Rebuild engine or sell "as is"

[GraniteBayBob]

My project is a '27 Chrysler model 50 and is all original. I'm at a decision point at this time and would like some advise. I've done some body work and now have started to look at trying to bring life back to the engine. The car has been garaged for 51+ years. Supposedly runnable when garaged. Cars don't like storage and things deteriorate. Inspected engine and found the cam shaft cams and lifters are pitted due to moisture. The crank shaft has some very lite pitting and the main bearings have some scratches. To repair these will take some time at a good machine shop. While doing this work the cylinders should be bored, the crank turned, welding done on cam shaft, new lifters, new valves, new pistons and block & head resurfaced.

My question is: is it worth the cost to make all the repairs required and keep the car all original or should I reassemble the engine and put it back into car and allow the next owner to determine the engine fate?

What are the pros and cons of having a running engine?

 

thank you

[jpage]

I think that that decision pivots on your intentions for the car. If you are satisfied to just maintain it in the condition it was in for the last 50 years and not drive the car, then I would say no to an engine rebuild. No use investing more money and then just letting the car set for what ever reason. If you want to put the car back in service then I would consider the rebuild along with the other mechanicals to keep it safe on the road. Personally, I can't see keeping a vehicle in storage simply because it's old and/or original unless my end game was to try to get rich from it. If you can't use something as it's intended then it's just a chore to keep it because like you stated, cars don't like to sit around. Many folks hang on to things they deem truly valuable until all the true value has deteriorated out of it, hoping for a big payday and then get a good dose of reality. IMO, if you really like the car, get it running and enjoy it, you'll be glad you did.

[countrytravler]

Well said!

Edited May 18, 2015 by countrytravler (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

Don't be a sucker. If you are selling the car don't spend a dime. No buyer will pay extra for mechanical soundness. Whatever you spend rebuilding the motor will be thrown away. And don't think you can throw it together on the cheap. That would be even worse.

 

If you are going to sell it, tidy it up as best as possible. Make sure you have all the parts handy including spare keys, and any manuals and paper work that goes with it.

 

Not being a perfect running driving car you will have to sell it cheap. Because the new owner will have to spend a fortune to turn it into a car. Lucky for you buyers underestimate the cost of restorations all the time or it would not be possible to sell at any price.

[Rusty_OToole]

Countrytraveler thanks

Edited May 19, 2015 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history)

[keiser31]

Usually, getting a vehicle running will bring a bit more money when sold. I know that i would pay more for a running car than one that is questionable.

Edited May 18, 2015 by keiser31 (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

How much more? That is the question. If you can get $500 more for a running car but it costs $5000 to rebuild the engine, that is money down the drain.

[Hudsy Wudsy]

The cam and lifters aren't going to fail just because they have some pits and the crank had every one of those scratches 50 years ago when it ran last. If they bearing surfaces haven't deteriorated badly, i.e., rotted away from acid corrosion, then I say check for stuck valves and loosen them as necessary. After that lube the cylinder walls, crank it over with out spark plugs for a while and eventually fire it up. As long as you don't introduce more debris onto the bearing surfaces, they may perform just as they did all of those years ago. I know from experience that in a some sort of running state a car will appeal to buyer much more. If he can drive ten feet, it will sell itself.

[auburnseeker]

If you are going to sell it,  do as suggested and just put things together as much as possible and call it good and tell them it needs motor work.  I can show you two shining examples of very thorough mechanical restorations that didn't make one bit of difference when I sold the cars other than I had to hold onto my price longer to try to recoup some of the cost.

  The only thing 99 percent of buyers out there consider is Paint, chrome and then interior.  (most of them never drive the car anyways besides once or twice when they get it then realize it's not an 06 whatever and behaves much differently than their normal car.  If it fails at the first and or second they will never get to the running part or even stop to consider the car.

  The only time this doesn't apply is to the guy that just finished dumping a ton of money into the mechanical restoration of a pretty car to get it to run reliably.  He is the one person that will appreciate the mechanical restoration.

[GraniteBayBob]

Thank you all. Your comments are truly appreciated and valued. I will consider your wisdom and try to make the correct decision for me. I've enjoyed this site, it has proven very helpful.