58 Imperial I'm looking to buy (help on the Value)

[saforwardlook]

Great condition for a car of this decade. Wonder if there's still the original wicker like Cloth interior under the Vinyl and what the condition is.

View attachment 163182


I'd probably leave the supposedly first paint and interior untouched and go for some detailing. Steve would rather give it the full Treatment I guess.

Actually, I am pretty impressed with what I am seeing. I actually agree that it does appear to be original paint, and given that and the long term inside storage, I think you would be very surprised at how well that car would clean up with some significant exterior detailing. With some rechromed bumpers, it would look amazing IMO. Mine looked about the same when I started on it, but mine has had a not so great repaint. This one, however, has real potential. Even if the original front seat covers are under the vinyl, I would redo them anyway so you would have a nice long lasting interior. That cloth doesn't last long when you start to use it since it is so deteriorated after all this time in terms of wearability, even if it looks good initially. Since the engine spins, I would get it running and do the cosmetics you think it needs and see what kind of a driver it would make. You will probably end up rebuilding the brakes and transmission and tend to the cooling system and fuel system as needed. I would check the radiator looking hopefully for some real nice green coolant, as that is important to the condition of the inside of the block and the heater core and radiator (this is an a/c car, so I am not sure on those models how easy they are to service, but the core does appear to come out from the firewall area if needed). Given the initial impressions, if you try to make it a driver, it would cost a lot less than a full restoration and you could fix things as they come up, making it more affordable. But be prepared for some initial frustrations in getting it in reliable running order. That is always part of the "fun".

 

[Nick C]

Actually, I am pretty impressed with what I am seeing. I actually agree that it does appear to be original paint, and given that and the long term inside storage, I think you would be very surprised at how well that car would clean up with some significant exterior detailing. With some rechromed bumpers, it would look amazing IMO. Mine looked about the same when I started on it, but mine has had a not so great repaint. This one, however, has real potential. Even if the original front seat covers are under the vinyl, I would redo them anyway so you would have a nice long lasting interior. That cloth doesn't last long when you start to use it since it is so deteriorated after all this time in terms of wearability, even if it looks good initially. Since the engine spins, I would get it running and do the cosmetics you think it needs and see what kind of a driver it would make. You will probably end up rebuilding the brakes and transmission and tend to the cooling system and fuel system as needed. I would check the radiator looking hopefully for some real nice green coolant, as that is important to the condition of the inside of the block and the heater core and radiator (this is an a/c car, so I am not sure on those models how easy they are to service, but the core does appear to come out from the firewall area if needed). Given the initial impressions, if you try to make it a driver, it would cost a lot less than a full restoration and you could fix things as they come up, making it more affordable. But be prepared for some initial frustrations in getting it in reliable running order. That is always part of the "fun".

Thanks for the suggestion. Next week I will know if the engine turns. The car has been sitting since the late 70's. I'm hopeful that it will and I can get her running.
if I buy it, I will post some before and afters pics of the detailing. Thanks for the input.

 

[Nick C]

Collector Car Value Report
1958 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL 392-345hp (8cyl-4V) AT


MOBILE
#5 #4 #3 #2 #1
Crown 2dr Convertible 14100 27925 42000 57175 81375
Crown 2dr Hardtop 2425 7400 15175 23400 36425
2dr Hardtop 2275 6950 14275 22000 34250
Crown 4dr Hardtop 2075 6300 11725 18075 28150
Lebaron 4dr Hardtop 2125 6425 11950 18425 28725
4dr Hardtop 1975 5975 11125 17125 26725
Crown 4dr Sedan 1900 5725 10675 16450 25625
4dr Sedan 1900 5725 10675 16450 25600
Lebaron 4dr Sedan 1950 5900 11000 16950 26400

Add:
Air conditioning 12%
Deduct:
Manual windows -3%

Wow!!! Thank you. Fantastic markers for me to go by! Thank you again.

 

[saforwardlook]

Also, I assume you have all the photos available for the car, but if not:

Case Wiseman

It showed up on the Forward Look site apparently, so you may have some other interested parties competing for it. Good luck with the adventure though. Most of the guys over there are pretty well loaded up with projects already, so you are probably still safe.

 

[Nick C]

Also, I assume you have all the photos available for the car, but if not:

Case Wiseman

It showed up on the Forward Look site apparently, so you may have some other interested parties competing for it. Good luck with the adventure though. Most of the guys over there are pretty well loaded up with projects already, so you are probably still safe.

I hope so. The more I talk about the more I want it.

 

[Nick C]

Also, I assume you have all the photos available for the car, but if not:

Case Wiseman

It showed up on the Forward Look site apparently, so you may have some other interested parties competing for it. Good luck with the adventure though. Most of the guys over there are pretty well loaded up with projects already, so you are probably still safe.

I'm trying to find the other thread on forward look. Do you know what the title is?

 

[saforwardlook]

You will find it under the for sale section:

Viewing a forum - For Sale - EBAY, CRAIGSLIST & OTHER FINDS

1958 Imperial 2 dr project

 

[Nick C]

You will find it under the for sale section:

Viewing a forum - For Sale - EBAY, CRAIGSLIST & OTHER FINDS

1958 Imperial 2 dr project

Thank you.

 

[Pete Kaczmarski]

That is a beauty!

Do you still have the car?

More pictures please.

Yes, I still own the car that had a family or raccoons living inside.

 

[Pete Kaczmarski]

O.K. here is my opinion of this car and its price.

A. Plan on rebuilding the motor and transmission. Any car that's been sitting since the 1970's will likely need a rebuild. Plan on spending $8000.
B. Brakes and exhaust will need repair/replacement. Plan on spending Minimum of $1500.
C. Body. The two piece rear quarters are common for rust. The rockers as well. Trunk floor rust is common and by the drivers floor inspection panel. "IF" you can just buff it out and be happy you are lucky. If need paint and/or rust repair ad a minimum of $5000.
D. Chrome. If you need the front and rear bumpers only add another $3000.
E. Interior. At the very least drivers seat to match the back one. If the seat backs have the Imperial bird on them, great. Add $1-2000.
F. Tires and misc. Add another $2000.

And finally how much will he want. I would estimate $5000 minimum and $10 maximum for the car as it sits. Add it up, look at the car and think about it.

 

[Nick C]

Yes, I still own the car that had a family or raccoons living inside.

View attachment 163236 View attachment 163237 View attachment 163238

Stunning. That's a beauty.

 

[Nick C]

O.K. here is my opinion of this car and its price.

A. Plan on rebuilding the motor and transmission. Any car that's been sitting since the 1970's will likely need a rebuild. Plan on spending $8000.
B. Brakes and exhaust will need repair/replacement. Plan on spending Minimum of $1500.
C. Body. The two piece rear quarters are common for rust. The rockers as well. Trunk floor rust is common and by the drivers floor inspection panel. "IF" you can just buff it out and be happy you are lucky. If need paint and/or rust repair ad a minimum of $5000.
D. Chrome. If you need the front and rear bumpers only add another $3000.
E. Interior. At the very least drivers seat to match the back one. If the seat backs have the Imperial bird on them, great. Add $1-2000.
F. Tires and misc. Add another $2000.

And finally how much will he want. I would estimate $5000 minimum and $10 maximum for the car as it sits. Add it up, look at the car and think about it.

Thank you Pete. I appreciate the cost repair log. This is definitely something for me to consider if I'm to purchase the car. Appreciated.

 

[livininharrow]

nick, you keep saying if you buy it. y don't you put this thread on hold.

 

[LeBaron1973]

Pete's car is beautiful, i had the pleasure of sitting behind the wheel in his garage, amazing dash, what a time it must have been buying a car back then.

 

[LeBaron1973]

If you have the room to store it, I suggest purchasing it, giving it a good detailing and determining what needs to be done. Then it can be done gradually, not as much fun as all at once but at least you'll have a fairly unique car.

Good luck.

 

[Nick C]

If you have the room to store it, I suggest purchasing it, giving it a good detailing and determining what needs to be done. Then it can be done gradually, not as much fun as all at once but at least you'll have a fairly unique car.

Good luck.

Agreed. In fact, due to my budget, it will need to be taken care of in that fashion. Still it will be fun while at the same time fill with delayed gratification. I'm hopeful that he will accept the 2d #5 Hemmings Motors estimate. If he does, then I will be able to afford the car. Thanks for your input.

 

[crv]

If you can barely afford the condition 5 price then maybe you're looking at the wrong car. It could turn into a project way out of your budget and it will either sit for years or you will end up feeling like crap when you're forced to sell it. Been there done that. There are many other cars just as nice for much less in road going condition.

 

[Nick C]

UOTE="crv, post: 555058, member: 3779"]If you can barely afford the condition 5 price then maybe you're looking at the wrong car. It could turn into a project way out of your budget and it will either sit for years or you will end up feeling like crap when you're forced to sell it. Been there done that. There are many other cars just as nice for much less in road going condition.[/QUOTE]
I'm thinking it will take 8-10k to get her driving. So I'm anticipating 12-13k in total with a rebuilt motor and trans. Do you think I would be in deeper than that to get her on the road? If so, this this might be something for me to pass on. it just not easy to pass on when the car is within 15 miles of me.

 

[Wonderwagon]

If you have not done the inspection already, use your cell phone camera to take pictures of where you can not see well. Did this on my donor wagon, was helpful to fully see the firewall-frame rail brace on the 69' wagon, under the steeming wheel/ bulkhead connector and heater. Good luck

 

[Nick C]

QUOTE="Wonderwagon, post: 555081, member: 3559"]If you have not done the inspection already, use your cell phone camera to take pictures of where you can not see well. Did this on my donor wagon, was helpful to fully see the firewall-frame rail brace on the 69' wagon, under the steeming wheel/ bulkhead connector and heater. Good luck[/QUOTE]
I will be inspecting next week. Great idea. I'll make sure the phone has a full charge.