Hey All, Not even part of the club at this point, but am curious about approx. value of a 1952 Styleline Deluxe Sedan. Been sitting in the pasture (in the midwest, no less) for a long time, has a 3-4 inch diameter tree right next to it that has grown since it was parked. While is appears relatively solid, there is surely significant rust damage. Appears to be relatively complete, motor, ******, etc. Not sure about all the chrome, but the grill is there and other misc. pieces around the car. Appears to be the original inline six with a three-on-the-tree. This would be a project for my 10 year old son and me for his first car. Don't know if stock condition is safe or reliable on this old of a car, but I have heard these old Chevys were pretty durable. Worst case scenario would be replacing suspension, motor, ******, etc. to make more driveable. Not looking to spend a mint, but would like a neat old car for my son. It would be a learning project for us both. I'm ok with a wrench, but haven't ever really messed with bodywork, etc. At any rate, I'm much more familiar with old tractors. For an old non-runner, $500 is typical unless there are rare or special options, etc. That's what I am considering for a first offer. Spoke with the property owner tonight who said it was his cousin's car and came with the farm when he purchased it. He didn't know if they could find a ***le or not. I've seen a similar Styleline, rough and no ***le, for $850 in the area and believe I saw one sold on fleabay, driveable and ok shape, for $1,500 or so. I ***ume the ebay sale was a huge bargain or the car wasn't as advertised. I know re-***leing is possible, though likely a PITA. What does it take to redo or replace seats, etc. for interior finish, never done anything like that? All comments welcome, I am suppose to speak with the owner tomorrow. Chris
Might want to look a bit closer at it before making an offer, if the bottom of the car is rusted away it might not be a good first project. Usually it's better to get started on something that's a bit closer to being driveable. I dont know how missouri laws work, but in AZ it's not too difficult to get a ***le for an "abandoned" vehicle if the property owner will sign the paperwork. If you have to redo the whole car, including replacing lots of rusted sheet metal, you're looking at a lot of work, time, and money. As long as you realize that now, it wont' be a shock later....
Thanks Jim, I will see how the owner responds and get a better look at the car before I commit. The body itself doesn't look bad, but the bottom side is an unknown. Chris
I'd offer $500 - $600. He's not going to do anything with it. These are awesome first time projects.. You said "worst case" you'd change out the engine, ******, etc.. I think that's "best case" if you want a nice driver for your son. Plus you'd learn a lot in the process. Don't worry about not knowing how to perform body work. Just read up a bit.. once you start in on it you'll do well! I've seen some amazing first time projects! Good luck!
For reference, I bought a (barely) running 52 Pontiac 2 door post for $1300 delivered with ***le. No rust, straight body, all the gl***, etc.. If this one has floor/trunk rust, I'd keep looking, keep asking around, checking local craigslist, look for local auctions, etc... I came up with mine only after I had asked around for a couple months. Even after I bought the post, I keep looking asking around and stumbled into a 52 Pontiac hardtop for about the same money, through a friend of a friend... Deals are out there especially now. 1st projects are always better when running or near running, less chance to burn out or get in over your head and loose interest. Quality, Schedule, Budget... pick 2 out of the 3 and keep looking. Good Luck
I agree. There are deals out there. If you compare purchasing dollars to repair dollars you'll do better with your purchasing dollars. If you buy a rust bucket for $500 you'll easily blow through your money trying to repair it, especially if you're inexperienced, and you'll end up demoralized.
Thanks guys for the comments: 2 of the 3 would be quality and budget. My older son won't be 11 until May, so schedule should be doable. Not that I wouldn't likely take that long if I have it, but 4-5 years should let us concentrate on the other two, Q and B. I've rebuilt 4 or 5 motors, in and out, etc. No pro mind you, but that part doesn't scare me. I've read a few posts here and see power brakes, new rotors/discs etc. are doable. I'm going to try to take a closer look this evening (hopefully) and will try to get some pics to post. I'll try to turn the motor by hand, maybe pull a plug and take a look. I will also try to get a decent look at the floor boards. I appreciate everyone's help. I'm not afraid of the work, but budget could get tight. I would like to get something "decent" built and driveable for $5,000 - $6,000. I'm figuring my son and I provide all labor, bodywork and shoot the paint ourselves. Not trying to build a show car, just get my son a cool old driver he can say we rebuilt together. TIA Chris
I paid a grand for my 53, had it running in 45 minutes. I've been screwing it up ever since. LOL. If you need help, let me know. I have a few regrets and some good ideas.
Well All, Here are some photos from this evening. The worst rust appears to be just above the rear bumper. There are some other soft spots I believe in the trunk and on the p***enger side front in particular, but no gaping holes. The gl*** is good except for the driver side door with a bullet hole and all of the chrome appears to be there and in pretty good shape. The bumpers are there, but rough. Some minor body damage in a couple of spots, but nothing bad. The motor spun quite easily by hand and everything under the hood looks pretty good. I ***ume it must be in nuetral if I was able to turn the motor over and the clutch not stuck, or it has some real transmission problems. An older friend of mine was tellling me he thought the 52' did not include an oil pump, but used "slingers" or "cups" to get oil where it is needed??? Enjoy the pics, my son seems to like the idea, but isn't totally bonkers about it, so I don't know, he's only 10. The owner seemed interested and indicated I was the first to talk money, even though others had expressed an interest in the past. He has the property for sale and needs the cars moved, so who knows. For $500 I can't get hurt too bad, though I understand the comments about spending a little more up front to avoid a lot of work and money on down the line. Enjoy the pics: 53Sled - If it works out, I will definitely get in touch. Chris
I would do it in a heartbeat...you and your boy will grow together doing it. It could be a great experience for you both. You will get the opportunity to see your boy grow to love something you did together. All with the best of luck and at***udes...He will remember all you learned together. My dad p***ed this past year. I have my memories of my 53 Chevy and my dad...
If your boy has shop cl*** and takes welding it should be an interesting learning experience. Make sure it is something you both want to do and commit to. If not p*** on it and find one that won't take as much work. If you can get it for a freebee for hauling it away...that would be better.
Here is a glimpse of what could be in your future. By the way i looked for something 4 doors.(just preference)
I think you may have a $500 order of patch panels before you get too far into it. I'd keep looking, spend $1000, save yourself the time and do some of the more entertaining upgrades with your son. Watching dad replace rockers is only fun for so long. Good luck
looks like a later model 235 - at least you have that going for it. If you want to spend a lot of time with your son AND he is up to a lot of what looks like going backwards before going forwards . . . this would definitely give you that time together. If you want more forwards sooner in the project - p*** on this one and get something that the time you invest in it will yield quicker results.
Thanks all, What is the easiest way to confirm engine? My son is only 10, so time is less of an issue than budget or quality. Not jumping on it, but not ruling it out just yet either. Chris
Please don't listen to the knuckle heads who are anti-4 door. Closed minds... It's a cool car and for $500 you'd get a lot of fun out of putting it together. If your son is only 10 you've got plenty of time to bring this back. Take your time and enjoy the ride. There is everything out there you need panel-wise to repair this if you don't want to form the panels yourself. You will learn much and you will get a huge sense of satisfaction knowing that you saved it from the brink. Not to mention the quality time you and your son are going to have...! I'd personally jump on it if I was in your situation. Much luck!
Time is on your side. Find a running, driving, rust-free 2-door that needs finishing. As has been stated already, there are some pretty good buys available these days if you look for them. Craigs List is a great source of local cars with cash-strapped owners. If your project is too long and involved your son will lose interest. He hasn't discovered girls yet... If he does bail and you don't want to finish it without him, a 4-door is far less desireable than a 2-door and will bring far less money should you elect to sell it later. Buying a project with your heart is admirable, but be sure you won't regret your decision if things don't go according to plan later on. Good luck!
if you could get it for 300 it would make a nice parts car. With the car sitting on the ground like that, you really can't see how bad it is underneath, and it's probably worse than you think it is. Engine looks to be 55 or newer because the water pump appears to be down in the block, not in front of the head, and it looks like the radiator was moved forward? kind of hard to tell from the picture though. The valve cover kind of gives it away too, having the 4 bolts holding it on. And it's a 235, you can tell because the side cover does not cover the side of the head. 4 doors are ok for pops, but 2 doors are better for junior.
Not sure this is the one to tackle, very rusty, probably a field mouse home, and as mentioned, lottsa stuff for sale right now that is affordable and a lot less drama to get on the road. Building with your son is the bomb, I did it with my Dad and it was the best. Keep looking, better deals to be had. Good Luck, my 2cents ~Sololobo~
Thanks All, We will keep looking. I am going to get a book from the library with some good pics, any suggestions? Time is certainly on our side, I don't even have a shop to speak of currently, but I will get started on that. Chris
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