Used Nash

Seller Description

You’re bidding on a 1958 Metropolitan, fully restored
from original, NOS, and new parts as a father/son project that started in 2016.
Based on the documentation that came with the car, it was disassembled sometime
in the 1990’s, the body work and paint were completed, and then work stalled.
After changing hands at least two times in the intervening years and making its
way from Michigan to Nova Scotia, we discovered it as a body shell and boxes of
parts. Amazingly, the parts were very complete, often with multiples of the
same thing - we suspect a parts car was disassembled at the same time as the
original.
Upon receiving the car, we did a full inventory and
assessment of all components and commenced restoration, which included:
- Engine overhaul using original pistons (STD) and new
rings. Crank was reground .010 under and new rod/main bearings installed. Head was
overhauled with new valves, guides, and seats. A new duplex timing chain/gears
and tensioner were installed, as was a new rocker shaft. A spin-on oil filter
kit was added at the time of re-assembly. The front main seal was upgraded to a
rubber seal using a later timing cover; the rear “seal” is the original
scroll-type and as a result some oil leakage is evident.
- Upgrade to Weber DGAV carb and Pierce manifold. The
automatic choke and fast idle work as they should (fast idle @ 1150 RPM,
regular idle @ 825 RPM). Two original carbs, manifolds, and air cleaners come
with the car. Original exhaust manifold was used; rest of exhaust is all-new
from front to back.
- Inspection and cleaning of the three-speed transmission,
which is original and did not require overhaul. The clutch disc was replaced
during restoration.
- Conversion to negative ground with alternator for
reliability. Original generator (disassembled) comes with the car. Distributor
was disassembled, cleaned, and inspected, and ignition was upgraded to a Pertronix
electronic unit. New wires, cap, and rotor were installed.
- The original wiring harness was reinstalled and is
complete. Two additional harnesses come with the car. The only modification
other than the alternator was the installation of a button-type brake switch
for reliability. A new battery was installed with new cables and disconnect
switch. All electrics (lights, switches, and accessories) work, with the
exception of the radio due to the conversion to negative ground. Heater control
uses the original “Weather Eye” valve, which was re-sealed and is leak-free.
- The seats are covered in the original upholstery, and
the seat bottoms were re-cushioned. The door panels and other side panels are
all-new, including hardboard and correct vinyl, created using the originals as
patterns. The original stainless interior trim and correct clips were used. The
headliner is new and uses original hardware and bows. A second set of bows
comes with the car.
- New carpets replaced the original rubber floor mats,
which were unusable.
- All new door rubbers and seals were installed, as were
a new bonnet seal and buffers.
- Complete new hydraulics front to back – clutch master,
slave, and lines; brake master, wheel cylinders, and lines.

- New brake shoes and hardware; drums re-surfaced.
Parking brake is functional. The brakes are remarkably effective, with a firm
pedal and no pulling from side to side.
- New fuel pump; original lines were used (including
correct fittings) except where unserviceable. The fuel tank is original and was
flushed prior to installation. An in-line filter was added at the tank exit.
- The suspension and steering were overhauled, with
components replaced as required. New shocks were installed front and back.
- The fuel gauge, speedometer, and odometer are all
operative. The speedometer cable was replaced for reliability, while the
original comes with the car.
- Exterior trim and brightwork is original and complete.
Bumpers are original (not re-chromed) and show some defects commensurate with
age. Two of the original overriders were missing; the remaining have been
removed for appearance. Multiple sets of stainless body and window trim come
with the car. The grille is original; two additional grilles come with the car.
The grille surrounds are original.
- All glass is original; rubbers were replaced during
installation. Both types of rear window came to us with the car – we used the
one-piece version. The 3-piece rear glass and trim come with the car.
- The radiator is original and was flushed prior to
installation. A second radiator comes with the car, which will need to be
re-cored if put into service. A new thermostat and water pump were installed
when the engine was overhauled; a second NOS pump comes with the car.
- Tires are new (including spare) – size 155/70/13. Tubes
are installed. The original jack and tools come with the car.
- Many additional parts of varying condition come with
the car, including:
Light assemblies
Suspension pieces and spindles
Axles
Wiring harnesses, including voltage regulators
Horn buttons and trafficators
Steering wheel
Hub caps
Exterior trim
Fuel tank straps
Headliner bows
Intake manifolds and carburetors
Air cleaner assemblies
Radiator
Shift levers and linkages
Pedal assemblies
Rear seats
Numerous other miscellaneous parts
Extensive documentation from prior to our ownership as
well as during restoration
As noted above, the body shell was painted prior to our
purchase of the car. The paint is single-stage and is of good quality. Some
minor defects are apparent, which are really only noticed when up close (e.g.,
when waxing the car). A few chips were incurred in the last 20 or so years,
which have been touched up. Prior to reassembly, the entire underside of the
car was painted.
The mileage noted in the listing is the current odometer reading. True mileage is unknown.
Since restoration, the car has been used consistently and
drives like a new 1958 car. It pulls strongly, idles happily in traffic,
doesn’t overheat, and has no squeaks or rattles. We have restored numerous
cars, and few have gotten the level of attention this one does on the road. It
is great fun to watch people circle it in parking lots, cell phones in hand,
taking photos. While we enjoy the car, it’s time to make room for another
project that has captured our interest.
$500 deposit via Paypal or other transfer required within 24 hours of auction close. Balance of payment required upon vehicle pickup. Buyer is responsible for shipping / pickup arrangements; we will assist with vehicle preparation, loading, etc.
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