I have a chance to buy my uncle's 1955 Ford Customline. Here is the current condition- The rocker panels have large holes in them. There is rust along the edge of the hood and trunk, fender bottoms, and door bottoms. That is little piles of rust flakes that you can see under the car on the concrete. The positive is the seats, carpet and door panels are in great shape. The paint is flaking off all over and I see signs of dreaded fibergl*** repair. The engine will run, but the car hasn't been on the road since the 1980's. The engine looks good, but it is just a Krylon overhaul. It doesn't run very well and it smokes a bit. It has a Vintage Air a/c too. The big question is what is a realistic price for this car in Texas? I don't want to screw my uncle over, but I don't want to over pay. I found the car for my uncle in 1987 in Livingston, Texas, he redid it, and never drove it again. The car got about a foot of water in it during the Tropical Storm Allison flood years ago. My grandfather was a policeman in the 50's and drove a 55 Ford 2dr sedan. I think it would be fun to paint it black and white like his old car. So what do you think I should offer him? I'm thinking $3500 due to the rust issues.
I'm thinking $3500.00 is WAY too much. I'm thinking about $1800.00 on the open market would buy it. Just my opinion---------I could be wrong. Lets see what other people have to say. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Like I told the kid, "Your musics not too loud, its just like OKC, it ****s!"
Engine smokes, has rust, already has bodywork, took a foot of water and has been sitting for 20 plus years. I do love the bodystyle and it seems its all there, but I wouldnt pay more than $1000.00 for it.
Now I just hope my uncle agrees with ya'll. I just didn't want to be the jerk who tries to screw over a close family member.
A suggestion - there's a pretty active 52-56 Ford group right here on the HAMB. You might want to run this by some of the folks there: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=332 If you do buy it, you'll definitely want to check in there. It's a wealth of information and help.
Honestly...from what the pics show that car isnt horrible. to ask less then $2500 from even family I think is a bit low...I bought my 56 years ago as a basket case for under two grand......but then again im in cali.
I moderate and founded the 1952-56 Ford Group, because of the rust issues $3,000 would be fair because it does have nice upholstery which can cost you a bunch and it has that vintage A/C unit which is a blessing in Texas (adding A/C will set you back at least a grand if you had to go out and buy it) as far as the engine goes some of the smoking may be stuck rings from sitting,drain the oil and put in a bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil and change the oil to Motorcraft 15W40 diesel oil Autozone and Walmart has this in a 5 qt jug about $18 the detergent should clean it up after about a 1,000 miles drain it and refill with new 15W40 as this also has 1335ppm ZDDP for protection.Contact one of our HAMB members ems customer service for the body repair panels.And join our group http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=332 over 800+ members will be glad to help you out.
I always add up the pieces that I like and give them a value. Total it all up and go from there. Rust is a big deal for me. Rockers are not a big deal. I paid 4000 for this 56 several years ago. no rust in the front crossmember or the rockers was a huge plus.. An almost comparable interior (yours looks nicer) that was a big plus for me. If you don't like the interior and plan to replace it then it has no value. I wanted a period interior and I like mine. I don't think I can get a parts car for some of the above quotes but that is most likely do to my location. I had to replace the front fenders due to rust. Mine came with the factory 3 spd. OD which was another big plus for me. I personally think I came out ahead when compared to buying a rust bucket that needed a complete interior and buying the parts separately. Just my thoughts.
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