Western Flyer Pedal Car

[pdt1081]

Dad pulled this pedal car out of a dumpster a long time ago. Now that my nephew is 3, he is thinking about painting it up for him to ride. Looks like there was possibly more to the seat than what is there, like maybe a cushion or piece of wood. Otherwise, everything is there and functional. Rubber is still on the wheels. Anybody have any idea of what this may be worth like it is? Or should we just paint it and let it be used? Or know of somewhere local to BG to get it appraised?

[Tech83]

I'm a bit of a collector.... I don't collect pedal cars.

You need to try to determine the model # and date. I would put it at least in the 1950's. Check out this 1962 Western Auto catalog..... the pedal cars have 1960's styling.

The best thing you can do is check completed ebay sales to try and place a value.

There are websites that track ebay auctions.

You need to ask yourself - do you want this as a toy or a collectable. If its a toy, then go ahead and paint it...... but your nephew might not care as long as its clean and works.

I found this pedal car restoration website that has parts and decals for sale.

This site has a bunch of Murray (Western Flyer) pedal cars.... should give you an idea of price range.

[pdt1081]

I'm a bit of a collector.... I don't collect pedal cars.

You need to try to determine the model # and date. I would put it at least in the 1950's. Check out this 1962 Western Auto catalog..... the pedal cars have 1960's styling.

The best thing you can do is check completed ebay sales to try and place a value.

There are websites that track ebay auctions.

You need to ask yourself - do you want this as a toy or a collectable. If its a toy, then go ahead and paint it...... but your nephew might not care as long as its clean and works.

I found this pedal car restoration website that has parts and decals for sale.

This site has a bunch of Murray (Western Flyer) pedal cars.... should give you an idea of price range.

Thank you, sir. I'm kinda leaning towards the restoration/preservation way. I just want to do it the right way.

[Flipper]

Fly out to Vegas and have the guys on "Rick's Restorations" from the History channel have a go at it.

[TG1996]

Fly out to Vegas and have the guys on "Rick's Restorations" from the History channel have a go at it.

"Honestly, I'm going to have to put about 80 hours into it, the whos-it and the whats-it are very hard to find. It will probably be around $6,500 and $7,000 to restore it. But the good news is, it's a great piece and you can probably get $800 out of it fully restored."

Actually, I love that show and they do great work. An excellent find, pdt! Good luck!

[Warthog]

I saw an episode of Pawn Stars tonight where someone brought in a peddle car. The car on the show was actually a new one that a company still makes. The price of the new one is about $150. Pawn Star Rick did say that old pedal cars can be worth around a $1,000 with the worse looking ones being worth the most.

[Tech83]

Thank you, sir. I'm kinda leaning towards the restoration/preservation way. I just want to do it the right way.

I think that's the way to go. I bet you could get this cleaned up and the guys at Earl Scheilb to give a nice $19.99 paint job.

There clearly are places to get some repo parts - if necessary.

There's even youtube vids on Pedal Car Restoration. You better post some photos of it in progress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o6nixZnVHQ (can't embed)

[h2oville rocket]

Fly out to Vegas and have the guys on "Rick's Restorations" from the History channel have a go at it.

"Honestly, I'm going to have to put about 80 hours into it, the whos-it and the whats-it are very hard to find. It will probably be around $6,500 and $7,000 to restore it. But the good news is, it's a great piece and you can probably get $800 out of it fully restored."

Actually, I love that show and they do great work. An excellent find, pdt! Good luck!

A guy at Elderly Music (Tech knows) told me that about an old fiddle I brought in-"Yeah, it definitely is pre-Civil War, came over from Germany and is really in very good shape. I can make it look pretty much new for about $800.00 and you could get $300.00 for it once I'm done."

[RobbyFalcon]

I like how the second photo makes it look like it's leaking oil from two spots...Cover the carpet in kitty litter.

[bgbill]

You could take it to Snook's Dream Cars in BG. They should have an idea what it's worth, and would advise you on how to restore it.