And the car is probably only worth half what he has in it.
Numbers matching 440 bare block ?
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And the car is probably only worth half what he has in it.
That needs thread of it's own. I agree to a point, some you've done might qualify. That is not to disparage your work.I have read where using OEM donor metal constitutes a "rebody"
Big Bad Dad
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So it is the ONLY one in existence. And YOU want or need it. BUT, you are the only customer in the world who needs it. So the market is a bit limited too. Otherwise, it is just like any other block someone could use.... Interesting question!
#41
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the comments.
Additional info and answers to some questions:
1. The engine actually found me. It wasn't a lot of work for the guy, but still pretty cool of him to make the effort.
2. He is willing to sell. He asked me to make an offer. Hence the question.
3. I don't care about matching numbers myself. The car is a driver. I don't even plan on building the block... just preserving it and passing it onto the next guy some day. Again, I just kind of feel like it is my duty to this if I can.
4. I do not plan on selling this car for many years so this may be the only opportunity for the car and original engine block to get reunited.
5. I will to pay market value for the block, but also think it is fair to give him a finders premium. If the price is unreasonable, I will pass. I'm not a wealthy collector.... just a regular guy.
Does this change your input? If you were the guy with the block, what would you expect?
Additional info and answers to some questions:
1. The engine actually found me. It wasn't a lot of work for the guy, but still pretty cool of him to make the effort.
2. He is willing to sell. He asked me to make an offer. Hence the question.
3. I don't care about matching numbers myself. The car is a driver. I don't even plan on building the block... just preserving it and passing it onto the next guy some day. Again, I just kind of feel like it is my duty to this if I can.
4. I do not plan on selling this car for many years so this may be the only opportunity for the car and original engine block to get reunited.
5. I will to pay market value for the block, but also think it is fair to give him a finders premium. If the price is unreasonable, I will pass. I'm not a wealthy collector.... just a regular guy.
Does this change your input? If you were the guy with the block, what would you expect?
You didn't mention if you have the original trans to make totally matching numbers. If you have the trans might be paying a little extra. I don't if differential has numbers also. Your thinking is right market price and a reasonable premium.
Another question is how much more valuable does it make your car?
IQ52
Well-Known Member
$600...........He won't get that from anybody else. Certainly not from me.
I've got so many 440 blocks that if I had your numbers matching one I'd GIVE IT TO YOU FOR FREE.
That is the correct way to treat somebody.
I've got so many 440 blocks that if I had your numbers matching one I'd GIVE IT TO YOU FOR FREE.
That is the correct way to treat somebody.
vintage chromoly
Well-Known Member
I’d pay whatever I had to, within reason.
Of course, it would be honorable for the seller to use fair market value in your area.
That said, if I had a desirable car and found the numbers block, I’d pay up to 4 or 5 grand, depending on the pedigree of the car. IE, an A12 car, I’d pay 5000, and be glad I found it.
Of course, it would be honorable for the seller to use fair market value in your area.
That said, if I had a desirable car and found the numbers block, I’d pay up to 4 or 5 grand, depending on the pedigree of the car. IE, an A12 car, I’d pay 5000, and be glad I found it.
R413
Well-Known Member
Some guys are way greedy and some are not. The fact that he wants you to make an offer says he is looking for a good payday out of but he could be good to deal with. So offer 500-750 and see where it goes.
You need to know more about the block, is it cracked or windowed? Damaged in any way? Is it .060 over and worn out and need sleeved?
The matching engine is way more important than the matching trans so it doesn’t matter if you already have the trans or not.
You need to know more about the block, is it cracked or windowed? Damaged in any way? Is it .060 over and worn out and need sleeved?
The matching engine is way more important than the matching trans so it doesn’t matter if you already have the trans or not.
offer $500 if its good and go from there.
Moms68
Well-Known Member
I’d let him start with his asking price. You’ll know where you stand right away.
I personally wouldn't give more than $5-600. I have both #'s motors for my RR and Super Bee sitting in the corner of my garage. I'll never use them or do I plan on selling either car. My kids can deal with them someday.....
Nate S
Well-Known Member
Seems like you have the right mindset. In general though, I’d say about as much as it would be worth to find the right date block plus the cost of a fresh set of number stamps. Probably a couple hundred bucks worth of nuisance.
Outsider
Well-Known Member
Interesting situation, I think we are seeing not only personal values for "matching", but regional differences in old part prices. In our state, Wa, there even seems to be price differences for parts near the big city metro area in the west vs the less populated, more remote areas. The more populated area obviously has the greater potential for parts, but the demand also is far greater, and the logistics of getting around through traffic just to go look at something is even a factor.
Bottom line, my opinion, in the western Wa metro area, an ordinary useable block is probably worth $300-$500; so with a premium for a match to a desirable model, I would not feel bad about paying $1200, give or take.
Bottom line, my opinion, in the western Wa metro area, an ordinary useable block is probably worth $300-$500; so with a premium for a match to a desirable model, I would not feel bad about paying $1200, give or take.
66 Sat
Well-Known Member
I think Big Bad Dad hit the nail on the head - you are in as strong as a position as the seller, as if you're not interested then he has just another 440 block in the eyes of the world. In other words he is trying to sell to you, you are not trying to buy from him.
You admitted you don't even need the block, but are trying to do the right thing by reuniting them. You weren't searching for it, and if he hadn't contacted you, you wouldn't have been losing sleep over this. I'd offer him $100 extra as a finder's fee and leave it at that.
You admitted you don't even need the block, but are trying to do the right thing by reuniting them. You weren't searching for it, and if he hadn't contacted you, you wouldn't have been losing sleep over this. I'd offer him $100 extra as a finder's fee and leave it at that.
MCODECUDA
Well-Known Member
If the seller owns the block there should be no finders fee. The seller/owner sets his price and that’s that.
66 Sat
Well-Known Member
The OP himself asked about what "finder's fee" should be paid, being that the seller "found" the engine and him.
joemish
Well-Known Member
Is it the same casting number and Vin number? if it just casting number they are all the same.
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