73racevette

I have a '73 bbc coupe that is not numbers matching. It was originally a sbc car, but was converted pretty completely some time ago by previous owner. It also has a front bumper delete modification. I am in the middle of frame off resto on it and the past owner clearanced the rear fenders for tire clearance. So I need to either replace both rear quarter panels to bring them back to stock or install fender flares.

The question is on a car such as this, will nicely done flares significantly reduce the resale value of this car or is it worth it to completely redo the rear quarters?

Thanks.

Metalhead140

Well done flares are unlikely to reduce the value of a modified car, imo. Lots of people like flares!

Alan 71

Hi 73,
I'd think just what the appearance of the "clearanced" wheel openings is might affect how people feel about the car.
Is the lip still there?
Picture?
Regards,
Alan

73racevette

The intent would not be to leave it as is. I am looking to either fix it with new quarter panels or molding in a small flare. Here is how it sat before I started. Not a great shot, but you can see the lip on the top of the rear fender is gone.

Alan 71

Hi 73,
If you plan to run rear tires/wheels that won't extend beyond the stock fender then a lip repair would be in order, BUT, if you plan to use something wider, then a flare seems to be right.
Regards,
Alan

73racevette

Thanks, but please refer to the original question. It is about the potential effects of flares on the overall value of the vehicle.

keithinspace

A flare is totally up to you and what you're doing with the car.

Like Alan points out, if you don't have 12" rims in your future (freaking things are $1k a pop...THEN you get the tire...crazy), then you should stay with stock fenders and just fix what's there.

I've added "the flare job" to my Corvette bucket list and just to speak the words ends up being about a $7k expenditure even if I do all the work myself. And that doesn't include anything for paint. $1,000 for the flares themselves, $400 for materials, $4,000 for rims, $1600 for tires. Those prices are give-and-take, but it's pretty close to the mark.

You could replace the fender lips with some TLC and donor fender lips for $500, probably.

Only you can answer the question of budget and direction.

But to answer your original question: No, I don't believe adding proper flares with associated rims will hurt the value of an already modified Corvette.

73racevette

Had not thought of donor fender lips. That is a good option. Now where to find...


As far as the other costs, this is a total frame off, so the tires, wheels, etc are already in the budget unfortunately or fortunately I guess.

cv67

Dont let what some mystery buyer want hold you back from making your car yours
The #s guys wont look at yours they will go after stockers, plenty of buyers out there looking for a modded vette with that roadie look dont worry about it. In thier eyes, if its done they are money ahead by letting you do the work. Have fun with it

Richard Daugird

Unless you are into vintage wheels(I am!) aluminum slots look great on old 'Vettes(period correct as well), and are still reasonably priced.