[C2] Questions on modifications and affecting value.
07-10-2018, 10:32 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Questions on modifications and affecting value.
We inherited a 66 convertible. Frame was replaced 6 years ago. Otherwise, all or mostly original and numbers matching. I have good records on the car but no record of it ever having been repainted. Paint has some cracking on the front end, but over all is in good shape. Car runs very well. Its a nice driver's car.
My question is this: I have a list of mods/upgrades. Power brakes, power steering, modern (working) retro-look radio, more aggressive exhaust (N11?). I'm sure this has been asked, but will these upgrade negatively affect the car's value? The brakes and steering are safety upgrades. The N11 exhaust was available as a factory option, which is why I would choose that over another system. But the radio is modern and more of a comfort feature. We have instructions to never sell the car (not that we would). I just want to make an informed decision before saving up.
Thanks in advance. I enjoy the forum and the all the information.
My question is this: I have a list of mods/upgrades. Power brakes, power steering, modern (working) retro-look radio, more aggressive exhaust (N11?). I'm sure this has been asked, but will these upgrade negatively affect the car's value? The brakes and steering are safety upgrades. The N11 exhaust was available as a factory option, which is why I would choose that over another system. But the radio is modern and more of a comfort feature. We have instructions to never sell the car (not that we would). I just want to make an informed decision before saving up.
Thanks in advance. I enjoy the forum and the all the information.
07-10-2018, 10:39 PM
#2
Race Director
I would do them and enjoy the car...........that is what its for. Original cars should be maintained as original for maximum value, but then they usually become garage queens or trailered show cars. Not as much fun in my opinion.
Larry
Larry
The following 2 users liked this post by Powershift:
PrimeRib (07-10-2018),
woodsdesign (07-12-2018)
07-10-2018, 10:48 PM
#3
Advanced
Thread Starter
I agree. The car has been in my wife's family since new. I'm the only one that can drive stick, so the car is now in our garage :-D We really enjoy the car. My plan for modding is only mods that maintain stock appearance. I'm taking the gauge cluster out this weekend to send off for odometer repair. The guy sounded shocked when I told him told him I only wanted the odometer fixed, not a full cluster restore. The interior is original and it pretty good shape. I want to keep it that way.
Kevin
Kevin
The following users liked this post:
PrimeRib (07-11-2018)
07-11-2018, 06:58 AM
#5
Team Owner
I laugh at “reversible” mods. Maybe a radio or quartz clock. But I don’t know anyone personally that’s removed Vintage Air or disc brakes or power steering.
Do what you want but the car is perfectly safe to drive with original steering and brakes.
Do what you want but the car is perfectly safe to drive with original steering and brakes.
07-11-2018, 07:22 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
Just so you don't think that everyone is of the same mind, my advice is keep the mods on your list, and don't put them on the car. (some of them anyway)
The car was safe when it was built. You don't need power brakes or steering to enjoy driving it. 1000s of us have cars like yours with out those things,
and love how they run and drive as is. Growling exhaust and upgrade radio are another matter. Do those to your hearts content and enjoy!
The car was safe when it was built. You don't need power brakes or steering to enjoy driving it. 1000s of us have cars like yours with out those things,
and love how they run and drive as is. Growling exhaust and upgrade radio are another matter. Do those to your hearts content and enjoy!
07-11-2018, 07:57 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: The Golden Triangle, Florida
Posts: 6,200
Received 1,581 Likes
on
818 Posts
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
The following has been added to my '67 after it was built:
Power steering
Power brakes
Vintage Air
Dewitt's radiator and SPAL puller fan
Bolt-on wheels
Leather seats
Headrests
LED exterior lights
3-point seat belts
Electronic ignition
Teak steering wheel
Much of that stuff was done to the car by the previous owner and, at least to me, made the car worth more. Most of those features were available options in 1967. I figure I'm not the only person out there who would like to own a car with those safety, reliability, and creature comfort add-ons so if I ever have to sell, there will be a buyer for the car who thinks like I do.
Best not to think about future value anyway. Make the car into what YOU enjoy while YOU own it. Everything else will take care of itself.
Besides, you said the car will never leave the family so monetary value shouldn't be an issue for you at all.
Make your car into what you want and enjoy it.
Steve
Power steering
Power brakes
Vintage Air
Dewitt's radiator and SPAL puller fan
Bolt-on wheels
Leather seats
Headrests
LED exterior lights
3-point seat belts
Electronic ignition
Teak steering wheel
Much of that stuff was done to the car by the previous owner and, at least to me, made the car worth more. Most of those features were available options in 1967. I figure I'm not the only person out there who would like to own a car with those safety, reliability, and creature comfort add-ons so if I ever have to sell, there will be a buyer for the car who thinks like I do.
Best not to think about future value anyway. Make the car into what YOU enjoy while YOU own it. Everything else will take care of itself.
Besides, you said the car will never leave the family so monetary value shouldn't be an issue for you at all.
Make your car into what you want and enjoy it.
Steve
The following users liked this post:
PrimeRib (07-12-2018)
07-11-2018, 08:11 AM
#8
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,002
Received 6,943 Likes
on
4,782 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
I suggest you drive it as is for a good while before you start hacking it up. You only think you need them becouse every car you ever owned probably had all that. That’s all well and good but these cars stop, and steer just fine with manual set ups. Get your original radio restored with Bluetooth and call it a day. Exhaust is all about preference.
07-11-2018, 08:34 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
I am with Steve on this one. I have done all of the mods to my 66 coupe so the car is more enjoyable and safer to drive. I would add Vintage Air to your list as well. I could not drive my black/black coupe here in Florida because of the heat and rain. My A/C is on par with any modern system. Enjoy your car and send some pictures. Jerry
07-11-2018, 09:41 AM
#10
Drifting
Member Since: Aug 2005
Location: New Baltimore Michigan
Posts: 1,455
Received 623 Likes
on
363 Posts
Yeah, my car was very original, that being said, I did all the things the purists would faint over... it now has offset trailing arms, changed all 4 corners from drums to disks, got the dual master cyl, all stainless brake and fuel lines, Allens Stainless N-11 Exhaust, I got a set of bolt on 64 knock-offs & put redlines on them, even though redlines were not available in 64 & I sleep just fine at night!! A 5 speed & vintage air are also sounding delicious to me! I drive my car, & sitting in a parking lot sweating on a hot summer day, while strangers nit-pick every detail that they feel is not correct about my car is not my idea of a good day. I only feel this increased the value of my car.
Last edited by Rob_64-365; 07-11-2018 at 09:50 AM.
07-11-2018, 09:54 AM
#11
Team Owner
I grit my teeth a little at the putt-putt sounds out of my original 63 250hp exhausts. It just pales in comparison to the off road muffler roar out of my 61.
I’m on a knife’s edge of doIng something about it.
I’m on a knife’s edge of doIng something about it.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 07-11-2018 at 09:55 AM.
07-11-2018, 10:16 AM
#13
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Feb 2004
Location: Norcal CA
Posts: 6,717
Received 551 Likes
on
444 Posts
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Do all of the changes you want to do... Then bag up the stuff you take off. You will not get more money out of the deal unless you switch it back and sell off the parts separately. You would not lose money in the value since you have the original parts. I would say just keep the parts if you had room and make whatever changes you want to do which can be reversed.
Last edited by jimh_1962; 07-11-2018 at 10:17 AM.
07-11-2018, 10:26 AM
#14
Melting Slicks
Personally I like them “as is”. That’s the beauty of driving a 50 year old car. There’s nothing wrong with making changes but beware of the cost and creep that can easily occur. I’ve seen many start with a single mod and once it’s “no longer original”, things can be modified easier and faster. It’s a slippery slope. As far as value, who cares if you plan on keeping it.
Ed
Ed
07-11-2018, 10:27 AM
#15
Team Owner
Member Since: Jul 2001
Location: Various places in California. Not currently aflame.
Posts: 20,509
Received 634 Likes
on
392 Posts
If it's very original and you might sell it, I'd keep it very stock.
If either of those conditions is not true, I'd modify it however you desire.
I'm in the same position with my '69--it's all original and untouched. I'm doing nothing beyond restoration. My '64, on the other hand, is being modified with no concern for originality. I may even add sidepipes (the horrors!).
If either of those conditions is not true, I'd modify it however you desire.
I'm in the same position with my '69--it's all original and untouched. I'm doing nothing beyond restoration. My '64, on the other hand, is being modified with no concern for originality. I may even add sidepipes (the horrors!).
07-11-2018, 10:38 AM
#16
Team Owner
07-11-2018, 10:39 AM
#17
Race Director
Have the speedo assy AND tach completely rebuilt. If one has gone bad, the other will soon. The little gauges usually never have problems.
Doug
Doug
07-11-2018, 10:46 AM
#19
Race Director
What Frank will end up with:
Doug