I found this board through my research of my neighbor's 1953 Plymouth Cambridge. I now have more questions than when I started. This car is in rough condition, but it is not 100% shot. Are these cars worth fixing or would I be better leaving it to someone who wants to restore the car or use it for parts?
It seems to have some paint left and no rust-thorugh. The motor runs, but I understand the oil could be contaminated and the head could be frozen on. I plan to change the oil first. I also know it does not have brakes. I'll have to flush it first, but I am thinking it will need some parts. Any ideas on what to expect here?
If all goes as planned, that should get the car on the road. So once again, worth fixing? sell it as is? just get it road worthy and sell?
You can see pictures here:? http://rides.webshots.com/album/554700922IJNUlU
You'll find my BMW's and my neighbor's other car, a low milage 1970 Ford XL Convertible, in my other Webshot's albums.
Dear Johnny, following Your foto links I definitely think this 53 to be very worth a restauration.
Look for major rust on the frame and underside of body, but the fotos lrt hope. Under the rubber footboards usually is rust. Here You deciede if resto is within reach. You must consider conservation of inner iron parts - floor, doors,sills, pillars, fenders etc.
Than let sombody experienced look for engine, transmission, differential contents and condition (cracks!). Maybe a cleanup is ok for the beginning. Engine and trans are rebuidable with reasonable $$ and carb etc. is available.
Look at wheel bearings, brake drums, steering components (brake cylinders + gasket kits are available as are steering knuckles etc.)
The bumpers has to be rechromed, You will need advice from this forum for a competent shop. Maybe You can keep just polish and wax the worn paint - patina can be very beautiful.
I like the door panels,new paperboard inside plus cleaning should do! Seats can be redone cheaply, keep color and texture references!!!.
Car seems very complete and nice, don?t part it out. Don?t expect to get more than 50% of restoration costs when selling it later. It should be retored for the love of it, not to earn of. If You dont want to put all this effort, You better sell it for restoration.
Greetings! Go
The car is on a farm about 40 minutes from where I live. I'll have to get out there and take a closer look at the metal. I know that stuff can get expensive fast.
The driveline should not be an issue, as I work on and rebuild BMW engines.
If the car needs more than mechanical restoration, I'm just going have to sell it. I can not justify a total restoration. However, if I could get it to run for cheap it would be worth having for a beater. My father advises against it because he doesn't think the drivability is up to modern times. I guess he would know since these are the types of cars he learned to drive on. I'll post a new link when I add more photos.
That car seems to be all there and well preserved. Some car enthusiasts like to make the car mechanically sound and leave the rest of it in its original preserved condition. I think your car would be an excellent speciman for historic preservation of original features, which is a class some car clubs recognize. In many ways, that is more interesting than a complete restoration to like new condition and certainly much less expensive. Doran
I think the car is in good condition. Working on her will be fun.
Go for it...... :)
Cliff54
I too would prefer the original paint and interior as far as possible.So I have my 51, only the canvas top ( ca 1965?) now is shot and will be redone this winter.
Nice to see You in the engine business, so You have access to all the catches how to revitalise the drive train.Do it !
Greetings! Go
Not that this is a Pebble Beach car, but I love seeing the pre-war cars like Mercedes that look like heaps at P.B. They are original and running and sometimes the judges like that. I am going to approach this one slow, but I think there is enough paint to fine cut polish here out. Only think will using black rust convertor to get all the spots.
I was also thinking that I could just replate the chrome in zinc or zinc chromate. We use that to replate engine hardware. You've seen it before. It's either silver or goldish and usually run with some other colors. Its never perfect. Anyhow, I can get it done cheap. I just have to decide which color. Wake Forest University is Black and Gold ya know.