1941 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible

[Young Ed]

He said he reads the forum alot but doesn't post much. Even if it doesn't end up 100% restored I hope he's able to save the car.

[JeffLeav]

You guys are like a drink of water from a fire hydrant ! Awesome! I was away from my computer this weekend and just caught up on the flood of responses. Allow me to say this: after quietly reading posts from all of you during the last couple of years, I feel like I went to the academy awards and finally got to meet the stars! WOW, so many helpful replies to my questions! You can't buy advice like you folks offer...plain & simply cannot put a price on your hard earned experience.

Next steps: I met with an architect friend on Friday and discussed barns with foundations, pole barns and other forms of man-caves to house this project. The engineer in me says 'Plan it and then build it according to plan and maybe the regrets will be minimal'...I will still think of 'would a', 'could a', 'should a' stuff later, but that's just human nature. Still, no point in doing a restoration if you let the end product sit in the New England winters when you're done.

OK, I get the part about restoration cost. Since the big lottery this weekend in NY did not go my way (did I mention I didn't buy a ticket), I need to carefully consider sinking $50-$75k into a restoration. I was innocently thinking more like $25k, tops. My wife loves me and backs me up in most decisions, still, telling my two daughter's I can't afford their dream weddings might not go as well if I spend the whole enchilada on a car.

Gotta go, work calls me. Just wanted you guys to know I am reading and sincerely appreciate all the advice more than I can say. To be continued....

Respectfully,

jeffleav

[Young Ed]

You're certainly right about the man cave/garage. No matter what it'll never be big enough. Go for the biggest you can afford/city will let you build. I would think you can make a functional enjoyable car for the 25k(assuming that doesnt include the garage!). You can always leave some of the stuff for later like the dash plastic.

[Frank Elder]

Let me start by saying I am more envious of the garage than anyone else, I always end up with a mini-garage:pWe get these guys that post a problem...it gets answered by the forum then the OP fades away without anyone ever knowing if the problem was resolved...or even better if the

op solved his problem with a different method that no one else has ever used before. Glad you're not that guy.

Have you been here....?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=12

[JeffLeav]

Frankie,

Thanks for the link to the garagejournal.com forum. I registered this morning. Why re-invent the wheel or start from scratch with garage design? These guys have a well-organized site and easy to access table of contents just like us here at P15-D24.com. That said, I need to make the garage a priority. I am gun shy about using temp garages these days. My '53 Chevrolet p/u (The Iron Watermelon) has a 8-inch deep crease across the entire roof caused by snow load collapsing my portable garage during the mother of all winters here in CT last year. Permanent garages are one answer if you forget to use a roof rake like I did last year. And, thanks for the reminder to post replies. My memory fades regularly but I'll make an effort to keep everyone filled in on my progress.

Ed: I agree with your assessment that less money will get my '41 Chrysler or any restoration on the road sooner and keep me energized to finish the details as time and finances allow. Besides, wouldn't it be super cool to deliver one of my girls to the church in a (partially restored) convertible vs. a big ole modern limo? Let's hope one of my girls chooses a summer wedding date and not too soon!

As always, thanks guys!

jeffleav

[Young Ed]

Jeff here's a little tease/inspiration for you. Most of the guys have seen these already but this is my 48 plymouth and 46 dodge 1/2 ton at my wedding.

[JeffLeav]

Ed,

What a great photo! Newlyweds, his & her classic vehicles and the bridge bringing it all together...lots of symbolism there! Clearly, you treat your classics with love and care.

So, I guessing there was an 'Old Ed' or still is? And that you gained from someone's mentoring and inspiration re: restoration and things worth preserving?

You are a lucky man!

Thanks for the inspiration,

jeffleav

[Young Ed]

Ed,

What a great photo! Newlyweds, his & her classic vehicles and the bridge bringing it all together...lots of symbolism there! Clearly, you treat your classics with love and care.

So, I guessing there was an 'Old Ed' or still is? And that you gained from someone's mentoring and inspiration re: restoration and things worth preserving?

You are a lucky man!

Thanks for the inspiration,

jeffleav

Thanks. Yes his names not Ed(that came from his Dad) but my Dad certainly got me into it. He's had a 51 plymouth convert since 66 along with countless other old cars mostly plymouths. He gave me the pickup for my 21st bday.