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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3 |
two days ago my dad and i picked up our 1st project car(my first classic car),a 1951 deluxe coupe.Im 20 years old and ive been in love with old cars since i learned to walk(i think). i need some opinions from people who know what they're doing.my plan is to restore the car,drive it 4 a couple years and and sell it.what im wondering is if i should restor it to all original and keep the staight six in it or drop a 350 into it.basically how can i get more bang 4 my buck.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Since this is the Vintage Chevrolet Club and we are dedicated to restoring to original keeping it stock would be our suggestion.
But also since its your car you can do what ever turns you on.Enjoy it......
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 84
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 84 |
Being a Chevy and a 1951 model, that is a good first car to work on. It is known to be a reliable vehicle and parts are readily available. One of the first things you need to decide is to what extent you want to "restore" your car. You could go from a back yard paint job and new brakes up to spending a small fortune for a ground up restoration. Start out by tackling one aspect of the car at a time. If the car is in decent running condition, I wouldn't go any further than a tune up. Even if it burns a little oil, add a can or two of STP. Is the upholstery in presentable condition? If not, generic seat covers may be the way to go. At this point, if you considered my proposals regarding the engine and upholstery as unacceptable, be prepared to layout in excess of $10,000 to restore this car to show car status with you doing most of the work yourself. Without establishing what you want the car to be early on, you may end up with a half-finished project that may be difficult to sell if you need to.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 79
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 79 |
Matt,
Congrats on your "new" car and welcome to the wonderful world of old Chevys. As stated, most guys in this forum restore or maintain original or nearly original cars. There are some modifications and tricks you'll learn to keep your car true to it's roots without making it into a "street rod".
If your plan is to sell the car in a few years, you might want to keep it simple and keep it as original as possible. A street rod is typically most valuable to the guy that built it (except for some high $$$ custom cars). It is pretty easy to judge the value of an original car.
The bottom line is - have fun. Enjoy the experience and don't get in "over your head". Too many times guys get a car and start ripping it apart only to find that they don't have the wherewithal to finish the project.
Good luck.
DCMatt
What becomes of the day for those who rage against it?
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