that wants something and doesn't have the funding to buy it in complete form. If a mountain is there for the challenge then someone will always try to climb it.