Identifying / Restoring your old pedal car
Q) I've got this old pedalcar and I want to restore it, how do
I start?
A) Step one is to identify it. See if it looks like any of the cars
on our pedal car ID section, see below. Most
of the cars shown there were made in several different variations, such
as firetruck, taxi, ranch wagon etc. Your car may not be exactly like
one shown, but if it looks like the body shape is right, the parts are
probably compatible. If you don't see anything that looks right, you
can send me a picture and I'll try to identify it for you. Once you
know what it is, you can decide how much time and money you want to
put into restoring it. If it is going to be used as a child's toy, you
would do a different class of restoration than if you were going to
keep it as a collectible or sell it. Knowing what it would be worth
after restoring it will affect that decision. I can give you some guidelines
there, give me a call.
Q) Are there things I should look for on a pedalcar?
A) Yes, check to see if the body is metal or plastic, metal bodied
cars are generally easier to restore and worth more money. Also check
to see if it has hubcaps on it and whether they're metal or plastic.
If they're plastic, check to see if there are 3 spinner bars, if so
your car is an AMF. If they're metal, see if there is a logo stamped
in them, if it's an M in a circle, your car is a Murray. Murray and
AMF cars are two of the more commonly found pedal cars around. Look
for decals with model numbers or names or logos. See if the car has
two or four headlights. Is there a design stamped into the steering
wheel?
Q) What's my pedal car worth?
A) There is a very wide variation in the value of pedalcars, some can
sell for more than $ 20,000, some can be found at flea markets for $
20. Naturally, the condition matters a lot, a car with heavy rust may
not be worth restoring. AMF cars tend to be on the lower end of the
price scale with cars generally selling for $ 50 to $ 500. The AMF Mustang
is an exception to this, they will bring $ 300 - $800. Murrays will
go from $ 300 to $ 3000. A car with the Steelcraft name on it always
brings a premium, they are regarded as premium quality in design and
construction, and are more rare.
Q) Would my pedal car be worth more if I left it unrestored?
A) Only if it was in exceptionally nice condition. If it has any rust,
or dents, or poor paint, it will be worth more restored. The exception
to this is a car that has historical or unique design value, such as
a pre-war tandem car or a one of a kind car.
Q) I want to put new tires on my car, but the old tires have a wire
running through them, how do I deal with that?
A) Most original cars had wired-on tires, but generally today tires
are replaced with "roll-ons". There is a way to wire tires
on, but it's difficult and expensive. If you have a car that is worth
the extra cost, give me a call. To put a roll-on tire on, you must first
remove the old tire by either cutting the wire, or uncrimping it. Then,
warm up the new tire by putting it in the oven for 20 minutes at 200,
and stretch the tire over the rim. To determine the correct size tire
to order, measure the wheel diameter from edge of rim to edge of rim.
(do not include the tire in this measurement.) The two most common
wheel sizes are 6 1/2in., and 7 1/2 in.
Q) Are there reference books you recommend?
A) Yes, for general information about pedalcars, CHASING THE KIDILLAC
by Garton is very good reading. For identifying various models by reviewing
manufacturers literature, the 5 book series EVOLUTION OF THE PEDAL CAR
has become the standard reference among pedalcar hobbyists. For "how
to" shop hints I suggest PEDAL CAR RESTORATION AND PRICE GUIDE
by Gurka. You can find these books on the book page.
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact
us.
E-mail:
PedalCarsGalore
Pedal Car ID's
If you have a pedal car that you want to restore and you need parts
for it, you must first determine what kind of car you have so we can
supply you with the correct parts. The following illustrations show
many of the more popular and prevalent cars. Take a moment to see if
yours looks like any of them. Be aware that almost all pedal car body
styles (including the ones below) were made in a number of variations.
By adding ladder racks and painting it red, it became a fire truck;
a color or decal change made for even more variations. The parts though,
for the most part stayed the same regardless of what model it was made
to resemble.
C & N Productions (www.pedalcar.com) currently stocks most parts
for these and other pedal cars.
If they don't have the part you need, they may be able to find it for
you.
To place an order, please call C & N Productions at 248-853-0215.
Click
here to see all the different pedal car ID's (4 pages)
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