VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Decisions,decisions- new interior or not?

I have come to a crossroads with my vehicle and I am looking for suggestions. I have owned this 53 210 4door for eight years now and I have had a love/hate relationship with it for the last 6 years, not because it doesn't run properly, but, because it was all I could afford at the time and I was not thrilled with the trim level or body style. It was in great shape and did not need any bodywork or paint. The interior is now getting worn and does not look very good any longer- this is where the suggestions would help. I have priced out a new interior from top to bottom in the $2000.00 dollar range, would you take the plunge and invest it in a 4 door, or would you just use it as is and get rid of it? any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

If your financial position has changed, use the four door as a down payment on the car you really want. You'll never be happy otherwise.

Judging by the photo in your avatar I think your car looks beautiful. It definitely deserves a new interior. However it also sounds like it is no longer the car for you. I have been at this place in my life before. If your heart isn't in it you are best to move on.

I will give you my perspective too.

I have found that when you upgrade a fairly significant item (like upholstery), then almost immediately afterwards, everything ELSE begins to look really bad. This might include the dash chrome, the interior bright-work, the glass, the aluminum sill plates, pedal pads, floor mats, rear view mirror, knobs, etc, etc.

I just looked at a car for sale, for some friends last week. They were sold on it BEFORE they saw it... All it needed was carpeting and upholstery. But once I mentioned my philosophy to them, they realized that they would also need to upgrade a BUNCH of other stuff inside the car. The cost of THAT was going to exceed the first stage.

The mind plays tricks on you. It remembers what is old, and what is new. And it seems to constantly do a comparison. If you can ignore it, then you'll be okay... but, eventually it just might drive you nuts. Ha!!!

Something to think about.

I know what you're saying here.

Back in 1960, I bought a 1956 Chevy BelAir 4 door sedan, from an elderly lady. 4 years old with only 12,000 miles. 265/P.G.

A perfect car, based on its overall condition, but it was a 4 door, and I did not like a 4 door.

My "gut" told me not to buy this 4 door, but I over ruled my gut feeling, based on her condition.

I knew the dislike for the 4 door would vanish from my mind, sooner or later ..... but it never did.

Like you, I had a love-hate relationship with the car, felt bad because I believed I was treating the car like a red headed step child ..... all because it was not what I wanted, when I initially bought it.

I kept the car for 3 years, sold it a gent who thought it was just great.

My '56 got a "better" home, I then bought a 'new '63 Impala Convert, which made me happy.

I was finally happy and I believe my '56 was happier too, knowing the "new" owner loved her more than I did.

Sell the '53 before you invest more money into something that does not "tickle" your heart.

Whatever you do to the 53 four door it will always still be the same car. I would first search out the car you would really like to have and then make a decision. Once you find one that you desire then it will be much easier to let the other go.

All great points of view, greatly appreciated. I still am not sure what to do, but, I was also planning on changing the glass as well. Compounding the issue is the attachment the rest of the family has to this car-we drove my daughter in it to her wedding, it has been in several movies, etc. this makes saying good bye to it that much harder, like it or not it has become a part of the family.....

The ideal solution would be to keep the car the way it is and keep it and buy the car of your dreams, but like many of us money and keeping two old cars is impossible.I was in a similar spot three years ago.I had a 1959 Rambler American for three years that I loved but I really wanted a 54 Chevy.As I was going thru Craigs List I spotted the 54 Chevy I have now.I knew I could`nt keep both and I knew I would be happier with the Chevy.It was a tough decision but I sold the Rambler and put that money towards parts for my new purchase,a decision I do not regret.Your 54 is a nice looking car and I have nothing against four door 54 Chevys,I think they look as good as the two door sedan.That being said you have to be happy and should buy something you really want.

I think all the posters above gave you some sound advice.

Bill made a great point that once you shell out the 2k for the new upholstery that probably won't be the end of it. And, it won't cause you to like the car any better.

Sell it and move on. Don't love anything that can't love you back. In this case it's a no-brainer.

Consider a 41 Special Deluxe 5-passenger coupe.

Charlie

I have toyed with the idea of owning a '41, although a coupe would probably be out of my price range, unless I could find an older restoration. Not a fan of the business coupes, but, a 2 door town sedan would be fine. My grandfather, who passed long before I came along always had Chevys. His last was a '39 Sport Sedan and for that reason I would love to have a pre war Chevrolet. I am sure he would have been very pleased that his love for this marque filtered down to a grandson that he never knew...

I agree with you Charlie, lots of sound advice here, although the missus loves the 53 as does my Daughter, sigh.....

Cheers,

Dave