The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General DiscussionMessage format
 
drpreposterous
Posted 2017-08-13 8:06 PM (#546130)
Subject: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?


Veteran

Posts: 113
100
I've always loved FL cars. My earliest memory was of the '59 Savoy four-door with the flat six that sat on our drive till a relative begged for it in '65 and kept it going till the late 70s. Next spring, my youngest will graduate from her very expensive university. I figure to finally be in shape to pick up a collector car. I'd love a solid #2 or #3 (read rust-free) but have long since figured the FL bunch is way outta my modest price league (looking not go over $8K).

I reckon these are the lowest-buck choices, but wanted everyone's input. Are my first 2 choices accurate? What would you put in 3,4 and 5?:

1 Four-door Plymmie and sometimes Dodge sedans (not hardtops) of any of the years except '57-59.
2. The Valiant/Lancer series
3. ?
4. ?
5 ?

Looking forward to what you think!
Brian
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CaprockClassics
Posted 2017-08-13 8:19 PM (#546132 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Elite Veteran

Posts: 618
500100
Location: Lubbock, TX
Rust free and your budget are the two limiting factors. Even a 1957-61 4dr Plymouth in #3 rust free condition is in the $8-10k range... Valiants aren't the same style or driving experience as the full-size cars. Other than that, you're best bet is 1955 Plymouth and Dodge 4dr sedans. They're very soft on the market right now and fairly plentiful. What's your location? That will determine the likelihood of finding a rust free one.


Here's an example of what you're looking for: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-Dodge-Other-/112518225856?hash=item1a3...

~Peter



Edited by CaprockClassics 2017-08-13 8:21 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2017-08-13 8:56 PM (#546137 - in reply to #546132)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9855
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
That is a very nice early build 1955 Custom Royal. I don't know that much about 55's but I know from a two local 55 Custom Royal Lancer owners that the "Custom" badge was separate like that on the earlier cars and more importantly (maybe), only the very early cars with the 2 bbl 270 hemi got the embossed "Super Red Ram" valve covers. The later 55's had the non-embossed valve covers with a "Super Red Ram" sticker on them. I like the embossed ones much better.

PS: That Buy it Now price is seems really good for the shape of the car (to me).





This is what the 270 Hemi engine can be made to look like (including adding the 4 bbl manifold and carb):





Edited by 56D500boy 2017-08-13 9:02 PM




(Early55_270HemiWithFactoryEmbossedValveCoversThatHaveBeenPainted.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Early55_270HemiWithFactoryEmbossedValveCoversThatHaveBeenPainted.jpg (143KB - 161 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2017-08-13 9:15 PM (#546140 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
I agree! Not perfect but for the money it seems like an excellent buy. And this is definitely one you could drive while spiffing it up to your liking as time permits.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
drpreposterous
Posted 2017-08-13 9:41 PM (#546142 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?


Veteran

Posts: 113
100
Thanks for the input! Just wondering, what makes a '55 Plymouth or Dodge more reasonable than a '56? The only difference I see are the 12 volt electrics and the first fins--certainly not in '57's league. Had a notion Chrysler, Imps and DeSotos would not be on this list!

Edited by drpreposterous 2017-08-13 9:43 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CaprockClassics
Posted 2017-08-13 9:58 PM (#546144 - in reply to #546142)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Elite Veteran

Posts: 618
500100
Location: Lubbock, TX
The 1956's are more stylish, more chrome, and more powerful motors all mean that there are more buyers and that's driven the price up. As for Chrysler/Desotos, they were built to be the higher end cars price-wise, and for the most part they still are commanding a premium over a similer Dodge/Plymouth counterpart.

Imperials are a whole other ball game; some are cheap, but they usually need loads on unobtainable parts.

~Peter
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2017-08-14 12:46 AM (#546151 - in reply to #546144)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
If you have a large syringe, fillit with patience and give yourself
a daily injection to help you wait for the right deal to come along.
Nice cars pop up for really great prices with reasonable frequency,
but you have to be on your game and ready to pull the trigger at
a moment's notice.

Having a wide view of acceptable cars is a real plus. I am a picky
bast*ard and have not enjoyed the option of many cars that I might
if I weren't so picky !

Good luck !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 Imp
Posted 2017-08-14 5:54 AM (#546160 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: RE: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?


2000100050025
Location: North Australia
Start looking at the Imperials, much cheaper than the mainstream marques, just a little tricky finding some parts.

This one sold for $8.4k just yesterday.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-Chrysler-Imperial-CROWN-COUPE-/3024062...

Steve.

Edited by 60 Imp 2017-08-14 5:58 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
drosera88
Posted 2017-08-14 6:23 PM (#546196 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert

Posts: 1267
10001001002525
Location: San Antonio TX
I browse Craigslist almost every day. This is just what I see on Craigslist, and it's very general.

1. 55-56 seem to be cheapest of all FL's. Even hardtops can be had for good prices, and hemi cars can also be had for reasonable prices as well. Notably cheap are the 55-56 Dodge and Plymouth sedans.
2. 60-61 would probably be second cheapest, though there is a lot of overlap here. You can find some that are cheaper than the 55-56 range (usually Dodge and Plymouth sedans), while some are priced higher than the equivalent 57-58's (usually New Yorker hardtops and wagons). 61's seem to be particularly affordable, probably due to the extreme styling.
3. 59 is a bit of an oddity. Hardtops can be just as pricey as the 57-58's, but the sedans can often be found at prices similar to the 60-61 sedans. 59 Plymouth sedans seem especially cheap, especially when equipped with the inline 6 flathead.
4. 57-58 are usually the priciest for obvious reasons. Even sedans are fairly desirable. When I call about a 57-58, about 75% of the time the seller says something along the lines of "You're the 10th person to call about that car today!"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mstrug
Posted 2017-08-14 7:08 PM (#546199 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6487
50001000100100100100252525
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)
What is your budget/mechanical experience? O.k., I see $8K. I saw a silver special on ebay. It is still there, I am sure you could get it for 6.5K. He wants 8K but it has been on CL from time to time for $6K! Maybe contact him for more pics and a number to talk about it. (ebay will let you do that) and if it is far away have a car appraiser check it out. Get a video of it Running, Stopping and Moving! Oh it runs won't cut it. Believe me. Marc.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Lancer Mike
Posted 2017-08-15 1:23 PM (#546255 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: RE: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



5000200020005001002525
Location: The Mile High City

"What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?"

easy!  scale models!  collect all you want

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=50602&posts=32&highlight=scale model&highlightmode=1#M545952

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
FwdLk56
Posted 2017-08-15 11:40 PM (#546318 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?


20002525
Location: Indiana

you should also look at it this way, what you are looking for is an unmolested barn find...
which is *WELL* worth the **HUNT**...
it will NOT be easy to find!

i started collecting cars in 2010 and did so only *AFTER* the MORTGAGE was paid-in-full...
i hunted left and right for '55s and '56s (mainly '56s)...
i drove cross country with U-Haul truck and car-trailer "assuming" i'd be bringing the '55/'56 back home...
i was actually quite quickly discouraged, every '55/'56 i looked at was a RAT ROD with no trunk lid seals and surface rust and these were $5k+...
how was i going to find a "driver" if 'these' were going for $5k+ ???

but i kept hunting and hunting, took me three years to find one i truly liked...
so be patient, don't jump in and buy the first you find that falls in your price range...
be patient, i didn't want a Rat Rod, so i would have had to spend the $5k for the Rat Rod and i had no clue at the time how much it would have costed me to make it "presentable" (a Rat Rod is "presentable" to a whole different class of folks, not where my interests were)...

so be PATIENT, that's all i can say...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2017-08-16 12:04 AM (#546323 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
56 Fury is on my want list... so darn cool and I think even more rare...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
AceS
Posted 2017-08-18 9:43 PM (#546512 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: RE: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Veteran

Posts: 281
100100252525
Location: WA/USA
As long as you are flexible on year and model, just hunt CG list everyday and you'll find one for that price. I bought my 61 Newport 2-door hardtop rust free for $8500 off CG. I wasn't looking for that specific model and year but it was an awesome, enjoyable car. They do come up - save your pennies and be ready to spring when you see it.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mstrug
Posted 2017-08-20 7:37 AM (#546565 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6487
50001000100100100100252525
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-Plymouth-Silver-Special-/201935487838?...

http://cars.oodle.com/detail/1959-plymouth-savoy-wagon/4531164858-c...

http://www.classicoldcars.net/1959-plymouth-savoy/photos.htm

https://www.carsforsale.com/1959-plymouth-savoy-for-sale-C1049175

Hoax?

http://topclassiccarsforsale.com/plymouth/69710-1959-plymouth-savoy...

http://topclassiccarsforsale.com/plymouth/102768-1959-plymouth-savo...

http://topclassiccarsforsale.com/plymouth/109460-1959-plymouth-spor...

http://veh-markets.com/cars/plymouth-c/25751-1959-plymouth-savoy-2-...

awwwwwwwe!

http://www.oldcarsweekly.com/car-reports-values/auction-sold-prices...



Edited by mstrug 2017-08-20 7:51 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mstrug
Posted 2017-08-20 7:52 AM (#546566 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6487
50001000100100100100252525
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)
Teds Tuna Boats has a few:

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/878540/1958-plymouth-suburban-...

http://www.tedstunaboats.com/

Edited by mstrug 2017-08-20 7:53 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mstrug
Posted 2017-08-20 7:56 AM (#546567 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6487
50001000100100100100252525
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)
newer ad:

http://www.collectorcarads.com/Plymouth-Savoy/83732

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-Plymouth-Suburban-/322656813748?hash=i...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-Plymouth-Fury-/162635342980?hash=item2...

Edited by mstrug 2017-08-20 8:14 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mstrug
Posted 2017-08-20 9:28 PM (#546618 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6487
50001000100100100100252525
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)
https://utica.craigslist.org/cto/d/1959-belvedere-7200-bo/6268965397...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
udoittwo
Posted 2017-08-21 7:23 AM (#546643 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: RE: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?


Expert

Posts: 1348
100010010010025
Location: Valley Forge, Pa.
Any fin car is hot right now and particuallarly wagons. A 4 dr Savoy sedan is possibly the lease expensive to buy right now but my guess is that they MAY[?] be harder to find parts for
because they were not saved as much as the Furys? That is just a trim issue and searching for and finding a part can be a very rewarding and frustrating part of owning a classic.

I think the most imortant part of buying any used car is having cash in hand but don't buy just because you can. Do the research, do a good inspection, be patient and buy what you want or you may be dissapointed.
I am sure you can find a very nice solid driver for under $10,000. Be wary of cars from the "rust belt". Lots can be hidden with a decent paint.

Good luck,
Karl.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 dart
Posted 2017-08-22 12:27 AM (#546725 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 8947
50002000100050010010010010025
Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
here's a pretty good start . looks real solid by photos ------------------------------------------later

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960-Dodge-Dart-SENECA-SEDAN-RED-RAM-V8-NO-...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2017-08-22 11:24 PM (#546788 - in reply to #546725)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
60 dart - 2017-08-21 11:27 PM

here's a pretty good start . looks real solid by photos ------------------------------------------later

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960-Dodge-Dart-SENECA-SEDAN-RED-RAM-V8-NO-...

Looks like a lot of time and money to me. But if it's your cup of tea, then go for it - it's cheap.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mstrug
Posted 2017-08-25 9:22 PM (#547045 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: Re: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6487
50001000100100100100252525
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)
https://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/d/1958-plymouth-plaza-oovoo/624...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Greg P.
Posted 2017-08-26 12:32 PM (#547070 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: RE: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Elite Veteran

Posts: 769
5001001002525
Location: Oley, PA
I like this thread. It's good discussion to have as I really like the idea of gaining new members and I really believe there are some good bargains out there, especially if you don't have a requirement to own the most commonly sought after models. Without a doubt, the 4-door sedans bring up the bottom of the pricing structure and offer true entry-level pricing into the hobby. That said, if you are patient, some nice 2-dr and 4-dr HTs show up from time to time with very reasonable prices.

I've snagged a few great bargains over the years by waiting and watching. The key element is to scan the usual sources every day (including this forum) and having the cash ready to jump on the good deals when they come up. For the last 37 years I have begun every morning with my coffee and scanning the classifieds. Of course it used to be just the local newspaper, but now I start the Forward Look Swap Meet, then eBay, then Craigslist, and Hemmings. Mostly, it's just for entertainment, but have jumped on the rare occasions when a deal is just too sweet to pass up.

They has been some discussion of finding that "unmolested barn find" as the way to get in cheap. From my experience, this isn't the best idea. A typical "barn find" or any car that has been sitting for multiple years is likely to need a remarkable amount of work simply to bring it to a place where it can be driven reliably. Even if it looks great, it will need at ton of small things, like belt's, hoses, bushings, seals, brakes, tires, misc. electrical items, etc. Each one is not a huge investment, but they all add up.

if you truly want to minimize your total investment, a much better idea is to look for a solid "driver" quality car that has been at least reasonably well-maintained. I'm talking about a car that is either currently on the road, or at least recently.

From my personal observation, the FL cars that show up with the lowest prices are:

1. Any 55 model - they don't have the big fins that attract a lot of buyers, but they are solidly built cars.

2. 61 Plymouths and Dodges - many people think the styling is just plain weird, but I love them.

3. 61 Chryslers, especially sedans - they seem to show up all the time. They are remarkably well-built and possibly the lowest entry price of a big-finned FL car.

4. 59 Chryslers (and Desotos to a lesser extent) - the 59's don't have the following of the 57-58 cars. The styling is a bit awkward in comparison and Dr. Desoto hates them :). That said, they are solidly built, having overcome some of the quality issues of the previous years, and also the final year for body-on-frame construction. The wedge (RB and B) engines aren't as "cool" as a hemi or poly, but they are easy to get parts for, and are very reliable.

5. Any 56 Model - typically more sought after than 55's, but I've seen some real bargains.

Personally I would avoid any Imperial. I totally love imperials, but they are complicated cars in comparison to the rest and tend be more expensive to repair, maintain or restore.

FYI this 59 Saratoga 2Dr HT looks to be a pretty nice car at a very fair price. At today's exchange rates, $8,500 Canadian is about $6,800 in US dollars. http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=66519&...

Edited by Greg P. 2017-08-26 12:34 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Greg P.
Posted 2017-08-26 1:12 PM (#547073 - in reply to #546130)
Subject: RE: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Elite Veteran

Posts: 769
5001001002525
Location: Oley, PA
I just wanted to add a couple things to my previous posting.

Of all the sources, I have found the best bargains to be on Craigslist. Not sure where you are located, but just my local area, I see these deals that might fit the basic requirements:

1957 Belvedere - 8,900
https://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/d/1957-plymouth-belvedere-2-dr/627755...

1955 Plymouth Belvedere - $9900
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/d/1955-plymouth-belvedere/62...

1955 Savoy - $2500
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/1955-plymouth/6239165914.html

1956 Chrysler Windsor - $1956
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/1956-chrysler-windsor-4-door/...

1956 Chrysler Windsor - $7500 (with hiway HiFi)
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1956-chrysler-windsormiles/6...

1959 Imperial - $8950
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/1959-chrysler-imperial/627523...

I'm not endorsing any of these cars, but I think it's interesting to see what is out there for under $10,000, just in my area.

Personally I would never buy a car with either inspecting it in person or having someone I trust look it.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
LostDeere59
Posted 2017-08-26 5:05 PM (#547082 - in reply to #547073)
Subject: RE: What are the easisest (cheapest) ways to get into the ForwardLook?



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 406
100100100100
Location: Hilltown, PA

The 1955 Belvedere in Philly looks pretty nice. I considered looking at it but both my fiancé and I like the fin cars better. I do know it's been listed for a number of months, so I suspect either he is super firm on price, or there is something about it scaring buyers away.

That '57 Belvedere in "eastern PA" is just a bit north of me . . . and a terrible temptation. Linda would undoubtedly NOT be happy about a second toy car in the garage . . .


Gregg
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)