Original or Modify?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Original or Modify?
Recently my husband and I acquired a 1982 Collectors Edition. I have already posted the story of how we got it on the other thread so I won't tell the story here again. Now, I know this car was not highly sought after because of the cross fire engine. However, over the last week there have been several discussions on whether to keep it all original or go ahead and modify it.
I would like to ask you how important it is to keep something all original, or would tasteful modifications such as LED lights, better stereo, updated carpet, matter much? Of course my husband and I have differing opinions so we will be watching the answers closely
I would like to ask you how important it is to keep something all original, or would tasteful modifications such as LED lights, better stereo, updated carpet, matter much? Of course my husband and I have differing opinions so we will be watching the answers closely
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
tastefully modify it, save all the old parts.
If I had to choose regarding a nice stereo with modern attributes vs. a old am-fm radio, I would choose the new stereo and risk the few hundred hit on the car's value.
but if you go cutting body panels and changing out the engine, then you are getting into taking a few thousands hit.
If I had to choose regarding a nice stereo with modern attributes vs. a old am-fm radio, I would choose the new stereo and risk the few hundred hit on the car's value.
but if you go cutting body panels and changing out the engine, then you are getting into taking a few thousands hit.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,559
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I WISH that I could restore my Bubbarized '68 convertible!
If your car is ORIGINAL, please don't change anything that involves tools with blades/teeth on them.
Keep the mods simple/easy to undo if you ever sell it....................
or buy another car that has seen better days....then make it your dream-car!
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,972
Likes: 6,197
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Recently my husband and I acquired a 1982 Collectors Edition. I have already posted the story of how we got it on the other thread so I won't tell the story here again. Now, I know this car was not highly sought after because of the cross fire engine. However, over the last week there have been several discussions on whether to keep it all original or go ahead and modify it.
I would like to ask you how important it is to keep something all original, or would tasteful modifications such as LED lights, better stereo, updated carpet, matter much? Of course my husband and I have differing opinions so we will be watching the answers closely
I would like to ask you how important it is to keep something all original, or would tasteful modifications such as LED lights, better stereo, updated carpet, matter much? Of course my husband and I have differing opinions so we will be watching the answers closely
A CE is very visually identifyable and if you mess with the interior or body design those could be problematic. All "modifications" are not the same in this discussion.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I restored my 78 to all stock. I couldn't keep up with my friends. Remember back in the 80's speed limit was 55. Now the speed is 70 mph we drive at 80 mph.. My L-82 went ballistic on the turnpike. Now I drive the Hot Rod Power Tour every year. GM create ZZ4 TKO 5 speed tranny. Changed gears to 308. I tack 1800 rpm's @ 70 mph. I've got over 60.000 miles on my new create engine. If you want to drive and enjoy that Vette modify it. If you want to just look at it. Leave it stock. It all dispensed on how much $$$$$$$$$$$$ you have. Now if you want NCRS Top Flight. you will need this $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
=];-}>
=];-}>
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
It depends what you mean by "modify." A better stereo is fine as long you dont cut up the dash or start fundamentally messing with the interior. Lots of people make remote stereo changes without disturbing much. I dont know what "updating" carpet means. Not sure why you wouldnt just restore the carpet to stock from the long list of parts houses. I imagine LED lights can be easily removed.
A CE is very visually identifyable and if you mess with the interior or body design those could be problematic. All "modifications" are not the same in this discussion.
A CE is very visually identifyable and if you mess with the interior or body design those could be problematic. All "modifications" are not the same in this discussion.
Thanks for your input everyone! Hopefully we will be on here quite often as the search for all interior parts begins now that we have her running. When we get discouraged we will be checking out the pictures for motivation!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,559
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I wanted a newer/ better stereo but looking at doing the remote radio would work just fine. Husband wants new exhaust, doubt that would be an issue really. LEDs can be easily changed,but are not a necessity just like how bright they are. The car we have is definitely a restoration project, and you are right- The CE is definitely visually different from the rest.
Thanks for your input everyone! Hopefully we will be on here quite often as the search for all interior parts begins now that we have her running. When we get discouraged we will be checking out the pictures for motivation!
Thanks for your input everyone! Hopefully we will be on here quite often as the search for all interior parts begins now that we have her running. When we get discouraged we will be checking out the pictures for motivation!
You can ask a Moderator to incorporate your initial explanation (the other thread about the car's history) into the 1st post of this thread, if you like)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
If it is a nice original CE, Even I would be careful of what mods I would do to it. The CE is a very identifiable and unique from all the late C-3s. Even the wheels are different and I don't think there were many of them made. I would add the stereo and all the obvious mechanicals that it needs to be a reliable car and leave the rest alone. Just my .02
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 695
From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Modify it as much as you want. its just a car.
Enjoy it.
Enjoy it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Everything I'm doing to mine to modify it is all reversible. My 76 was all original when I got it so when I hand it down to my Son I want him to be able to put it back to stock if he chooses.
Let me see if I can post one the right way first....
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,614
Likes: 347
From: No Where USA
I would bring that car back to stock appearance inside and out. Then I would take out that engine and trans and store it. And I would put a killer 383 into it. That way you can always change it back when you sell it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
Sure does need a lot of work. I would restore it back to original. If it were any other 80-82 I would modify the heck out of it.:thumbs
BTW As far as the CE not being sought after. I think you are wrong. I see these come up for sale every now and then and I see them selling for more than the regular garden variety 80-82. I myself have always liked them and a CE was my second choice when I started to consider my first vette. First choice being any 75-77 because of all the mods that I have in mind which I would not do to a CE. I would have to keep it at least stock looking thus choice two.
BTW As far as the CE not being sought after. I think you are wrong. I see these come up for sale every now and then and I see them selling for more than the regular garden variety 80-82. I myself have always liked them and a CE was my second choice when I started to consider my first vette. First choice being any 75-77 because of all the mods that I have in mind which I would not do to a CE. I would have to keep it at least stock looking thus choice two.
Last edited by persuader; Apr 22, 2014 at 01:28 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I had a CE for about 5 years and enjoyed it very much. You can get new CE leather seats on foam as well as new door panels, carpeting, pretty much everything you need from Al Knoch Interiors. http://alknochinteriors.com/2013/
There is also someone (I can't remember his name) that restores CE steering wheels.....hopefully someone will chime in with his name.
A few pics of my CE and what you can make yours look like....take on projects one at a time. Each time one is finished you will feel so good about it that it will motivate you for the next one.
Anyway welcome to the corvette insanity and best of luck with your new ride.
There is also someone (I can't remember his name) that restores CE steering wheels.....hopefully someone will chime in with his name.
A few pics of my CE and what you can make yours look like....take on projects one at a time. Each time one is finished you will feel so good about it that it will motivate you for the next one.
Anyway welcome to the corvette insanity and best of luck with your new ride.
