Looks like it's time...

[1949FORD]

Oh gosh. I never have wanted to post this thread, but as the situation is as of now, I'm going to have to.

I've always had a weird feeling of having to sell the beauty. But not this soon. I'm coming to you guys for help on what a reasonable price for the ford is. (I'll include pictures). I have to get my own 100% reliable vehicle for everyday use. I was looking at getting a motorcycle, but my Mother hates that idea. So put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and share what you think about the car and a reasonable price. I was thinking $1000.

[Russ/40]

With what little you have told us, there is no way anybody can give you any credible price. I can say this, $1000 is giving it away.

[Bob C]

The Body looks straight, does it run ok? The negatives I see are rust
and two extra doors.

Bob

[Scott H in Wheaton]

More important to show the engine rather than the interior.
Clean body, no motor or doesn't run, should still get 2-3 times what you were thinking.

[Scott H in Wheaton]

And I wouldn' suggest a motorcycle in Minnesota. Not very versatile and you will only get usage of it a few months a year. Sucks to only have a bike to ride when its raining, snowing, or you want to carry anything with you.

[1949FORD]

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Okay so here's more info.
Runs very well and drives good
Rebuilt the carb last spring
Rebuilt fuel pump last spring
Definitely needs the floor boards replaced
One dent on the roof, with a tiny bit of work it should pop back into place.
With some TLC and a little chunck of money, you'll be good to go! (ie: Tires, shocks, Plug wires, etc.)

[1949FORD]

Originally Posted by Scott H in Wheaton

And I wouldn' suggest a motorcycle in Minnesota. Not very versatile and you will only get usage of it a few months a year. Sucks to only have a bike to ride when its raining, snowing, or you want to carry anything with you.

Yeah the motorcycle would be the "replacement" for the ford. i was looking for something late 1970s-early 1980s to tinker around with after i get my car

[TonyM]

If you thought that you were only going to get $1,000 for this car then you might as well keep it. Even if you let it go for $1,000, the day of the $1,000 "reliable" car has been gone for about 25 years. You are going to need about $4,000 for a somewhat reliable car. And that is not a for sure thing either. A $1,000 beater will nickel and dime you to death. Since you are going to have to come up with much more than $1,000, maybe you should put the money into the car you have. Just a thought. Or put the car in storage until you can give it attention. I really would hate to see you sell that car, but sometimes real life interfers. Good luck.

[41panelmark]

Keep it.

[Ol' Ron]

I was once tols by a guy that has bought and sole old cars for the last 50 years that any car over 30 years old that runs and is inspected is worth one thousand dollars per decade so your car is worth a minimum of 6K Just think of what it would be worth with a little fixin.

[Russ/40]

I sold a very clean, all original '49 no rust, usable interior, fair paint, excellent chrome, new motor, for $11,000 two years ago. I don't know how this helps but. . . . . . .

[BLACKNRED]

A good running and driving 49 is gonna be better than riding a motorcycle.

keep it and enjoy it.

[itsa52]

6 cylinder or V8? Straight stick or OD?

[jimalabam]

Keep it = No Sellers remorse, as most of us have experienced over the years. jiml...

[Charlie ny]

The V8 versus 6 and straight 3 speed versus 3 speed overdrive are MAJOR factors,
in my opinion, in determining the value of your '49. Having said that 3 years ago I
purchased a '50 4 dr V8 w/ OD for $3000, the V8 was fresh. I reluctantly admit I
parted it out...drive train here, front doors there, dash and interior someplace else
and so on. Sometimes the parts are worth more than the whole...if you have the
time.
Charlie ny

[Gumpy]

$1000. is a very low price my neighbor owns a street rod shop and has a brookwood 1960 wagon in the field it looks like junk to me but the stainless on the car is perfect, he said its worth $4k in parts, i'd say your car is worth more than that, its up to you!

[JM 35 Sedan]

I have always regretted selling the first old Ford that I bought when I was 16. I still wish I had that car now and I still find myself hoping to find another one just like it that's for sale. $1,000.00 is not much to get for an old Ford. I would suggest finding a good place to store it until you are in a better financial position to rebuild/restore. JMHO

[19Fordy]

Listen to your mom.
It's not the guy on the motorcycle that's dangerous.
It's the drivers in vehicles who don't see them.
Everyone knows someone who has been killed or maimed while riding a motorcycle.
Car value is 4k to 6K if it runs.
More doors = less value.

[V8COOPMAN]

If I remember correctly, it's a 6 cylinder. A little less desirable than a V8. DD

[harley]

If you can get a thousand for it- go for it. Make a down payment on a bike. Good luck,Harley

[41ford1]

Josh,
If the floors and rockers(if I remember correctly) were patched up would it pass a safety inspection? If that is all it needs to be a driver then patch it up. An HVAC sheetmetal shop can bend up useable rockers cheaply. You can cut your own floor patches. You can always redo that stuff later when you have more time and money. If you are confident that the mechanicals are reliable. Drive it. It will be more reliable than any $1000 POS late model.

[JT FORD]

You could ask more, it never hurts to try. But, I don't even see $1000. It needs about everything!

[HCO41]

Picture showing grill center says 6.
Howard

[Tinker]

Josh, sell it. But don't take a beating. As others have mentioned and as I remember it need some major work around the bottom of the b pillar and a pillar. You have done good making it a running vehicle and that is worth something. In experience and value. Ask more then you think you can get and come down to what you can afford. If you have room keep it, but not at the price of storage.

Why would I say this? Your young, you will get a different and better car in the future. Get a good reliable car and get in school. Forget the motorcycle unless its in addition to another vehicle. You could probably find a decent reliable cheap rusted out truck to run for a few years, if you don't care how it looks. Haul parts, your stuff, bike, it'll be more practical in the long run.

My first car was a four door. I nice four door. I took a beating on it. Years later I have built up/bought other cars and sold cars over the years. First car is neat but don't get hung up on it.

Bikes are nice but they truely are dangerous. Not very practical for mn.

Sell it, save up, keep your head up for a deal, and you'll get another one soon enough. But foremost, education and save.

Just my advice to you josh. Best of luck!

[dumb person]

In my country, $10,000 or more very easily. The fact it appears to be road legal would be a huge selling factor and triple the value. But i cannot tell you much about american values for the same product. (If having less doors makes it more valuable would welding 3 doors shut make it worth more than everyone elses?)
If you have the space available you may want to keep it and replace the floors one day...

[Fibber Mcgee]

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You WILL regret selling it. Many of us could tell that story. Is storing it and getting your parents to cosign on a new vehicle an option. You could still get into a cheaper new car for a few hundred a month and have a warranty. As some said a $1000 newer car is going to nickel and dime you to death.

[B-O-B]

Google 1949 ford four door for sale or go here www.shoeboxford.com/
or get off your butt quit dreaming fix your car & make it reliable. That is the least expensive out for you. A wee bit of work here & there & before you know it you car will be GREAT . A bike is fun & ok ( I had two in my youth & fell asleep riding one night . I survived with out even laying it down but going down a wide ditch) but is not great for everyday transportation.
There are plenty on the board that drive & work their cars @ the same time. You don't need to do a body off to have a nice ride. You will also be getting knowledge that money can't buy. You only get this knowledge thru doing your own work.

[39wdy]

Joshua, I would also encourage you to keep this car as there never will be another "first" car for you. Perhaps you can find enough work to save some money for a "practical car" and put the 49 away until you have more time and money to finish restoring it. However, I'm also thinking that it would be very cool for a young guy like you to go off to college with a 49 Ford. That would be at least one good book of adventures and perhaps a series of books. You do not want to regret getting rid of this car it is worth much more to you than mere money. Money will come and go in your lifetime, experiences, knowledge, education, character, and connections are the essence of life and the traits that define who you are. You cannot find an entre into the world any finer than seeking valuable information. Hold on to your car and your dreams both have value beyond that of money. Best wishes, Toby

[Seth Swoboda]

Like others have said, keep it if you can. Work hard, save money and buy some reliable transportation. Even if you have to put your 49 away for a number of years, someday you will be able to get it out and enjoy it again. Work hard, get a good education and you will be able to afford and enjoy the good things in life. 39wdy spoke very well about the experiences, knowledge, education, character and conections in your life. Learn as much as you can from your peers. Pick up a good book as well as a wrench from time to time, and soak it all in. Learn all that you can throughout your lifetime. All these things will take you places. You can not buy memories and experiences once they are gone.