Truck Flippers are scum.

[shp4man]

I have no problem with guys that buy a non running or broken vehicle and make it better to sell. That's capitalism.
What I do have a problem with are guys that buy widow Johnson's truck for a grand, load it on a trailer, then put it in Craigslist for five grand after doing absolutely nothing to it.

These people are parasites on the old truck hobby. They add nothing to the game.

You can justify it in your mind if you want, but these guys are just the head lice of the hobby.

[ghalperin]

[Chevyland]

/|\When this changes. America is doomed/|\

[jcramsey]

If I could buy widow Johnson's truck for a grand, and turn around and immediately resell it for five grand.....I would take that deal every time. I get what you're saying though, it can be annoying to see something that you really want for yourself, only to have someone else snatch it up and jack up the price. That being said, just because some jokers out there buy cheap then ask a lot, doesn't mean they will get what they're asking.

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by jcramsey

If I could buy widow Johnson's truck for a grand, and turn around and immediately resell it for five grand.....I would take that deal every time. I get what you're saying though, it can be annoying to see something that you really want for yourself, only to have someone else snatch it up and jack up the price. That being said, just because some jokers out there buy cheap then ask a lot, doesn't mean they will get what they're asking.

This is true too. I say I will never sell my truck but if the right offer came along, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't turn it down. Plus, many trucks that are picked up for a steal from a barn, widow, etc. are usually found through random searching and talking with the owners, and not on any for sale listing. So, without those flippers, the availability of that truck wouldn't even exist in the first place.

[shp4man]

All I can say is be careful, because that $5k "barn find" that "ran when parked" may turn out to be a real headache.
They get parked for a reason, and if the flipper leaves it for sale as a non-runner, watch it! There's a good reason. The only reasonable offer for a non-runner is to cost factor in a new engine, tranny and rear axle. Not alot left of Mr. Flippers $5K now, huh?
Also, these jokers can't transfer titles because the state would force them to get a dealers license. If your state has a back-fee law, find out what the cost would be to put plates on it. This can get really spendy.
Just some words of warning. I've been into vintage cars for 45 years. You learn stuff.

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by shp4man

buy widow Johnson's truck for a grand, load it on a trailer, then put it in Craigslist for five grand after doing absolutely nothing to it.

I just watched that episode on "Chasing Classic Cars". Wayne is an inspiration.

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by shp4man

All I can say is be careful, because that $5k "barn find" that "ran when parked" may turn out to be a real headache.
They get parked for a reason, and if the flipper leaves it for sale as a non-runner, watch it! There's a good reason. The only reasonable offer for a non-runner is to cost factor in a new engine, tranny and rear axle. Not alot left of Mr. Flippers $5K now, huh?
Also, these jokers can't transfer titles because the state would force them to get a dealers license. If your state has a back-fee law, find out what the cost would be to put plates on it. This can get really spendy.
Just some words of warning. I've been into vintage cars for 45 years. You learn stuff.

That's interesting, I did not know that about the titles. I wondered why the guy I bought mine from still had the signed title from the previous owner. I thought that was risky on his part to never legally own the truck. Now I know why he does that! It also required us to go to a notary that was a family friend of his since technically signing over a title like that is illegal.

[GR8-68]

Just know that every state is not the same on their laws. So, what applies in Ca does not necessarily mean the same for Nc or vice versa. I bought the Monte with no title and am working on the paperwork now to get it legally in my name through the dmv. If I have the opportunity to buy a truck for a grand and someone is willing to pay me four times what I gave for it I still can't see where that makes me scum ????

[leddzepp]

...

[TJ's Chevy]

Flippers like that are everywhere....and I'm sorry but....that includes Here. Seen it a number of times....including Parts. I understand this thing called Profit.....but there is Profit and then there is Complete Rip Off. I got my 64 GMC For $500, people call that a steal....but after putting almost $3000 into it to make it a daily driving work truck....$3500 ain't no steal.
I got really lucky with my GMC as many people in my town would have claimed the ol stupid "It's a classic" saying or "It runs and drives!" saying and nearly tripled the price. Nope....$500 was the perfect price for this truck. Engine running on 4 cylinders out of 6 and a clutch that would barely engage....brakes that would throw you off the road...steering wheel 60 degrees off..... electric fuel pump wired into the head lights....cracked up front windshield......dry rotted tires....Need I go on???
I still don't get how people sleep at night knowing they are getting Way more than the value of their product. I sure as heck wouldn't! But I guess some people fall for it....and apparently the American Way...."Buy for cheap...sell for a rip off."

[fine69]

This for sure is an interesting thread. I have always been the guy who has oddball stuff. And a good location to sell. I buy stuff and usually immediately list it for sale.
If I can make the profit I want it's outta here!!!! Like I never had it. And puts more cash in my pocket to find something else. Be it a car, truck, coke machine, or phone booth.

Free enterprise. If nobody wants to pay my price oh well. I will figure that out on my own. But if any man can get what they WANT. Good for them.

That is awesome

[FleetsidePaul]

I used to read meters for the electric company, which meant I went in a lot of backyards. I would always see old cars sitting.

I would B.S. with the owners, as I kind of knew them. (I came by every month) and always let them know that I was interested.

I never tried to low ball anyone, but I was young and just didn't have a lot of money.
I bought some nice cars cheap, although it wasn't cheap for me at the time, I had to scrape up the money.

Most of them had the "Get it the hell out of here' attitude.

I made enough on the 69 Impala convertible I bought to put a down payment on my first house.

I had talked to the guy for months. He had a big MEAN dog he had to put away so we would always talk while I got the read off the meter ,and he knew I liked that car. (that dog scared the cr@p out of me)

So one time I go there all nervous about this big nasty dog, and the guy comes out and says "Hey kid, you still want to buy that car? $1000 bucks.

Sold. Turns out he got remarried and the Impala was his ex wifes car, and the new wife didn't like it around.

1000 bucks was a stretch for me, but I got the money.

The mean dog was even cool to me when I showed up later without my uniform on, he sat by my feet when I signed the paperwork

I loved that car, but I got offered 3 times what I paid for it a month later. And I needed a down payment for the house.

I don't think I ripped anybody off, both the buyer and the seller approached me. I just made money on the deal.

[Coley]

I have no problem with someone finding something of value and having the moxy and speed and 'spine' to be first on the seen, see its value and risk its resale by grabbing it.

So many people who go to look at something on Craigslist seem to....
a) never show up....or
b) Can't decide if they want it or not (aka 'the hum and hawers').....or
c) Spend endless time trying to get it for nothing.
The guy that shows up, doesn't hesitate buys it....all the more power to him.

As for what is reasonable profit?....that depends on how you feel about it I guess.

I don't know too many people who get upset about getting offered 2,3,4 or 5 times the amount of money for something they paid for it.....which is the mirror opposite of flipping I guess.

Regardless....I don't think 'flippers' are that big a problem.

My two bits.
Coley

[46stude]

I don't mind flippers, but I HATE to see someone buy a decent vehicle just to part it out. Not rusty junkers, but nice straight minimal rust examples. "Somebody needs those parts"- yeah, but why destroy a prime example so some jackleg can piece together his crappy one? "It's worth more in parts"- yeah, then you're not a genuine car guy. You're just another businessman.

[flashed]

I really dont have a problem with a man makin g money on his stuff ,I buy at yard sales ,Estate sales and swap meets and sometimes I resale for a good profit .

[61_FL_Apache]

I think thats who bought my 61. Kicker there is, he took it to eastern Europe and sold it over there. Thats the story anyway.. I was bummed when I found that out.

[shp4man]

What value does a flipper add to an old truck purchase? That's right. Ding ding ding. None.

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by fine69

Free enterprise. If nobody wants to pay my price oh well. I will figure that out on my own. But if any man can get what they WANT. Good for them.

That is awesome

I think this pretty much sums it up. Apparently there are people willing to pay this premium for whatever perceived value it adds or else there wouldn't be so many people doing it. And if you don't like the price, No one is forcing anyone to buy these trucks at flipper prices.

[shp4man]

Well, needless to say, I'll never buy a vehicle from a flipper, never have, never will. They just make it harder to find a decent vehicle. I guess if I want another vehicle I'll just have to set up a bunch of Craigslist searches to run 24hrs a day with a notification system and beat them at their own crappy game.
I just feel sorry for the people who want to get in the hobby and have to deal with this kind of money sucking stupidity.

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by 46stude

I don't mind flippers, but I HATE to see someone buy a decent vehicle just to part it out. Not rusty junkers, but nice straight minimal rust examples. "Somebody needs those parts"- yeah, but why destroy a prime example so some jackleg can piece together his crappy one? "It's worth more in parts"- yeah, then you're not a genuine car guy. You're just another businessman.

YES!

I had a neighbor that got a 1967 Chevy Station Wagon with a big block in it. It was low mileage and didn't have a dent in it. Very clean car.

He tore it apart and sold it all for parts, which I thought was a shame.

He told me the motor was worth more than the car. It probably was at the time. Station Wagon's weren't as popular then. But it was such a nice car. I didn't like seeing it ripped apart.

[bigrigpardo]

Well I am a flipper as its defined but I am not the type to just sell something without putting my work into it. or if I do I only ask little above what I paid for it and that's usually because its a bigger project then I anticipated. as for when I sell thing I have had great feedback from the buyers. ,y ads are well written and I put up tons of photos. my time is valuable and so is the buyers so I don't sugarcoat anything. my vehicles or parts or junk or what ever is exactly as described and I ask a fair amount as compared to the hours I spent and parts I have installed. I don't do this as a business. I am a mechanic out of the house working on classic cars as my job but when work is slow this is my supplemental income.

the thing that drives me up a wall is no titles. yes there are ways around it but it takes patience time and requires the vehicle sitting for weeks to months before you get papers. I don't mind buying a car or truck cheap with no title and doing the legwork I have saved many trucks this way over the years and am glad to have some of the new owners as friends or even clients. but u hate when I call on a car and there is no title and they say well its super easy and only takes a week to get a title. well if its so freaking easy get a title and ask more money. those are the flippers just trying to prey on the uneducated. and some of these people have the nerve to ask the price of a runner for a non runner with no title. its insane.

I do this because I love the cars and I use my talents to keep these vehicles alive and on the road. I am not the guy who does it just to make the sale. I have sat on odd ball vehicles for months just waiting for the correct buyer to come. if I know someone is going to part it or use it as a beater work truck for there landscaping business I wont sell. I want the guy who falls in love with it and gives it a truly good home.

[shp4man]

Originally Posted by bigrigpardo

Well I am a flipper as its defined but I am not the type to just sell something without putting my work into it. or if I do I only ask little above what I paid for it and that's usually because its a bigger project then I anticipated. as for when I sell thing I have had great feedback from the buyers. ,y ads are well written and I put up tons of photos. my time is valuable and so is the buyers so I don't sugarcoat anything. my vehicles or parts or junk or what ever is exactly as described and I ask a fair amount as compared to the hours I spent and parts I have installed. I don't do this as a business. I am a mechanic out of the house working on classic cars as my job but when work is slow this is my supplemental income.

the thing that drives me up a wall is no titles. yes there are ways around it but it takes patience time and requires the vehicle sitting for weeks to months before you get papers. I don't mind buying a car or truck cheap with no title and doing the legwork I have saved many trucks this way over the years and am glad to have some of the new owners as friends or even clients. but u hate when I call on a car and there is no title and they say well its super easy and only takes a week to get a title. well if its so freaking easy get a title and ask more money. those are the flippers just trying to prey on the uneducated. and some of these people have the nerve to ask the price of a runner for a non runner with no title. its insane.

I do this because I love the cars and I use my talents to keep these vehicles alive and on the road. I am not the guy who does it just to make the sale. I have sat on odd ball vehicles for months just waiting for the correct buyer to come. if I know someone is going to part it or use it as a beater work truck for there landscaping business I wont sell. I want the guy who falls in love with it and gives it a truly good home.

Not all flippers are scum. You're one of the good guys.

[Chevyland]

Now we are getting somewhere.

[cypressbog]

Originally Posted by shp4man

What value does a flipper add to an old truck purchase? That's right. Ding ding ding. None.

Who cares. Blah, blah, blah, get over it.