To buy or not to buy...1953 Chevy Belair

Depends on what else is listed in the car - what engine, interior, glass, body work, paint, wheels/tires...!!! And you didn't say if it was a two door sedan, or a two door hardtop (which are rare), if it's a four door -no.

'57's command higher prices simply because they are so desirable and there's a ton of aftermarket parts available, they are the " '32 Fords" of the fifties era...

R-

 

You would seriously blow 15K on a car that is only 4 hours away without looking at it?
Man, I wish I had that kind of money to toss about...

 

Like others have stated, go look for yourself. One guys idea of laser straight is another's idea of marginal. Pictures cover a multitude of sins.

A friend owns a mechanic's shop and one of his clients buys cars sight unseen all the time (primarily Ebay). Has kept his shop busy for the last five years. Not a good idea.

Check it out first!!!!

 

What's that about "buyer beware"!

 

I'd give 15K for the 57 before I'd give that for the 53.

 

No shit! Sorry but I personally wouldn't pay $15K for that car...especially when I could spend $15K on a car that I could build to my specifications! It's way overpriced...I even think anything over $8K is laughable...just my $.02...

 

If he has more than 15K in the car and doesn't know if the gauges work right, etc., tells me one of two things-he's stupid or a liar. Don't want this car too much-you really want a hardtop, right?

 

Do your self a BIG favor. Take the time to go and look it over. Then worry about the price. I wont go into it, but I speak from experiance.

 

It's a 2 door sedan...http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=738078

 

Yes I like the sedans..but love the hardtops...2 doors of course. Everything I've seen has been out of state though

 

lol...Yeah that 63 VW...fun little ride...sold it though...now I'm down to my Harley...need some classic wheels again.

 

If you don't have to have a 53/54 Chevy and are looking for a nice driver, there are plenty to be had within a hundred mile of us.

For that money this come to mind, but no where near the same category as a 53/54 Chevy I realize... BUT It'S THE SAME COLOR!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=734057

 

i agree with everyone here,too much,too close to not go see.but i have a story to tell about appraisers.i know a guy that bought an ot car,paid an appraiser to look at it .this was a pretty big price car.they told him all ok,when he got to looking the trunk pan was rusted out,i helprd put the new one in after we cut 2 out.one over the other.don't always trust others. good luck

 

I personally have always liked the 54s better than the 53s, even though
they are basically the same car. I think I would be inclined to take a
further look at the 54 in the craigslist ad posted. Even that may be a
tad high, but at least is a lesser starting figure.

There are things about the 53 that the seller can't or doesn't want to
answer specifically (like the gauges).......hasn't he driven the car around
to see if they work?? I would guess they don't work. So you probably
would have to do some things and spend additional money right off the
bat.

Just my 2 centavos.

 

Concerning " qualified appraisers "
...guy next door to me was selling his 'Vette . An interested buyer from another province hired a local " qualified appraiser " and the appraiser says to my neighbour " I'll give the buyer a glowing report on the 'Vette if you give me $500 "!!! So the "appraiser" was going to get paid on both ends .
Terry

 

Over priced...

 

Agreed! Make a day of it. Stop grab a bite to eat etc...

 

15 grand? you could have gotten this great looking 51 for only $6200.00 on ebay. it is widened and plopped on a front wheel drive 90's Buick chassis. quality work like this is hard to find

 

I'm sure that there are unscrupulous appraisers just as there are unscrupulous folks in most every profession. That's an unfortunate reality of the world we live in. That doesn't make them all crooks though.

My experience with them has been positive on both sides of the transaction. When I was the seller, I've never had one offer to "fluff" up the appraisal for an additional fee on my end. I'm sure it happens, but I still like my chances hiring someone with the right credentials to look over something I'm laying out a lot of cash for if I can't make the inspection myself.

 

Whew...and there are guys right here on the HAMB that think '60's kustoms are ugly...!!!

R-

 

haha There used to be a guy here on the HAMB that built em like ^^that^^... ugly as hell from any angle.

 

What about the car in post 14?

 

Same guy, same car...

 

Refering to Post #14...The 54 Belair in Houston is nice. The guy is an older gentleman that bought the car about 3 years ago. Hasn't done much of anything with it. This mean the engine and carb might need a rebuilding. He says it runs...but runs rough. Maybe just bad gas from sitting. To me that means money I'm gonna have to put out to make it a reliable driver. The interior could use some work. Other than that the car is pretty nice. But I would not give him $12 for it. What do you think it's worth?

 

please send me the listing number of this thing...

 

same guy, different car. believe it or not, he's done it twice.

 

Way overpriced I think. Know of a nice 54 convertible that about 18 months ago went for less than that. But if you decide you want it, MAKE time to check it. Check floorpans beneath carpet and rear seat, seals around windshields, take a paint guage to check for body filler.

 

Wow that's scary...

It's a better starting price point and you could work on the price from that point. Without being able to see it in person I could see 10 grand or more for it.

 

That's at most a $7500 car

 

Too much money.........