Inspiring Our Youth Through Classic Cars and Trucks

I'm always excited when I hear of youth becoming involved with classic cars and trucks. Whether their inspiration comes out of their love for muscle cars, classic cars, old trucks, hot rods or race cars, so much can be learned in the process of learning about these vehicles.



Photo credit: uccsalem.org

In the desire to learn more, boys and girls read and research. Opportunities to join groups that share similar interests can instill confidence and feelings of self-worth and satisfaction. If these youth go on to start projects one day, they learn perseverance, patience and accomplishment that are hard to achieve in other endeavors.

So, there's no wonder that Guy Algar and I were very pleased to receive the following in an e-mail to our classic car shop:

"I came across your page (http://www.motorheadsperformance.com/HotRodLinks.html) while collecting resources for a machine history guide my youth group is putting together. A couple of our young members took special interest in classic cars and trucks, and found your reference page very helpful. I just wanted to send a quick thanks for the info!

"They suggested I pass along another great article we found on vintage and antique trucks. (Link Below).

"I thought this was a very thoughtful suggestion and I think the boys would be thrilled to see their recommendation added to your page. Please let me know what you think, thanks very much! :)

I'd like to thank this youth group for their generous contribution. Guy and I are so pleased that their group has taken an interest in classic cars and trucks, and wish them the very best in pursuing these interests. I'm in the process of added the link to our site so that other visitors can benefit from their generous suggested reading. I hope you enjoy!

RESOURCE:
thetruckersreport.com - Trucking Timeline - Vintage and Antique Truck Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

New Model Corvette C7 Creating Buzz With Announcement Of Live Reveal This Sunday

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Many auto enthusiasts eagerly await the new year's models. This year is no exception. With a resurgence of interest in classic cars, and the fact that the major auto manufacturers have come out with updated versions of a few great muscle cars, it has left enthusiasts wondering if some models, such as the Z28 Camaro, the Cuda or the Superbee would be making a comeback. And, not to be left out of the mix, there has been a lot of buzz about the new model Corvette.

Newly redesigned logo for the
2014 Chevy Corvette

In fact, there has been so much interest surrounding the new 2014 C7 Corvette that GM has created months of mystery and intrigue by holding back the vital facts on the vehicle, and teasing us with the new logo for the new 2014 Corvette.

All this comes to and end with the announcement of a reveal via live-stream feed this Sunday, January 13, 2013. The event itself is the North American International Auto Show which will be held in Detroit.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Livestreaming of the official reveal will be on Sunday night at 6:55 pm Eastern, 5:55 pm Central, 4:55 pm Mountain and/or 3:55 pm Pacific via their dedicated website, onethirteen13.com. Official photos will be posted to Corvette Facebook page. Tune in and share the fun!

Want to take a peek? Here's a video Chevrolet released to keep everyone on the edge of their seats: Chevrolet Releases Fourth and Final Corvette C7 Teaser

If you can't wait for the official unveiling, we have news from Car and Driver that they already have the inside scoop on the C7 Corvette, and they're giving details. Check out the story: 2014 C7 Corvette, Declassified! All the Details on Chevy's Halo Car

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Has The Value Of Quality Died? - A Look At The Impact Of Discount Marketing On The Classic Car And Muscle Car Industry

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

In this age, where "discount-focused" marketing tools such as GroupOn, Living Social, and deal of the day sites allow retailers to attract new customers with reduced prices on products and services, we wonder how this has affected the classic car auto industry and shops that provide repairs, performance upgrades and restoration services for muscle cars, hot rods, classic cars and old trucks.

Many of us have become hardwired to look at paying less than full price. The new status symbol has shifted from talking about "what great quality/service I received" to bragging about "how much I saved". Many who would typically be quite satisfied with the service or the product they received at the establishments full price are now attempting to bargain or talk down a business. This is great with businesses that have a set markup on their goods or services, but impractical and impossible for business like those that cater to the classic car or muscle car market.

Why? Guy Algar explains, "When dealing with services provided from an auto repair shop, restoration shop, or paint and body shop, you need to understand that they've generally got a lot of overhead and a huge labor cost. These eat away at thin profit margins. Shops typically bill by the hour, as opposed to having a flat fee that is padded to include a profit. Unless the shop is also in the business of 'flipping' a car, there isn't room to make extravagant profits on the jobs." And, there is usually quite a bit of expense hidden in the time involved behind the scenes. Difficulty finding rare parts, time spent on the phone with vendors who have a back ordered item, missing deliveries, damaged shipments and other problems occur on a regular basis.

I know of a fellow shop owner who had a customer who demanded a discount after the job was finished, even though prices were discussed and agreed upon at the start. There were no hardships presented, no dissatisfaction with the work, just an explanation that, "the economy is bad and everyone is offering discounts." Asking a repair shop to discount your job after they've already put 20, 50 or 100 hours (or however many spent) into your job, having already paid their employees, bought their supplies, paid their overhead bills such as rent, utilities, etc., means that they are no longer in a position to discount. Negotiations are only fair if done up-front when the shop owner and customer both have a chance to make informed decisions and choices.

In these economic hard times, prices of nearly everything a shop purchases has gone up. From shop towels and hand cleaners to garage owners insurance, Workman's Compensation coverage, health insurance, mandated safety equipment, and supplies such as paints, tools, sandpaper, blast materials to electricity, hazardous waste disposal, phones and other expenses. We've seen the cost of paint alone double in recent years.

The big driving factor in classic car repair is that there simply isn't the ability to increase the numbers in order to absorb the cost of discounting. You can only do so many repairs in a given time period. A ten hour job will still take ten hours of labor you must pay for, whether you charge $60 per hour or $120. This is what makes coupon deals impractical and ill-advised for repair shops that provide specialized work. The only way to absorb excessively low discounts is to cut corners, and I'm sure no one wants this to happen.

So what can you do if you need to negotiate a lower price? Sometimes bad things happen after you've already contracted to have work done. You may have lost your job, had a child, got married or had another life event that now prohibits you from spending the type of money you made an obligation on. We encourage you to act quickly and offer the shop alternatives you would be able to follow through on. Here are some things to consider:

• Enter negotiations before you start business or as soon as possible if your economic situation has changed (i.e. you've lost your job, etc)
• Talk with the business owner or manager (talk only to those who can make the decisions)
• Be clear on what you're trying to accomplish (save money, faster delivery, etc)
• What can you offer in exchange for your request (is a barter or trade possible?)
• Invent options so that both sides "win"
• Be prepared to give and take
• Remember you are asking for consideration (don't insult by inventing problems to support your cause or ask for unrealistic things)

I love what blogger James Bucki advised, "Know the difference between what you need and what you want." This is an important thing to keep sight of, and one that most people forget in the heat of negotiations.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About.com - Contract Negotiation Strategies
Business News Daily - Deal or No Deal: Are Coupons Good For Business
Business News Daily - Groupon Effective For Creating Local Brand Awareness, Study Finds
MoneyCrashers.com - 11 Effective Negiotiation Strategies & Tactics
Top Ten Reviews - Daily Steals 2012 - Deal of the Day Site
Vistage.com - Six Successful Strategies for Negotiation

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Are Auctions Influencing The Values Of Classic Cars?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Following my July 9th article entitled Buying Classic Cars As Investments - What Are Your Chances of Making Money?, I realized that I had created a bit of controversy. Some readers took it to mean that I thought that classic cars are not a good investment, others took it to mean that if your timing was right, you could still make money on your investment. Both can be true. There simply are no hard-and-fast rules. Certainly you're not limited to the cars mentioned in the list that was compiled by Hemmings Daily. Trends can change in an instant when a new fad is introduced, rendering predictions totally invalid. But, we can take a look at history and see that some trends are repeating themselves. What does this mean to us now, as the country is struggling to recover from years of economic turmoil?

There's no doubt that the financial world has taken a huge tumbling over the past few years. Depending upon the area of the country you live in, the effects ranged from drastically impacting you, to causing minor inconveniences, but overall, it's pretty safe to say that the bad economy has affected everyone in some shape or form. Wall Street has become a very volatile place, with extremely wild swings. True investors have been looking at alternative investments to diversify their portfolios. Some have turned to classic cars! Are auctions influencing the values of classic cars and trucks for enthusiasts?

Barrett-Jackson has reported increased interest in classic cars at their auctions, and the fact that values over the past decade have increased in some cases by 10% or more could be the reason. Compared to the stock market's dismal growth rate of under 4.5%, this is a much better investment opportunity.

The cars that Barrett-Jackson auction are high-end, show quality, or rare automobiles that demand high dollars. They are usually a bit above the average enthusiast's spending threshold, but for wealthy investors, they look at classic cars as a potentially better way of fighting the extremely low interest rates that bog down their other investment earnings. Many of the "newbies" to classic car auctions don't really know much about cars, and for these investors, they may be entering a dangerous world.

On a positive note, their involvement with classic cars could have the benefit of driving up prices of cars and trucks that don't make the "elite" list of high-end action cars - the ones you and I own or dream of owning. The downside is that this may be an artificial inflation of a car's worth, and when the bubble bursts, things could get ugly. After all, it's not so easy to liquidate and sell off quickly if the classic car market turns downward. Losses can be dramatic when this happens. For the average classic car buyer/owner, its my opinion that the big national auctions on high-end collectible classic cars does not affect the value of the low to mid-range classics. This is probably because it is you and I - the buyer - who dictate prices. If the buyer is asking too much we simply do not buy. The market seems to regulate itself pretty well, however, once again, when the bubble bursts, it still hurts to lose money if you must sell at a loss.

For now, the professional investor interest in classic cars keeps them a pretty attractive investment for all. However, I stand by my previous statement that, "The fun of owning a classic car or truck is NOT in the financial gain you might get from owning one. This can be a big mistake by buyers. It is purely in the joy that driving one can bring...even if the restoration costs more than the value will ever attain." Guy Algar states, "Owning a classic car, muscle car, or old truck - whatever it is that you like - should be for the nostalgia or the pure enjoyment you get from owning it, no matter what it's condition. There's no better feeling in the world than to own something that you've been dreaming about for years and years."

Andrea offers a possible rule of thumb to follow if you're at all squeamish or hesitant about spending money on a project car: "Don't invest more in the restoration of your car than you are willing to lose on it in a quick-sell situation!" Our bottom line: passion first...investment (if it even has to enter your thoughts) always last.

AUCTION RESOURCES:
List of Auction Companies that handle American Classic Cars
Auctions America by RM
Auctions America Raleigh Classic
Barrett-Jackson
Bonhams
Carlisle Events hosts Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction
Classic Motorcar Auctions
Crown Collector Cars
Koko Classic Car Auctions
Leake Auction Company
McCormick's Classic Car Auctions
Mecum Auctions
MidAmerica Auctions
Palm Beach Car Auction
Russo and Steele
Silver Auctions
Smith's Auction Company
Vicari Auctions
Zephyrhills Auctions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Buying Classic Cars As Investments - What Are Your Chances of Making Money?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

A few weeks ago, I read an article in Hemmings Daily (World's Leading Collector Car News Source) asking, "Are you smarter about cars than the Wall Street Journal?"  The gist of the article was about using classic cars as an investment tool, and how well past predictions have held up.

A 2004 collaboration of the Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones which produced a list of what cars to buy as an investment based on performance statistics during a ten year period from 1994 to 2004, was used as the basis for creating an updated list. Using the same method of computing values, utilizing Dow Jones Industrial average gain for the period from 2004 to 2012 and NADA car values and calculating new ROI's (return on investment) for this period, the author at Hemmings Daily compared the latest predictions to the previous ones to see how well classic cars have performed as investments. The author even took into account maintenance and upkeep, and any car that didn't get a 32% or higher return (factoring in maintenance costs along with the Dow's gain) failed as an investment tool as anything less than this would mean that the Dow Jones was a better investment overall. From there, a new list was created of cars that had significant enough quantities that collectors could actually find them. These were then rated as "Buy", "Sell" and "Hold". Hold cars may already be in line with estimated values, but are believed to still have room for continued growth in values.

Interesting note here car buffs...according to the author's calculations you need to spend about 10% of your car's value over 10 years for maintenance and upkeep...just something to keep in mind when calculating what you can afford to spend for your classic car!

Now, for the sake of this article, because Motorheads Performance clearly has a preference for American made classics, Guy Algar and I decided to list only American Classic Cars here. Visit Hemmings Daily for the complete article, which includes imports of all types.

BUY: 

• 1968 American Motors AMX (Frankly I'm shocked that AMX made the list as these are difficult to find!) These are expected to appreciate as much as another 100% in the next 8-10 years.
• 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (This doesn't shock me, as we've recently had two 70's luxury cars come to Motorheads Performance for restoration and performance work). These went from an 11% increase  '94-'04 to almost 30% from '04-'12. Hmmm...new trend?
• 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Coupe (We've had one die-hard Corvair collector in the last 8 years). These cars went from 43% gains to 50%...not leaps and bounds, but slow and steady!
• 1970 Ford Boss 302 Mustang (This should be no surprise, as Ford fanatics insist they're tops!). These have had a 77% increase '94-'04 and 96% increase '04-'12. What will the new 50th anniversary edition to to Mustang collectability?
• 1970 International Scout (I agree with author that I don't see that there are enough of these to make the list) These had 50% increase through '04; 126% '04-'12!
• 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (I can see other Olds models, but this one is a surprise!). These had a 102% increase '94-'04; 72% '04-'12 (hmmm...isn't this a decrease!)

SELL:

• 1957 Chevrolet Belair Convertible  Article's author notes that while the market is not shrinking for these, but it may have already plateaued. In fact has already had increases backslide.
• 1928 Ford Model A Roadster (I agree with author that he doesn't think things are flat for the Model A just yet). Values went from remaining flat from '94-;04, to increases of over 21% '04-'12.
• 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible  (I think there is more room for growth due to recent interest). Values decreased 14% from '94-'04, and rebounded to increase almost 75% from '04-'12!
• 1949 Mercury Coupe  Again a car the author disagrees with the investor recommendations on as he believes the Mercury still has room for growth.
• 1932 Packard Dietrich Custom Sport Phaeton  Reason given is fewer active collectors
• 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda  Investors believe this market has flattened out.

HOLD:

• 1967 Buick GS400 Convertible  Believes could get a lift from the muscle car movement.
• 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 (Can you actually find one with an original 409 anymore?)
• 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Mark IV (Wouldn't any Corvette from the 60's do well?)
• 1959 Chevrolet El Camino  Steady performer. (I think this is one of those sleepers!)
• 1934 Chrysler Airflow Sedan (One you don't hear much of).
• 1950 Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon With original wood panels it's a hard find. (Who would ever imagined a station wagon for a collector car!).
• 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (There'll always be a market for the 60's Mustangs).
• 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible (I'm not sure these will do as well as investors predict).
• 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 (Another icon which will not go away for a long long time). 

So there you have the "expert's" list for American Classic collector cars! Can't say we agree with all of them, but we've always believed that the fun of owning a classic car or truck is NOT in the financial gain you might get from owning one. This can be a big mistake by buyers. It is purely in the joy that driving one can bring...even if the restoration costs more than the value will ever attain. It's a moment in history which stays frozen in our minds - taking us back to our youth when life was delightfully simpler, and cars were something that you actually enjoyed! As one person commented after reading the Hemming's article, "treating old cars as an investment would suck the fun out of owning them." Can't agree with you more David!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country. 

Motorheads Performance Attends Snap-On Event

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Guy and I actually took the opportunity to attend the Snap On event at the San Anontio Raceway on Saturday. Deciding to swap our regular Motorheads Performance hours last Saturday and put in hours on Sunday instead, we had a lot of fun visiting with the racing participants and friends at the Snap-On tents at strip-side!

Excellent barbeque and drinks were flowing as the temperatures soared above 100 degrees. The heat seemed to keep the crowds at bay quite a bit, and many were seeking shelter from the blazing hot temperatures by sitting under the bleachers where a good deal of congregating took place! Still, there was a good showing of racers. Everything from street cars and trucks to classic cars, muscle cars, dragsters, and pro street racers. Tents were plentiful, with most racers trying to keep the sun from heating up components any more than necessary. Fans, ice packs, and just about every trick in the book was at least a big topic of discussion among most of the racers.

We got to catch up with friends on both sides of the track. All of the racers had a story to tell, and there were some interesting things happening under the hoods which we enjoyed talking about with the owners. There seemed to be a lot of "friendly" competition racing as friends raced and rooted for each other as the elimination rounds dwindled down the field. A fun time for all.

This great event usually takes place earlier in the year (usually March or April), but due to scheduling conflicts, it was forced into June. The great Snap-On Tools dealers put on a great spread of free food and drinks, and we sure look forward to next year's event!  Hope you join in.

Here are just some of the fine cars we were watching:

 

 Great purple!

 

 The rear engine

dragster was a

real treat

 

  

 

We loved

  these Mopars

 

 

There was

something

for

everyone

to enjoy

All in all

a great time!