Just came into possession of a 54 cadillac convertible. 20,000 miles on odometer. Has been stored inside. Has fire damage. Dash glass melted. All glass in car as well as top gone. Also have a 54 sedan for parts. What could I possibly be getting into dollar wise to restore, and what could it be worth when done?

 

Restorations like racing is paid for with cubic dollars. To get the serious cash the car has to be perfect - without any faults...no little ones either. Shop for a good restoration shop, and don't be in a hurry...unless you have very deep pockets. It may cause 2-5k to get a complete estimate and there is alway the chance of overruns if critical parts have to be found or made. After car is completed then a buyer has to be found. If car is a 95+ point car and economy improves car should be worth 80k+. 100 pt car over 100k. Shorted cuttted resto, maybe 20-30k, it doesn't matter what you spent ...it's the finish product that counts. Depending on what you got in them it would be worth while to find what they are worth as is now. Not to discourage you if you have the resources and like the car don't let me stop you....drop car off at the best resto shop you can find (references) stroke the 1st check (NEVER ..EVER PAY IN FULL IN ADVANCE!!!! If you have to set up draws with your bank to pay as work progresses) then in a year or two, have a professional / expert check out car, then stroke the last one and pick it up. Then hopefully you drive it vs trailer it home. You also should have a contract as to when car would be completed taking into account reasonable delays and also to protect you that car is completed very early. You are unable to pay...the shop takes car for non- payment, because car was completed 6 months early. It happens... Good luck...54 drop tops are very cool cars.