Found a 1950 Chrysler Windsor

[dberkham]

Hi,

I just joined the forum and just want fellow 1950 Chrysler Windsor fans know that I'm looking at two vehicles right now to purchase. One looks great on the outside and after its inspection tomorrow I will know about it mechanically. It's interior needs a lot of work.

The other has a few rust spots(nothing major), one crease on the back fender above the gas cap and needs to be inspected, but has beautiful interior. It has been garaged for over 30 years. I won't get to see it until late next week. I also know it needs new brakes. It is priced a lot cheaper than the first one I mentioned.

So what are the opinions-what's easier and or cheaper to restore-the outside or inside, assuming they are both mechanically sound. Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

David

Edited September 10, 2012 by dberkham (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

Body and paint is easier to get done than upholstery. If everything else is equal. Brake parts are available and not too expensive. I would lean towards the cheap one with the good interior but could go the other way if the other car had a lot less miles and was generally in better shape.

Unless you know somebody it is hard to get a good upholstery job done on an old car.

[dberkham]

Thanks Rusty. The cheaper car with better upholstery has fewer miles (61k). You are making my decision much easier!

[c49er]

Replating chrome on a 1950 Chrysler is extremely expensive! Die cast chrome grille parts are next to impossible to find too. I have a few 1950 Chryslers and have owned them for 30 years or more!

[dberkham]

Replating chrome on a 1950 Chrysler is extremely expensive! Die cast chrome grille parts are next to impossible to find too. I have a few 1950 Chryslers and have owned them for 30 years or more!

Thanks c49,

Chrome is in pretty good shape on the cheaper car but I'll know for sure once I see it. The back bumper is starting to go, having lost a lot of its sheen. The car was garaged for 30 years so rust, except for a few small body spots, is not an issue. I expect some pitting and the chrome wheel wings are probably the worst part of the car, as far as chrome parts go. The seller also has a spare rear bumper from a parts car that is in better shape except it has some reflective tape on it. When you say replating is expensive, could you be more specific? Are we talking 1000 or three or more? Having owned a few 50 Chrysler's, any resources you could give me would be appreciated. Btw, ever own a 50 Highlander? That was my first car and still my favorite!

David

[dberkham]

I saw the car with 60000 miles and bought it. It has excellent chrome, a fantastic interior, and very smooth motor. Its weaknesses: paint-(it was repainted Princess Yellow from its original two tone green), chrome fender guards, rubber around windows, hoses and belts, 35 year old tires, some body rust near the trunk, brakes need to be relined, clutch pedal is slow to pop back out, and radio (buzzes but no station pickup) and clock don't work. Overall, it was a bargain at 3k. It'll be fun to restore. Anyone know how to get old reflector tape off a bumper without discoloring the chrome?

[Rusty_OToole]

For the reflector tape, get a razor blade scraper from the hardware store. Warm up the tape with a heat gun. If you are careful you won't scratch the chrome.