Man, I wish something like that just fell into my lap. I know it's not free anymore, but I'd still go for it in a heartbeat if the price is right. Shoot, if it wasn't all the way out in CA I'd go get it myself.
Personally, I'm in the "4-doors Can Be Cool" camp. A shoebox sedan with the original gear makes for a great mild custom to haul children/grandchildren/freeloading friends to car shows in. It would also be a great starter project for a young person just starting out in the hobby.
Went to look at it in person this week and talked to the owner. He was pretty short with me and not really interested in talking at all. I guess he is selling the property against his will due to financial hardship, and is becoming increasingly difficult to work with. Alcohol seems to be his main interest at the time. He needs to move out in 2 weeks. I'm just going to be patient and make a modest offer at the 11th hour.
Get the guy a couple bottles of hooch to grease the wheels if that's what he's into. Try the search function to find out how to wash it if you wind up getting it.
Bring it home. Still have not brought the 53 home. But have finally arranged someone with a tractor close by to help load it this spring. That and gas will be my only real investment as the work I did for my Great Uncle is work I would have done without pay. Rod
Yeah. He said he was willing to give it away right up until the point where I was willing to pick it up. Then it became worth something.
Slight update. Went back up to talk to the owner of the car and we went to a bar, which instantly put him in a better mood. He kept avoiding what he wanted for the car, but at least said he wanted it gone. It's not going anywhere, so I think just chiseling away at this deal is the best way to go.
*** dumb & dumber voice *** "So you're saying there's a chance ?!?!" LOL !! Good to hear that it's not a lost cause .
In my business (restoring vintage British cars) , sometimes free isn't cheap enough. This shoebox , however , I think will be a better gamble.
I've had free RVs (bad, bad, bad idea. Did get a FE 390 though) free boats (jury is still out, got a Olds 455) but no free shoe boxes. If you can get that thing for the price of some booze, I'd say you'd be doing well.
OD handle pulled out under dash, to left of steering wheel. I agree with Desotot about trunk hinges. A one year only item - 1950. If car has been living inside, it can't be too rotten. I've passed up a few nice cars sitting a soggy pasture, down on flat tires and resting on rocker panels. Bring that Baby home!
Hey everyone... So my boss headed back up there this weekend and will talk to the property owner about getting the car out of there... Its a slow process but its going my direction...
I hear this said all the time, but it's about timing and patience. Buy right when the deals come up. Sell without being backed into a corner to sacrifice to get something else. If what your selling is worth what your asking you'll get your price.
The Jalopy Journal
