My FIL passed away a few months ago. He was a hot rod builder & Bonneville racer. Although he started getting rid of some stuff a few years ago, he was.still working on a 37 Ford panel delivery so it is still fully equipped and stocked with boxes and bins of various parts. We have a 2 bay shop full of stuff the try to sell over the next year. Everything from paint and body stuff, engines, torches, welders, engine hoists, etc., etc.

We're trying to figure out the best way to help my MIL balance between quickly liquidate it while maximizing her return. She doesn't want to deal with 100 people coming to her place since she still lives there and we can't take a year to run around to swap meets. Location is the Hill Country.

Any reputable services that work on commission that won't take advantage of her? Any other advice is appreciated.

BTW if anyone is interested in a 1937 panel delivery (w/ a 1934 grill which looks better), let me know. Email is in profile.

Is there enough for an auction? I'd be tempted to try that.

Give Tom Patterson a call they do auctions and can probably help her out.

https://www.colemanandpatterson.com/

Tom is a good guy.

Auction is likely the way to go, ask Tom if they are your best option. They do a lot of farm and ranch and heavy equipment stuff. If hot rods aren't in his wheelhouse, he'll likely know who can help best.

Thanks for the recommendation, and he probably does have enough stuff that will do well at auction.

It looks like Coleman & Patterson has auctions east of Bryan. I'll need something in the Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Comfort area. Anyone know of a reputable auction group west of I35? I doubt my MIL will want an auction at her place so either I or they will have to transport it. I'd want to avoid really high costs that would come out of her proceeds.

Most auctioneers will travel for auctions.

I understand that your MIL would not like the auction there. But moving it to someplace else will be a PITA. Next time you're in the shop, imagine loading every, and I mean every, tool, bolt, nut, screw, part, welder, etc. etc. that's there. Then haul it 10 miles, unload it, and lay it out in a logical order, including by lot or group.

And then you're going to need a secure area or a guard, because it's going to take a day or five to get it set up. The auction company will have announced the time and date, so you're going to deal with lookie-loos, on top of potential thieves.