I am considering buying a '48 Fleetmaster 4 Dr Sedan; it is all original, runs, needs some minor work to be completely road worthy; it belongs to my ailing brother but he has offered it to me; I want to help him but don't want to pay more for it than it is worth; I know the 4 Dr is not a highly desirable model but it is a very nice car. I would appreciate any opinions as to the worth of the car.

Can you provide us with some details related to this 48 4 door. Let us know some things like: the mileage of the car, does it have a radio, grille guard, trunk guard, back-up light, banjo steering wheel, original interior, original compass, new tires, original paint or recently repainted, etc.
Is there any rust thru or repairs?
Alot of factors go into what we perceive is the value of this car. Is there any emotional attachment for you buying this car or just a desire to help out?

dtm

Hi Mickey, I think we all may be forgetting the sentimental affect of your decision on two generations of your family. All of the previous postings have covered well the financial value of this car. There is no way you will ever get enough dollars and cents out of any work you do on it, but there are lots of emotional /spiritual outcomes that need to be addressed. Is your brother in a financial straight where he desperately needs the money? Will your father appreciate knowing the car is still in the family? Are you honoring his dream of one day seeing the car restored? What would be your personal benefit of working on this car? Would it be a great hobby, a learning experience you would share with friends or other family members? Could your brother's health problems be lesson by the two of you working together? Are you married and would it be selfish of you to take on this expense and time commitment?

The best restoration projects are not necessarily seen in a perfect restoration. I have a 41 chevy bought from ebay in 2003 for $3,500, I have probably spent about $5,000 on it in parts. I have it insured for $6,000 and I would be very lucky to get $5,000 out of it, but there are very few things in life that have given me the satisfaction of working on more than this car. I work on it winters and drive it the rest of the year. You don't need a fancy car to have a good time. Give yourself an imaginary yearly budget and enjoy the car and process of fixing it up. You need to go through the brakes and engine and a lot of other mechanical things first. Who cares what the interior or exterior looks like? This web site and your posting questions to it can be a lot of help. Buy yourself some repair manuals, a cheap used video camera, and film and narrate your way through each project. I use a video camera to film how I take things apart then play it back so I can reassemble it correctly. Good luck and keep in touch with all of us. Go Red Wings--Mike

Mike..I appreciate your reply. Believe me, I do understand what it means to own an antique auto. To be honest, I was a "Ford V-8" man for years but I sold all my cars several years ago ('49 Pickup. '51 Pickup, '39 Standard Sedan, '40 Deluxe Sedan). I was about 75% done with the restoration of the '40 Sedan and then sold it and I promised myself I would never again understake the restoration of an old car. Too much money, too much time, etc, and no return on investment. I've not had an old car for about eight years now but I still enjoy looking and, frankly, I want one again.
There is no sentimental attachment to this car my brother has. He bought it about 10-12 years ago and has driven it sporadically since then. He is 12 years older than me (he is 75) and is of the generation that "grew up" with these old cars. I like this particular car preceisely because with just a little work and attention it would be perfect for a driver to car club meetings, car shows, cruise-ins at burger joints, and an occasional car club tour in this area. I don't want to win trophies and I don't plan on being an expert on Chevrolets. I just want to enjoy an old car for as many years as I can.
This car is in original condition and is drivable as is. I can send you a couple of pictures if you would like. I would have to spend some money to get it brought from NC to Tennessee. As I told my brother, I would like to have the car but I am adamant that I am not going to pay more than it is worth. Because it is a 4 Dr sedan and not a desirable model,I suspect that it will not appreciate greatly in value through the years unless I undertake a complete resotration and I am not going to do that..I don't think my marriage could stand that! I will take very good care of the car and see that it stays in good condition for the next person who can't live without it.
So, with all that said...can you help me with a reasonable price for this car. If my brother can get nore money from someone else, so be it. I can certainly live without it. It would, however, look swell in my garage and be a great way to get to the local chapter of the VCCA here in Nashville.
Best regards...Mickey Holton

Hi Mickey and welcome to VCCA's Chat site. Have you tried looking at some of the price guides like NADA, or Kelly Blue Book, or Manheim Gold, or even Hemmings?

Here are a couple of links......you can draw your own conclusions..

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?L...=65458&da=1

http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html

Mickey, sounds like you have had experience with vintage iron before so you can determine condition knowing the car better than anyone here. And you know these prices are highly variable in the eye of the beholder......so I wish you much luck. I hope these guides can help you, and I hope you become a Chevrolet man and a VCCA member in the near future. Whether you buy the Fleetmaster or not, stay with us here at Chat and join in once in a while....it's informative and fun......good folks here!!

Ken, thanks for your reply. Yes, I do have some experience with vintage cars and want to again but I just don't need something that needs a lot of restoration. This '48 is perfect for what I want one for..to enjoy; The biggest task is to convince my wife that I need this '48! I have just begun trying to establish what it is worth to me and I thank you for supplying the information; I will certainly look into them. Of course, if I do get the car I have every intention of joing the local chapter of the VCCA...Thanks again...Mickey

I can help with price guide links, and maybe even some restoration tips on 48 Chevys, BUT I ain't messin' with convincing your wife

Ken..if you will send me your email, I will send a couple pictures of the '48 Sedan...Mickey

Ken..I understand...I bought my first Ford F-1 PU, a '49, and didn't tell my wife for about three months...I haven't heard the last of that yet!...Mickey

Hey Mickey......yup we gotta keep the little ladies happy don't we?

I'd love to see a picture of the 48.....one of my favorite years, ya know!! My email address is in my profile....just click on my screen name in the upper left corner of this post to get to my profile.

Or better yet, post the pics right here if you know how. Or email them to me and I will post them here.
Did ya click on the Photobucket link under my signature to see my 48?

Ken, I don't have access to profiles...send me your email address to me at wmholton1945gmail and I will send you the pictures. Yes, I did see your car...what a beauty!...Miciey

Mickey, I sent you an email.

Ken...and I answered and sent pictures of the '48...Mickey

Ken...I just emailed another picture of the '48...Mickey

OK guys, here are a couple of pictures of the 48 that Mickey is looking at........

Let's see if we can help him out......NO1....he needs to convince his wife that he needs this car, and NO2, he's a potential VCCA member so here we go







Here's what I see......

Pretty good looking car; looks like a great driver. Accessory hood ornament, bumper extensions, nice looking wide whites and maybe chrome trim rings on the wheels......although the windshield wipers look like they might need a little help!! .......AND put the original wheels back on it!!

Mickey , if you don't want it, call me!!!! Tell the wife we think its a great deal!!!!

Does the red jacket go with it?

Thanks for posting the pictures, Ken, and the comments! If you want the red jacket you'll have to contact my friend in the picture..and he lives in Finland! He was visting me in the states and we stopped by my brothers house to spend the night and, of course, he just had to see the '48. He is part owner in a car restoration business in his hometown of Turku, Finland....Mickey

Hey, cool Mickey.......happy to help.

If your friend lives in Finland, he probably needs the jacket more than I do.... so we'll take the jacket out of the deal!!

Ken...I'm a little disappointed...been checking the site for two weeks now and no responses. Still haven't made up my mind but there is no pressure to do it anytime soon. Thanks for you help!...Mickey

I can see why someone would worry about which old Chevrolet to buy, there are so many good ones....but a Potential? VCCA member? come on guys, there is no need to ponder about joining VCCA! heck jump on in!

The World's Best Chevrolet Club.

I payed $2500 for this one + shipping to sweden
Have some rust in floors,surfice rust on the body,
Bumper chrome is realy bad,
But its real cool car

Thank you for your reply and the pictures of your '48...Mickey

Thanks!...Mickey