JeffLeav Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 This is the beginning of a restoration thread that I hope will not extend over too many years and will end happily ever after. The story begins in 1973 when I bought a 1941 Chrysler New Yorker convertible in about the same condition as shown in the attached photos from a high school friend for $25, no title. That fall, I joined Uncle Sam's final war against communism and moved from CT to Barksdale AFB, LA. Before joining up, I filled each of the eight cylinders with clean 30W motor oil and covered the car in my backyard with three layers of 6 mil black plastic, tires inflated. Prior to storage the engine did not run or even turn over to my recollection. For the next 39 years the car sat in parent's backyard. Last Sunday a friend showed interest in buying the car and came by to take a look. Thinking there would be little left and I could finally clean up the back lot, we peeled off the layers of black plastic, raised the hood and looked directly into the eyes of a mama raccoon raising her young in the engine compartment. We replaced the hood and plastic with my new found furry friends safe inside. My potential buyer friend decided the car was much more project than he was ready to start and walked away laughing. I had forgotten how beautiful this car looks even in its sorry state of condition...no seats, no rag top (top frame intact), extensive rocker panel rust, trim intact but pitted and rusted, glass intact, floor rusted through in multiple locations, radio, engine & fluid drive original and intact. No restoration was ever attempted to my knowledge. Last service sticker on door pillar says is dated 10.28.1954 at 30,959 miles at the Carl & Walt's Chevrolet dealership here in Woodbury, CT. I was told by one Chrysler owner at a car meet in New Britain, CT two years ago that only 1200 New Yorker convertibles were made in 1941 and only a handful remain in the US. If true, that's kind of exciting! So now I am hoping to convince my wife to build an addition to the garage, begin a total restoration and dream about someday driving this beauty. My plan is to build well for fun and the long haul and to turn the car over to my son at some point. After quietly reading on this site for the last two years (I'm still learning and don't post much), I've gathered you folks like photos. A few are attached to help in your feedback about this project. My initial questions are: 1. Availability of parts new and used for 1941 New Yorkers? 2. Do parts from other years or models fit? 3. Is there anyway to research more information about my convertible with this info found on the firewall "Body Number 354-1779".? 4. Am I nuts to start a project like this at age 60? Raising Raccoons in CT, jeffleav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrashingcows Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Well that is an ambitious project....but if the car is as rare as they say it might be worth it. But then again most of us don't restore and fix these cars for the resale value...it's for the love of the hobby and the cars. I think it's great you have a long history with this car. To me that makes it that much more desirable to restore. Get your addition built, pic up a little Lincoln wire feed welder...take some night school welding classes and roll up your sleeves and get to work. I'm sure other more knowledgeable then myself will give you better information...but I'd suspect a lot of the mechanical parts as interchangeable with Dodge/Plymouth/Desoto from 40-50? And the body parts would have to be from similar cars...Chrysler and Desoto I'd think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Hi what a great car, no doubt you may need some parts cars to complete the task. I know a Guy who did a 48 New Yorker Convertable, it had a very rusty floor, so he found a donor car, and used the floor and cowl from a 4 door sedan, it worked great. The dash plastic , the escutcheons, door and window cranks, those type of things are what are hard to find, and pricey. Too bad , way back in the 70s and 80s, you did not buy all the little items that are now harder to find, and have become expensive. I would suggest possibly inventoring all of what you may need, and see what your up against. I would say some of the sheet metal from the cowl back, may be the same as the 46-48 Dodge, Desoto and Chryslers, but that would have to be confirmed. But if so, that isa good thing for donor car parts. This truly is a great car, and I really do hope you revive her to her former splendor. Lots of the mechanical parts are available new or NOS, speak with Dodgeb4ya, he can certainly advise you. I would also get to the Hershey swap meet this fall, and see what you can dig up........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 The dash and gauges and such may swap with those from 46-48 Chryslers, and possibly the plastic stuff too. I see the heater box is there, and the radio and clock too. This is a major project, but one that could end in a fantastic car. If this were a T&C, it would be even more valueable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Roberts Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 8 cylinder , I would like to hear it run . I hear that they run smooth but engine parts can be hard to get . As you know , lots of time and lots of money . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Elder Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Hi what a great car, no doubt you may need some parts cars to complete the task.I would say some of the sheet metal from the cowl back, may be the same as the 46-48 Dodge, Desoto and Chryslers, but that would have to be confirmed. But if so, that isa good thing for donor car parts. Rear fenders, trunklid, doors...even the body from the cowl back is different....these have running boards also. Good news is the suspension, floor pans, trunk pan, rear end, and seats should all interchange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 Rear fenders, trunklid, doors...even the body from the cowl back is different....these have running boards also. Good news is the suspension, floor pans, trunk pan, rear end, and seats should all interchange. Thanx Frankie, a few donor cars could be in the mix to get this project parted up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadkingcoupe Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 The dash plastic in good condition is worth (a minimum of $1200). Assorted hard to find parts like window cranks with plastic inserts are worth at least $250 a set of four in good condition. You might be surprised at the cost to "restore" a vehicle like the one pictured. $25-$40K later you might have a nice car? It often makes sense to purchase the best vehicle you can afford. In other words a $500 car that looks like a good deal can often cost more in time and $$$'s then purchasing a solid original car that has never been rusted out. If you have the skills and are capable of ALL the necessary work then the above may not apply to you. Like some others on the forum who are "Jack of all trades" it is possible to do the car for less. But for mere mortals that need the paid assistance of shops the bills are staggering. However many "optimistic" purchasers fail to complete a "bargain" when the actual cost of restoration is factored in. $10 - $12K paint job (may not include all body work) $4k chrome $4-6K Interior (including steering wheel resto etc.) $3-4K Motor rebuild Not including the purchase price, time spent, and $$$'s on eBay it could be an easy $30-40K minimum. The rising cost of parts and paint, chrome, interior etc. vs. the falling prices of good original cars makes the full restoration an expensive route to take. Preference towards never rusted original vehicles trumps the $500 "bargain" every time. __________________ Maple Leaf Mutant says..."Adopt a Plymouth today." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T120 Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 Don't like to discourage anyone,I would add to the above that it is difficult to get a decent return on money spent on projects that are started and aren't completed for whatever the reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
41D19conv Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 There were only 3,554 41 Dodge Convertibles like mine made, and body parts are hard to find because for some reason they are different from sedans and coups. For example, the front bracket for running boards is the same as sedans but the back bracket has no match. Auto Book Center in Fl has an interchangeable Parts book that i have found useful. 941-505-7675 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hkestes41 Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 That is a BIG project, but one that would make a beautiful restoration. If it were mine I would think twice about a restoration due to the level of work needed to bring it back to "factory" type specs along with the wad of cash as has already been mentioned. I would instead move it more toward the resto rod or street rod direction. With this type build you still get the car back on the road as great driver and get to enjoy a unique vehicle but greatly reduce at least the cash outlay if not the work load. A resto rod or street rod can get away with eliminating some of the chrome or using more readily available parts from different or newer models. You don't have to go to LeBaron Bonney or equivalent for the "correct" interior / top fabric. You don't have to search for the right window cranks / escutcheons etc. You would still have a pretty penny wrapped up in the build but I believe far less that a full on restoration and would likely be on the road far sooner. If a full restoration is what you want and is within your mechanical / financial means then I applaud you for wanting to follow that path and say go for it, I will be watching / cheering you on from the sidelines. For motivation, here is a link to one that sold at auction in 2009 for $28,600. http://www.remarkablecars.com/main/chrysler/chrysler-00018.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadkingcoupe Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 For motivation, here is a link to one that sold at auction in 2009 for $28,600. http://www.remarkablecars.com/main/chrysler/chrysler-00018.html An excellent illustration of the build cost vs. purchasing the best one available. Don't like to discourage anyone Yes....good point However rather then discourage I feel it is important to illustrate the scope of the project and the costs involved. The list of expenses didnt even include the roof! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayfarer Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 I will simply echo was has already been said with one new thought; many guys start project such as yours at your 'ripe ol age' and have a good time learning along the way. But just as many get frustrated and bail out long before seeing the finish line and essentially give the project away to see it gone. As mentioned, using what you have as fodder for a hot-rod project is likely to return more grins when finished and will certainly be less costly than a full resto. Even as bad as it appears to be in the photos, if you haul it to one of the major swap meets you will likely net a sizeable profit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 (edited) When I had my car painted about 10 years ago, there was a 40 chrysler Windsor 6 2dr sedan in the shop at the same time. Now the windsor is certainly not a straight 8 convertible as far as value is concerned. The owner was emotionally attached to this car as it was his grandfather's and his story was the he was convieved in the back seat... But to the point, he had spent about 45000 on parts and labor to get it to the ready to paint stage. The paint job was about 4500. then he spent about 5 K on a back to original interior. Then he spent a lot of money getting the Dashboard back to original condition. So he spent nearly 70K, to get the car back on the road, and in restored condition. when he had the car appraised for insurance purposes, the two that came in were one for 17 k and one for 15.5K. The convertible when finished would be worth considerably more than the 2 door sedan, unfortunately, Mopars do not return on investment like other brands. After market parts are not nearly as available as others also. Not saying you should not take on the project, but be forwarned regarding costs and time in involved a "restoration". Now getting the car to a driveable and enjoyable condition as opposed to from the factory, would be a worth while and less costly project and you would still have a rare and unusual vehicle that you can drive and enjoy. Best wishes on whatever path you decide to take. Edited April 2, 2012 by greg g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconvan Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 (edited) Of course you're not nuts for starting a project at your age. A great deal of the enjoyment is the building process itself. Even if you were only to get it partailly finished and pass it onto another builder, no big deal. You did your part in saving it and probably had a lot of enjoyable afternoons in ther garage to boot. As far as money? Well, if you dont spend it here you'll likely spend it somewhere else and since you cant take it with you anyway, what the hell? I guarantee we all spend money on things a lot more frivilous that this. Jump in, take one task at a time and enjoy each small victory. And if you do happen to throw in the towel later down the road, give me a call. Edited March 31, 2012 by falconvan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 A resto rod or hot rod would be okay too. More feasible froma financial time point, and at least it would not and up being chinese metal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Reddie Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 Check this site. It shows that cars in very rough condition can be brought back if the determination and patience is there. Good luck to you. John R http://www.impalas.net/forums/showthread.php?t=686 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadkingcoupe Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 Check this site. It shows that cars in very rough condition can be brought back if the determination and patience is there. There is no question that patience and determination and $$$$$'s can bring most anything back (excluding the 1957 Tulsa Plymouth ) There is a balance between the enjoyment of resto, pride of doing it yourself and actually driving your vintage vehicle. If you love to tinker and have copious amounts of time and money......go right ahead. However, for those who work hard for the moola and "enjoy" driving and tinkering, a good original car will give the maximum enjoyment. There are always things to fix and life is short so why not get into a vehicle that is roadworthy and ready to enjoy. I purchased a vehicle from a "gentleman" who had a good running, working and driving 1941 Plymouth. It was so clean I thought the fenders had been repainted! He started to "fiddle" with the rad. Then he started to disassemble the front end...then the whole car! When I purchased the vehicle it was completely disassembled and ALL parts had been restored replaced and/or rebuilt. All that was left to do was reassemble and new interior. He had $27,000 into a car and it was still in pieces! Completed, the car would sell for $15,000 tops! and it would have cost thousands more to complete. My point is that it is easy to get into a huge $$$$ commitment that may or may not ever be on the road. And very difficult to get out of. Not my idea of fun. I learn from other peoples mistakes (it's cheaper). So I am not belittling the "enjoyment" of a decade long restoration, just trying to underscore the balance of time, money and residual value vs. the option of purchasing a good vehicle for half the price and the benefits of ownership enjoyment of driving a complete and running DCPD. If money was no object why not go for a Town & Country Woody? At least it is now considered a classic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james curl Posted April 1, 2012 Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 I honestly think if we were trying to get a return for our money we would have chosen one of mother MoPars muscle cars and not a flat head powered 40s car. It becomes a personal thing for most of us here on the forum that drive the 40s and early 50s flat head powered cars. It is not about the return on the dollar but the pride of doing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55 Fargo Posted April 1, 2012 Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 I honestly think if we were trying to get a return for our money we would have chosen one of mother MoPars muscle cars and not a flat head powered 40s car. It becomes a personal thing for most of us here on the forum that drive the 40s and early 50s flat head powered cars. It is not about the return on the dollar but the pride of doing it. I couldn't agree with you more , it is about the 40s and 50s cars and trucks with the flatheads, not high dollar cars compared to the Muscle Mopar Era. I had a 1971 Duster Twister 340 4 speed 4.11 rear end, wouldn't mind having that car now.But I am also in love with the flathead 6 s, today an Guy visiting with a Friend of mine today, said a 340 would look nice under the hood of my 47 Coupe, but I told him, she is a flathead all the way. Here are pics of my coupe, which was a real mess when I got her, full of rust in floors, rockers trunk. I had no glass,seats, interior plastic, radio clock, a lot of trim,window cranks, eschutcheons, you name it. I sourced parts, bought parts cars, bought some repop and NOS items. I have about 4 grand into my car, I did 90% of the work, I did not recover the seats, but did the door pansl and the carpet, body and paint done by me. Now I no it is only a driver type, but Pat S, and Aero 3113 have both had rides in the car, and have seen it up cloes and personal. I was driven to do this car, I still need a headliner, rechroming, and better stainless items. Having said all this, do not regret doing this, but it was not alwasy easy, and it would have been a whole lot nicer car, if I had a better budget, but I didn't, and I am living with my handiwork.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerseyHarold Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 I say go for it, but make sure your title paperwork is in order before spending your first dollar on the project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 (edited) It is going to cost a lot however you do it. My preference would be to do it original but that is me. Whatever you do, even if you do a lot of it yourself, you will have more in the car than it is worth. But hey, it is the journey of restoration you are interested in, not the final value. I know I have twice as much in my '38 Chrysler as it is worth but I don't care. It was a 19 year project that gave me a lot of pleasure and a wedding car for my daughter 7 years ago. Carpe diem (seize the day)............you only live once. Like Rockwood, I have posted a few before and after pictures as encouragement. Also, as mentioned in another post, don't think of the entire project, or you will go crazy. Think of the restoration as a 1000+ little jobs and do each one as a step toward the end of the journey. Edited April 2, 2012 by RobertKB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Elder Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Whathappened to the OP???? Not one reply on his own thread......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Whathappened to the OP???? Not one reply on his own thread......... I was kind of wondering the same thing. Always nice to see some respond to the information provided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadkingcoupe Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 (edited) "So now I am hoping to convince my wife to build an addition to the garage, begin a total restoration and dream about someday driving this beauty." maybe he told his wife how much the restoration was going to cost! Edited April 2, 2012 by Roadkingcoupe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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.