When to restore, when to part out?

[danny owen <dannobowen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Man,
I am so glad that I submitted my thoughts on Jim Martin's email. It has
generated such a good response to an issue that needs to be addressed by
all folks who anticipate restoring a car. That issue is simply, When
should a car be restored and when should it become a parts vehicle.
I think both sides of this issue have been discussed very well. That was
what I hoped my response would do and it has worked very well. 
What do I really think? The car is pretty  rare and is probably work
saving. It may not be worth doing a 100% restoration on, but is worth
saving. I wouldn't have to be a concurs restoration to be a neat car to
tool around in.
Just my two dong.
Danno
> Hello
> Folks;
>  Nobody said that this car wouldn't be a lot of
> work but it depends on what level of restoration you would want to go
> with. If you strive to make this into a show quality car, and absolutely
> factory correct in the interior and everything else, then $40,000 would
> be the minimum even for a D.I.Y job. I agree that his price is still too
> high but I don't agree that it is only good for parts car. Looking at the
> photos, after reading the description, it doesn't look like there is that
> much missing. The main thing that is missing from the engine is the
> carburettor and air cleaner. Missing from the exterior, the hubcaps, rear
> view mirrors, and the red crown from the trunk lid. 
>  The hubcaps and the crowns were used in
> multiples for four years straight. The mirrors maybe more of a problem
> because they were unique to the year but not likely unique to the model.
> Some of the parts that are there look like they may be pitted which means
> some effort at repairing them. The biggest obstacle is time, having the
> patience to find the parts. If you don't have this then you really have
> no business messing with Imperials let alone this limousine.
>   Getting into the power plant the engine and
> transmission are all 1954 and 55' Chrysler, remember that it doesn't have
> A.C. In that period Chrysler was also producing eight passenger sedans,
> in each division, that shared the same body as the limo, they may share
> the same rear end and drive shaft. I think that the biggest problem will
> be with the Lambert disk brakes and figuring out how to either work with
> them or replace them with drums if they can't be repaired. What I would
> do, if I was interested in the car, is locate a Hollanders manual and
> start doing some research on parts interchangebility before I think of
> parting with my money. 
> Best Regards
> Arran Foster
> 1954 Imperial Newport
> Needing A left Side taillight bezel and other trim
> parts.