| speedyroadster | -- 11-21-2009 @ 11:11 AM |
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I am looking for the value (range w/ qualifications) of a 1932 4 or 8 cylinder Model B Standard 5 Window Coupe.....older or new restoration, and possibly some shopping tips. I've been a member of the club for years and all I own is one flathead V-8 engine (8BA). I would finally like to own a car and would appreciate any advise and help. Also, if any members in the TX-AR-OK-MS-LA areas have such a car for sale. Thanks! Speedyroadster
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| supereal | -- 11-21-2009 @ 2:57 PM |
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Any '32 has been coveted by the rodders for many years. In most price guides, the coupe shows between $12,000 to $20,000 for the #3 to #2 cars, the kind that would be worth the cost of restoration. That said, price guides are notoriously low, and even with the depressed economy taking the steam out of collector car sales, most intact '32s would probably bring higher money. That is why the fiberglass repros have become so popular. If you are not a seasoned buyer, I recommend that you enlist a member of the club to go with you to see any available cars. The '32 cars are very similar to the Model A's, which have a wooden skeleton, and can be difficult and expensive to put back into running condition. You might consider a pickup truck as your first project. They are less expensive, and usually a good way to start.
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| ford38v8 | -- 11-21-2009 @ 4:57 PM |
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Welcome to the Forum, Speedy. Super gives some pretty good advise, but I'll add to it a little: While shopping for a car, and this goes for any car, modern or antique, decide on what you want and then buy the very best example of that car that you can find, even if you feel at the time that you are paying more than it's worth. You'll find out later the actual cost of buying a car that is less than the very best. you'll be way money ahead with the more expensive perfect car than the bargain car. Regarding your reference to a 1932 Model B, that is the designation given the 4 cylinder Fords. the V8 cars were designated Model 18. These Model designations are the prefix of the serial number that appears on the driver's side top frame rail under the hood, and will appear on the DMV Title of the car. Without these correct matching numbers, your car may not be properly registered in your name, which at the very least would be a cloud on the Title, the result of which should considerably lower its true value. Alan
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| trjford8 | -- 11-22-2009 @ 7:36 AM |
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Speedy, 5 windows have gained in popularity in the last couple of years. I think you mnay be looking at spending $30,000 plus for a nice example. Watch the auction sites and look on the internet for auctiuon results and this will give you an idea of value. As Al has suggested take someone with you to look at the car. A second set of eyes will usually see a lot of things that you may miss. You want to buy the best example you can find even if it may cost a little more money. "Today's high price is tomorrow's bargain". I would also run a want ad in the V-8 Times.You get one free ad per year and you may find a nice car that has been owned by another V-8er. If you post a want ad on the internet you need to be aware of overseas scams and people selling junk to the first time buyer. These predators are out there and you need to be careful. This site is very secure because were require registration.
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| 1932BB | -- 11-22-2009 @ 11:28 AM |
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All good advice! I started with 3 BB's and parts of two others with an investment of less than $2500. I saved all receipts in a folder and have not summoned the nerve to add them all up! I distinctly remember getting tired of spending money however. 1932 is one of he more difficult models due to limited production and the uniqueness of the one-year model of course. Not an easy first project as compared to A's or late thirties or forties etc. I would like to reinforce Supereal's suggestion of starting with a pickup and add that BB's share sheet metal with the pickup, which makes things easier with the addition of reproduced frames, beds, rear fenders etc. Keep up the good work Supereal!
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| supereal | -- 11-26-2009 @ 2:46 PM |
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Thanks, 32, for your kind words. My rule of thumb is that any car I buy must be running, and that I plan to spend at least three times the purchase price to put it in good enough shape to be able to reliably drive the vehicle safely. Like most "old hands" in the hobby, I have violated these rules more than once. I'm lucky, as we have a big shop for the mechanical work, but it is still an expensive pursuit. My standard advice for those without resources is to find a vehicle that has already been restored before attempting a "basket case" because it is less expensive. The current poor economy has opened lots of possibilities as many owners are trying to raise quick cash. It is a wonderful hobby for most of us, but getting in over your head will almost certainly produce another abandoned "project".
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| ethacker | -- 12-28-2009 @ 1:29 PM |
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I have a related question. I bought my father's 1932 Ford 5-window coupe Model 18 a few years ago (he was the third owner) a few years back. It is in great shape and all original (including paint) except for a swap out for the 34 carburetor for the Detroit Lubricator before my dad bought it. It runs great with nice compression. Not showroom glossy (couple of dings) but I wouldn't be shy to take it to a meet sometime for judging. All it needs is a new wiring harness (original is kinda spotty). Everyone keeps asking me if I want to sell it (I don't) but it makes me wonder what it would be worth in a normal economy. Any ideas?
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| ford38v8 | -- 12-28-2009 @ 8:21 PM |
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Ethacker, You have a real jewel there, according to your description. A V8 in original condition with some family history is priceless. If someday you did need to sell it, you'd soon regret it, regardless of the price it brought. You'll soon learn that the pedestrians who admire your car at the weekend car shows will have just one question for you: "How much is it worth?" We all have our favorite responses to such a rude question, some of which aren't printable. Regarding having your Deuce judged, you'll need to join the EFV8CA, and come to one of our National Meets. We have two scheduled this year, one in Utah and the other in North Carolina. Your classification would be "Rouge", that being for original unrestored cars. In this classification, cars are judged for originality rather than condition, so any restoration you do in preparation would be counter productive. I might suggest that you locate a Detroit Lubricator and a manifold for show purposes. You should invest in the 32 Book, available on this website, guaranteed to teach you considerably more about your car that you already know. It's not a cheap book (two volumes), but then, your car deserves it. Alan
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| 3w2 | -- 12-28-2009 @ 8:49 PM |
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Don't be misled. While there is wood in a '32 five-window body, all of it is there for attaching upholstery panels and the top insert fabric. None of it is structural and all of it is available in reproduction form. It is not a composite body. You can remove it all for replacement without risk to the body. This is another good reason to follow Alan's advice and invest in the book(s).
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| ethacker | -- 01-04-2010 @ 11:00 AM |
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Thanks Alan. I've been a member for a little over a year and own the 32 Ford book. I'm in San Jose, CA, so the national meets are a bit of a trek for me; I'll hit one when they are a bit closer. Good to know there is a class for original unrestored cars. I'm not planning on changing anything except the wiring harness and replacing some gears in the tranny. I don't know how original it all is given its cloudy past but I'm sure I can find someone in the Golden Gate club to provide a look over for me. I was mostly asking for value out of curiosity. I've no idea what original unrestored cars go for. I just don't see any. My dad was asking me to find out what it was worth these days so I was trying to give a guesstimate to him. I've got it insured for $50,000 but that was a SWAG. I'll try to attach a photo to this response.
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| trjford8 | -- 01-04-2010 @ 7:03 PM |
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That is a very nice looking 5 window. Nice originals are hard to find and it looks like you have a good one. It's tough to give a value based on one photo, but I do think it is probably worth between $40,000 and $50,000.
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| ethacker | -- 01-07-2010 @ 2:59 PM |
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One that needs some TLC just expired unsold on eBay for $70,000. Reserve wasn't met. Scroll down to middle of page. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220532618522
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| deluxe40 | -- 01-07-2010 @ 5:31 PM |
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I believe the one on eBay is a three window coupe rather than a five window. The 3w (Deluxe) coupes are highly desirable and tend to run about 50% higher than the 5w (Standard) coupes in comparable condition. Styling counts.
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| ethacker | -- 01-08-2010 @ 1:25 PM |
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That's interesting. Thanks for that perspective. It is also odd, since I see many more 3window for sale than 5window. I've seen 3 different 3windows on eBay just this month. I don't know when I last saw a 5window. But I love my car so I guess none of it matters!
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| ford38v8 | -- 01-08-2010 @ 2:13 PM |
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Ethacker, your observation is correct. There are more 3W than 5W for the same reason there are more open than closed cars: They were initially the most collectable, the others going to the junk yards first. Now, you're seeing a resurgence of popularity among the previous less desirable cars. The '38 Ford is of prime example of what for decades was considered an "Ugly Duckling". As these cars are now resurrected to the eye of the public, they are accepted and prized as they rightfully should be. Alan
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| Woodman | -- 01-24-2010 @ 7:13 PM |
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A bare body in good to excellent shape will go for $15-20K, orig. chassis from $5K to $10K. Most 32s have been modified by this time, and originals are rare.You will find that although a nice older restoration is worth up to $55K, so are tastefully modified nostalgia hot rods. My best advice is to network, scour ads, and TALK to people, real people. Unfortunately the internet has made the world smaller, but still the best part of the American car hobby/culture is the interaction of people with similar interests. There's one in your town, you just need to find it.Although I can appreciate keeping a car original, you need to be able to enjoy it in today's world.
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