Guest classy13 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Hey guys,I am new to the board and was looking to get some advice from you chrysler/mopar experts. I have the opportunity to acquire a 1948 chrysler windsor convertible for around 10k. the car looks to be very solid, with only one issue of rust in the rear fender near the trunk that will be an easy fix. its got faded paint, which I rather kind of like, and the interior was probably replaced many years ago, but looks decent. it runs great, will need a new top. I have always wanted an old convertible, and I was wondering if this is a car that is worth buying? would it be hard to find parts? is it a desirable year/model? I haven't seen too many of them around, and ... well.. it is a convertible Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and look forward to all of the discussion on the forum! thank you guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c49er Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Any 1946-8 Chrysler convertible is a rare car. They drive nice-not the fastest easiest car to drive but once on the road driving is a dream. Chrome is pricey and hard to find as it's all mostly diecast except the rear fender spears.. These cars have lots of chrome too. Plastic parts on the dash are real hard to find too-especiallythe steering wheel and glove box door in certain colors. 2 to 3 grand for a top. Upper number for a high quality top job.How much can you afford to spend and want to is the question! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xdmn Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 (edited) need to like Chrysler products, have some knowledge, mechanical ability, be resourcefull and have a network you can tap into of people to help. What part of the country are you in?Is it a 6 or an 8? Looks like he said Windsor so that means 6. answered my own ? Edited October 18, 2011 by xdmn (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest classy13 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 appreciate the response. I was under the impression that a new top would be more like 500-1200 tops, so 2-3 grand is a little shocking. I am not (at least at this point) trying to turn the car into a show car. It is a 99 percent rust free car, that drives good and is super solid. I guess I am just wondering if 10 thousand would be a good price to pick it up a driver-quality 48 convertible. just looking to drive it and enjoy it the way it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Price seems a little on the high side for the condition. You might want to have an appraiser look at it, or someone experienced with the old cars.Chrysler Windsors are generally well made cars, sturdy and reliable and not complicated or hard to fix. Mechanical parts are available, things like brake linings, motor parts, batteries and the like can be bought from your local auto parts stores. There are antique parts specialists as well. Body parts and trim not so much. There is not enough demand for reproduction parts, unlike say a 55 Chev or Model A Ford.If in good shape they drive well and make a good car for touring around as long as you keep within their limitations. They are capable of going 70 MPH or more but are much happier cruising at 50 - 55.For a car with more modern specs like 12 volt electrical system, V8 engine, power steering, power brakes, etc you will need to look at something a little newer. Even 5 or 10 years makes a big difference, in those days progress in auto design was very rapid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 He probably meant an installed price for a top, and that would include a certain amount of repair work on the top mechanism. For just the top, no labor your estimate might not be too bad. You could do a web search and price a top, they are available ready made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 If it's somewhat presentable, rust free and roadworthy, I would say that $10,000.00 is not too far off for a convertible that they made 11,200 of in a three year run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest classy13 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Keiser31,I was actually looking for production figures for that year to see how many windsor convertibles were actually made. just curious as to where I can find the figures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 There is no breakdown of the three years that I know of. All of my books give a total for the three year run only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest classy13 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 so you're saying that there were only 11,200 produced total over a 3 year span, or that each of those years, 11,200 were produced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 11,200 in the three year span......If divided up equally, 3,733 cars per year. Realistically, there were probably fewer in 1946 than in 1947 and 1948 as the war ended and folks were just getting into buying new cars again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I was going by the Old Cars Price Guide. In the condition described, needing repairs, somewhere between $6000 and $12000 but it would need an expert to figure out exactly where to draw the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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