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Though I don't make any attempt to earn a living at it, I do something quite similar with vintage motorcycles - I specialize in Japanese bikes from the late 60s though late 70s. I attempt to buy bikes in basically sound shape, though usually they're not running but mostly all there. I do not do complete restorations per se, but what I refer to as "reconditioning". That is, I get them running well, clean them up, repair/replace any obvious safety items (tires, brakes, etc), and try to get them in road/trail worthy condition. I will typically double to triple my money this way, including initial price of the bike and all parts and materials. My margin does not account for my time in any way. The margin depends of course on the specifics of the make and model (desirablily) as well as overall condition. I stay away from bikes I know are dogs, even if I can get them for free (as happens some times). I've got 12 bikes right now, with three of them in various stages of recondtioning, the rest are moth-balled for later. I usually turn three bikes a year, depending on my perserverence. I usually DON'T usually take in motorcycle repair work from others, though I get asked from time to time. I will do the occasional lawn mower-engine-for-a-friend routine though (just did a snow blower last week for a friend). If I wanted to devote serious time to it, I could probably make quite a bit more, but I'm just not willing to devote any more time to it than I already do. Besides, I'm concerned it won't be fun anymore if I get too serious.
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