Should I build it or not?

[jensenracing77]

Long time no see guys!

I have been collecting NOS parts for a 1974 ATC 70 since 1995. I have all three NOS fenders, grips, engine parts, some engine cases, seat, tires and all kinds of stuff. Even have the ultra rare NOS 73-74 only foot peg rubbers and gray cables and on off switch. I have most of the engine bolts and others NOS even. I found an NOS tank but it is to much money and can restore mine for much less and the inside of mine is mint.

I am thinking about finely building it this summer but not sure it is really a good idea. My plan is to recolor, repaint, or replate, anything I don't have NOS. Would like to build the engine and carb and tune it on another chassis. When it is running factory perfect, pull it and drain the carb and never run it again. After the entire thing is done I plan for it to look factory perfect and then never use it or run it.

My question is, if I am never going to run it and just look at it, should I just leave all the parts NOS and not build it? It is less in the way as it is now and after I build it I will have to take care of it (likely only dusting it off now and then). I even thought about selling off all the NOS parts. It would sell for much more that way than to build it and then sell it because it is in the way.... For years I have wanted to do this but the want is not as big as it was for all the years of collecting the parts. I would be willing to bet I would attempt to sell it after it is done.

I am mostly thinking out loud. Any thoughts?

[danbur55]

Personally I think they are made to use not just look at but I don't have the funds to build show quality stuff

[jensenracing77]

Personally I think they are made to use not just look at but I don't have the funds to build show quality stuff

My advantage is that I bought it a little at a time over the past 20 years. The year I bought the foot peg rubbers is the most I ever spent in a year on it and I think that was around $250 for the rubbers and around $200 for the front fender. other than that it was a rare occasion to pick up a part. I really want an NOS coil for it and missed one a couple years ago. I have a nice one but want NOS.

[big specht]

Once you put it together the parts aren't NOS that they are used parts that are in good shape. It's would be a cool bike but one I wouldn't want to ride.

[3 Wheel Drive]

I say build it, replate everything or NOS as much as possible! Theres guys out there wanting to buy them as mint as possible. Keep us posted!

The reward is in seeing it come together in the end.

[jensenracing77]

The reward is in seeing it come together in the end.

That is the biggest reason I want to finish it. I put over 20 years into collecting parts. Just not sure what I will do with it after it is done. Maybe i could build a shelf in the upper corner of the garage and make plexiglas walls on it, lol

[fabiodriven]

It has to be for the love or not at all. If money is tempting you in the other direction then you don't love it.

[3 Wheel Drive]

That is the biggest reason I want to finish it. I put over 20 years into collecting parts. Just not sure what I will do with it after it is done. Maybe i could build a shelf in the upper corner of the garage and make plexiglas walls on it, lol

You should build it, if you have all those parts put them together. When its done you will have a new 1974 Atc 70 who doesnt like that?

If you want to sell it later just cross that road when you get to it.

[KASEY]

i know you will put a lot of heart into it,, labor of love? might as well build it so you can have the satisfaction of a job complete? what the heck ,,, back burner a buick!!!! get on it!!!

[jensenracing77]

i know you will put a lot of heart into it,, labor of love? might as well build it so you can have the satisfaction of a job complete? what the heck ,,, back burner a buick!!!! get on it!!!

How have you been? I have not been on in a long time. I have a couple Oldsmobile things to do this Spring and Summer but for the most part I plan to back off of them a little for 2017. I fully plan to make it to trike fest this year also.

[big specht]

That is the biggest reason I want to finish it. I put over 20 years into collecting parts. Just not sure what I will do with it after it is done. Maybe i could build a shelf in the upper corner of the garage and make plexiglas walls on it, lol

Now that would be cool

[atctim]

I would say if you are questioning to do it or not, don't. Sit on it until you are truly ready to build it. When you are ready - do it up right and make it something to be proud of, then park it and make it "For Display Only". As far as selling it, the longer you hold on to it, the more it will be worth. It's not like the value will ever go down on it at this point. Prices are on the upswing and the market for these "Antique ATVs" will continue to grow from everything I can tell.

[El Camexican]

I would be happy to store it for you once it's assembled and promise to give it weekly dustings.

[atc300r]

You should build it. When its a complete trike that's your Trophy or reward for all your hard work ,time ,and money.

[350for350]

Build it and then use it for a table centerpiece like Kasey's engine!