Projects Good start or turn and run

Ok, I figured I would see what you guys thought about this car. The price is right and I haven't had just a ton of luck finding a hardtop, but it is obviously a lot of work. I haven't seen it in person yet, just the pictures you see here. It doesn't have a steering column or seats anymore either. I do know that the floor boards are going to need to be replaced. The guy said he got it from up north. The previous owners had it in a field and the p***enger side tires went flat, thus the heavier damage to the rockers on the p***enger side. I am not afraid of a little work, but I also don't want to get something that is beyond saving.

So you think this would be a good start or do you think I should turn and run to find something else?

Thanks,
Chad

 

Depends on how bad you want a '53 Bel Air hardtop. If you want one really bad, then it's probaby worth the time and investment. But if you're just looking for a project, something that you want to enjoy within the next 5 years, I'd keep looking...

 

You live in AZ, you can find something better somewhere...

although if it's priced right, it would make a great donor

 

Since ur in AZ i say turn and burn!

 

i'd buy it back home in the rust belt but out here in cali i'd probibly p***, but then again that depends what you mean by "priced right"

 

problem is, the people here in az/cali think their cars are worth a mint. I would much rather start with a nice AZ car, but came across this one and it has me thinking about it pretty hard. And by priced right, he has it listed for $600, could probably get it down a little bit.

 

$600 is dirt cheap, like parts car cheap. I'm sure by Arizona standards, this car is really rough, but it's average project car condition for Wisconsin. If that's the car you want, I'd go for it, if you dig into it and it ends up being more than you can take on, you can part it out and make money on the deal, or use it as a donor if you find a more solid but stripped shell.

For comparison's sake, here's what I bought last week which I plan to fix. The tree came with it.

 

Well, you asked for opinions so.... If you have to ask then I don't think you know exactly what kind of commitment you are getting into. I am guessing you are a little less experienced and I would suggest turning and running. Find something that runs/drives. You can tinker and repair as you drive it which will keep you very motivated.

On the other hand if you want something to really learn everything on, have the space and resources (not just money, but at least some tools) and the time to work on it at least a few times a week then this would be great.

Also, as far as people asking a mint in Cali for their cars wait to you see that Chevy up close and then how much you will need to fabricate, buy and scrounge and that mint will look like a great deal. I would suggest getting to know people who specialize in the car you are interested in, maybe a local club, etc. Then you will get the hook up and deals because you are one of their click.

I am in a Buick club and have gotten several great deals for less than the going rate on engines, parts, etc.

 

Maybe this will help:

I would do a little research and add up all your parts costs to get all the metalwork done. Then add say 30% fudge factor. (Your labor is free, right? If it comes close to $3k-$4k I'd say skip it. In todays times of woe and want you could get a much better body for that $.

 

If I was in Az, I'd keep lookin. It may be "priced right" but whatever you save, you'll end up paying trying to get it back in shape. If it was around here however, it would be a great project.

 

Somebody paid you to take that away, right?

 

You are right, I did ask for opinions and you are right, I am not extremely experienced. However, I asked for opinions because I do understand and respect the commitment that it would take to finish something like that. I do understand that it would be a LONG TERM project. That said, I am not afraid of a little work and time. I have a very good body man that would do the bulk of the rust repair, but his time is not free. I have sent the pictures to him and he is likely going to be the one to go out and take a look at it since it is in TX. I just figured I would see what you guys thought. Trying to benefit from your experience since I have only limited experience.

As for the other stuff, I have the space, some fabrication tools, some limited skills with those tools and want to learn. Thats why I have been getting into the older stuff. Want to actually learn the way things work, not how to program a computer. I do enough of that in my day job.

 

dante81, just to clarify, no offense was intended, just wanted to make a clearer picture. It sounds like you have a plan and some idea of what you are getting into. Call this your "before" thread and continue with updates.

 

No offense taken at all. I wouldn't have posted if I didn't want to hear both sides of the argument you know. Helps me make a decision.

 

Just buy it already. Then get yourself a decent MIG welder,some gas,some good wire,a helmet and start teaching yourself. You will never learn if you don`t start somewhere. The car looks damn good,even for a Midwest car if it is.

Sure,you could try and find something nicer....but chances are you`ll end up with a polished turd if you don`t know what to look for. With this car you know what your getting into,and it`s priced fairly.

 

If its not even the body style you want in the first place,I'd say with the amount of work you have in front of you the dollar factor is gonna out weigh the fun factor quickly.Keep looking.Just my .02

 

It's woth the $$$ just for parts, but those hardtop's are not that hard to find. I would buy the best one you can afford!

 

Grab it while you can! With the economy who knows if you will have the money when the next one rolls around NEVER p*** on a good deal.

 

You *could* do it...but you're much more likely to actually finish the project if you start with something better.

Maybe a runner in the 3-5 grand range?

 

It is always best to buy the most rust-free and complete car you can find when you are ready to buy BUT at $600 (does it have a ***le with matching numbers?) it is a steal! I think you could make money on it as is too.

 

Spend the money on a good car. If you get yourself to much of a project chances are it will end up back in the mud.

 

It does have a good ***le too.

 

looks like a nice car to start with!!!for $600 how can you go wrong?i bet with alittle time it would run.i say just buy it and start working on it{sand down and prime it}are you looking for a show car or a rat rod?if you want a rat rod just cut the cancer out,weld or rivit{i would weld}some panels in it.if the motor doesnt run slam one in and have fun.if you find a better one later buy that one and sell yours.if you have some time in it and not much money you should be able to make a proffet!!and atleast you have something to play with.if it was buy me i would buy it just to see if i could get it running.HAVE FUN!!!!!