I found a 1953 chevrolet Bel-Air 4 door, and the owner wants about $800 for it. I like the car a lot, especially after seeing some of the chopped, dropped, and rear-door-shaved members rides on this forum. The car is solid, except for the bottom of the quarters. Someone did a poor patch job at one time. The floor and rockers are solid, though. The gl*** is still good. The interior is in surprisingly good shape, and the engine still runs. Everything is there, including the original fender skirts. The chrome is all there, also. The only missing part is the gas tank. The brake lines are new. I am just wondering if this is a good deal. The thing that has me worried is the rust in the back portion of the frame, where the rear bumper bolts on, and the edge of the trunk floor, where it joins the back panel, is rotten through. I have welded for a few years, and could probably fix it, but does this car sound like a good investment, or should I move on? The owner even mentioned getting me to wire up a reverse light and horn for his volkswagen, and fix a couple dings. May call it even, but would $800 be reasonable? Thanks for any guidance.
I've spent $500 on less for a a 53. It didn't run, didn't have a gas tank, was 40% bondo, needed gl***, and the roof had been used for an all nite dance compe***ion. If you don't mind a 4 door, that doesn't sound too bad. $200 or so for a new TANKS! (there are a few vendors with them on here but no Alliance Vendors that I know of yet, check the guys in Kzoo, MI for a price), and some welding and you are OK. Hell, fix his car and get it for even trade you are in great shape. Is it an auto trans or manual? Auto's have a better rear gear ratio. I'm cutting up an old parts 54 and can save the frame ends if you need them for mock up to duplicate, I don't know how great they are but I stood on the bumper to remove the roof. Make sure you get the ***le as they can be a ***** to deal with. They aren't the most respected cars being 4 doors, but I've had 5 of them to build my 1 and I've got plenty over $800 to get where I am. I've learned a ton from them and I'm sure you could part it out and get most if not all of your money back if you needed to. Want a good idea what you CAN do to it? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1646676 Go for it.
If its as nice as you say, grab it. I paid 1000 for my 2 door club coupe (basically a 2100) and have alot more in it now.
The car has a new, clean ***le in the owner's hand. It is also an automatic, and I believe the car would even move, if the tires were pumped up. I do know that it runs. Thanks for all of the responses, and the picture thread of the chopped 4-doors was the first thing I seen when I got home from looking at her.(the car) I appreciate it, guys.
I sold a '53 two ten four door sedan last spring for $935 I think on eBay. Exactly the same shape as yours, engine ran but wasn't roadworthy, decent interior, some rust but not bad. $800 is a good deal, esp. for a Belair. If you decide to customize it by shaving all the trim off, you can resell the Belair trim to the lowrider bomb guys to recoup some of your money.
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