1963 356 Coupe-what's it worth?

[skeit80]

I'm thinking of buying a 1963 356 Coupe from a buddy and we are trying to determine a fair price. Here's the problems with the car:
rusty floorpans-they will need to be replaced.
the bottom of both doors are rusty-either the doors will need replacing or buy bottom door skins,
battery area is rusty and needs replacing,
rust on door sills-need repair or patch panel
the front hood does not fit perfect
the engine is not original-i believe it has a 356 C engine and comes with Weber 40's

the good:
it comes with an extra 356 A engine in decent shape (ran before it was removed from a car)
interior is clean-seats are original and in new condition
chrome is in excellent shape
comes with a new carpet set
comes with metal to repair the battery area
the car currently runs and drives

any ideas of value? any idea what the extra 356A engine is worth?
i'm thinking about buying it, welding in new sheet metal, painting it and selling it to make a few bucks for my upcoming wedding

i wish i could keep it, but the future wife is making the wedding VERY EXPENSIVE!! you guys know what i mean!! thanks.

[C. Clark]

I paid $2500.00 for a one owner 63, 356 normal, totally stock, that said it needed tons of work. It had been stored since 91, needed fuel system work, tank, lines, carbs the usual stuff. Had frozen master cylinder, I rebuilt the brakes. The engine ran but ended up having a burnt exhaust valve so I rebuilt the engine. Minor rust problems as usual. I gutted the interior and am presently doing the body, striping to metal, new everything / weather striping and some trim. I'll have 20K at least in it when done and I do the work.
Not for the faint of heart.....I've been told I got a hell of a deal.
Chas.
356
912

[Harlan Chinn]

It depends on how nicely you want to have the metal work done and by who? All of your described areas are typical rust areas, sheet metal work to primed state could run 10-12k, undercoat and paint another 8-9k. I've seen lots of shoddy work (lapped joints, tons of fillers rusting from the inside out) etc. Sounds attractive if you have the time and $$$ to put into it.

[Deschodt]

>i'm thinking about buying it, welding in new sheet metal, painting it and selling it to make a few bucks for my upcoming wedding

I'm thinking keep your money for your wedding ;-) Fixing a 356 to make a quick buck is hard to do. You gotta do it right, it takes time. And money... If it were a cab, maybe but on a coupe it's very hard to turn a profit unless you do a real cheap job...

[Zeke]

Skeit, I read your list and there is no quick buck to be made there. Not even a not-so-quick buck. That's a parts car if you want money. So, you better get it super cheap.

You don't sound like the sort of person that would appreciate the car. My neighbor makes a quick buck now and then buying things like Celicas. That sounds better for you.

[GSpreeman]

Man, I thought the same thing when I purchased my '65 356C. Believe me, when you start messing with the seemingly small things the cost adds up. It took months and a few returns just to get the clutch plate, flywheel, etc. to match up. The throw out bearing itself was a pain in the a$$. I paid $2K for the car, another $900 for a longblock engine, plus I've now dropped in another $3K and I can't even drive it around the block.

Spend your money elsewhere. This is not the place to make a quick buck. Parts are expensive, hard to find, and they never fit the way they should.

Good luck.

[chiroracer]

That thing could get Crazy on you. You have to choose now between the wife and the car. If she has a welder and a rottiserie I guess she could be the exception but I doubt it .Even the ones who think its cool and cute that you have a hobby will be OVER it in short order. Make a buck? forget it ,but if thats what you have to tell her.....Nothing personal against her ,I am just temporarily/permanently bitter about having to "buy" my own 911 track car project back from the ex as part of my "stable of exotic racing cars "including a series 2 landy a meyers towd and a class 5baja bug. All the best . Sorry for the rant Steve

[Wilywilly]

Won't happen. Most likely you will end up underwater and without a Fiance. jmho