the frame and tranny are different..it can never be original again...so do with it what you want and have fun.

Don't worry about the "original is worth more money" crowd, anyone watching the likes of Barret Jackson can see how the value of modified cars or recreations are sometimes worth more than the originals.
A big block, in a nice color, with a nicely done interior will ALWAYS fetch good money.

Have fun with it and post pictures when your done

 

<------I'm a mod guy myself, but in your case (because the car is a bb) you may want to consider purchacing a frame and tranny. Big blocks will be the next big thing (even LS5's).

 

100%

 

For heaven's sake, have FUN with your car...if you are waiting for GM to come and offer you $100k for your car, you may not be alive when and IF that happens...JMHO...DDBS
I don't get these guys who are fanatics about originality...once you replace a part that is broken, it really isn't original anymore, is it....?

 

Well I thank everybody for all the advise. I'm still on the fence but have some time to think about it. I dont think I will ever see the "dollar" aspect of it, gain or loss, as I tend to hang on to stuff, I've had my other 2 cars for a lot of years. So it comes down to what will mean more to me I guess, either original, value, desireable or colors and style I can get excited about. If I had a lot of money I could have bought a car that did both, I envy you guys that have original cars that you love every aspect about them. Well the interior is next so you all will see where I go with it, thanks again

 

Your car is worthless to the fanatics already. They are going to deduct the cost of replacing the frame and tranny with an origional one.
Its time to relax , make it your own and enjoy. Just do everything tastefully.

 

Hey -- If Barrett-Jackson is any indication you can call it a 'resto-rod' and charge more than original

 

Did you really say that? Wait let me put my flame suit on here....give me a minute...... OK here we go........

You would think at some point maybe pre '73 Corvettes would catch up to 1st gen Camaros and "rodded" versions would bring some what near what it would take to duplicate the car. 1st gen pro-touring or resto mod Camaros bring good money. Their valve is based on what it would cost to duplicate not what it would cost to bring it back to "original". Maybe someday the Corvette world will approach that type of mentality. Would it be unreasonable to admit cars drive better with modern tires / upgraded drivetrains / upgraded brakes / better cooling systems? The car in question here is already compromised at best. So to put it back and say it's "original" would be misleading. With that in mind would it really be terrible to build what the O/P wants not what would be viewed as the best investment. Afterall this is a hobby right? How many hobbies give you a return on investment? (For that matter how is everyones 401K doing right now?) Hobbies are suppose to be fun. Build what you like and enjoy it. When your done someone will take it off your hands and at least you can say you enjoyed the car.

 

You state that like its a fact. I've had my vette for 14 years now and a Cutlass for 21 yeras (it was my 1st car), and I have no intention on selling either. Not everyone sells their cars.