Sometimes you see an old classic for sale and immediately know that any kind of work put into it would easily outweigh the value of the car. Even for only $1,200, this one listed here on craigslist in Bluff City, Kansas, is probably a little high priced.
Not everyone likes the rat rod flavor, but for those who do this might be a project worth looking at. With an attempt at originality easily eclipsing the fully restored market value, there wouldn’t be much harm in making this a custom car. For those thinking of a custom who are not into rat rods, the idea of a gasser could be another option. Some enthusiasts will say to repaint it, while others would prefer to keep that original patina. When considering costs, you can’t be the price of patina here.
There is little detail given about this car, but it’s pretty obvious to see that it has been subjected to the elements for quite some time. It does have a flathead V8, which has most likely been a hiding spot for critters for some time. Would this be worth rebuilding or would upgraded power be better in its place?
Even though the asking price is only $1,200, the seller says that the price is negotiable. Hopefully, it’s not destined for the scrapyard. At a minimum, it would be good for parts. What kind of price might this car legitimately go for?
This looks perfect for a static Halloween front yard display. Total crypt-mobile.
I am interested and looking for a project car.
About ten cents a pound, perhaps $400.
The flathead v 8 could be part of a cool project if nothing else
Bottom-line `53 Ford Mainlines aren’t exactly Barret-Jackson material; $1200. is way too much for this. Here’s a prime example of a car with nearly NO collectability or demand among collectors, and it’s condition way beyond being practical to invest in. If it were, say, the `53 Indy Pace Car replica Crestline cvt., perhaps. These were the BIC lighters of their day; used up & tossed.
Hopefully this old Ford can be saved, even if it means customizing it on the cheaper.
I bought a 50 this spring. A little TLC and she rolled all summer long. You can’t kill a flathead.
Today after looking at the cars on Barn Finds and reading many of the comments, it struck me that a large percentage of the readers of the site are truly optimist’s. I like to think, I am also optimistic, but when it comes to cars, I hope that doesn’t just translate into stupid, or just not able to accept reality. Not every car is save-able or even a good parts car. Also, just because it is a popular model aka 57 Chevy, early Ford/flathead, Porsche, and any other marque you think of, or heard it is collectable, doesn’t mean everyone of them or worth saving. Restorations of collectable cars is a very expensive undertaking and you need to do your do diligence, before you optimistically take on a project with your fantasies of how great it is going to be, do a reality check!
A buddy of mine had one of these back in the mid-60’s- he pulled out the dead flathead and put in an Olds with a B&M Hydro behind it. Butt ugly, and surprised a lot of Mustang owners on the outskirts of town on Friday and Saturday nights.
He later found a beautiful black 2dr hardtop for sale, swapped drivetrains, sold the beater with the flathead in it to a high school kid cheap, and drove the black 2dr for a couple more years. We always referred to it as the Fordsmobile .
Call ……1- 800- Scrap.
Fred H , 1-800-Scrap? $!200.00, probably not. Flathead drivetrain is worth a couple hundred. Instead of scrap drag it behind a barn. Always something worth saving on a flathead Ford!
I thought these were all used up in the mid 60s as stock cars. hard to tell how good/bad the car is not to get too wild with this one making it look stock with glossy paint , modern suspension if the flattie cant get up and running, a small V8 with a 4 speed, or even a 5 speed try to get the interior to ” as built” nothing fancy , either leave the wheels that are currently on it ( repainted, of course) or chromies good to go!
I have 62 nova 4 dr a 63 nova wagon 79 Malibu wagon 60 Chevy pick up 53 ford crest liner I don’t prefer on over the other I’m 60 years old I grew up with a yard full a cars my hole life juke box in the dinning room. Everyone has their favors of the car they most dream of . But mom always said her 5 boy and dad have motor oil in a vains no blood .even my to sister have old cars so between us 7 kids we have 47 old cars. My 53 i drugs it out a field foe 1 k put about 3600 in it to put on road has flathead v8 and because it’s mine I always turn down any offers on any of cars because once u give up one u will never be able replace it . There no car not worth it I guess it’s what u like as a person me I like them all .