Dealing with boneheads...

[Chris142]

I'm trying to sell a 392 IHC engine. I put it in my pickup in 1999 and put 40K on it since then. I replaced it because the cam is too much for a stock engine, rear seal was leaking and the compression was a little low.

It still ran and didn't burn oil. It sure did leak it though!

The IHc Scout guys want 392's because it's a direct swap for a 304 or 345 in a Scout so I have it advertized on a few Scout forums. 392's are getting rare.

One guy that interested in it has really lowballed me on a price....And I would probly let it go at that price just to get it out of the shop.

But he keeps insisting that I deliver it 400 miles 1 way for the price he offered! I'll use more in gas than he's paying for it and I have not even included a night in a motel yet.

I don't know what it's worth really. I paid about $200 for a 392 engine core in unknown condition a few months back. I guarantee that mine runs. Should be worth $200ish IMO.

But im not gong to deliver it when delivering it will cost me more than I'm getting paid for it.

 

[saberz]

Agree to his price, but have him pay for delivery. You would practically be giving it away for free due to fuel costs. I'd hold onto it longer and see if anyone else will take it for what your asking for.

 

[Boomer]

Rather than lose money, send it to the recycling center and tell him you did it!

 

[wander2039]

Might just cover it and keep advertising. Make sure it doesn't lock up. Never know somebody may happy to pay you what your asking maybe more!

 

[Pablo]

Bought a house awhile ago with a hot tub in the rear deck, the wood around the tub was all rotted and the mechanicals for the tub went TU. The tub shell was in excellent condition, but I decided to give it away free to the first taker. At least 5 people asked me if I would deliver it! I really don't like the the saying "it doesn't hurt to ask" - that is a dorkie, rude, bonehead saying....

Stand your ground. Your price is more than reasonable.

 

[crinkles]

like bill in Utah would say, tell him to pound sand...

 

[John_K]

I learned long ago that the majority of people want everything for nothing.....

John

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Originally Posted By: John_K
I learned long ago that the majority of people want everything for nothing.....

John


And it looks like they'll get it.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Advertise it on ebay or racingjunk.com. I used to shy away from selling large objects nationally because I figured no one could afford the shippping.

But you never know what arrangements people can make. I advertised a pair of captains chairs which were bought by an airline pilot from the northeast somewhere. He had free flight privileges, so he flew down in the spare pilots chair. Rented a car and picked up the seats. He also had a sheep ranching business, with customers he would visit on the route back and therefore deduct the cost of the trip.

I advertised a 454 block, saying I would not ship. A buyer from Ohio called, who worked for a trucking business. Turns out trucking firms have reciprocal privileges of some sort. All I had to do was get it to a local loading dock and they did all the rest, including the palleting and wrapping.

I can tell you that somewhere in the world right now there is someone dying to find that engine, and when you advertise it a large enough audience, you just might find someone with the means to get it. There are some idiots buying in the virtual world, but there are also people who realize value and will work with you if you are the type of person who can be worked with.

What I would definitely do though, is to describe all the warts just as you did here. When trying to attract a buyer over distance, they absolutely need to know that they are dealing with a straight shooter and won't have their time and money wasted by travelling or making arrangements.

 

[oilyriser]

I like the idea of opportunistic shipping. Check a carpool website to see if someone is making the trip in a pickup, and has some empty space.

 

[tomcat27]

for him to expect free delivery is an insult to you and a lack of respect of YOUR time. 800 miles is alot of driving and would take you one very long day or two days. pass. If I was the one wanting the engine I would either find a way to get it or pay you a fair delivery fee. 200-300 dollars.

 

[NJC]

Chris - remove any and all consideration of delivering this engine. It's annoying what people will push for but state in matter-of-fact terms that $x is the price and he collects.

 

[hr1940]

Chris, If someone wants the engine they will find a way to get it home. Do not deliver unless they make it worth your time. Time, mileage, food and motel. Remember that they will expect you to either unload it or help. You need to charge at least $600. for delivery -- 50 cents per mile, $100.00 for a motel room plus food.

 

[eljefino]

Are there some trusty migrant workers who need to go to some other growing season/location?

I advertised a free piano to get it out of my house. "You lift/haul." "Can you help?" ask the whiney sorts.

Wound up dismantling it and taking it to the dump. FWIW, the metal soundboards are where all the weight comes from in those things!

 

[Gary Allan]

My son got stuck with selling an engine/trans combo for a distressed in-law relative. He finally sells it and the guy shows up and I'm supposed to supervise the pickup. Sure thing, son! Thanks, Dad!! My son has an engine hoist in his garage on a rail. No problem. Right. Guy shows up in a Durango and not a pickup. My son thought he had a pickup. He thought we had a cherry picker. After divorcing the engine/trans we finally found a bench of the right height to place it under the lifted engine so that we could manage it inside the thing (Y-pipe and all - made for good sliding). The way I was sweating must have had the guy thinking I was going to expire on the spot. I accepted the offered $20 gratuity from the guy for the added hassle.

Gee ..thanks, Dad!!!

It's never the price/sale. It's the details.

 

[ADFD1]

$200 take it or leave it, he picks it up. Dad said a few times there is a arse for every seat when he sold a car. Same goes for that engine, there's a buyer for it that will take it on your terms, you just haven't found him yet.

AD

 

[mechtech2]

Same old story - the seller thinks he has the Crown Jewels of England.
The reality is somewhat less.

 

[andyd]

I pick my spots to sell and buy used parts. So far ,so good. Off to do a small deal now. Devil is in the details fer sher

 

[Mr_Incredible]

I had a guy come all the way from Chicago to Omaha to buy my Harley, and he brought cashs as directed. He was polite, bought me BBQ for lunch, and the deal was a pleasurable experience (except for letting the bike go). A lot of people have the money, not as many have the means to seal the deal.

Stand your ground if it's a money thing, give up some if you really need to get rid of it. Maybe meet halfway? Maybe he should rent a truck?

 

[javacontour]

Ditto for when I sold my custom turbocharged SVT Contour. The guy drove down from Michigan, gave me cash, I gave him the bill of sale and the paper work and it was drama free, other than having to sell my car for personal, emotional, and financial reasons.

So not all buyers are bone-heads. Guess I've been lucky.