VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 30 Roadster resto pics

So, I finally received all the restoration photos (over 75) of the 30 roadster and a letter from the guy who did all the work. The last owner put 5000 miles on the car since he bought it in 1996. And we all know, you don't always get the confirmation of such a "frame off" restoration when purchasing and old car or truck, so the letter and pictures confirm the fact and as they say, a picture or in this case, 75+, is worth 1000 x 75 words and don't lie. Interesting that ash was used in the body rebuild, and of course, a really hard wood, that should last a long time. Not many detailed and expensive procedures as a complete frame off restoration are done and here no corners were cut. This old girl will be around 100 years from now....

Taking a photo recording of a restoration is the best way to do one. We are fortunate to have the internet these days to record everything. Through the years I've tried to go one step further and record the restorations not only in photos but also in the forums. I have my own 31 special sedan that is recorded here on the VCCA but the majority of my restorations, both for my own cars and others are recorded on the AACA restoration forums. Anyone's car I've done work on I try and give them a memory stick with the photos also. Here are some of my restorations and documentations.

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/283261-32-oldsmobile-deluxe-convertible-roadster/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/385214-1932-canadian-oldsmobile-dcr/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/338758-another-restoration-added-to-my-list-30%E2%80%99-chevy-4dr/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/368381-32%E2%80%99-olds-coupe-wood/#comment-2300010

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/336225-34%E2%80%99-chevy-pickup/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/300992-1931-chevy-5-passenger-coupe/#comment-1713365

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/244004-31-chevy-4-door-sedan/#comment-1452099

Out of all the old cars and trucks I've owned in the last 50 years, only two have had such an extensive frame off restoration. While you might pay more for such vehicles, I believe you will recoup that premium when selling.... not always, but a better chance of it. It's also a crucial part of preserving these parts of automotive history, as far as elimination of the dreaded enemy, rust and rot. I do fear that many models will be relegated to museums in the future, not driven, with what I see as a waning interest with generational shifts, a sad but inevitable outlook. Just the book value of my car has decreased significantly in the last 10 years, as an example. Even muscle cars of the late 60's and early 70's will suffer the same fate, IMHO, when the folks my age pass on, and who are currently driving the obscene values. It always boils down to "supply and demand" economics.

Hello old72er,
Your statement: "I do fear that many models will be relegated to museums in the future, not driven, with what I see as a waning interest with generational shifts, a sad but inevitable outlook." Appears to be a view that most old car hobbyist would care not to think about even if true. Salvation seems to be in belonging to groups and clubs with un-waning interests. Indoctrinated snowflakes afraid of free thought expect a one size fits all group and club for EVERYONES salvation. Wind and solar energy are effected by climate changes that must be made stable (with your taxes) so that fossil energy can be eliminated and so also old cars. How does any hobby survive with that logic. To blazes with that. Thanks for the topic and oh by the way: Nice car.

Well Harry, at 71 years young and the owner of many an old iron, I agree with your sentiments here and I would hope that my statement doesn't deter us old car and truck fanatics from continuing our hobby. I suspect it won't. I'm sure with the elimination of fossil fuel (not in my limited lifetime) our hobby will convert old iron to run on advanced means of propulsion uniquely disguised as internal combustion and at the same time preserving the planet for future old car and truck nuts such as us.......now THAT'S free thinkin' my friend.