1937hd45 Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Just added a 1982 Chrysler LeBaron to the driveway, one owner car that hasn't seen winter use. Needs a new top, and a real good detail job. Googled it and someone thinks they are collectable.........any truth to that, and what would one sell for? Is a 1982 car a HPOF vehicle? Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
61polara Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 It would qualify for HPOF evaluation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Bob, exactly the type of car to enjoy with Spring and Summer right around the corner here in CT!! At 30 years old, in original shape, and a drop top, you will have a lot more fun driving it around than the jelly beans that normally populate our parking lots here, right? And I am sure it will draw some interest - maybe more than you would expect. Yet not too valuable to leave in the shopping center parking lot, right? In some ways that is the perfect "old car" - register it, enjoy it, use it, and put an optomistic price tag on it if you don't fall in love. You may not lead the charge to include 1982 models at Redding come September, but I bet you fall in like, at least! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stock_steve Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 (edited) I agree with Steve! Have some carefree driving fun with it once the warmer weather arrives!And then plan on having some fun showing in the HPOF class at Hershey in the fall!Please post a picture some time too! Edited February 19, 2013 by stock_steve added an additional thought (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Bob,Only keep it if you like it. Sounds like a nice car but if you don't feel the love send it on its way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 In 1988 I bought a used '83 for my wife. Truly a fun car but way under powered with the crappy Mitsubishi motor. I kept it for a year and traded it in for a new '89 LeBaron convertible. That car had a Chrysler engine that was remarkably great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stock_steve Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 (edited) Good timing, Bob! If you get AutoWeek, they just did a story about buying--what's this?!--a 1982 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible, with the intent of making some money auctioning it off at one of the big southwestern auctions.It's the February 18, 2013 issue--the one with the Alfa/Mazda twin roadsters on the cover, and see pages 28 & 29.This *may* (I haven't studied it closely) be the same story, online: Livin' la vida LeBaron - AutoweekEDIT: This may or may not be the actual copy of the magazine printed article, but it's different than the above, and seems to contain more details of the adventure: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130122/carnews01/130129960 Edited February 19, 2013 by stock_steve added another background link (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 37Packard Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 My brother had one a few years ago and it was a POS. Try sitting in the miniature sized back seat because it will be very uncomfortable for anyone over 5 feet tall. As previously mentioned, the dinky little 4 banger in it doesn't have much power. Don't take it to a car show hoping to impress anyone. How many miles on it? If it's under 100K I would say keep it and cruise around in it this summer. Good luck.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F&J Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Bob, sell it and get further along with your roadster project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Continental Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Some people like them, but being that they're fwd and 4 cylinder it hurts their collectibility. As regards to selling it, how much did you buy it for and any more details and pictures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 The Chrysler K-car convertible was significant as it was the FIRST convertible to have been built (by Chrysler) since about 1971. It was also significant as it was "factory converted" from a hardtop, using "aircraft-type" rivets to attach the convertible items and strengthen the body at the same time. When new, they were pretty unique and spiffy! Even some accessory company continental kits, too! But, by modern standards (and traffic patterns), they are more about "profiling" and cruising than anything else. Fuel economy can be decent, but as great as it might have been back then, almost every newer car can do better than it might.Obviously, you can spend some money on it and get it looking and operating nicely, again. Just don't go overboard in this area. Keep it stock and looking nice. Use it as a neat way to "See the USA" up there as convertible weather will soon be upon us (sooner down here than up there). Certainly, the back seat is a victim of the convertible's hardware. Suitable for a few smaller kids, at best, typically. But no worse than my '77 Camaro, I suspect!Get it looking good, running good, and enjoy it this year. If nobody wants to bite to buy it (and have fun themselves!), then put it up and do it again next year. I doubt you'll lose too much money in the process, but have an interesting and unique vehicle investment at the same time. Who knows, somebody might want it for themselves this year?Enjoy!NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted February 20, 2013 Author Share Posted February 20, 2013 Thanks for all the replies! Got an estimate on replacing the top, I'm not the guy that will be footing that bill. Wonder if getting it registered in my name is a plus or more money down the hole? From what I've found on the internet $2,000. looks like a starting point, but I'd swap it in a heartbeat for a running registered pickup..................eveny a Chevy. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted February 20, 2013 Author Share Posted February 20, 2013 (edited) Photos. First time shot and the photos were accepted, must a good omen. Bob Edited February 20, 2013 by 1937hd45 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Maine Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Always thought these were nice little convertibles, especially the ones that came with wood paneling. I'd keep it an putz around for the summer at a minimum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Thanks for all the replies! Got an estimate on replacing the top, I'm not the guy that will be footing that bill. Wonder if getting it registered in my name is a plus or more money down the hole? From what I've found on the internet $2,000. looks like a starting point, but I'd swap it in a heartbeat for a running registered pickup..................eveny a Chevy. Bobif you do not register it in your name you could have serious problems on resale, as it could be viewed as a "skip title." The assumption by DMV could be that you are evading sales taxes - I ran into this once buying a car from a guy who had not transferred title to his name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 We had one a few years back. If memory isn't too fuzzy, it was a pale yellow 1982 (or '84?) with the fake woodgrain "Town and Country" package, and the Mark Cross Package. Thankfully, it had the Chrysler engine (I had been advised not to get the one with the Mitsubishi engine). It was a nice-driving car in excellent condition, since it had been a low-mileage (41,xxx), garage-kept car from an upscale suburban New Orleans community, and at $800 I had to gift it to my wife for her birthday. She loved driving it, and it handled fairly well, but ultimately we decided to pass it along, and to replace it with another earlier convertible, the 1952 Cadillac which we used on several AACA Tours, including the Founders Tour in Madison, Wisconsin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 I like it. No pickups in the yard to trade. It is a two door, it is a rag top, and I have this uncureable disease to save these pretty l'il peaches even if they are under powered. Can't be worse than a Friction Drive Metz. Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 (edited) Wish me luck, I'm off to DMV to get plates for the new "Loser Cruiser", the money pit has opened. Found the window sticker, this thing sold for $15,270.00 new in 1982!!!!!!!! Bob Edited February 22, 2013 by 1937hd45 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stock_steve Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Oh, you get to "enjoy" DMV before you get to enjoy your kool drop-top Mopar. Good luck Bob! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I guess I pushed him over the edge... ... May it bring you many trouble free miles of enjoyment, and some fun along the way. Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Wish me luck, I'm off to DMV to get plates for the new "Loser Cruiser", the money pit has opened. Found the window sticker, this thing sold for $15,270.00 new in 1982!!!!!!!! BobHoly crap. 15k?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 1990 Reatta's list price was over $28,000. And that was without sun roof, CD player and seat upgrade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 (edited) Holy crap. 15k??I paid $17,200 in '89 for a fully loaded one. I guess a $2,000 increase in 7 years wasn't that bad, considering it was on a whole new chassis designed for a convertible plus tons of insulation that drowned out road noise to the max with the top up. It even had a headliner built into the top. When the top was up you didn't realize it was a convertible. Geez, I wish I kept that car. It was the last new car I bought. I got 14 good years out of it, and then my son got a few more. His were hard years! Edited February 22, 2013 by Skyking added text (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 CT DMV, hmm... If Bob got there for the opening bell we may hear from him sometime tomorrow... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 37Packard Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 CT DMV, hmm... If Bob got there for the opening bell we may hear from him sometime tomorrow... Yesterday I went to our local motor vehicle department and renewed the registrations on all 6 of our vehicles for the next year. There was no line and I was out of there in 15 minutes, plus I got to sit in a chair in front of the clerk's desk instead of standing. The total cost to renew the '54 Lincoln and '37 Packard was 63 cents each. The '94 F-150 and '72 F-350 dump truck were about $50 each and our two new vehicles-my 2013 Mustang and my wife's 2012 Honda CRV-were a little under $300 each. The total for all 6 was $696.57 which I thought was pretty reasonable. Plus there are no inspections or smog tests here in Kentucky. If I still lived in San Diego and had to renew all 6 registrations it would have cost me several thousand dollars plus some smog tests. The weather here isn't as nice as San Diego's but the cost of living is a lot less expensive so I'm definitely not complaining.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 (edited) No DMV visit today, but I did get a clean bill of health from the Town Tax Collector after paying back taxes on the last car I crushed. Have my insurance card, Saturday at the DMV, there has to be a story there. Now the battery is dead in the LeBaron, a NEW Interstate, This is not going to be a good relationship, I can tell already. Bob Edited February 22, 2013 by 1937hd45 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Wow! Your registry is opened on Saturdays????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted February 23, 2013 Author Share Posted February 23, 2013 Trip number one to DMV is over, got some paperwork for the former owner, trip two will be next weekend, I think I'll add $500.00 to the resale price just to cover the lost time and gas.Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted April 6, 2013 Author Share Posted April 6, 2013 Well trip two to the DMV cost $186.00 and I have plates now. Limped into town and got $20.00 worth of gas. The Money Pit has opened. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron65 Posted April 6, 2013 Share Posted April 6, 2013 Good luck--we've all been there...some of us still are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted April 6, 2013 Share Posted April 6, 2013 You know your in over your head when you have to take out a morgage to fill the fleet with gas every spring for show season. .... Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c49er Posted April 6, 2013 Share Posted April 6, 2013 I hope the car turns out OK for you. I used to work on them a lot. They were not the best as for reliability. And they seemed to be fluid leakers too-trans and valve cover. Good luck! Oh and don't let people put their fingers in the top gap between the door and rear quarter panel as that gap opens and closes when driving over very uneven road to driveways ect. Often times the owners had to park the car on a flat road surface to be able to get the top to pull up completely to the windshield header. The bodies were not engineered too well for strength. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Maine Posted April 7, 2013 Share Posted April 7, 2013 Guess I'll move to Kentucky. It cost me $864 to register my 2013 Taurus and $165 for the wife's 2007 Mariner. Fortunately, Maine isn't too bad on antique registrations. My '72 LTD and '71 Buick cost about $35 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted April 12, 2013 Author Share Posted April 12, 2013 Walter, yes I gave him a name, got me to work and back home without any trouble or extra cost. Stalls less at stops, but still needs some adjustments. Wonder if the cloudy rear window can be cleaned with some wonder cleaner? Found a stack of receipts the former owner kept from service work, some day I'll total that up for fun. Think I'll start replacing hoses this weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted June 30, 2013 Author Share Posted June 30, 2013 The Le Barron and I are doing well, set of front brake pads and a new tire are the only additions. First car I've ever had with leather seats, very confortable. With the radio off there is very little road noise and I like to imagine myself driving a much nicer car. A guy in a brown version with the top down waved at me as we passed today, don't think I'll risk folding this top down, it may have to get me through the winter. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 The Le Barron and I are doing well, set of front brake pads and a new tire are the only additions. First car I've ever had with leather seats, very confortable. With the radio off there is very little road noise and I like to imagine myself driving a much nicer car. A guy in a brown version with the top down waved at me as we passed today, don't think I'll risk folding this top down, it may have to get me through the winter. BobOhhh Laudy... What good is a rag top if you cannot drop it on a nice day??? Glad to here the rest is working out. Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Glad "Walter" is working out for you, Bob. When a car has proven itself it kind of grows on you, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stock_steve Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 (edited) Go Bob!!!I think "WALTER" would fit on a CT vanity plate...EDIT: Aw sh*t, "Plate already issued"! Ref: http://www.dmvselfservice.ct.gov/VanityPlateService.aspxI'm sure there are plenty of other ideas you could come up with, though... Edited July 3, 2013 by stock_steve (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom82baur Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 (edited) I am a little surprised that no one has mentioned this yet, so.... I guess I am gonna be that guy! The chrysler lebaron convertible is a bit of an historical artifact for a couple of reasons:1) it appears that it may have been one of the first factory convertibles built in the aftermath of the great convertible scare of the late 1970's early 80's. It was widely believed in those days that the government was going to outlaw convertibles because of the rollover safety risk. Car manufacturers stopped building convertibles: the last American built factory convertible was the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado. Once the scare passed, and it was apparent that convertibles were NOT going to be outlawed, it took a while for the manufacturers to re-tool and begin building them again. It sounds like your LeBaron may be one of the early examples of the return of the convertible. It may be worth checking that out..... and it may add to its collectibility, who knows. 2) The Chrysler Lebaron convertible was made famous (although this one was a 1983) in a memorable episode of Seinfeld, when George Costanza purchased what he believed was a Chrysler LeBaron convertible that was formerly owned by the actor, Jon Voight. It is a very funny episode, considered one of the best, apparently. Here is an excerpt:1983 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible: SeinfeldEnjoy your car..... regardless of its collectiblilty, having the top down option is a great thing! I have a 1982 BMW 323i Baur Top Cabriolet here in CT, and I drive top down from Mar/ April through November... and more if I can. Mine is DD, but you will love yours even if you just use it on nice days! Congrats!http://www.topsonline.com/blog/chrysler-lebaron/1983-chrysler-lebaron-convertible-seinfelds-jon-voights-car/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0697733/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mom_%26_Pop_Store Baurspotting Edited July 4, 2013 by tom82baur (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harold Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 FWIW, I think a LeBaron convertible starred in the movie 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' with John Candy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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