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Junker vs. Good Original

This month tip deals with a situation that we have all faced at one time or another. When faced with a choice of two Pedal Cars, of the same model, but are in totally different condition which one is a better purchase?

With most of the post WW 2 Pedal Cars there is usually a good selection of Pedal Cars in various condition out they’re for us to purchase. With the early cars we are not always that lucky and usually have to make our decision on the spot. The early cars (1900 –1941) aren’t as plentiful as the post war cars so some times that model of Pedal Car that you have found may not show up again for many years. In this case we have to look beyond the condition and look at the potential and rarity of that Pedal Car.

Now back to the point of this tip: Which is a better buy, the car in bad shape for $150.00 or the good original for $500.00? Here’s our suggestion, always buy the better car it will save you time and money even if you do your own restoration. It makes good sense that the less replacement parts that you have to buy save you money. And the better the condition of the body will save time in repair.

Also the more original your car is the value of the car is increased especially if you document the restoration of the car.  By documenting the restoration, number one you can show the stages of the process to others and number 2 if you go to sell the car many buyers find a safety factor in having documented proof of what the car was and how it was repaired. 

Buyers do your homework; learn all you can about the car you are looking to by. Read books, subscribe to the magazines, e-mail or call people with experience. Search the internet. Always have a notebook & camera handy to jot down the latest tidbit of information, take pictures of cars or a part of a car you are uncertain about. Once you have knowledge you will make smarter purchases, save yourself money & headaches.

Many of us in this hobby Network almost daily about possible new purchases and or to get help identifying Pedal Cars. If you’re looking to purchase a Pedal Car and you’re not sure about the year, model or manufacturer contact your buddies or any of the many people in the hobby. You will find that most all of them will be willing to help you and share there knowledge with you. By networking you can also make some great new friends and acquire some very useful information about the Pedal Car your about to buy.

If your interested in Pedal Cars and would like to attend the best Pedal Car show in the country. You should think about attending the Southeastern Pedal Car show held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in May. For more information contact Bob Ellsworth at (864) 244-4308. At this show you can meet all of the people in the Pedal Car industry and make some great new friends. You will also be able to see more Pedal Cars in one place than you have ever seen anywhere. In the years past there has been as many as 1000 or more Pedal Cars and some of the rarest Pedal Cars in the world.

 If you have any questions or just want to "Chew the Fat" please contact us. Remember the more that we share information the more we all learn!

Tip From D & S pedal Car Restorations dspedalcars@qwest.net