It's getting to where really shitty cars have asking prices almost as much, $500 each is not a bad deal if one's really nice. My friend with all the cars has a '53 Special hardtop that was on the road a few years ago, complete and all stock but in primer. He'd let it go - for like $3000 maybe if you waved it at him. Worst case, you have to look at it as "okay, if I get stuck somehow, what am I going to get back out of them?" and it sounds like you could break even pretty easy here.
You can improve the brakes a lot by finding Roadmaster brake plates and shoes front and rear. Then add aluminum drums from 58 and later to your original front hubs. Simple, easy and lots more stopping power.
The Jalopy Journal
