Re: Buyer's advice requested: 1952 200 Deluxe

Posted by Hans Ahlness On 2016/3/1 19:00:29

Hi Bob, been there, doing that. Everything depends on what you want to get out of the project - a fun hobby and a nice hole to throw money into, or a concours restoration and investment vehicle. You won't get the second option with a '52, but you can certainly have a fun hobby with one.

Parts are easy to come by, details are expensive like any of them - bodywork, interior, and chrome all cost $$$. Depends on the level you want to bring it to as to how many $$$.

check for rusted floorboards and trunk floor, rocker panels under the doors, and rear fender areas.

a new gas tank and sender kit is about $450 or so, plan on that. Plan on all new brake lines, master cylinder, and wheel cylinders because the old fluid likely turned to jelly and rust. Brake stuff isn't that expensive really, think Rock Auto. things like fuel pumps and water pumps can be sent out for rebuild for around $150 each. I'll bet all the wiring in the car is trash, you can spend $300 for a generic wire harness or $1500 for a restoration quality setup. All depends on the level you want to attain.

getting any chrome redone is huge, I got a quote of $4500 just for the grille. All the trim along the sides and around the windows is stainless so that won't need to be redone at least. The windshield was only '51-52, so that is a bit scarce but I know where one is if you need it.

try for a car with the least that needs to be done now to enjoy it, then you can at least fix it up as you go. Avoid a total project unless of course that's what you want - my car for instance is that but it's a family car so sentimental value.

good luck on your quest!