DLK Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 I used to own a 47 Special Deluxe sedan (I miss it a lot). Today I looked at a 48 Deluxe 4-door for sale. About the only difference I could detect is that the rear quarter windows opened on my Special Deluxe and they are fixed on the Deluxe. Can anyone tell me what were the other differences? This car is going for $10K. It has a nice paint job, clean undercarriage and nicely re-chromed bumpers and is good mechanically but has an amateur interior job not at all like the original (eliminated all the woodgrain on dash and frames for example) and tires that while they have a lot of tread are quite old. It seems a bit high priced to me. I assume it would cost about $4K to have the interior brought back and put on new tires - I don't see Manheim or NADA used car guides showing a value of $14K for these cars unless they are a trailered show car, I'm not interested in that. As has been discussed on here and elsewhere you don't buy a car like this to make money or break even most of the time, but I am not sure I want to start out several thousand in the hole either as fond as I am of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dezeldoc Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Look around i have seen some very nice ones going for around 5-6K, check ebay their has been some nice ones on there the last month or so. i don't pay attention to nada or the like as they are way far off on real world prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niel Hoback Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Special DeLuxe has stainless trim around the windshield, a full horn ring and much more. I am sure there are more differences than this, but I never had a DeLuxe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Neon Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 That seems quite high to me, esp. for Minnesota. With a little more looking, you can find something more to your liking and of higher quality for $10K. Four door 1940s MoPars are not hard to come by in Minnesota. There are quite a few Minnesotans, and Minnesota expatriates, on this forum. There are a few differences between the DeLuxe and Special DeLuxe, all very small. The DeLuxe does not have a chrome trim on the outside windshield frame, a simple horn button on the steering wheel rather than a ring, no chrome trim on the door interior, smaller 9" hubcaps, window sills do not have chrome trim, no assist straps, no arm rests on front door, upholstery less plush than a Special DeLuxe, and the rear windows do not open as vents. The interior trim should be woodgrained on both DeLuxe and Special DeLuxe. I happen to have a DeLuxe, but I have added a few Special DeLuxe features to my car because I like them. I intend, however, to keep the small horn button and smaller hubcaps. Still debating whether or not I want to change my door sills with Special DeLuxe. I keep saying that I intend to get my upholstery done, but never seem to get the funds together. I will use the Special DeLuxe chrome trim on the doors, and arm rests. I've also got a radio, clock, and back-up light which were probably never installed on a DeLuxe when new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Ford Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Special Deluxe had a lap rope on the back of the front seat, had a chrome strip on the door that devided the upholstery on the door, a chrome Special Deluxe speaker grill in the center of the dash if it came with a radio, all this for about $70 bucks when new. The right sun visor and right wind shield wiper were a option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Interior trim is differet on the door, the switch cluster below the dash is not chrome on the Deluxe, no carper rubber mats, seat fabric is different. no under dash courtesy light, dome light is controlled by a manual switch doesn't operate with a door switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radioguy7 Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 I bought my 47 P-15 4dr this past winter for $2k, all original, sat in a barn for 40+ years, engine is stuck so I guess that deducted like $1k. I would think for $3k you should be able to find a really decent driver. A P-15 4dr in the $10k range should be pretty darn flawless. Like has been said already, look around some more, they can be found for a lot less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLK Posted July 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Thanks to all for the explanations about the trim differences. I want something better than the 20-footer I had with my 47 ($300 paint job and rusty underneath although it had a new original interior) but not something I am afraid to drive for fear I might get some grease on it. I have only been looking for a couple weeks but some sellers do need a dose of reality with what they are asking but any price is reasonable I guess if some sucker like me will pay it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Neon Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Some here refer to what you are describing as Barrett-Jackson syndrome. Folks get/find an old car and then think that their car is of similar quality as the over-priced cars seen on television. Once had a guy tell me that my car was almost that level and I just smiled. I knew he didn't have a clue because he'd never seen a pristine example of a P15, but he'd seen the cars on TV. A little insider information, most of the cars never really sell. A lot of guys are simply having their cars appraised through the auction process. Many more are bought by the current owner of the car so no money actually exchanges hands. It's a weird world where people take their cars to auctions not to sell, but to show. There is something about having one's car the center of attention for just a few minutes and watching strangers tell you how nice your car is by declaring how much they would give for a car like yours. It's not for me, but I have been acquainted with the type when I was a teenager and my father would take me to these big-dollar auctions. Very eye-opening for a naieve farm boy from Minnesota. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dezeldoc Posted July 17, 2009 Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 The guys at breakfast, about 20 something of them, a handfull are stuck on the trophy thing and are always getting pived if they don't get one at one of the shows. one guy is so over himself that he is building a 32 duce and could not figure out how to make the fenders and such line up and no one would help cause he is a know it all, he took it to foose and he would not do it, so he ended up at one of the bodyshops that he used on the show so now he can bragg he had so and so do it. me i don't care if i ever get any i don't build mine for show just to drive. i have had enough from my customers cars that it don't phase me anymore, well except maybe a riddler! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLK Posted July 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 I appreciate all the comments and information. One problem with Minnesota cars is how bad the rust underneath is. My 47 had two body supports that were totally gone, that and a cracked block caused me to sell it cheap since I am neither a body man or engine rebuilder. I am looking at a 48 Deluxe now that is is good shape underneath, has good paint and rebuilt engine. Only real downside is the just presentable interior. I'd rather spend more and have a car that has no rot underneath in the usual spots. I know whatever I buy I will lose money but if I get even 5 years of enjoyment I am ok with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dezeldoc Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 don't be afraid to look outside your aera, for what you could save you could afford to ship a nice one to ya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 I have only been looking for a couple weeks but some sellers do need a dose of reality with what they are asking but any price is reasonable I guess if some sucker like me will pay it. If you look for 4 weeks your choice will have doubled. 8 weeks etc. I looked for a couple of years and found what I wanted at a reasonable price. Of course it helped when wife Lisa said "buy it". So I did not wait for another chance or opinion, I bought it. Glad I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLK Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 If you look for 4 weeks your choice will have doubled. 8 weeks etc. I looked for a couple of years and found what I wanted at a reasonable price. Of course it helped when wife Lisa said "buy it". So I did not wait for another chance or opinion, I bought it. Glad I did. After owning three hobby cars all of which were 20-foot drivers that needed mechanical work beyond my limited ability (47 Plymouth, 60 Chrysler, 53 DeSoto) I am looking to buy a car that has good paint, clean undercarriage (not show quality), rebuilt engine and brakes and a decent interior. If I buy a fixer-upper and hire out for all things I have at least $10K right there on top of my investment. So to me spending $8K to $10K for a car that is clean underneath and has all those things done is not a bad price. Don I have followed all the work you have done on your car on this and other forums, I wish I was as mechanical as you. I can replace a head gasket or put in a wheel cylinder or bearing if I have to, but an engine overhaul or complete brake job no way. I haven't pulled an engine out of a car since 1968 and that was a Model A.: My wife is at the point of saying "just buy something but keep it then!" out of frustration with my obsession with looking and that I turned over each of my previous purchases in less than 3 years. She is saying I don't care what you buy or spend (within reason) just keep one car and lets enjoy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 thats the trouble with women..they take the fun out of everything by making sense.. if you have limited abilites and or shop space/tools then by far the better approach is just what you are talking about..buy one already to the level you wish and just do the little it takes to maintain this condition. for others, there is that need to work on something..once completed, well the thrill is basically gone and the itch to get another project rides hard upon you..maybe in my old age, if I live to reach that stage, I may have to settle for this..would be rough though.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niel Hoback Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Tim, I think your last statement is the dividing line between young and old-er. "...there is that need to work on something..once completed, well the thrill is basically gone and the itch to get another project rides hard upon you"... We, of the senior persuasion, are ready to sit back and enjoy the easy part of the hobby. But I do speak for myself only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Neil..I see by your profile you are retired..no age stated...I consider myself still young enough to burn a rod..turn a wrench and hand sand a panel still yet..and am thankful for just that..I know others at my age are less physically able. I have yet to retire though have been eligible for past 1 1/2 years..figure I can still give them heck and intend to do just that for a bit longer..it will not be too long from now I will hang it up and go to the shop and play full time..a few of the members here have seen in person...I have more than enough to keep me busy for some time to come..I will continue to work till I get the house revamped then I think it will be time...it is funny that we look forwad to retirement age and when it gets here..outlooks change..attitudes changes...completely new perspective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimainnj Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I agree with Tim, I have had 5 cars in 6 years, I'm in my 70's I finish the car till I am satisfied ( it takes a lot for that ) my 47 club coupe is all most at that point and my wife knows I never say I wouldn't get another. I don't have a bucket list it''s to early. but this one will go and I'll be looking. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I am not in the running but I wonder, who is our oldest hands-on person on this forum..check writers and share croppers not to be considered.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLK Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 thats the trouble with women..they take the fun out of everything by making sense..if you have limited abilites and or shop space/tools then by far the better approach is just what you are talking about..buy one already to the level you wish and just do the little it takes to maintain this condition. for others, there is that need to work on something..once completed, well the thrill is basically gone and the itch to get another project rides hard upon you..maybe in my old age, if I live to reach that stage, I may have to settle for this..would be rough though.. I get jealous everytime I see someone with a three car garage or better yet that pole barn for a shop. I'd love to have an extra stall and all the shop tools some of you have but it's not going to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daddyo23 Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 There are a number of us up here that have some tools and space to work on cars. I don't have alot but I also know where there are a couple cars for sale, drop a pm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Don I have followed all the work you have done on your car on this and other forums, I wish I was as mechanical as you. Thanks much for the compliments. I have had a lot of fun working on my car. It is much more fun when the only work pressure comes from within. I am not in the running but I wonder, who is our oldest hands-on person on this forum..check writers and share croppers not to be considered.. One of my heros the ol Texan James Curl (August 7, 1936) comes to mind. He has 11 years on me. My guess is most of the oldsters are too vain to chime in here. Now Norms Coupe is also older than me but you (TIM) are looking for hands on guys so he does not qualify:rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Not calling him old, but Bill W seems pretty active for a codger, er carmudgeon, wish I had his facility and faculties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Hey Don..Norm can't even stay home long enough to defend himself on this thread..I can name one or two people but I feel it best they comment on their own accord..so lets hear it..any one here over 75 still turning their own wrenches and body tools etc etc..identify yourself, I wish to tip my hat to you.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimainnj Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I am 75 and I still work on my cars, and golf 3 times a week ( walk 18 holes) no cart I don't change motors.there heavier than me. have to sign off its time to get next week tee times Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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