What's it worth? '53 Chebby

Got a friend with a '53 Chevy 2dr Sedan. The roof has been cut off in a sorry attempt to make a convertible out of it. They didn't do a great job, but they left enough metal to be able to clean up where they fucked up. Either finishing off the convertible idea or maybe installing another roof.

Body is straight and minor rust in typical areas. Bumpers & all trim is intact & clean, but would need new chrome/polishing to look really nice.

Interior is out of some 80's Ford car, and is crap. Original dash/column/wheel is all there with everything stock.

Chassis looks clean and all suspension looks nice.

Engine is an inliner (235ci?) and starts right up and runs great.

Overall a decent car that would require minimal/amatuer level work to be a cool cruiser.

He's looking to sell it, but I told him I'd find a buyer or possibly buy it myself for the right price. I don't have any pics because I'm working 12 hrs a day/ 7 days a week and have no time for anything.

I thought about having it shot in black primer, cutting the front coils, blocks out back, steelies/whitewalls, find some decent seats, chopping the windshield frame and making a low Carson-styled top for it. Low buck of course...but it might look pretty cool.

Anyone have any idea what a simple project like this would be worth as it sits currently? Just looking for a fair price to help out a friend in need.

Thanks...

(BTW...here's a quick "windows paint" photoshop I did of a '53 2dr sedan...I cut the roof off just to see how it looked.)

 

hmmmmm. well I got a 51 4 door with the roof cut by the previous owner for $200 bucks the car was totally apart but all there and clean and did run prior to the tard taken it apart for no reason, then he nuked the roof with a sawzall after god knows how many beers. Anyhow not sure if that helps ya...oh yeah one thing to think about is I was able to ebay all the chrome and glass I was not going to use to get the cost of the car back. here b a pic 51 4 door no roof

 

Nice score...this car is complete...fires right up, clear TX title, needs minor odds & ends to be driveable. Engine bay is fresh super clean paint and engine has low miles on a rebuild. pop the hood and you'd think you're looking at a clean original car.

I'd sure like to see a '53 with a Carson styled top...

 

I would say like $1500 or so. Anyone else wanna chime in? I may be off my rocker?

 

i'd agree $1500. My bro picked up a 53 for around there. not only that but 53's loook bitchin' no matter what you do!