What to do with these old relics?

[mach2burnout]

I picked up these 2 old trucks at an estate sale last October. I thought they were in a little better shape. Really hadn’t thought much about them lately, but then I “found” them again.

So, should I:

1. Clean them up a little and display them somewhere as they are?

2. Try to make some kind of a cool diorama to display them, such as an abandoned construction site or defunked company?

3. Try to restore them as best I can, or customize them?

4. Leave them as they are and let the grandkids finish them off, since they’re probably not really worth anything?

[mach2burnout]

[JCON]

Decisions, decisions...

[JED]

Hmm 🤔 I think these would look great with a restoration job but they would also look cool with a basic clean up and an attempt at preventing them from getting any worse. I can also see the enjoyment of watching grandchildren playing with them

[mach2burnout]

Sept 28, 2021 23:16:20 GMT -6 JED said:

Hmm 🤔 I think these would look great with a restoration job but they would also look cool with a basic clean up and an attempt at preventing them from getting any worse. I can also see the enjoyment of watching grandchildren playing with them

The dump truck is in pretty good shape other than the surface rust. But the mixer…I’m not sure it would even be savable, or if it would be safe for the kids to play with.

[mach2burnout]

Here’s a few more photos.

[dogfish7 (R.I.P.)]

They would look good in an Antiques Store.

[gloobombking]

I am pretty sure the dump is a Marx Tin Litho and I figure it to be from somewhere between 1949 and 1955.  I would do my best to clean it up and keep it in its condition as these toys are getting harder and harder to find.  The mixer looks like it might make a good parts truck for another restoration or repair.  I do not recall the mixer and don't think I have seen one before but it is later than the dump.  Do what you can to keep em alive, the worst thing we can do is let these items vanish from the face of the earth.  They have a history and represent a time that will never be again.  

[mach2burnout]

Sept 29, 2021 15:41:21 GMT -6 gloobombking said:

I am pretty sure the dump is a Marx Tin Litho and I figure it to be from somewhere between 1949 and 1955.  I would do my best to clean it up and keep it in its condition as these toys are getting harder and harder to find.  The mixer looks like it might make a good parts truck for another restoration or repair.  I do not recall the mixer and don't think I have seen one before but it is later than the dump.  Do what you can to keep em alive, the worst thing we can do is let these items vanish from the face of the earth.  They have a history and represent a time that will never be again.  

Thank you for the info and yes I agree. I had no idea the dump truck was that old. I knew it was old though. Not only is that time long gone and most of the things of that period, but the people with knowledge of these old things as well. So, thank you for your knowledge.

[JED]

Yep a gentle clean up and a wax coat to prevent further rus should do the job and put them on a shelf to admire. I was recently tempted to buy two old Tonka toys but my wife doesn't share the same spirit of collect and save. Apparently I'm a closet hoarder!! 😂😂😂

[mach2burnout]

Sept 29, 2021 23:20:35 GMT -6 JED said:

Yep a gentle clean up and a wax coat to prevent further rus should do the job and put them on a shelf to admire. I was recently tempted to buy two old Tonka toys but my wife doesn't share the same spirit of collect and save. Apparently I'm a closet hoarder!! 😂😂😂

Mine does if I let her fill the back with flowers or something of that nature.

[JED]

Not even chocolate or wine works here!!

[BUCKY]

I tend to agree with gloobombking about these two items. They are great finds!
I would hesitate to allow the kids to play with them for the mere fact that they have rusty metal.
Wouldn't want have a nasty cut show up and get infected.