VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 1933 Sedan

I am going to look at 1933 four door sedan this weekend. I was wondering if there was someone I could talk with to find out what to look for, what to avoid, and values for the car. Best regards.

If the doors drop down when opening due to wood rot, move along to the next car.

mike

Bad wood in body, sheet metal rust, missing or incorrect parts.

Where are all of the spots that have wood that need to be checked? Are there any books or articles that would help? Thanks

Check for wood rot in the door pillars, the main sills, the windshield header, the roof bows and slats and around the rear window.

Unfortunately, in most of those areas the wood rot can only be spotted if the upholstery is removed.

Think of your cars main body like a house and all the wood for the walls floor and ceiling for structural rigidity and too this is nailed and screwed a metal covering.. That's our Chevrolets prior too 1936.

You should be able to GOOGLE a picture of structural wood.

unless somebody posts one.

mike

I looked at the car this morning and this is what I found. Looks good from 15 feet but paint is failing on the upper part of the car. It definitely will need a paint job soon. All four vent windows are glazed or cracked. Missing horn. Starts and idles OK but I think the carb needs to be rebuilt. Car overheats quickly and I can see a residue on the radiator that might have been or still is a slow leak. All of the wood that I could see looked fine. I felt the wood under the fabric and could not find any soft spots, but I understand that is not as good as seeing the wood. Upholstery is showing wear and tear and will need to done at some point. Have not put the car on a lift to see the underside. Small reflectors were mounted on the front fenders and look like turn signals. Not sure if there are any other nonstandard parts. All of the gauges appear to be working. Car seems to drive fine but it was a short drive due to the overheating problem. Some spare parts would come with the car. Owner is asking $14K so is this in the ball park range for the car? Appreciate your input and advice.

In my estimation it would take another $15,000 to put it in fairly good condition. Then it will be worth the $15,000.

You would need to do it for the love of the car like so many of us have done in the past (& present), but it is fun if you're not doing it for the profit or lack there of...Joe

If it had been stored "dry" without any radiator fluid with anti-rust solution; the head will have to be pulled and the block and head cleared of rust chunks. These chunks float in the water system and get hung up between the head and block. Not to mention what they do to the radiator. No amount of flushing will remove enough rust chunks to alow engine to run cool. It must be taken apart to clear them out.

Thanks

Based on the things you have said about the car I think the 6 to 7 thousand range would be fair. Mind that I have not seen this car but paint and upholstery just themselves are expensive. This does not include all the secrets you do not know about. If you need a new radiator that is not cheap. You most likely will not get back what you put into the car, it has to be a labor of love. I wish you the best of luck.