Would this 1954 Chevy be worth restoring? Is it even possible?

pluckieduckie · October 2015

I'm new to the restoration game. We bought my husband a 67 mustang and i have car envy and wanted my dream car to restore together. Im in love. She has all the right curves in all the right places, but i need to know just by looking at whats visable here if this is even feasible. Thoughts from the veterans?

texases · October 2015

Doesn't look good, with broken windows letting in rain, rusting out floors. If all you can tell us is what's on that picture, I'd pass.

Edit - any thought of making that Mustang a joint project? One restoration is tough, two would be overwhelming for most house garages.

andre1969 · October 2015

That's a cool old truck, but it really would be a labor of love, I'm afraid. The exterior sheetmetal actually looks pretty good, where the rust seems to be mostly surface scale from where the paint got thin. It that truck was 20-30 years newer, you'd be seeing holes in it. But, as Texases mentioned, I'd worry about the floorboards and such.

isellhondas · October 2015

Without seeing that truck in person, it's hard to tell if it's worth saving. One thing that hurts it is the fact it's a 3/4 ton and not a half ton. As someone else already mentioned, it's far better to spend a bit more money and finding one in better shape. The costs of restoration are through the roof now and surprises will always drain your wallet.

Right, Andre?

pluckieduckie · October 2015

The mustang is not my style. Too "new". I like my ladies curvy. I really want a mid to early 50s truck. What should i be looking for in a realistic restore and what would be an acceptable price range. Ive seen everything from 850.00 like this one to 5000.00 as restore project car. I have a second choice but i dont know a ton about this style.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021145/uploads/editor/nf/2qaww1lin21o.jpg

fintail · October 2015

With a lot of early 50s passenger cars, smart money is getting one with good cosmetics and no huge needs, as they aren't really increasing in value . Buy the nicest you can afford, unless you want a labor of love, it will be cheaper in the long run - then you can just restore it little by little, and enjoy it in the meantime.

Trucks have fared better in the market, but there's a limit too. Finding a vehicle that already looks OK and is roadworthy will probably make life easier.

pluckieduckie · October 2015

I'm starting up front with a small amount and adding over a long period of time. I have a 5 year plan....

texases · October 2015

Without knowing your skills, experience, and capabilities (tools, garage space, etc.) it's hard to make a recommendation.

uplanderguy · October 2015

If you can do some or (better) much of the mechanical work and metal fabrication (e.g., floors if needed) you'll be miles ahead of the game. If you can't--like I couldn't when I had a Studebaker Lark restored over 20 years ago--it's better to find one that's in good shape up-front. My car was rusty but had two very unusual factory features or I'd have looked for another one. That era Chevy still seems plentiful to me and I live in rusty NE Ohio.

Good luck, no matter what you decide. The search is half the fun!

Would this 1954 Chevy be worth restoring? Is it even possible?

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