Here are some pictures of this proof press i found in the woods. I have no idea about these things but i really want to sell it. I was just wandering if anone new how much i could sell this for? Or you could give me a little more info about it and what i can do with it. Oh and all that stuff on top of it were some pieces of metal i found beside it. Thanks
my email: billytheaufan@yahoo.com
#: 3185577910
Well if anyone would like to buy any parts just call me 3185577910 or email me billytheaufan@yahoo.com
It’s the single-piece cast bed and rails that makes me hesitant about restoration. I’m more interested Billy finding more parts and posting more pics. If he can sell enough maybe he’ll make a donation to this blog. I told him I know someone who might want the door. There’s another guy who needs the roller assembly.
Paul, do you remember my 4 that was in my Tuscaloosa studio (and subsequently traded to Wells)? That press was in similar shape when I acquired it. Of course I took it entirely to pieces and cleaned every single atomic particle, but like you say, after months of elbow grease and many trips to local machine shops that press was back to factory fresh. It is possible, but not without an investment of time, money, technical support, and plenty of know-how. Who knows, it might be worth $10,000. That is after an investment of $12,000.
He may be able to clean the grime and rust, but I suspect that there is severe erosion of the rails, bearings, cylinder and bed. Certainly it will need a new motor. Some parts need to be repaired (crank handle) and missing parts manufactured. A substantial investment of time and money. Even then quality work (if that’s your thing) may not be possible. But see what an $8000 grant and a world class machine shop can do: https://vandercookpress.info/vanderblog/2008/01/232p-conversion/
I am probably crazy as a loon but in the pictures it appears to me with a couple truck loads of elbow grease… someone that had the patience could revive it. I’ve seen people bring worse back to life.
Depending on the extent of the rust, there’s may be $200-300 worth of parts: doors with lettering, the roller frame (shown) gripper bar, side guide, lockup bar (not shown).
Im currently in Louisiana. Do you think i could make any money on it? And yes au means Auburn Uni.. Im a football fan.
Yikes! I’ve seen some rough, rough presses, but wow. As a whole it’s not usable, however, I do spy a few parts that should be salvaged.
I’m assuming that “aufan” means Auburn University. Are you (and it) in Alabama? I’m in Mobile.