61,should I restore ?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 182
From: Wolcott CT.
61,should I restore ?
I have a 61 270 HP PW 4 spd that has the original drive train. I have owned forever, It is a nice driver but was hit in the front years ago. left front fender is spliced. looks ok from distance.
I am going to put a new windshield and a new interior minus the seats and door panels, and change all the wiring.
Problem is it will be a nice driver after doing these things, but in the back of my mind I would love to do a complete restoration, which would mean a complete front clip,paint new chrome etc, etc, etc. It all adds up fast. drivers sell for ? restored sells for ? What to do?
I am going to put a new windshield and a new interior minus the seats and door panels, and change all the wiring.
Problem is it will be a nice driver after doing these things, but in the back of my mind I would love to do a complete restoration, which would mean a complete front clip,paint new chrome etc, etc, etc. It all adds up fast. drivers sell for ? restored sells for ? What to do?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,696
Likes: 3,090
From: Cottonwood AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I have a 61 270 HP PW 4 spd that has the original drive train. I have owned forever, It is a nice driver but was hit in the front years ago. left front fender is spliced. looks ok from distance.
I am going to put a new windshield and a new interior minus the seats and door panels, and change all the wiring.
Problem is it will be a nice driver after doing these things, but in the back of my mind I would love to do a complete restoration, which would mean a complete front clip,paint new chrome etc, etc, etc. It all adds up fast. drivers sell for ? restored sells for ? What to do?
I am going to put a new windshield and a new interior minus the seats and door panels, and change all the wiring.
Problem is it will be a nice driver after doing these things, but in the back of my mind I would love to do a complete restoration, which would mean a complete front clip,paint new chrome etc, etc, etc. It all adds up fast. drivers sell for ? restored sells for ? What to do?
I had my speedo and temp gauge rebuilt and the repair place tried to talk me into cosmetically restoring both and I said absolutely not, know it would be the same as I stated above as my car was restored 25 years ago I know there will have been some fading.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,144
Army
I had a '61 270hp car with both tops and dual quads...very original but with a repaint... I sold it about a year ago for $65K - a strong #2, no excuses, no hit car... It took 7 months to sell through a consignment dealer that advertises globally. Sorta surprised at the time but there you have it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Poway CA
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There is no right answer to this one.
My opinion: unless you are willing and able to do the full Monty (frame-off, NCRS, wing-nuts, jack handles, etc, etc.), they are all just "drivers" of varying degrees.... so choose the right level of "nice" for you and your pocket book!
From a pure financial standpoint, it's probably best to sell it as it sits!
My opinion: unless you are willing and able to do the full Monty (frame-off, NCRS, wing-nuts, jack handles, etc, etc.), they are all just "drivers" of varying degrees.... so choose the right level of "nice" for you and your pocket book!
From a pure financial standpoint, it's probably best to sell it as it sits!
Last edited by SDVette; Nov 15, 2017 at 11:51 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 867
Likes: 260
From: Hinesville, GA & Oswego, NY
There is no right answer to this one.
My opinion: unless you are willing and able to do the full Monty (frame-off, NCRS, wing-nuts, jack handles, etc, etc.), they are all just "drivers" of varying degrees.... so choose the right level of "nice" for you and your pocket book!
From a pure financial standpoint, it's probably best to see it as it sits!
My opinion: unless you are willing and able to do the full Monty (frame-off, NCRS, wing-nuts, jack handles, etc, etc.), they are all just "drivers" of varying degrees.... so choose the right level of "nice" for you and your pocket book!
From a pure financial standpoint, it's probably best to see it as it sits!
The only right answer is what you want the car to be, a fun car like most of us have or NCRS correct to look at and pamper, but about half afraid to drive because it might pick up a point deducting chip or heaven forbid a scratch.
I personally prefer the former, they were made to be drivers, not trophies.
Bill
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 300
From: PURCELLVILLE VA
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
There is no right answer to this one.
My opinion: unless you are willing and able to do the full Monty (frame-off, NCRS, wing-nuts, jack handles, etc, etc.), they are all just "drivers" of varying degrees.... so choose the right level of "nice" for you and your pocket book!
From a pure financial standpoint, it's probably best to sell it as it sits!
My opinion: unless you are willing and able to do the full Monty (frame-off, NCRS, wing-nuts, jack handles, etc, etc.), they are all just "drivers" of varying degrees.... so choose the right level of "nice" for you and your pocket book!
From a pure financial standpoint, it's probably best to sell it as it sits!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17,571
Likes: 3,459
From: Fresno California
Roberts427: I'm in you same boat, without the matching motor or trans. Mine is also a '61. It needs paint, windshield rubber, and some chrome work on the bumpers. Also the speedo needs a rebuild. All the other gauges work. It is 'patina'd' but non-car people think it's restored. I'm leaving mine alone right now so I can drive it. I can't decide if I should get my speedo re-silk-screened when it's rebuilt or left alone. Want everything to blend, not look like a patchwork quilt. It would cost me probably 30-40k to restore mine......with me doing most or all the labor. Not going to happen, at least anytime soon. Another thing: if you drive the car, and want to keep driving it, don't tear it apart. I know MANY people who tore their car down to restore only to never, ever, drive it again.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
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From: Greenville, Indiana
Roberts427:
Want everything to blend, not look like a patchwork quilt. It would cost me probably 30-40k to restore mine......with me doing most or all the labor.
Another thing: if you drive the car, and want to keep driving it, don't tear it apart. I know MANY people who tore their car down to restore only to never, ever, drive it again.
Want everything to blend, not look like a patchwork quilt. It would cost me probably 30-40k to restore mine......with me doing most or all the labor.
Another thing: if you drive the car, and want to keep driving it, don't tear it apart. I know MANY people who tore their car down to restore only to never, ever, drive it again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,446
Likes: 313
From: Scottsdale AZ
If you start a restoration you will be bummed out when you haven't driven it for 2 to three years. All those nice days gone. Working on it will get old without the satisfaction of the driving.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17,571
Likes: 3,459
From: Fresno California
I have a co-worker who bought his '68 Camaro when I bought my two GTO's....35 years ago. I've been driving mine every year, taking trips, vacations, making memories. They have been part of my life and family all through the decades.....Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc. etc. He is currently resto-modding his Camaro and hopes to have it finished sometime in the next two years. He has not driven it since he was 22 years old, when he tore it apart. He's 55 now.