First ever restore/repair 51 touring sedan help

Posted by Kevin8888 On 2009/11/1 19:00:04

Hey, I'm new to the forum as well as to restoring cars (new to driving as well but that is beside the point lol). I plan on buying a 1951 200 touring sedan (as far as I know that is the model) it will be my first car and I want to make it my regular driver. It hasn't been started in 5 years and has been in storage for around 15 years, but was in running condition before it was put into storage.

What I am wondering is, since it has been in storage so long, and I want to make it my every day driver, should I completely rebuild the engine/transmission? As in take every thing apart, replace parts where needed, new gaskets etc, or should I just leave it as in if it will run?

I assume I should replace the brake systems completely, or just the brake lines? Should the suspension be alright as is? I haven't inspected the car in person yet but in the pictures there doesn't seem to be to much rust on any thing, though the underbody I have no clue about. Also what is the cost invovled in restoring a car in reasonable condition? (I know it really depends but I want to hear what others have spent, and I'm talking driveable, not nessisarily period correct parts only)?

Finally what are some good stores or online retailers that sell quality/reasonably priced Packard parts that ships to Canada?

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me out with this.

Kevin