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Pete & Nancy Marks of Long Island, New York USA are the proud owners of "Maria" (named after their daughter) a 1950 Special Deluxe 4-Door Sedan. They bought this 69,000 gem in September of 2004 thru Fossil Cars (www.fossilcars.com) for $4,500 - a "steal".
Originally a South Dakota (for most of her life), Maria was always garaged. They are the fourth owners. The previous owner gave her fresh paint, and new front seat upholstery, bottom only. Otherwise she is all original except and will stay that way as much as possible. Since purchasing her they have replaced her tires (the old bias plies were weather-checked and wouldn't pass inspection). They also bought a clock on ebay - it didn't work but Pete fixed it and says it was easy to make it run perfectly (so contact him for your clock questions). Maria came with the original radio but it was fried and didn't work. After several unsuccesful attempts to repair it, they found a local company that works on old tube type guitar amps and they were able to repair it. Other quotes for repair were between $250 and $350. This guy only charged $90 (parts and labor) and he was so excited about it that he came to their home and installed himself to make sure it worked o.k.
As for what yet needs to be done, Maria needs a new headlight ring, one of the taillight bezels and both lenses (both faded), the driver's side stone shield (either new or get the old one replated), or get them rechromed. A new mat or carpet is needed for the back seat. The grill has a couple of dings in it and needs repair. The body is almost perfect and the only thing that needs to be repaired are a couple of holes in the floor boards in the back seat area.
The winter of 2004-05 will bring an opportunity to repair the leaking rear main seal and, if Pete is really ambitious, an overhaul.
Maria is a regular at cruises and shows, having won "Best Original Car" at an Antique Chrysler Club show. Strangely enough, Pete and Nancy are associate members of a Chevy Camaro club - because the nearest Chrysler club is 40 miles away and the Chevy club holds shows/cruises every saturday night just around the corner from their home.
Pete's father had a 49 Plymouth, same green as Maria and Pete can remember taking many trips in it, so she brings back a lot of memories.
Well Pete, it looks like you have enough work to do on Maria for a couple of years - it should keep you out of trouble. - Bill
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