I just experienced something you only hear about

[OldAndInTheWay]

I have been stopping and talking to some old timers around here who works on lawn movers looking for someone who might have some Cup parts. Got a lead yesterday that I checked out this morning. About 5 miles away. Been warned that this person is hard to get in touch with. Found his property (surrounded by a tall board fence) luckily for me he was out in front of his work shop behind a locked gate. I finally got him to talk to me and I explained I was looking for Cub Cadet parts. He said he had to be somewhere else but he would let me look around. OMG, this guy has TONS and TONS of old stuff. American Pickers would go crazy there. He took me down and around a path to where he had the Cubs and low and behold there they were.

At least a couple dozen, I didn't count but there could be more. 72, 104, 124, 105, 125's and wide frames.. 1650, 1450, a red one, others that I didn't have time to check out. Half of them were complete. One problem is that he won't sell parts off of the complete tractors. He had a bunch of stuff I need. All the time he was rushing me because he had to go.

The guy had the hermit look going on. Two foot long white beard with white hair longer. Bib Overhauls. Really paranoid. I heard his phone ringing several times and he didn't pay it any attention. I was told he would be hard to catch in or call.

He told me to call him next week and I can come back and look more.

I have no idea what he thinks his stuff is worth and if I can work out something with him. He has 4 I would buy right now if the price is right. Heck, I would buy his whole hoard if the price was right.

I am afraid he might think his stuff is too valuable.. we'll see. I will have to go softly and try and getting a rapport going.

I would like to have a camera but I think he would not have like it.

40 years of collecting and trying to get him realize that he can't take it with him will be the key.

[Whizdbiz2]

Very interesting. Go slow and build that rapport... if you likes you and doesn't think you are trying to get him, he might part with some stuff every so often. I think the Am. Pickers show some good lessons in making friends with the hard to deal with. Best wishes and let us know how it goes with your new friend.

Whiz

[Shaner]

for people like that, you may try brown nosing a little. if you notice him smoking a certain type of cigarette, show up with a few packs of that brand for him, same with drinks. may get him to like you more, which in turn means better deals. has worked wonders for me in the past.

[OldAndInTheWay]

I was also thinking of trading. I have a beautiful bell and cradle off of a steam locomotive for example. Maybe he doesn't have one.

Like this but better:

[johncub7172]

I don't know if I would press too hard on getting what you want off the , as you describe " hermit look " for what you want to pay for it. The next path he leads you down might not have what you're looking for. Could be a better reason why he has a locked fence around his property. Sure did have a fixed attention on you not to answer that phone, or the voice mail is full, heheh!

What kind of old wrecker does he drive? hahahah!

Hope you get some Cub Cadet items, all fun and kidding aside! Pictures would be sweet! There is nothing dead about Only Cub Cadets, and never a dull moment. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OldAndInTheWay]

I could see everything I am looking for and more. 5 or more complete projects that he said ran. One a 1650 and 1450 and a couple of narrow frame ones. Tinware on tractors that are just missing missing motors. Nothing I could see would not be useful to someone. None were just good for scrap. Hell, there was a original seat on one without a single crack. Quiet Line ones with the side panels and even the spring still holding the panels on. He thinks he has parts somewhere in his big shop but didn't have time to look.

I will take my camera next week if I can get in touch and meet him there.

[drglinski]

I found a guy sorta like that near my house. His issue is that he wants waaaaaaaay more $$$ for them than average area asking price. For example, a fence row for 10+ years "O" that he wants $900 for. The guy doesn't get on the web and doesn't buy anymore so he doesn't know what things go for.


Good luck.

[OldAndInTheWay]

You might be right. After seeing the mountains of things he has I think he doesn't like to let things go. He definitely is a hoarder.

At least I know where there are some future projects I can dream about.

[Cub Cadet 123]

I think you need to emulate his character so that he will see himself in you. You will need a strap on beard, a pair of bibs and a straw hat......No, just having some fun. However, I do think that you are on the right track with working out a trade with him. Some people like to just know that they can't own it all, but they can play with as many "toys" as possible is the name of the game. I'd take several quality things that you think he might like and are open to part with.

The big question is, if he didn't pay any attention to the phone call while you was there, what makes you think he is going to answer the phone to you next week? I'd try one time to call him, if he doesn't answer, then wait a while and try your luck driving by and trying to catch him out again....that make take some patience on your part.....especially if he is not readily visible when out front of his workshop from the road! Sure hope an amicable deal can be made!!!

Cub Cadet 123

[OldAndInTheWay]

I am planning of having to go by and see if he is out and about at his place. You have to go up on his porch to be able to see over the big solid wood fence surrounding his work place and junk yard. One good thing is that he has no junk yard dogs. I learned in business that I would try and get people to relax and shoot the shat for a while before getting down to business. I hate being rushed when I am checking a store out before I buy things.