Projects Beginner Car Purchase

Hi everyone!

I’ve posted here before but looking to get my first car, a 1930s coupe. The frame and body are very solid, everything original is there and it’s pretty good to go. The only thing that’s questionable is the engine since the battery was dead when we tried to start, no voltage on it nothing happened.

The asking was 7500, I’ve researched around and it seems that running 30s coupe go for anywhere from 8k to high teens/low twenty’s for stock.

My question for a questionable engine/battery/electrical(?) is the price still fair? Everything seems solid and at 6’6’’ It was a perfect fit which is hard to do for me. I’m pretty mechanical adept. Is this kind of expected with Cars this old?


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Well, Tim,
What kinda car is it ???

 

Will the engine turn over by hand (wrench)? If so, take a battery with you and check it out.
Ya know, if you don't post pictures then we think you are making it all up...

 

Here is what I think about buying an engine (any engine) whether with body or not.
Believe half what the seller tells you, then make an offer!

 

The original engine?

 

What make of car, any photos, keep in mind many early cars are positive ground.


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Man, you got to give us more than that to go on. There are about a hundred different '30's car makes.

 

Find the hand crank in the trunk and give it a spin.

 

Big difference IMO from a 31 or 32 or a 36.

As already noted........no way a person can answer. I would ***ume a 30 or 31 Ford based upon your numbers but we can only guess.

If a 31 and it's the stock 4, are you even going to keep it that way?

 

Without photos and vehicle info. you will never get a meaningful answer.

 

Engines and batteries are consumable commodities ,if everything else is solid jump on the deal . But we really need to know what the car looks like.

 

Yes the original


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1930 chevy


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1930 Chevy I posted pics at end


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Stock i6, and yeah kind till something goes then maybe a more modern engine. I really like it for what it is


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Original engine yes, i6


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OK it's a 30 Chevrolet. Make sure you check out all the wood subframes. These cars are loaded with wood unlike a 30 Ford coupe. It's a nice looking car but I put it in the $4,500.00 range. Does it have a clear ***le in the owners name???

 

There's a LOT of wood in those Chevy bodies. In most cases it needs to be replaced with either a new wood kit or some guys replace it with steel. Either way, it's a big job.

 

1930 chevy.... Are you a good carpenter? There is a TON of wood holding that body together. Moreso than a Ford of the era. Ever wonder why you dont see old Chevys like you do Fords??? thats why.

Cut the price of a Ford in half, and thats about a Chevy of the era price. It does appear to have Ford wheels on it. Id be more like 3K on that car if I were looking and REALLY liked it

 

It is


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Lol probably not as good as that. Yeah and that’s what I need to hear. I looked at the wood in the roof, check the bottom of the doors and everything seemed solid.

I think they might sell wood kits though? And I guess the option of steel tubing?




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If the wood is bad,then it is twice as much work to end up with a car worth 1/2 of what a similar Ford is.

 

Yeah buy a Ford. The aftermarket support is unparalleled. Used parts are much easier to find. I think that Chevy is worth about 4500 to 5500 as it sits

Buy yourself a running model A roadster for 12 grand, rip the fenders off and never look back.

 

I have definitely not bought it yet. I felt like the wood is a little outside my wheelhouse with as much as there is. That’s why I wanted to double check with the H.A.M.B. since there is not a ton of info about these in comparison with model a’s. The search continues I guess. Bummer cause the size was perfect. I got in it way better than the a


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So I think the just of this thread is

1. $3000-$5000
2. There’s a reason we no longer use wood
3. For a beginner, model a err’day

Thanks H.A.M.B., this is why your guys website is a great resource and I really appreciate the feedback this got. I had that uneasy feeling from the “Termites and Bow ties” thread and just needed some input from people much more experienced than myself.


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Do yourself a favor and let someone else have the opportunity to restore that car.
It will drain your wallet. In today's market you can find an old Ford.

 

Always make sure you have a good ***le....

 

If you like GM cars, for the most part they went to all metal in 37 and up. Agree that coupe is way beyond a first timer project. Ford Model A can be found in good shape for the money you were looking. Even a stock banger powered Model A is a reasonable driver.