OK, guys, here we go.  I have decided to try and figure out a way to raise the money to acquire John's site, 1957ford.com and all of the material.  If anyone has any ideas, let me know.  It is too good a resource to just let go away.    If anyone has any ideas, let me know.  I want to do this without going to the bank and taking any loans.  I also want to do it without having to make the site a paid membership site.  If I could raise a couple grand somehow, I think I could afford to put the rest in and buy it.  The price he gave me is very fair for everything that he has.  Let me know your thoughts.  Keep in mind that once everything is said and done, it would take me some time to get it all assembled into a working and attractive website like it was before.  However, once done, it would be there, I would have backups on disk, backed up every week.  This would ensure little to no interruptions in the event of mishaps.  Note that it would be housed alongside here, this forum, and would be integrated nuch like other forums such as the Ford barn, the HAMB, etc, with static pages and dynamic forums.  I had originally intended to wind it down, pass it along to someone else, and move on into something else, but as I get older, I realize that this is my bag.  I don't think I could successfully transition into a Mustang or anything else other than another 57 Ford.  Maybe a Galaxie, but probably not.  I love these old cars, they have been part of my life for over 20 years now, and before that, a future goal to own.  Not something you can just walk away from.  So, I guess it's time to go big or go home.  Any ideas how we can scare up some green for this thing?  Let me know what you think.  JP

How about a "Go fund me" page explaining it need to be saved as a research source. 

ditto, I'm in

'Go fund me' popped into my head before I finished read OP.  If that's too complicated, PayPal works for me.  Also, maybe a 15 minute consultation with an attorney.  Living Trust or LLC to financially protect your family from internet whatever.

I do not get "go fund me" stuff but to some of my younger friends it seems to be a viable way to raise funds. Are we talking about a one time thing here? I will contribute in anyway I can...the information on the website is too valuable to loose. Lots of ways to raise funds...sponsors? raffles? cake bakes? (Just kidding about the cake bakes.) Macs, Concours, Dennis Carpenter, LeBaron Bonney ...Lots of suppliers should have an monetary interest in maintaining the brand. Maybe an LLC is in order. This forum freely advertises and indirectly promotes suppliers...

I'm with Lynn on this one, sponsorship from the suppliers that are linked, I'm sure they could claim it back as advertising anyway, so shouldn't cost them a whole hill of beans.
Otherwise, I am happy to donate, because without the likes of both of these sites I wouldn't know half of what I now know about my car.
Good luck.

I'm in, either way.  I can support with bucks.  LLC and "go fund me" both came to mind.  The suppliers would be a worth while endeavor as well.  Let's make this happen.  James is willing to put in the work, we should be willing to support him.

Well, this site isnt going anywhere.  I just renewed it for 2 more years.  The content of Johns site and the domain names is what I am trying to acquire.  John had tons of literature, both in print and digital.  Plus, all of the photos, model information, color codes, vin decoding info.  Just way too much information to let fade away.  It would take me a lifetime to collect all of the information he has amassed already.  I have received a couple donations already, I had planned to use to purchase new stickers with, but I will hold off on that until I get this website deal nailed down.  Just with what I have from the last couple days, we are already up a couple hundred bucks.  I may look into the gofundme thing.  I never considered it before, as i figured it was just a way for entitled brats to get a new xbox or something.  I will check it out.

Disseminating information, educational, of value to the community and not requiring memberships, sounds like the site is candidate for 401 or 501 non-profit status.

I'm in for whatever the final decision is. Just keep us informed so if it's a go fund account or direct donation. Thank you for your commitment .

 :unitedstates:I still would like to have a 57 Ford Forever membership card to carry in my wallet.It seems to me it would be worthy of a $20 bill and soon we would have e-nuff for the site.Just thinking.Racton

I am willing, as I guess most of us, are to donate to help. John's site had a ton of useful information that needs preserved.

Randy 

Me too...I'll just have to wait til next payday. I'll pledge a hundred. I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but my log in time on this forum is now over 80 days...that figures out to be cheap entertainment....or cheap education. I've got to learn to type and read faster!

Rich, my log in time is 8 days. I log on every night to read updates and new post. I knew you were on a lot since your always posting on your car build but 80 days might be a record. Now you've got me wondering who can top your time logged on.

Any help you need James. just ask.