Car restoration - Lost Cause?

[DeLeon]

This 1955 Chevy 210 Wagon was given to me recently by my dad, is it a lost cause? If not, I have no idea where to start. Any advice on this project would be helpful.

More photos can be found here

[Truckman]

No '55 Chev was ever a lost cause...It's blasphemy to even think it...I don't think I ever saw a two door 210; I thought they were all four doors...The body looks straight from here...I say go for it...Ben

[Howard Barlow]

Yes, give up now. I am on the way with my lowboy. I will get it out of your way. Shame on Dad.

[gmarblestone]

Chris... having restored a car recently... i say your quest is noble should you decide to take it. The very first thing i would do is have someone who KNOWS these cars look at it. There is a good chance it has concealed rust holes. If so, you have to decide how deep you want to go. If you are super handy and have the skills to do body work then by all means go for it. If not, the expense is pretty big. IF i had to do it ALL over again, i would buy an already restored car. in the classic market today it makes MUCH MORE sense to buy someones already done care for less than they have into it.

I'm just giving advice based on my experiences.

G

[toverman]

That would be an awesome piece of machinery. Very first thing is, do you want to restore it?

If you don't plan to do the work yourself, your next step is to find a Chevy specialist to give you an estimate on what you can't do, from engine and systems to chassis, body and paint. Google about parts and other people who've restored similar cars.

Nothing you want to save is ever a lost cause. My 1937 Gar Wood speed boat, which I inherited from my grandfather, will one day cruise the water at full speed. Now, if only I could find some matching replacement mahogany ...

[snidow]

I agree the body looks pretty dang good, that right front fender is rusted through but the rest looks good.

[riteflyt]

I have the perfect power plant for this project 498 CI big block Chevy with a turbo 400 behind it!

it would really wake that bad boy up! and its for sale... PM me for details if interested

[Truckman]

Originally Posted by snidow

I agree the body looks pretty dang good, that right front fender is rusted through but the rest looks good.

"Eyebrow" rust on the front fenders and rocker panel perforation are common on these cars...There are patch panels available to weld in...Ben

[MikeyG1965]

Sweet...I'll take it if you don't want it.

Seriously....there are some great suggestions already given. If you decide to do it, may take a while, depending on how much time you have. If you decide to have someone else do it for you, make sure you do your research and get good references.

Can't wait to see the "after" photos.

[ShutteredEye]

Not at ALL a lost cause.

Get estimates, multiply by two, and you'll be pretty close to what it will cost to finish it out...

[mattman]

Depends - restoring would cost alot of money. If you sold it and I think that would fetch a decent amount of money, then imagine the photo equipment you could buy...

[jerrykr]

Those curved rear side windows are worth big $$ all by themselves.

I say estimate and multiply by 3 instead of 2.

Restorations are always expensive, but can be a great project if you are into it.

[David Whatley]

Not a lost cause, as long as you were the lottery winner the other night. Sorry, I wont put 10K+ into a car to restore it, along with all the work.
Call me an astrik :)
D

[east_tx]

I have seen worse than this driving on the road. Seriously---it would be a shame to not have this car restored-----this car has a lot of character. Just think of all of the progress pictures that could be taken.

[Nikolai]

You'd be a fool to think it's a lost cause. Finding anything with all it's trim and light surface rust is a gold mine.