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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 356
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 356 |
With my new improved diagnosis, I'm thinking that I'll be around long enough to finish my 490 project. All it really needs is the wiring completed, an engine rebuild, and some re-assembly. I can do that.
Question for you 490ers: I've been negotiating with a gentleman in Ireland for a 1920 engine to replace the 1919 engine that's in the car. I figured, since it needs a rebuild anyway, I might as well spend the money and end up with the correct engine.
I finally got the price down to a reasonable point, 750 euro, plus shipping - which isn't too bad if I don't take the big parts: torque tube, radiator, etc. The engine appears to be in good serviceable condition.
My question is: the correct engine means a lot to me, but in reality, it's pretty much identical to the 1919 version. Will the car be worth enough more when I'm done because it has 1920 casting dates to make this purchase worth my effort?  ------------------------------
Don in Ridgway, CO
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
My opinion is that the value of the vehicle will not be higher with the correct engine to the vast majority of potential buyers. Only a few will consider it a factor in a purchase. The value is more in the satisfaction that you have in making the car as accurate as you can.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 356
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 356 |
Chipper - I'm a purist when it comes to antique cars, but thinking about the hassle of getting the 1920 engine here from Ireland and the limited time I may have left to finish the rebuild, I'm tending to agree with you. Chevy 490's will never be worth all that much, and most potential buyers will be thrilled just to own a car like this - 1919 engine or '20. I also still have a dream to drive it out of the garage and down the escarpment road to Ridgway when it's done.
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Don in Ridgway, CO
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
I also tend to go overboard on the originality end. There comes a time when some practicality needs to enter the picture. Gets easier to do when time and resources are dwindling.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 356
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 356 |
All - I think I have a plan to finish up my '20 Chevy 490:
Jarrott, the young whiz kid who is handling my '66 Corsa EFI turbo project at his shop (RPM in Montrose,CO), comes from a Chevy family from Okla. He lives nearby on Log Hill Mesa, and he would prefer to work out of my garage here. Perfect. He knows all that remains is wire harnesses, engine rebuild and re-assembly.
I just saw a good-looking 1917 490 sell for $12K on eBay. We 490-lovers know that we won't get rich owning these cars. The joy of ownership is in preserving and driving them.
I plan to keep y'all posted on Jarrott's progress.
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Don in Ridgway, CO
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,623
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,623 |
Don, I stumbled into a guy at Hershey that says he has a 1920 dated 490 engine avaialble, for cheap. I will send you a PM with his name and number. He is in NY.
Chevy Guru
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 31
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 31 |
i have a lot of 490 parts for sale and a pair of nos 1920 chevy rear fenders call george 406-5432591
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