I have a opportunity to buy/save alot of Cadillac/Chevy motors from a yard that is crushing out. All the cars bodys are shot/rotted as they have been sitting on ground for 55 plus years. I can save the motors/******s/rears. Question is it worth it? Is there much demand for these motors/ 390, 283, 265 chevys 389 pontiac. Also alot of 50's 6 cylinders and 40-50 flatheads from various models. What would you pay for a old motor like these. I was thinking something like $100.00 or little more a piece. thanks, Wizard
If they are usable they are all good hot rod/custom fodder. 100 bucks is a real good price for a rebuildable motor. I don't think you would have any trouble peddling them and I'm sure that a lot of the fellas would love to have them. The caddys up to '56 will have very desirable hydromatics behind them. The caddys and flattys will probably go first with the SBCs following suit. 265s and 283s from the 50s are the most desirable of the SBCs out there for building a period correct rod BTW. So if you have an SBC to peddle that is the one you want to have.
How much time do you have till they get smooshed? I'd say see if you could get some locals to commit to a few of them before you go pull them out. that being said, there's always going to be someone looking for those engines so maybe you should grab a nice selection and have them around till someone comes along needing one
Not to much labor to get them. The yard dog will snip out the motor/****** with a torch before the car gets crushed. Crushing starts next week I believe as I was told. How about the 6 cylinders? (not flathead 6cyl) Mostly chevy and fords in there. How about old Plymouth trucks/Ford Trucks from the late 30's early 40's with partially rotted frame. People weld these/repair? Also there is a old mid size flat bed Mack truck in there from late 30's/early 40's its there but in bad shape/metal.
1957 chevy 283s are a one year only block. I spent a lot of time tracking one down, save em if you can!
I would love a caddy engine or two. if you could save them. Let me know what you do. I am in Maryland and would make the trip to buy them off you.
Worth noting... Buick, Olds, Pontiac, and Caddy T-400 [and buick ST-300] ******s from 64 till about 67 are the infamous "switch pitch" units, and are definately worth saving. They bring good money. The ST-300 is a powerglide 2 speed with a switch pitch T-400 converter and pump installed in it. The ****** itself isn't especially desirable, but you can use the parts out of it to turn any T-400 into a SP. Remember to keep the converter!!! That's the special piece. The parts out of an ST-300 will bring about $200-250. A complete SP-T-400 will bring $300-350.
The front covers/oil pumps from '64+ Cadillac 429s are big money, as they always crack. Also big money is the transmission adapter & flexplate from '64-only Cadillacs (one year only parts).
Any Cadillac engine up to mid 60's is worth saving, even for parts. the 331-365-390's made from 49-62 are great and getting more popular. If the cars are junk, save any trim from the Cadillacs...you can always make a few bucks off that stuff.
I say go for it. You may not become rich at that price but there sure to move and not be forgoten. Also I have seen people that made a fast and clean profit by selling low a large lot find. If you have a place to store at no expence to you hell yes, than you can get a better feel on market and up the price a lil.
I think at $100 you could sell most of those motors. I'd pay $100 in a second for a rebuildable 283. I'd pay $500 for a flat head block with a crack free guarantee, if no guarantee, then of course the price goes down substantially.
If they have been sitting in Pennsylvania for 50 years...unless the engines have been very well protected from water, they have filled up and have frozen multiple times. They would be cracked into absolute junk, seems to me. What level of protection have they had?? If sitting in hulks in the open it is doubtful thay are usable. Even if hoods are closed now it is unlikely they were never left up in the rain.
How about Transmissions? Save the 1937 - up Cadillac (and LaSalle) standard transmissions. Save the 1950 Olds V8 standard transmissions. They are desireable pieces. Good luck, Greg
If you got these motors and such and have any Cadillac 331's or 55ish Caddy trim, pm me. i'll come up there and get some from you!!!
If your up to the task and the price is right get everything you can. As long as you don't mind them sitting around for awhile they won't hurt anything and you can sell them at your own pace. Money can be made if you are in no hurry. Prioritize the booty. Grab all the eights and transmissions you can, go back for a few sixes and to hell with the rest.
Sound like you have no idea what's worth saving or not. Do you know the differences in all of this stuff? If you don't you may be buying overpriced s****. Get someone that know to go with you to pick out the good stuff.