Advice on selling used type 3

[shauncwalsh]

Hi, I have a question about Type 3 resale values.
My (deceased) father in law's 1970 Type 3 has been sitting unused in a dry garage for 20+ years and I wanted to know roughly what it might be worth sold as a project car in its current state and as a good but not concours, runner, trying to decide whether to sell as is or revive, brief details below:
1970, J reg twin carb type three in white, one owner from new, approx 60K miles.
All original, (except inertia reel seat belts fitted) no historic crash damage.
Dry stored and not run for 20+ years, garaged with handbrake off. Waxoyled from new, i think my father in law had shares in Waxoyle!)
Would need new tyres, brake overhaul (for safety, don't know if they work or not) and new fuel tank sender unit (not working when last used) and clutch is probably stuck on, would need replacing. May also need new heat exchangers and exhaust given the age. Anything else I haven't thought of?
Bodywork looks pretty good, no signs of major rot. Interior trim all complete and undamaged, just needs a damned good clean.
Thanks
Shaun Walsh

[Editor]

It's always a gamble when a car has sat unused for a long time, but a solid body is a big plus, and you may find the clutch isn't stuck and the engine isn't seized. Exhausts and front wings are the major weaknesses, but Waxoyl may have saved the wings.

As you appreciate, there can be various things that could need going over, but probably not many parts to replace. In fact, the original German components may well be in much better condition than a lot of after-market components are. Generally parts quality now is nothing like as good as the original parts.

Probably in the £2K to £3K bracket, but there can't be many more low mileage original cars left to find... Why not take it on yourself? Plenty of helpful advice available here!

[shauncwalsh]

Hi Dave
The £2K to £3K price, is that for the car as it stands or as a clean runner?
I had thought of taking it on myself but lack of space and time precludes that. To get it running again I would probably pay our local VW specialist (used to take my 1975 1303 to them for servicing) to do the work.
Thanks
Shaun

[brimfull]

I wouldn't give it too much of a clean if advertising it as the patina will add ££ in todays climate

[shauncwalsh]

Hi Brimfull
Good advice, perhaps I should leave the "patina" in place and put it on antiques roadshow
I thought Patina was a brand of pasta sauce?

[miketyp3]

... and don't forget to include the words "barn find" irrespective of where it was stored and whether its existance was previously known...

Mike

[Editor]

I was suggesting 'as is' valuations, which take account of the possibility that significant cost might be incurred to get it running again. You know it needs 4 tyres. It might be that all the other systems are OK, but if not parts and labour for all the things that might need doing could be as much again as those tentative values, but you would be unlucky to have everything needing work. It's a fact that solid looking bodies can still hide rust, but I doubt you would easily find a better bet for restoration, with the added family connection.

Personal restoration is how most of us like to go - it's 'quality time'! That may not match your preferences, facilities or time available. In which case, I would imagine it would be fairly easy to find someone who would take up the challenge.

As far as 'patina' is concerned, it's hard to match the rusty surface that some people seem to like. A sympathetic clean isn't going to harm what patina it has gained over the years, and it gives a chance to inspect it carefully to see if there's anything else needed.

[shauncwalsh]

Update
Ok, its been a long time since the last post but today my father in law's fastback saw daylight for the first time in 28 years!
Bought a new battery and fitted it, all the lights and wipers work
Starter motor engages but will not turn engine over
Engine will turn over using spanner on alternator pulley
Brakes firmly stuck on
A few thumps with a lump hammer on the wheel nuts and the shoes free off
A quick pull with a tow rope and she's on the drive.
She's covered in dust but 98% solid, a couple of patches of rust at the bottom of the front wings near the doors and spots of surface rust on every panel but the floor seems solid and all the bits are there.
By 12:00 it was on the back of a recovery lorry going to our local air cooled vw specialist for some tlc.
It was the car my wife learned to drive in 40 years ago and now she doesn't want to see it go so it looks like it will be living in our garage when it has been sorted.

[937carrera]

Delighted to hear you have decided to keep and restore her. Good luck and you should know we all like pictures

[shauncwalsh]

Latest news, she runs!
Fuel tank needs cleaning, fuel pump and starter needed replacing, but connected to a jury rigged fuel supply she stated and ran, a bit rough but no knocking or undue noises. pics on the type 3 gallery forum.

[Chino]

Excellent news!

[Editor]

Sounds like she's found her next owners. Enjoy the restoration.

[shauncwalsh]

Latest update:
New tyres
New exhaust
New front calipers and rear brake cylinders.
Fuel tank cut open, cleaned out and welded up, all fuel lines replaced.
Windscreen washers now working.
Original static seat belts refitted.
NEW MOT

Just needs insurance and tax.
Does anyone know who might give a good deal on insurance, low annual mileage, agreed value?

Looking forward to getting back on the road in spring.
Shaun

[937carrera]

Having used a few classic car brokers over time I have found Heritage to be the best for a few years now. Not sure if it's because of the number of cars I am covering but I have a dedicated person to speak to, a real human, who knows me and no switchboards to go through. Just like it was 20 years ago again

[jayvanman]

Just needs insurance and tax.
Does anyone know who might give a good deal on insurance, low annual mileage, agreed value?

Hello Shaun,

Like you I am a newbie, this in fact is my 1st ever post on here.

for insurance I have used RH insurance for my splitscreen, sensibly priced and usd to dealing with classic vw's.

congratulations on taking on the squareback.

I am in the last throws of putting together a deal on importing a squareback from the states.

so like you I'll be looking forward to the spring.

Jason

[shauncwalsh]

Update:
Al working now except fuel tank sender which Chris Gilley has had problems sourcing. Apparently the paint has buffed up nicely.
Should be coming hone soon, will post some pics when she arrives.

[Chino]

Update:
Al working now except fuel tank sender which Chris Gilley has had problems sourcing. Apparently the paint has buffed up nicely.
Should be coming hone soon, will post some pics when she arrives.

I believe Coolair VW had some Type 3 senders in stock if you are still in need.

http://www.coolairvw.co.uk/Item/Shop_by ... ender.html

[Chino]

Update:
Al working now except fuel tank sender which Chris Gilley has had problems sourcing. Apparently the paint has buffed up nicely.
Should be coming hone soon, will post some pics when she arrives.

I believe Coolair VW had some Type 3 senders in stock if you are still in need.

http://www.coolairvw.co.uk/Item/Shop_by ... ender.html

Mine stopped working when I switched fuel tanks, however, it came back to life with a tap from the handle of a screwdriver!

[purplepeter]

See here: http://home.clara.net/hallvw/fuelsend.htm