How much should I pay for a barn found no paint 1957?

[57TBirdHopefull]

I am currently looking at a 1957 TBird with a 292 3 speed. It has been run in 30 years and has no paint remaining on the outside. It has surface rust and a rust hole in the back fender. I am not looking for a top of the line show car, just a cool car to own and wonder how much I should be willing to pay for this car.

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[CSPIDY]

what does the frame look like? can the engine be turned by hand? is all the trim with the car? can you post some pictures?

 

[57TBirdHopefull]

The frame looked good, just surface rust. All the trim is there minus the side decals. The dash needs to be redone and I haven't checked if it turns over by hand yet but I believe it does.

 

[57TBirdHopefull]

what does the frame look like? can the engine be turned by hand? is all the trim with the car? can you post some pictures?

 

[CSPIDY]

Being what it is, 57 292 3 speed. If you do the value in reverse, totally restored what is it worth.
Looks like it’s all there. I would estimate between $30 and $40k.
It would be tough to not get upside down in the car. (Easy to spend more than $50k to complete)
Can you do the work your self it may be worth the cost. If you have to pay someone to do the restoration pack a large wallet.
There are fair cars out there that run for $20 to 25k that you can drive home. So it’s worth what you can afford.

 

[Bond007]

Being what it is, 57 292 3 speed. If you do the value in reverse, totally restored what is it worth.
Looks like it’s all there. I would estimate between $30 and $40k.
It would be tough to not get upside down in the car. (Easy to spend more than $50k to complete)
Can you do the work your self it may be worth the cost. If you have to pay someone to do the restoration pack a large wallet.
There are fair cars out there that run for $20 to 25k that you can drive home. So it’s worth what you can afford.

I completely agree. Let someone else pay for the resto and take the loss.

 

[donnyonee]

7-8 times more than sanity

 

[henro]

If you can do the rebuild yourself, don't spend over ten grand on it. Otherwise, leave it alone.