Ok folks here's the quandry. My son has a chance at a couple of vehicles. I had told him I'd split the purchase price with him on his first project and he's holding me to it (go figure). The decision to be made this weekend is where he should drop his coinage. points to keep in mind. 1) He's just turned 13. 2) Part-time employment. 3) Has a "nice" bankroll to start. 4) Almost 4 years to complete project. 5) He is definately "old school" he sees any of the three in black primer and possibly a flaked roof. Here are the cars in the running with pros / cons. 1949 Chevrolet, one owner, hasn't been driven in 20 yrs, "most parts" still there and salvageable. 4 door. 750.00 CAN. 1938 Willys 2 Door Sedan with '40 front end. Rolling chasis (orig) Body rough but very decent shape. Most trim and interior parts and pieces missing. 6500.00 CAN. 1940 Chev Special Deluxe Coupe. Body all there, re-pop / NOS panels needed included in price. Rolling chasis with Mll front end. No interior, some missing exterior trim missing. Car is dissasembled at this point. 1500.00 CAN My thoughts? The '49 would be the "quickest" to get up and moving, BUT is it worth the money to get there. The Willys is below market value now, and would be a real "one of a kind". BUT the parts and pieces he would require are noteably hard to find and expensive when we do. The 40 Coupe is all there, parts missing are available as re-pop's. The front end is done, BUT body panels/ body mounts require work. Biggest bang for his buck? What are your thoughts?
'40 Chevy sounds the best. Has the front end done, and when it is complete, more desireable than the '49 (at least to me, anyway). The Willys kicks ****, but considering that he is 13 with a part-time job, and that it is going to take a much larger chunk of his budget to buy it up front, I'd probably p*** on that one. You are lucky that your son is interested. When my kids are older I hope I have the same dilemna.
My vote is for the '40 coupe. First, a young guy is usually interested in a coupe or a roadster, sedan's are for old farts. Second it sounds like there is a start on the project if the front suspension has been done correctly. Third, there are a lot of origional and aftermarket parts available for it that are pricd in the budget range of a young'n. Forth , with some work already done he can see that the end is in site with out having to spend a year getting it rolling so those 'FIRST DRIVE' dreams to kick in. Don't let him get sidetracked with a ricer that he can put plates on and drive, fan the flame that obviously has already been lit. Frank
The Willys ALL DAY LONG!! Part of making it his own and old school means not needing every little trim piece. True that it might cost him more, but it will always be worth more - ALWAYS. I'm sure that if he has decent bank at 13 - and has the fever, he will do what it takes to make any of them happen. I just can't see dinking around with a moredoor 40 chevy when I had the chance at a 40 willys - knowing that I COULD HAVE had the willys, but thats just me. Don't be cheap about it. This project will mean more to both of you than money can buy and all your sweat equity will be better spent on the one that will be the coolest when you guys are done. ALSO - I think its awesome that you guys are doing this. My dad always had hotrods and stuff when I was growing up. It pisses me off to this day that he farmed out EVERYTHING instead of even considering doing it with me. I refuse to do the same with my kids and now try to do as much as I can on my own. Tell yur kid I said yur a good dad.
Let your son make the final decision with your best input on all three, pro and con. Be thankful you have this opportunity.
If your take on "old school" is black with a flaked roof, get the Chevy coupe. Old school for the Willys would be a g***er sedan. If you go that way, you have to completely re-do the ch***is for a V-8, new firewall location, etc... The coupe would be a good "learner" and have great coolness when done. Get the Willys for yourself. Dan
I'd go with the 40 too.... I don't know how the insurance is going to be though... Looks like they all will require some work, but the 40 seems further along, will look much better in the parking lot at school, and will probably keep his interest more than the 64 4-door..... Luckily my son is 7 so we have some time to see how your situation pans out
TBone...I always liked the '49 also.There is a lot one can do with a more-door! Pete, Spud & Fab. My very first project was a 1940 Chevy Coupe. Never got a chance to complete...life got in the way. Love the look, and would be higher value in the end as upposed to the '49. 34...I only WISH!! Going to be a case of one in-one out as it is. Neverdone. Thanks, I apretiate the compliment. He has definately got the fever and was a great hlp in my build up. He spent just as many cold winter nights thrashing on my '38 as I did. Only complaint...."I like wrenchin Dad rather than cleaning / preping"! The Willys has always been my dream, I'd rather he not get in over his head the first time out though, and loose interest due to costs and such. Don't think it would happen but at times it can rear it's ugly head. 32 Viper, thats exactly what I intend to do. I think he's leaning toward the '40. Just looking for some input from fellow rodders. Thanks All...he will have some suggestions to chew on for a day or two indeed. Ken
Dan....NOW YOUR TALKIN! Wish I had the room, I have to find a "little car, that the top comes down" for my wife in the meantime. Keepin her happy is how I get to continue with MY next project!
The '49 more-door would be cool.....but the '40 Coupe has cool written all over it. (Maybe a good thing it doesn't have a back seat..... )
For me, at that age and now, it would have been/is the 40 Coupe. Now this far down the line, 4 doors don't have "your Daddy's Car" stigma they used to have. The coupe is still cooler.
The coupe is the coolest, and will make the nicest "old school" custom. the 49 is a 4 door and is cool, but not as, and the willys is a bad *** g***er project, but not really a daily custom.
Yorgatron....thanks "duh" never crossed my mind to "poll it"! Nick, Briggs & Strat, JimC & Crush, I'm leaning with you guys. Think it's his best buy and still roll out a cool ride on his budget. Thanks!
MYRIDE- I voted for 40 chevy coupe -it would appeal to youth and its the best list of money been spent for the money hes spendin! easy to chop too. 2- 8hr days and its down where it belongs!
Do the '49...Then You can drive it until he get a license and HE will get the satisfaction of getting a car DONE...Then let him tackle a bigger project while he drives the '49. Tons of young guys give up on projects when they drag on and don't get done..they want instant gratification that most of us older guys don't need.
the willys no doubt, stretch the extra you wont regret it a 2 door and all, thats becoming rare ****, in 5 years you wont find another one at that price, get him a right one the first time... thats a killer car... original ch***iparts wont be used much anyhow get your self a 371 or 394 olds rocket and a 1957 olds rear end and your rolling.... if the willys gone then the 40 coupe and cut that 4 door off the list and find something else with 2 doors if the 2 first ones dont fall through...
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