Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums Showcase and Stories, Petroliana How do you guys afford all this stuff?

I too, wondered how I could afford to stay in this new hobby, until I remembered where all the money was and started robbing gas stations in my off hours.
Ken

My father started collecting when I was 10, and soon after I caught the bug as well, I'm 26 now. Growing up through school, I bought what ever I could afford, whether it was a $10 can or $100 gas pump. Buy he time I wa 18 I had enough junk to fill a building, so I started to sell. One mans junk is another mans treasure, so buy anything that is in good condition and cheap, even if you don't want it. There is someone just like you trying to start thier collection. I have also found on big buys on items that you would probably sell, find a partner that will goes halves with you. You will both make some money, and you have someone to hunt for this stuff with.

Just thought I'd throw something in here. I just got pack from the Coin-Op show in Chicago & Kane County Swap. Among other things, I bought a MOOG Shocks tin sign with a kangaroo on it that said, "Takes The Hop Out of Your Car" for $80 and an AC DELCO Garage square tin sign for $40. I did buy a few $1500+ signs, but this just goes to show you, there are deals to be had and no one on here would be ashamed to have either of the 2 cheapies in their collection as they are both near mint and really cool signs. Don't be scared to jump in this hobby/business with just a few bucks, you can put together a decent sign collection fairly quickly. Remember though, if you do try and buy one good piece, don't buy a Power-Lube that is a condition #2 just because it's a Power-Lube, the barn-hangers will always be barn-hangers.

Good point Seth... i just want to add that barn hangers even if they don't go up in value are still nice. I have a sign i bought for $75 with a hole in it. It's a barn hanger... but it is still a neat sign and as long as i can get my $75 for it many years down the road than who cares. What i am getting at is don't pass on a barn hanger just because it doesn't increase in value... you like it than buy it!

So many people put to much thought into how much it will be worth later down the road. I know i am in this for the fun, the friends i have met are great and as long as i can sell my stuff (when ever that my be) for what i paid or more i will be happy!

2 words!


CREDIT CARDS

Travis E. Towle
Topeka, Kansas

785-357-1004

I'll post a pic of my cheapie "lubester" tomorrow - I haven't spent more than $25 on it. A decal from Vic's was quite literally my biggest expense, and that was only $10 (US). Add two cans of Krylon spray paint at $5/ea (Canadian), and a couple of pieces of sandpaper. Eventually, I will redo it, but for now it's sitting in my Living Room where I can enjoy it.

Chadrock00 is on the right track. I have a good friend and our tactic is making a "purchase deal" on two or more items - the vendor gets to sell two items instead of one, and we use out "two for one" price for leverage - the only down side is when my buddy and I want the same item - then the vendor wins. Brady

Here it is. Nothing special, but cheap. The pump is going to get painted another color (too much blue for me, probably go cast iron gray?).


[This message has been edited by Peter Niessen (edited 11-13-2005).]

Jarvis and some others: I think there is no "correct" answer to the questions brought up on this thread. It's just like talking about unrestored pumps vs. restored pumps, original globe vs. repop globe. We are all in this at different levels, hopefully the love of the hobby is what binds us all together. I see some collections and with a healthy dose of reality know I will never attain to that. Why, because of the money. I can however collect within my budget. Hopefully, trading up to some nicer pieces as I go along. But, whether you want to admit it or not, financial constraints is what limits most of our collections in regards to quality and quantity.

I'm a collector not a dealer. But, I buy something if I like the looks of it and I don't really bother with what it may or may not be worth ten years from now. I just don't care. Plus, I'll buy a globe or sign that isn't mint, as long as it is fairly decent. The serious collectors always hold out for mint pieces, and that's O.K. too. But I'll settle for a globe with only one lense, or one with a chip out of the base, or whatever. I've had friends over that will look at a globe that is in super shape and ask 'Now that's a reproduction, right?' but they NEVER ask that about a globe with some staining or other wear!! I say just have fun and buy what you can afford w/o breaking the bank......It all works out.

Jarvis is right on for the low income guys,dont pass on anything if you want it.I just like to look at the junk and maybe trade for some new junk in the future.Steve

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