RUDY PHILLIPS CRUSHES KAISERS

[Gordie]

In 1956 I bought a good running 1947 Kaiser for $25.00 for a transportation car.  They weren't worth much then but it ran so well that years later I wanted another one and I have enjoyed them ever since.   As a used car dealer for over fifty years I  bought and sold over 10,000 cars.  I had some great ones and kept a few but I wished I had had the money and space to keep more of them.

[Carpenter]

Jake, tell me about the blue on blue in the right side of the Car Show photo.

[darrin502]

Not sure where this thread has gone.
bringing it back to the present.
Rudy is at it again, ever vigilant, with my hidden camera I have captured more crushed Kaisers.
I have heard through the grapevine  that Rudy wants to get out of the Kaiser parts business and would like to sell everything he has. So step right up and be that person, call Rudy Phillips and make him an offer to save his stuff from the crusher or keep him in business by buying some Kaiser parts. He says the Kaiser parts sales are almost non existent and the space it takes up can be better used.

[dogwalkfinds]

This is tragic. Such cool cars deserve a better fate. Any possibility he would put together a list of cars he wants to get rid of so we could buy/save them?   

[Gordie]

Rudy has just a few parts cars left and better ones in his garages.  If you want to see a collection of over 100 each check out Kaiser Bill Browns's back yard or the cars from Fred Walkers estate.  Most will never find a home.

[joefrazer]

Kaisers aren't the only orphans feeling "unwanted". This same story is being told by the Hudson and Nash guys (and I'm sure others) as well. It seems that quite a few cars, long tucked away in barns for that "someday" are now being dragged out in the hopes that someone will want them. This has created somewhat of a surplus of cars- restorable or not - on the market. Unfortunately, the cost of transporting anything even a moderate distance, coupled with high postage costs for parts, has made it difficult for most back yard hobbyists to step up the plate and get into a restoration.

What Rudy is doing is just emblematic of the issues facing the old car industry.

If you're interested in getting into the hobby and have the ability to save a car or two, contact him. I visited with him a few years ago and he had several cars on his property he was willing to give away, just to get them into the hands of someone who would save them. I'm sure his inventory has changed, but I recall a much better than average 54 two door, several early cars, as well as other 51-53 Kaisers that were mine for the taking.

[Carpenter]

How does one reach him and where does he live?

[pnw_oldmags]

Here is a link to Rudy's Parts List.
Phone number and address on cover.
http://circlekf.com/vendor/RudyCatalog2017.pdf

[Carpenter]

Thank you.  Sorta makes it tough on delivery expenses for him and customers with him in California.

[Roadmaster49]

Delivery cost is the main reason I never purchased a rare leather interior code 1948 Frazer from Rudy. I wonder if he still has it or has parted it out.  I would email him but I just sound like a wanna be pest. I stay interested until I see the cost to transport to Iowa, which is more than his asking price.

[Gordie]

A U-haul truck and trailer can be rented and that reduces your cost to the price of fuel, food and motels.  I moved 28 vehicles across the country and back that way but I bought my own truck and trailer.

[pjkaiser]

If it is boxed up well, ship it by Greyhound bus, incredibly inexpensive!!!   You just have to get to a Greyhound station as does Rudy.

[Gordie]

Greyhound is great for large bulky parts but it needs to be packaged well.

[Carpenter]

THAT, Sir, is the kind of attitude that frustrates the crap out of those of us who are looking for parts, and getting NO response.  If they are For Sale...LET US KNOW...and How Much.  Hoarding helps NO ONE.

[dogwalkfinds]

Part of the attraction for this hobby should be that it is inexpensive. Too many things are done just to make money. The enjoyment we get from working on our vehicles - rehabing, restoring, customizing, maintaining, showing or however we like to interact with them - should be the goal. While it might be nice to turn a profit flipping cars or holding onto a classic and watching it appreciate in value, the folks that are counting on that are likely to be disappointed. Our old cars are beautiful, useful and most of all FUN.
If you want an automotive investment get a Ferrari or a Packard (and cross your fingers). If you want a fun time with a car you can use every day, get a Kaiser or a Plymouth or a Hudson... so many good choices!
Losing great cars to the crusher hurts all of us. Better to give a car away to an enthusiastic kid than to lose it forever. Even better - help them fix it up the way they want it.
That said, also support the people that have taken the time to start a business supporting your favorite brand. Without them to supply the pieces and often the expertise, we could have a difficult time.