W.F. Brown- III Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 I have a '48 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 4 door. The car is in very good shape. Good paint, little or no rust, mechanically sound, and with excellent interior. I have a serious opportunity to trade my '48 for a '42 Special Deluxe, 4 door that is comparable to my '48 in everything except the interior. The '42 interior is original, except for the seats which were recovered a number of years ago (with some butt-ugly vinyl). I think I can make the trade fairly even. The '42 is priced at $6500, and with an even (or close) trade, I will come out OK with what I have in my '48. My question to this forum is what would be the disadvantages (or advantages) of a '42 over a '48? I'm not so much interested in the "collector value" of the car, I just enjoy driving a nice "old" car. The '42 has significance to me, as that was the make/model/year car that the family had back in the day. Other than the potential "sentimental value", are there any things I should consider pro or con before taking further steps to see if this trade would work? Quote
greg g Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 Pretty much the same mechanically, lot fewer 42's made than 48's. If its what you wanna do, and the condition are comparable then why not? Quote
Jerry Roberts Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 One thing to consider is all of the things that you now know about your cars condition that you don't know about the other car . The inside of the gas tank , the recent history of the fuel pump , rust in all of the possible places , the running temperatures , the history of the cooling system components , strange noises , etc . , etc . , you probably know a lot more about you present car . Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 Trim wise, pretty much nothing interchanges between the two years, even though they appear similar at a glance. Quote
W.F. Brown- III Posted August 20, 2011 Author Report Posted August 20, 2011 One thing to consider is all of the things that you now know about your cars condition that you don't know about the other car . The inside of the gas tank , the recent history of the fuel pump , rust in all of the possible places , the running temperatures , the history of the cooling system components , strange noises , etc . , etc . , you probably know a lot more about you present car . This is probably the one thing that makes me hesitant about aggressively going after the trade. Not that I have any reason to believe there's anything wrong with the '42,but I do feel that I "know" my '48. Of course, like any car (old or new), it could fly all to hell like a three dollar watch tomorrow. I guess sometimes you just have to take a chance. I can't decide if I'm trying to talk my self in or out of this trade ... Quote
bobostski Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 Part of the fun for me when getting a "new" car is finding all the bad things and fixing them up. IF the bad things are a cracked block, mass quanities of bondo,or saw dust in the trans to keep it quiet these could be a problem you don't want to deal with. It's like getting married, you take the good with the bad. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 ultimate answer is if you are willing to accept the risk involved to repair or correct problems built in the 42 model over the years..steel for steel they is not that much a difference in the models..if you like the 42 grille etc over the P15..then roll the dice..and will the new owner of your car find similar tradeoffs in condition.. Quote
TodFitch Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 Pretty much the same mechanically, lot fewer 42's made than 48's. If its what you wanna do, and the condition are comparable then why not? Trim pieces will be a lot harder to find for the 42 because of the lower volume, one year only, production. Be really sure that all the trim is there, is correct, and in good condition. Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 better off with the 48:) 42 is rare prewar car require alot more care post war cars are alot stronger Quote
Don Coatney Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 post war cars are alot stronger Stronger in what way? Same basic drivetrain. Biggest difference is there were a lot more post war cars manufactured so more survived. Pre war cars that have survived went through a lot of tough times. Parts hard to come by during the war, gas rationing, no new tires unless you were in a needed profession. Yet many survived. I think the pre war cars were pretty "strong". Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 some of these trim and panels are hard to come by as they were a low production one year model...some of our members have had ads wanting parts for a long long time..not talking you out of the deal..just keep your eyes open..if the car is 100% complete..you will be the owner of a vehicle with lower production numbers..they are fewer in number than the 41's and the P15's..over 1 million P15's out there when new..they literally falling out of the trees in comparison.. Quote
mrwrstory Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 No guts, no glory! Go for it. It's a rarer (is that a word?) piece. And you'll have a new adventure. Only question I have is, "why does the other guy want to trade a 42 for a 48?" Quote
michael.warshaw Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 i say a no go, you know what you have. The 42's grill is not as nice as the p15. trim and misc parts are hard to find for 42. Less desirable car than a p15. stick with your car, there must be a reason he wants the trade? Quote
W.F. Brown- III Posted August 21, 2011 Author Report Posted August 21, 2011 ... Only question I have is, "why does the other guy want to trade a 42 for a 48?" The guy with the '42 is in the old car business. He has a number of vehicles from A Models to Packards and a Nash and a couple '40's model Fords, and so on. The '42 Plymouth is just one of a number of cars for sale. So it's not that he "wants out" of the '42 and into the '48. I think my '48 is worth at least (if not more) than the asking price of the '42. He hasn't seen my '48 yet and I haven't driven his '42. We may not be able to make a trade, but right now who knows. I think there would be a very strong possibility that a good trade could happen - assuming we are mutually satisfied with each other's cars upon close inspection. Thanks for all the input from this forum. This is what I was looking for. I believe the consensus is, that all things being equal with both cars, there isn't any major difference (mechanical-wise) between the two years. I understand about the trim being different (and hard to find for a '42), but from what I saw of the '42 there isn't anything missing (and all is in good shape). The big difference from what I can see is the interior. My '48 is far better than the '42. This could be a potential deal breaker for me, as I don't want to have to think about sinking big bucks into redoing an interior. But, then again, the '42 is a nice looking car ... Quote
NatesSedan Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 With the interior being better AND the fact that you already know what has been done to your car, I would keep the one you have. Too little gained IMO. Quote
JoelOkie Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 The guy with the '42 is in the old car business. ............. The '42 Plymouth is just one of a number of cars for sale. So it's not that he "wants out" of the '42 and into the '48. I think my '48 is worth at least (if not more) than the asking price of the '42.is a nice looking car ... If the guy is in the car business and willing to make a straight across trade it means your car is worth more than his is, or he wouldn't be doing it. Does he seem willing to pay some boot for yours? Quote
oldodge41 Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 These old cars are a matter of the heart, rather than a matter of the brain, for me. I would go with what moves me. If I based my old car hobby on value I would have quit years ago. Quote
W.F. Brown- III Posted August 21, 2011 Author Report Posted August 21, 2011 If the guy is in the car business and willing to make a straight across trade it means your car is worth more than his is, or he wouldn't be doing it. Does he seem willing to pay some boot for yours? We haven't talked "serious" yet, and I have only described my '48 to him. I think my '48 is more valuable (total condition-wise) than the '42. But, I know what I have in mine (money wise), and with any trade that is close, I know I would come out ahead (again, money wise). Quote
austinsailor Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 As the owner of a 42 Plymouth, I can tell you of one surprise I had. I figured parts would be non existent, since only 1/4 as many cars were built. I found just the opposite. They stopped making the cars, but many parts were made. I find that if a 42 only part comes up on ebay, I'm usually the only bidder. I've gotten all new gauges, NOS in the box, for a decent price. All the badges, etc. too. These one year only parts were all cheap. A new in the box speedometer for $120? You couldn't have one rebuilt for that. Parts do pop up and there is little competition. Most running gear parts are common to other years, so it's really not a big deal. The other thing is, you'll have a more unusual car. Quote
JoelOkie Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 (edited) We haven't talked "serious" yet, and I have only described my '48 to him. I think my '48 is more valuable (total condition-wise) than the '42. But, I know what I have in mine (money wise), and with any trade that is close, I know I would come out ahead (again, money wise). Not sure I follow your logic, if your car is more valuable condition wise, and you trade for a car that is of lessor value, how will you ever come out ahead? How much a person has invested in their car isn't what it's value is. I sell a few cars along, and when I put a For Sale sign on one I don't consider, or fix their value by what I have invested, but by what they are worth in the condition they are in. If a guy is lucky the value will be more than the investment If your car and the 42 are in near, or the exact same condition, then the car you have is worth more than the other one. For you to get an "even" trade, that other car would either have to be in better condition than yours, or some money for the difference. This is of course a dollars and cents basis, and when it come to old cars, getting a certain make or model, or just a car a person wants bad enough to go ahead and take the lick on, has certainly made more than one guy trade for something of lessor INTRINSIC value, but it was what they wanted, and even though it doesn't make great business sense, this IS a hobby with most guys, and not a business, and a guy has to decide what makes himself happy. Good luck in whatever you choose to do. Joel 1942 Plymouth Sp D 4dr Low Retail Average Retail High Retail $4,350 $6,200 $9,500 1948 Plymouth Sp D 4dr Low Retail Average Retail High Retail $4,725 $7,725 $10,200 http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1948/Plymouth/Special-Deluxe/4-Door-Sedan/Values http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1942/Plymouth/Special-Deluxe/4-Door-Sedan/Values Edited August 21, 2011 by JoelOkie Quote
mrwrstory Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 These old cars are a matter of the heart, rather than a matter of the brain, for me. I would go with what moves me. If I based my old car hobby on value I would have quit years ago. Me too! I agree! Enjoy the hobby. If it is so with you, don't rationalize the switch as being cost effective,.....as long as you don't hurt yourself. Quote
bobostski Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 If your bored with the 48, it's time for a new adventure. Do like working on them or driving them? If you do the work yourself and find pleasure in it, get the 42. If you hate the 42 there are plenty of other cars to buy. Quote
W.F. Brown- III Posted August 22, 2011 Author Report Posted August 22, 2011 ... when it come to old cars, getting a certain make or model, or just a car a person wants bad enough to go ahead and take the lick on, has certainly made more than one guy trade for something of lessor INTRINSIC value, but it was what they wanted, and even though it doesn't make great business sense, this IS a hobby with most guys, and not a business, and a guy has to decide what makes himself happy ... I understand your points on true dollar value. If I traded even, given that both cars were basically the same condition, I would still come out to the bad, even if I had nowhere near the dollar value invested in my car. However, when I found my '48 there were two things that convinced me to buy the car. First, I could afford the car (and it was offered at considerably below the "average" price), and second, it looked "just about" like the car the family had back in the day (they had a '42 Plymouth). So, now there is a '42 out there that I can afford (assuming the even trade would work for both parties), and it is "just like" the one the family had. To me, I would come out "ahead" with the trade. Assuming, upon further close inspection, everything mechanical is equal, the only hesitation is the interior of the '42, which is serviceable as it is now (with the exception of the ugly vinyl seat covers). I'm just not totally convinced that I would like to spend what could be a lot in the not too distant future to have the interior done. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 22, 2011 Report Posted August 22, 2011 the tires should well be out of round with all the tire kicking going on here..face it you gotta either fish or cut bait..what anyone else thinks is irrelevant...you should by now have a genral idea of worth and even at that..the man beign a dealer will not let you have the upper hand in the deal.....now that is a fact..so basically given that..what you have to put in this car to get it on par with yours should you invest the same money would put yours way above par and a much more diserable car to yourself and any other prospective buyer down the road..and even give you a bit more pride of ownership having the car at an elevated value. Quote
Niel Hoback Posted August 22, 2011 Report Posted August 22, 2011 Maybe the car swap should include a swap of the seats if you don't like the 42's. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.