SURPRISE!!!
77 restomod value ?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 140
From: Sadieville Kentucky
I hope this doesn't become a bone stock vs modded thread and will bring up all the related furor of varying opinions.
The OP's Original question...IMHO
In general a restoration doesn't always mean an increase in value.
If you do a so called resto rod OR a full bone stock restoration on a 77 in all likely hood the resto rod route will yield better resale value because the only bone stock cars that are fetching the taller dollars are rare cars and/or low miles very pristine cars and for the most part of the 68-72 years which in most cases are stock where In general most 74-82 are being modded.
I do not know the last time anyone got their "investment" back if you are just taking dollars.
Another thing I have noticed is a person will be biased as in if they dig stock they will say stock is always worth more across the board vice versa for fan of modding.
But it varies cars to car.
Sadly with either stock or resto about 1/2 your investment is about all you will get back worse if you hire lots of work done, if modded you will have to find the buyer who likes the same mods you did.
A turn key car is cheaper now c3s took a drop in value a few years back so most times it's cheaper to buy turn key than build.
If factory c3 parts are not "adequate" for you perhaps a c3 isn't adequate for you...
This isn't to say that there are not "amazing advancements in automobile technology over the past 40+ years to enhance the performance, comfort and safety of the classic car." and make a c3 far better than it was when it was new, this fact isn't well received by the purists who in too many cases deem any c3 that isn't bone stock ruined and worthless.
You asked how people justify restoring a c3...
My thoughts apply to the fellow doing his dream build be it bone stock NCRS winner or a resto mod to full blown custom, doing it for profit is not a good reason and likely a dead end.
Doing a restoration for sentimental reasons might end with heartache.
Just having "money to blow" I don't suffer from that affliction.
How do "I" justify restoring my 69 c3?
For over 30 years I have loved c3's owned many, my 69 has no sentimental value it would be a bonus if it did,
My justification is simple, it's the car I desire, GM never built just the c3 I wanted so I had to build it myself, my happy mix of old school and new school and a little custom stirred into the pot, not meant to please another soul just me the owner/builder.
I have no concern how much it will be worth or how much I invested.
I bet my justification is shared by many c3 owners.
The OP's Original question...IMHO
In general a restoration doesn't always mean an increase in value.
If you do a so called resto rod OR a full bone stock restoration on a 77 in all likely hood the resto rod route will yield better resale value because the only bone stock cars that are fetching the taller dollars are rare cars and/or low miles very pristine cars and for the most part of the 68-72 years which in most cases are stock where In general most 74-82 are being modded.
I do not know the last time anyone got their "investment" back if you are just taking dollars.
Another thing I have noticed is a person will be biased as in if they dig stock they will say stock is always worth more across the board vice versa for fan of modding.
But it varies cars to car.
Sadly with either stock or resto about 1/2 your investment is about all you will get back worse if you hire lots of work done, if modded you will have to find the buyer who likes the same mods you did.
A turn key car is cheaper now c3s took a drop in value a few years back so most times it's cheaper to buy turn key than build.
If factory c3 parts are not "adequate" for you perhaps a c3 isn't adequate for you...
This isn't to say that there are not "amazing advancements in automobile technology over the past 40+ years to enhance the performance, comfort and safety of the classic car." and make a c3 far better than it was when it was new, this fact isn't well received by the purists who in too many cases deem any c3 that isn't bone stock ruined and worthless.
You asked how people justify restoring a c3...
My thoughts apply to the fellow doing his dream build be it bone stock NCRS winner or a resto mod to full blown custom, doing it for profit is not a good reason and likely a dead end.
Doing a restoration for sentimental reasons might end with heartache.
Just having "money to blow" I don't suffer from that affliction.
How do "I" justify restoring my 69 c3?
For over 30 years I have loved c3's owned many, my 69 has no sentimental value it would be a bonus if it did,
My justification is simple, it's the car I desire, GM never built just the c3 I wanted so I had to build it myself, my happy mix of old school and new school and a little custom stirred into the pot, not meant to please another soul just me the owner/builder.
I have no concern how much it will be worth or how much I invested.
I bet my justification is shared by many c3 owners.
Trying to figure out what I have here?? Is it a modified Vette that I am doing a restoration on or am I doing a restoration on a modified corvette .If that's not a resto mod then what is ???
For those that have never done a frame off they don't see how well C 3 were built and really how strong built they are compared to other manufactures of that time .most of the cars are gone from that time period because they were so poorly built and there were many times more of them built.
If you have a chance shoot me some pic's of your side gills I am getting ready to do mine .
Wes
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 294
Likes: 5
From: Valdosta GA
Wow like others said funny how questions cant be answered without arguing between people. Lets add another question. How many miles do you think i can get out of that setup before starting over lol. If i spend 30000 over 15years thats only a 170$ car payment 
and i left out that the car is FREE to start with. Well what little im gonna use off of it
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Bats
Trying to figure out what I have here?? Is it a modified Vette that I am doing a restoration on or am I doing a restoration on a modified corvette .If that's not a resto mod then what is ???
For those that have never done a frame off they don't see how well C 3 were built and really how strong built they are compared to other manufactures of that time .most of the cars are gone from that time period because they were so poorly built and there were many times more of them built.
If you have a chance shoot me some pic's of your side gills I am getting ready to do mine .
Wes
In my world a "Restoration" need not be 100% factory, but I also know to some people "restoration" does mean 100% stock,
For me "resto rod" and "resto mod" and the same, two new trendy buzz words to describe building a car the way the owner/builder desires it to be and in most cases this happens to be better as in upgraded and updated from original.
And for me when a person takes a tired c3 for example and rebuilds it bone stock that is a restoration...end of "label".
If the same tired car is rebuilt using some or any modern upgrades/updates then to me it's a resto mod/rod that has had a restoration, if it still needs work...it hasn't been "restored" fully.
But I can change my mind on any of that because I really don't care what it's called.
Send me an email the13bats@aol.com I have vent/gill pictures.
Wow like others said funny how questions cant be answered without arguing between people. Lets add another question. How many miles do you think i can get out of that setup before starting over lol. If i spend 30000 over 15years thats only a 170$ car payment and i left out that the car is FREE to start with. Well what little im gonna use off of itI got over 100K miles on one 81, I am 50 my 69 will be a bit better than new in 69 and with normal upkeep and low daily driver use it should out last me....
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,919
Likes: 3,333
From: NYC NY
To the O/P build the car you want with the parts you want within your budget.
Keep in mind when it comes time to sell it may be difficult to find someone who shares the same taste in Corvettes as you do. It's a hobby and it should be fun. Hobbies in most cases cost money and don't bring a return on investment. In your particular case I would expect about a 1/3 to 1/2 at the very best return when it comes time to sell if your Corvette is well cared for.
Spend, build, and most important enjoy.
Keep in mind when it comes time to sell it may be difficult to find someone who shares the same taste in Corvettes as you do. It's a hobby and it should be fun. Hobbies in most cases cost money and don't bring a return on investment. In your particular case I would expect about a 1/3 to 1/2 at the very best return when it comes time to sell if your Corvette is well cared for.
Spend, build, and most important enjoy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,875
Likes: 3,554
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Help me justify fixing this car haha. It has sentimental value but its a lot of work. Anyway imaginge a shiny red 77 great body with a ls3 swap. Vansteel coilover all around, wilwood breaks (the 13 in ones) 18" ameican racing wheels, redone interior ect. Im not looking for you wont ever get your money out of it. I just want a rough value if i sell it with say 20000 miles after the resto. The chassis will have 10k in it, engine and trans 14k body i hope 8-10k
There is NO justification for throwing tons of money at a car- Whether it be a Restomod or a NCRS restoration- UNLESS you are doing it for your OWN enjoyment.
What's it worth? Way too many factors involved- and if you are worried what the value is AFTER you are all done - I would not recommend doing it.
You are MUCH better off spending your evenings delivering pizza and then blowing that money on the Lottery- at least THAT money will help fund someones education!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,352
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
A few days ago, I was reading a magazine for buyers and sellers of restored cars..."American Restorer?" It was interesting to note (1) the obvious that resto-mod cars usually had noticeably lost re-sale value. The difference was particularly noticeable when a resto-mod car was shown along side nearly identical year and model restored cars. (2) There were exceptions. There were resto-mod-ed that were selling at high prices. The most obvious in this category would be "professionally' rebuilt hot rods based on 1930's designs. However, it did seem that resto-mods that did not alter the exterior or interior appearance of the cars, could still bring high prices. For instance, when Jay Leno replaces the mechanical brakes with hydraulic brakes on a classic car from the 20's or early thirties I don't think he harms the value of the car...especially since it's a safer car to drive. I think another example is that if you're starting out with a non-numbers matching C2 or early C3, you can improve the value with a new technology GM LS or LT engine, modernize the suspension, etc. I think that noticeably modifying the body of a C1,2,3, etc is sudden death for resale value. Maybe an exception to this body modification comment is the Motion Performance mod'd cars..they seem to hold their value, but I don't care for their appearance. Just my opinion.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
I hope this doesn't become a bone stock vs modded thread and will bring up all the related furor of varying opinions.
The OP's Original question...IMHO
In general a restoration doesn't always mean an increase in value.
If you do a so called resto rod OR a full bone stock restoration on a 77 in all likely hood the resto rod route will yield better resale value because the only bone stock cars that are fetching the taller dollars are rare cars and/or low miles very pristine cars and for the most part of the 68-72 years which in most cases are stock where In general most 74-82 are being modded.
I do not know the last time anyone got their "investment" back if you are just taking dollars.
Another thing I have noticed is a person will be biased as in if they dig stock they will say stock is always worth more across the board vice versa for fan of modding.
But it varies cars to car.
Sadly with either stock or resto about 1/2 your investment is about all you will get back worse if you hire lots of work done, if modded you will have to find the buyer who likes the same mods you did.
A turn key car is cheaper now c3s took a drop in value a few years back so most times it's cheaper to buy turn key than build.
If factory c3 parts are not "adequate" for you perhaps a c3 isn't adequate for you...
This isn't to say that there are not "amazing advancements in automobile technology over the past 40+ years to enhance the performance, comfort and safety of the classic car." and make a c3 far better than it was when it was new, this fact isn't well received by the purists who in too many cases deem any c3 that isn't bone stock ruined and worthless.
You asked how people justify restoring a c3...
My thoughts apply to the fellow doing his dream build be it bone stock NCRS winner or a resto mod to full blown custom, doing it for profit is not a good reason and likely a dead end.
Doing a restoration for sentimental reasons might end with heartache.
Just having "money to blow" I don't suffer from that affliction.
How do "I" justify restoring my 69 c3?
For over 30 years I have loved c3's owned many, my 69 has no sentimental value it would be a bonus if it did,
My justification is simple, it's the car I desire, GM never built just the c3 I wanted so I had to build it myself, my happy mix of old school and new school and a little custom stirred into the pot, not meant to please another soul just me the owner/builder.
I have no concern how much it will be worth or how much I invested.
I bet my justification is shared by many c3 owners.
The OP's Original question...IMHO
In general a restoration doesn't always mean an increase in value.
If you do a so called resto rod OR a full bone stock restoration on a 77 in all likely hood the resto rod route will yield better resale value because the only bone stock cars that are fetching the taller dollars are rare cars and/or low miles very pristine cars and for the most part of the 68-72 years which in most cases are stock where In general most 74-82 are being modded.
I do not know the last time anyone got their "investment" back if you are just taking dollars.
Another thing I have noticed is a person will be biased as in if they dig stock they will say stock is always worth more across the board vice versa for fan of modding.
But it varies cars to car.
Sadly with either stock or resto about 1/2 your investment is about all you will get back worse if you hire lots of work done, if modded you will have to find the buyer who likes the same mods you did.
A turn key car is cheaper now c3s took a drop in value a few years back so most times it's cheaper to buy turn key than build.
If factory c3 parts are not "adequate" for you perhaps a c3 isn't adequate for you...
This isn't to say that there are not "amazing advancements in automobile technology over the past 40+ years to enhance the performance, comfort and safety of the classic car." and make a c3 far better than it was when it was new, this fact isn't well received by the purists who in too many cases deem any c3 that isn't bone stock ruined and worthless.
You asked how people justify restoring a c3...
My thoughts apply to the fellow doing his dream build be it bone stock NCRS winner or a resto mod to full blown custom, doing it for profit is not a good reason and likely a dead end.
Doing a restoration for sentimental reasons might end with heartache.
Just having "money to blow" I don't suffer from that affliction.
How do "I" justify restoring my 69 c3?
For over 30 years I have loved c3's owned many, my 69 has no sentimental value it would be a bonus if it did,
My justification is simple, it's the car I desire, GM never built just the c3 I wanted so I had to build it myself, my happy mix of old school and new school and a little custom stirred into the pot, not meant to please another soul just me the owner/builder.
I have no concern how much it will be worth or how much I invested.
I bet my justification is shared by many c3 owners.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
A few days ago, I was reading a magazine for buyers and sellers of restored cars..."American Restorer?" It was interesting to note (1) the obvious that resto-mod cars usually had noticeably lost re-sale value. The difference was particularly noticeable when a resto-mod car was shown along side nearly identical year and model restored cars. (2) There were exceptions. There were resto-mod-ed that were selling at high prices. The most obvious in this category would be "professionally' rebuilt hot rods based on 1930's designs. However, it did seem that resto-mods that did not alter the exterior or interior appearance of the cars, could still bring high prices. For instance, when Jay Leno replaces the mechanical brakes with hydraulic brakes on a classic car from the 20's or early thirties I don't think he harms the value of the car...especially since it's a safer car to drive. I think another example is that if you're starting out with a non-numbers matching C2 or early C3, you can improve the value with a new technology GM LS or LT engine, modernize the suspension, etc. I think that noticeably modifying the body of a C1,2,3, etc is sudden death for resale value. Maybe an exception to this body modification comment is the Motion Performance mod'd cars..they seem to hold their value, but I don't care for their appearance. Just my opinion.
The rest is Apples and oranges and a few contradictions...I will not get into other makes and models since this is c3 and the op has a 77, the 77 all due respects didn't have a rare model it was the last year of the flat rear glass and had some oddball interior parts but...
So unless it was a really pristine low miles "special" 77 a well done resto rod/mod even with some body mods like say a hood scoop flares etc would be far from "sudden death" and likely be more "popular" than a bone stock 77, take a look around the net not just one forum 74-82 c3's are being modded not kept bone stock...sorry purists.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,976
Likes: 6,202
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Guys, if you want to continue rehashing the multiple regular debates that are being argued again in this thread, knock yourselves out.
But, I've had to clean up a couple posts and a couple others are headed down the wrong road. I won't spend a lot of time trying to save a thread like this so, please, attack ideas, not other members. And please watch the language.
Carry on.
But, I've had to clean up a couple posts and a couple others are headed down the wrong road. I won't spend a lot of time trying to save a thread like this so, please, attack ideas, not other members. And please watch the language.
Carry on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
Back to OP question .
I see nothing wrong with you idea . Ultimately , it is what will made you happy . When your done are you going to keep it ? When you modify a car , are you going to be happy walking out in the garage and seeing it for a number of years ? Do you realize , when selling others may not like your tastes. It seems people like to start with virgin unmolested Vettes to build projects or,customs or,race cars . So .....it seems people into customs don even want other peoples customs to do their own projects ...smh .......that is just crazy IMO. How about using screwed up cars to start with .
Are you ok building a dream car , and keeping it a LONG TIME and enjoying it . That is how you get your value out . Not building it for 40 grand , not liking it and selling for 20 one year latter...thats kinda dumb. You need to think straight.
Lastly I believe a super custom job on a stock corvette ......is the beginning of it's end .....unless it's a C2 or C1 ......once the custom is old and beat .....that's it's demise . Scrape. New modifiers usually seem to,want to use up virgin cars as their starting point. Although teens don't seem put off by fixing up old heavily built customs ......old guys do ....I guess they are lazy.
I see nothing wrong with you idea . Ultimately , it is what will made you happy . When your done are you going to keep it ? When you modify a car , are you going to be happy walking out in the garage and seeing it for a number of years ? Do you realize , when selling others may not like your tastes. It seems people like to start with virgin unmolested Vettes to build projects or,customs or,race cars . So .....it seems people into customs don even want other peoples customs to do their own projects ...smh .......that is just crazy IMO. How about using screwed up cars to start with .
Are you ok building a dream car , and keeping it a LONG TIME and enjoying it . That is how you get your value out . Not building it for 40 grand , not liking it and selling for 20 one year latter...thats kinda dumb. You need to think straight.
Lastly I believe a super custom job on a stock corvette ......is the beginning of it's end .....unless it's a C2 or C1 ......once the custom is old and beat .....that's it's demise . Scrape. New modifiers usually seem to,want to use up virgin cars as their starting point. Although teens don't seem put off by fixing up old heavily built customs ......old guys do ....I guess they are lazy.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 294
Likes: 5
From: Valdosta GA
Thats a good point ls4 pilot. Again i appreciate everyones opinions. Im gonna go for it because well i can. If i get it finished then i will be proud to know how my car was put together and that its one of a kind. Guess its time to end this thread and start a build thread
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Back to OP question .
I see nothing wrong with you idea . Ultimately , it is what will made you happy . When your done are you going to keep it ? When you modify a car , are you going to be happy walking out in the garage and seeing it for a number of years ? Do you realize , when selling others may not like your tastes. It seems people like to start with virgin unmolested Vettes to build projects or,customs or,race cars . So .....it seems people into customs don even want other peoples customs to do their own projects ...smh .......that is just crazy IMO. How about using screwed up cars to start with .
I don't see too many modders wanting to start with virgin stock cars for custom/resto mod projects because especially with the chromies they cost more to get into on the other hand the 74-82's more I see for sale are not bone stock and have a entry fee that modders do dig, ironically that 68 435 can am I helped the lady sell, the buyer now a friend of mine is going back to stock with what I call a radically customized car because a 68 435 convertible is some what rare and desirable stock if the same car was say a 76 no one would care about going back to stock some cat who loves wide bodies would have bought it.
Are you ok building a dream car , and keeping it a LONG TIME and enjoying it . That is how you get your value out . Not building it for 40 grand , not liking it and selling for 20 one year latter...thats kinda dumb. You need to think straight.
Lastly I believe a super custom job on a stock corvette ......is the beginning of it's end .....unless it's a C2 or C1 ......once the custom is old and beat .....that's it's demise . Scrape. New modifiers usually seem to,want to use up virgin cars as their starting point. Although teens don't seem put off by fixing up old heavily built customs ......old guys do ....I guess they are lazy.
I see nothing wrong with you idea . Ultimately , it is what will made you happy . When your done are you going to keep it ? When you modify a car , are you going to be happy walking out in the garage and seeing it for a number of years ? Do you realize , when selling others may not like your tastes. It seems people like to start with virgin unmolested Vettes to build projects or,customs or,race cars . So .....it seems people into customs don even want other peoples customs to do their own projects ...smh .......that is just crazy IMO. How about using screwed up cars to start with .
I don't see too many modders wanting to start with virgin stock cars for custom/resto mod projects because especially with the chromies they cost more to get into on the other hand the 74-82's more I see for sale are not bone stock and have a entry fee that modders do dig, ironically that 68 435 can am I helped the lady sell, the buyer now a friend of mine is going back to stock with what I call a radically customized car because a 68 435 convertible is some what rare and desirable stock if the same car was say a 76 no one would care about going back to stock some cat who loves wide bodies would have bought it.
Are you ok building a dream car , and keeping it a LONG TIME and enjoying it . That is how you get your value out . Not building it for 40 grand , not liking it and selling for 20 one year latter...thats kinda dumb. You need to think straight.
Lastly I believe a super custom job on a stock corvette ......is the beginning of it's end .....unless it's a C2 or C1 ......once the custom is old and beat .....that's it's demise . Scrape. New modifiers usually seem to,want to use up virgin cars as their starting point. Although teens don't seem put off by fixing up old heavily built customs ......old guys do ....I guess they are lazy.
Does custom limit your buyers? yes, does it make the car worth less than same car stock? only if in stock form the car was rare or special.
for example my 69 was modded yet I bought it since it wasnt a special or rare car no reason for me not to make it what my dream c3 would be which isn't stock but isn't too radical either.
To say modding a c3 kills it's value simply isn't true.
This doesn't need be a stock vs modded idea it all depends on too many varibles.
Things vary year to year car to car it become apples to oranges a pristine stock c3 will fetch good money just like a well done modded c3 will....
To the op if you are building for $$$ back investment run..run fast...
Build to make a car YOU want and desire then get you investment back from the fun you have in the build and playing with it...