Flipping tractors?

[olivedrabflorida]

So I've got an idea I thought I'd run by you guys to see if anyone does this and if it's a good idea. Still working out the numbers to see how profitable it would be, so here it is: buying rusty, non running 8n's off craigslist, restoring them, then selling the freshly restored 8n's on craigslist. Seems like a fun way to make money on the side. What do you guys think?

 

[brokenknee]

It's like anything you are going to flip, need to figure out what it will sell for in repaired fixed up condition, the amount of work and cost to get it there and the initial cost of the item.

Almost forgot, what you expect to make on the job.

 

[vtsnowedin]

There are a lot more hobbyist that want to find an old tractor and lovingly restore it then there are guys that want to buy somebody else's restoration efforts and just look at it or drive it in parades.

 

[newbury]

There are a lot more hobbyist that want to find an old tractor and lovingly restore it then there are guys that want to buy somebody else's restoration efforts and just look at it or drive it in parades.

And I can remember seeing the same 8N for sale on CL for about a year, at a fairly low price.

 

[Code54]

Often by the time you do all the repairs you are over the value of the machine. You really need to watch the costs and often depending on the amount of work you need to put into it you are not making much or anything for your labor.

 

[olivedrabflorida]

There are a lot more hobbyist that want to find an old tractor and lovingly restore it then there are guys that want to buy somebody else's restoration efforts and just look at it or drive it in parades.

Good point, didn't really think about that.

 

[murphy1244]

You will need to sell them for 2500 or less here.

 

[olivedrabflorida]

Often by the time you do all the repairs you are over the value of the machine. You really need to watch the costs and often depending on the amount of work you need to put into it you are not making much or anything for your labor.

That's what I'm worried about, most machines on craigslist in my area need a full tune up, fresh paint and new seat. Everything going well that would take me about 4 hours and about $250. I get that that's not a "restoration", but it's the stuff a lot of people don't want to do.

 

[olivedrabflorida]

You will need to sell them for 2500 or less here.

The going rate for a beat up 8n here in Tampa is around $1400-$2000

 

[vtsnowedin]

It would be better to become the expert at doing the hard rebuilds of engines trannys and rear ends that are beyond the ability of the hobbyist that has bit off more then he can chew. Hard part is knowing the difference between what can be rebuilt and what is beyond hope or your capabilities and also sizing up the owners willingness to pay for having the job done right.