Long Term Storage or sell it?

[TexasAviator]

I may have orders in a few weeks for a 3-4 year assignment to a small but beautiful Pacific Island. I can only take the family Suburban or Pickup. What would be my best move? There are a lot of what-ifs still to be determined but would like your alls honest opinion.

I would love to store it but all my family is scattered to across the state and dont have anyone I can really trust with such a car. I was thinking of letting the military store it but again I dont trust them either. My only option is long term storage.

The other option is to sell it. Its done sans paint and body but I am not giving it away and doubt I would get what I want for it. If I did sell it that money would go into savings for another project when I get back from said Island.

Any inputs would be graciously received. If the orders dont come, no worries but I want to have some countermeasures in place if the day comes in the next few weeks.

Brandon

[CDXXVII]

If you are still happy with the idea of owning a Cobra and you are happy with your build so far, I would say store it.

On the other hand, if you have lost interest or are leaning towards a different project then it's better to take the hit now than later. You will certainly take a loss selling it as is.

[BadAsp427]

Long Term Storage.... You just put your blood, sweat and perhaps some tears into this build. I'm sure you could find a storage place that would be reasonable in price to make it worth keeping... Or you could send it off for paint and body at Whitby's.... I hear they take about 18 month or more to compete a paint job... and if you don't push them perhaps even longer... Then you only have to pay for storage for the time after they are done

[TexasAviator]

I love and adore this car. I cant wait to get paint on it. I only have a few hundred miles on it and everything is working as advertised. It really is a reliable 4 season car here in Texas.

[GoDadGo]

I vote to store it if I get a vote.

Do you have friends and/or family in the area that might be willing to give up a spot in their garage for a long term hold over?

Also, Thank You & All Our Veterans For Doing Your Best To Keep Us Safe!

[cgundermann]

Brandon, with your pride and love for your car - only one answer Pard.

Long term storage.

Chris

[TexasAviator]

ok, I cant really sell it, it was more for inputs for those have been in a sell situation. This is going to be a crazy move, I have to sell, store, and put my entire life on hold. Comes with tons of stress but this could be the chance of a lifetime for my family and my flying career.

[Barrel]

Long Term Storage.... You just put your blood, sweat and perhaps some tears into this build. I'm sure you could find a storage place that would be reasonable in price to make it worth keeping... Or you could send it off for paint and body at Whitby's.... I hear they take about 18 month or more to compete a paint job... and if you don't push them perhaps even longer... Then you only have to pay for storage for the time after they are done

This is exactly what I would do in this situation, especially if I was determined not to abandon the project and keep it moving ahead whilst I was away.

[Jacob McCrea]

What does long-term storage cost compared to a reasonable estimate of your out-of-pocket losses if you sold it as-is? I would guess that storage would be less, but that's nothing but a wild guess.

All that said, it's a hell of a thing to let go, for a loss or otherwise, after you've put the work into it.

[Driver_WT]

Well, my build was a long term project (life and work get in the way some times, and I was traveling a lot for work), so my build took almost 10 years. That is 2 to 3 times your storage time. I had the car stored in the garage and worked on it a little at a time, then a big push at the end to get it done. I would keep it. Find some place secure to store it and it will be there when you get back. What happen is you sell it, then a few things change in your life and you use the cash for something else in the mean time.

Wade

[j.miller]

What ! You don't have a younger brother to leave it in his capable hands for safe keeping ?....YEAH! WE ALL KNOW HOW THAT STORY ENDS....starts with "I swerved to miss a dog"...da bat

[Papa]

Brandon,

Rent yourself a climate controlled storage unit and put that puppy on jack stands until you come back.

Dave

[Itchief]

I agreed with Papa if you can locate a storage unit for around $100/month (you may be able to get a better deal if you work a long term rate) and have an agreed value insurance policy for storing the vehicle, you may end up better off than trying to sell

Prep the motor, put it on jack stands and put out a bunch of Mice/rat poison

Good luck

Rick

[TexasAviator]

.
.
I was hoping that someone would come on here and tell me they sold theirs and regret it everyday of their life. I guess those that sell probably arent very active on the boards, so...




What does long-term storage cost compared to a reasonable estimate of your out-of-pocket losses if you sold it as-is? I would guess that storage would be less, but that's nothing but a wild guess.

All that said, it's a hell of a thing to let go, for a loss or otherwise, after you've put the work into it.

Agreed, I am going to go check around here for storage options. I will have to come back to get the car but at least I know its in a mild climate and low crime area.


Well, my build was a long term project (life and work get in the way some times, and I was traveling a lot for work), so my build took almost 10 years. That is 2 to 3 times your storage time. I had the car stored in the garage and worked on it a little at a time, then a big push at the end to get it done. I would keep it. Find some place secure to store it and it will be there when you get back. What happen is you sell it, then a few things change in your life and you use the cash for something else in the mean time.

Wade

Great point. I have in my estimate around 39000 in it but with help from FFR, members on here, and selling a project car I feel I have come in closer to 25000 not counting time invested. I really dont want to sell it, the title is misleading. What I was hoping for was people that did sell it and tell me they wish they hadn't. That is probably wishful thinking as those who have sold it arent active on the forum anymore.



What ! You don't have a younger brother to leave it in his capable hands for safe keeping ?....YEAH! WE ALL KNOW HOW THAT STORY ENDS....starts with "I swerved to miss a dog"...da bat

I do have family and I love them dearly but I dont trust them. I could set the rev limiter on the Fitech super low (2k) and hope for the best... I was thinking of shipping it to a painter and let them work on it at their pace. I would of course keep insurance on it through Hagerty at agreed value. Wink Wink.


Brandon,

Rent yourself a climate controlled storage unit and put that puppy on jack stands until you come back.

Dave

This may be my best option. I could then also store all my expensive tools, toys, and garage gear knowing its not going to get stolen in the move. It seems to happen a lot to military and overseas assignments.


I agreed with Papa if you can locate a storage unit for around $100/month (you may be able to get a better deal if you work a long term rate) and have an agreed value insurance policy for storing the vehicle, you may end up better off than trying to sell

Prep the motor, put it on jack stands and put out a bunch of Mice/rat poison

Good luck

Rick

Thanks Rick, I have a brother in West Virginia but he lives in Moorefield, other side of the Appalachians from you. I feel the storage option in Texas may be the best option as the weather here is mild all year round. Gets a bit hot but nothing I would worry about compared to the times I lived in Iraq (140 degrees!).

[Al_C]

In my mind, this isn't even a question. Of course, this isn't my decision... Nevertheless, store it. Think "mothball", as in what your current employer would do. I'm with Papa and the others on their long term storage ideas.

[BadAsp427]

https://www.carbag.com/

[Mark Eaton]

Dude, Part of your soul is in that car. Keep it.

[Bob Cowan]

I stored my '69 Mustang FB for 2 1/2 years while I was overseas. Really glad I did, too.

[Itchief]

Brandon

I’ve been to Moorefield a few times doing IT/telecom/networking for the Army NG it’s very nice county up there along the Potomac river.

Good luck with your new assignment I don’t think that you will regret keeping the roadster

Rick CW5(R)

[NAZ]

I stored a car while deployed -- wish I knew more about storage back then. Two tips: if you cover the car in plastic don't let it touch the paint (plastic over a car cover should be OK). They make those plastic car covers so it sounded like the way to go but a couple of years baking, sweating, freezing, thawing and mix in lots of dust and when I got home the paint was ruined. I loved that car. And pull the plugs and liberally apply fogging oil (comes in a spray can) to the cylinders to keep them from rusting. Good luck on your new assignment.

[Higgybulin]

Another for keep it! It'll be something to look forward to....good luck!

[j.miller]

You want me to paint it ?.....I will throw in a year of storage. That's "Southern California Storage" That's some premium shiz right there son...da Bat

[Jeff Kleiner]

Unless it poses a financial hardship shove it plus your tools and equipment into a storage unit and keep it all insured.

Jeff

[cgundermann]

You want me to paint it ?.....I will throw in a year of storage. That's "Southern California Storage" That's some premium shiz right there son...da Bat

Damn Brandon, that's a hell of an offer + a smoking hot paint job!

Premium includes free rattlesnakes...

Chris

[DavidW]

Keep it!


You want me to paint it ?.....I will throw in a year of storage. That's "Southern California Storage" That's some premium shiz right there son...da Bat
That sounds like a great deal, maybe negotiate 2 years storage ; )


Long Term Storage.... You just put your blood, sweat and perhaps some tears into this build. I'm sure you could find a storage place that would be reasonable in price to make it worth keeping... Or you could send it off for paint and body at Whitby's.... I hear they take about 18 month or more to compete a paint job... and if you don't push them perhaps even longer... Then you only have to pay for storage for the time after they are done
Thats another great idea, it might be finished when you get back.

[merim123]

4 years is a long time for tires to be sitting in storage, gas in the tank, etc. Is it a show stopper, no it is not. Storage around here (chicago) would run about 150/mo and that is not going to be climate controlled. That would be over 200/mo. So for 48mos you are looking at a minimum of 6k for storage. You should try selling it as is and see what you can get offer wise, you will build it faster next time :)

[Big Blocker]

Buy Miller some rum and he gets real easy to talk to . . . Maybe he'll store it for longer if the rum keeps coming on a monthly basis . . . AND, you'll get one of the best paint guys doing your car - no debating that Jeff is one of the best there is for our cars.

I'd seriously think about that offered deal from Miller . . .

Doc

Disclaimer: Don't really know if Miller drinks rum as much as I'm suggesting here, but his signature usually mentions drinking, women . . . Ha-Ha-Ha!

[rich grsc]

Buy Miller some rum and he gets real easy to talk to . . . Maybe he'll store it for longer if the rum keeps coming on a monthly basis . . . AND, you'll get one of the best paint guys doing your car - no debating that Jeff is one of the best there is for our cars.

I'd seriously think about that offered deal from Miller . . .

Doc

Disclaimer: Don't really know if Miller drinks rum as much as I'm suggesting here, but his signature usually mentions drinking, women . . . Ha-Ha-Ha!

And then we wouldn't hear him go on an on about "why's the rum always gone?" :rolleyes:

[j.miller]

Feeling just a little picked on......I'll give ya 20 minutes to knock it off or $20 to keep it up....you choose....AND WHERE THE HELL IS MY RUM !!!...da bat

[jroberts]

Did you look into how much to taking it with you? It might be as cost effective as selling it (most likely at a loss) or storing it and having the pay rent.

[Royteamcobra]

Add it to your household goods shipment to said island as a "loveseat", not additional auto.
Randy

[Yama-Bro]

If it was me, in your situation, I'd do the storage...but if you really enjoyed the build and could afford to do another when you get back, you could sell it and start fresh on another. I'm sure there'd be several things you'd do different now that you've built one and learned the ins and outs of the car.

[dwheeler]

Is it not allowed for you to have 2 vehicles on the island? I was wondering if the cost of shipping it there yourself would be approximately the same as the long term storage.

[j.miller]

Hey ! Claim it as your wife's "Emotional Support Vehicle" ….. Hell! They might even let you take it on the plane ! jus workin the angles

[Papa]

Brandon,

Would that island be Okinawa by chance? I spent a year there and loved it. I spent pretty much all my free time SCUBA diving.

Dave

[Richard Oben]

insure the crap out of it, takes tons of pictures and have the military do it. JMHO, Richard.

[RAMRobAZ]

PM sent on a buy option.

[Packer fan]

I would store it for free as long as you left me the keys so I could rotate �� the tires for you.

[TexasAviator]

Well, just like the Air Force to leave you hanging. I got orders this week gents. Looks like I will be moving to a small tropical Island in the pacific for a few years. Sand, Surf, Sun, and I am sure plenty of work to go along with it.

Now is the hard question. If I keep it, store it, and I get another assignment to Europe (very possible) the car is going to sit indefinitely. I have about 22-25 thousand in the car not including the stuff I sold off on parts cars I had laying around. Then I have thousands in storage fees. I also dont want to burden one of our faithful forum painters to expectations of free storage. This is starting to sound like I should sell it.

I will know more in the coming weeks as I am talking to some interested buyers due to this thread.

[NAZ]

Sand, surf, sun... The first time I visited an AF base I knew I should have joined the AF. Huge bases, great PX, movie theaters, and big EM clubs. It was like club med.

The Army was almost as bad as the Marines for facilities and assignments in places even the locals never heard of. And were the AF had busses to transport their personnel we had LPC's (Leather Personnel Carriers -- boots to the civilians out there).

Have fun, don't volunteer for anything, and always look busy.

[TexasAviator]

Thanks NAZ. The excitement of the week wore off and the feeling of overwhelming change is starting to sink in. I am going to have to sell my house, car(s), and a lot of stuff I cant take with me. I think I may have a buyer. If all goes well I know the support of my wife and kids will make it all worth it. Most of this stuff will go into government contract storage but I have to take this opportunity, it will never come back around in my career. I will also get a chance to fly a lot of different aircraft, not just the C130J that I am on now.

The jokes about the Air Force arent always true however, not if you are a smaller aircraft (tactical airlifter). I have spent the majority of my career in Iraq, Afghanistan, and recently Africa. 7 deployments, 250 combat missions and a lot back pain years later... I think its my turn for the island life. I will miss my time with the spec ops guys and jump schools but time to move on.

[RJD]

Brandon,

Would that island be Okinawa by chance? I spent a year there and loved it. I spent pretty much all my free time SCUBA diving.

Dave

Five years in Okinawa over two tours and like Papa, mostly under water. Time for new adventures. Sell it and buy scuba gear, a SUP, and a windsurf board. There was also a very good aero club where you could rent a plane and go island hopping. You'll love it.

[Jacob McCrea]

If you really want to keep it and storage costs & space are the sticking point, there's just enough space in my shop that it could live there rent-free for a few years. I don't need or want the keys - so long as I could roll it outside when I paint my car this summer, that would be fine.

[rich grsc]

So a few years on a small tropical island, then possibly to Europe. So in storage for maybe 4-5yrs? SELL IT. You may have no interest in the current build at that point. By then it may be MK5 or 6, with all kinds of new up grades. If AOC gets her way, you won't be able to build it with an "internal combustion engine", if at all. FREE bicycles for everyone.

[NAZ]

Free bicycles -- love it. Even my horses are in danger as they contribute to global warming by emitting carbon dioxide.

[GoDadGo]

Free bicycles -- love it. Even my horses are in danger as they contribute to global warming by emitting carbon dioxide.

Naz,

I've offset your horse's carbon footprint back in 2006 and 2007.
Mrs. Go-Dad and I planted between 1,500 - 2,000 pine trees after Hurricane Katrina handed it to us in a big way.
Your ponies can fart until their little bottoms are Hap-Hap-Happy since this Factory Five Family Member from Louisiana offset your Pony's Carbon Foot Prints!

Steve

NOTE:...Photosynthesis Turns CO2 Int Oxygen If You Happen To Be Reading This Ms. A.O.C.

[NAZ]

Thanks Steve, I feel better now.

[TexasAviator]

All of your comments are killing me. So funny. I am going to the land they call "where Americas Day Begins."

Jacob McCrea, that means a lot, thank you! As others have said, it's going to be years before I enjoy it and all the while it will rot in storage.


I have a guy flying out to buy the car this weekend. I already have a deposit and we already have an agreed price. Its a no-brainer. I dont lose the thousands in storage costs and make thousands on the selling price. The guy really wanted my car because I hadnt tried to molest the body. I would have never been able to do it justice. He is going to take my build and finish it. He should have a 40K dollar car when he is done with it.

[j.miller]

Well done, best of luck brother. Smooth travels...da Bat

[TexasAviator]

Well done, best of luck brother. Smooth travels...da Bat

Thanks sir. Dont count me out. I'm coming back in a few years and I am going to build another one.

[bobl]

Well Brandon, looks like you really did it! Congratulations! Hate to see you go, but look forward to your next build. Stay in touch.

[cgundermann]

I’m certain his next build will be even more spectacular...

Chris

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hey B!
Sorry to see the car leaving but it sounds like you have a great career opportunity! Tell the new owner to get on the forum as he finishes it up and you be sure to stay in touch and keep us all updated on how things are going for you.

All the best,
Jeff

[Papa]

Brandon,

Best of luck and stay safe. As we say in the Army, "Charlie Mike". Continue to March.

Dave

[RAMRobAZ]

Alright folks, I’m half way through a 17 hour round trip to Texas. I came and met with Brandon and bought the car. It’s coming home to Phoenix in a few weeks. It’s at a perfect point for me to put my finishing touches on the car and make it my own.

Thanks Brandon for keeping such great records and making and extremely nice Cobra.

[TexasAviator]

Well Brandon, looks like you really did it! Congratulations! Hate to see you go, but look forward to your next build. Stay in touch.

Bob, I learned so much from you. I could not have done it without your help and generosity. You really helped me out immensly with the timing and dyno of the engine. I really needed your expert help to get me through that part of the build.


I’m certain his next build will be even more spectacular...

Chris

Dude, you were my biggest supporter. Thank you for your inputs and motivation.


Hey B!
Sorry to see the car leaving but it sounds like you have a great career opportunity! Tell the new owner to get on the forum as he finishes it up and you be sure to stay in touch and keep us all updated on how things are going for you.

All the best,
Jeff

Jeff, thank you for following along with me on the build and giving me redirection on countless occasions. I could not have done it without you. All of you!


Brandon,

Best of luck and stay safe. As we say in the Army, "Charlie Mike". Continue to March.

Dave

Papa, your build was inspirational and great to follow along with. We were on this journey almost together from the start. Best of luck to you and your family in Colorado.



Alright folks, I’m half way through a 17 hour round trip to Texas. I came and met with Brandon and bought the car. It’s coming home to Phoenix in a few weeks. It’s at a perfect point for me to put my finishing touches on the car and make it my own.

Thanks Brandon for keeping such great records and making and extremely nice Cobra.

Rob,

Great to meet you and to network with you. I hope you love the car. I know its going to good hands, someone that truly appreciates the small touches and time spent on the car. Your generous offer and mature approach to buying these cars is refreshing. Thank you for helping me out in this stressful time of PCS season (permanent change of station). I cant wait to follow along with you on finishing the car.

See you in a few weeks to take delivery.

Brandon

[RAMRobAZ]

So I forgot Inhad my lightning charger in my pocket. Got a free massage by a creepy Tsa agent and they ran the charger through the X-ray. Never came out. Ugghhh

[Boydster]

Brandon, good luck with your change of station and making all that happen. Stay safe. Sorry you had to sell the machine but it looks like its in good hands. Power On...

[Yama-Bro]

Good Luck Brandon! It was fun watching your build. Hope to see another one in a few years!

[SSNK4US]

Good luck Brandon! Sorry to see you “temporarily” go.
Keep in touch and let us all know how your doing.

Kurt

[RAMRobAZ]

Brandon's car made it safely back to Phoenix this weekend. Raining and snowing in Texas and New Mexico, but we made it safe with no problems. After spending a day with the car today, its a pleasure to be the new owner and continue the build. Already started to add my own touches.

Thanks Brandon!!