Original or Custom?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Valdosta GA
Re: Original or Custom? (Chevyguy1973)
My best advise to you is that if you are that undecided about what to do with it, just give it to me and I'll have fun with it. :lol: Just kidding, do what you want with it. If it's your dream...go for it. I told my wife when she bought me mine that it would sit in the garage until I got it JUST the way I wanted it. It still sits and I still work on it. Having a numbers matching car leaves very little to do after you get it back there. What's fun in that? Constant improvements are FUN. :flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,783
Likes: 2
From: Engineers do it better.
Re: Original or Custom? (NHvette)
Do your mods and keep the original parts. If you decide to sell later, swap it
back - sell the vette for $$$ and sell the 'extra' parts for $$.
Until then, enjoy !! :seeya
back - sell the vette for $$$ and sell the 'extra' parts for $$.
Until then, enjoy !! :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 0
From: Why Drive When you can ride
Re: Original or Custom? (desi)
It's your car, do what you want. I wise man once told me to never look at a car as an investment, because it isn't. Sure, my car is worth 4 times what it was brand new, but how much money have I put into it to get it there. Enjoy your mods, if you buy the car as an investment, thats all it will ever be, IMO.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 837
From: PA
Re: Original or Custom?
I'm curious as to when having an original or restored car and driving/enjoying it became mutually exclusive?
I would also agree that cars are not the best investments available, but there is a lot to be said for being able to get your money back out of them when its time to sell.
Regards,
I would also agree that cars are not the best investments available, but there is a lot to be said for being able to get your money back out of them when its time to sell.
Regards,
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Re: Original or Custom? (Rowdy Rat)
I'm sorry, I was not intending any disrespect to those of the restoration mindset. But when you wait for 6 years for a car with a very specific purpose in mind, anything else isn't quite the same. BTW Nice Seal on your posting. I'm at 15 yrs and counting. Semper Fi! :flag
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 837
From: PA
Re: Original or Custom?
David,
I didn't see your post as disrespectful and there was no offense taken at all on my end. :)
To be honest though, I really am curious as to why people believe that just because a car is original or restored to factory specifications it can't be driven (or is pitifully slow if it is). It seems that whenever an original car or (NCRS/Bloomington Gold) restoration is mentioned, the assumption is that the car can't be driven... "I bought mine to drive..." is usually the response. I'd seriously like to hear why some people feel that having an original/restored car prevents a person from driving it. I do apologize as I should have started a new topic to address this question rather than hijack yours.
It is your car and you certainly can enjoy it in any way that you want (and I certainly hope that you do enjoy it!)... Be it stock, or by changing it to better suit your taste. Just be aware of the consequences of each of those options... An informed decision will leave you with fewer regrets later on.
Welcome to the Forum and have fun with the new '73... Semper Fi Marine!
Regards,
I didn't see your post as disrespectful and there was no offense taken at all on my end. :)
To be honest though, I really am curious as to why people believe that just because a car is original or restored to factory specifications it can't be driven (or is pitifully slow if it is). It seems that whenever an original car or (NCRS/Bloomington Gold) restoration is mentioned, the assumption is that the car can't be driven... "I bought mine to drive..." is usually the response. I'd seriously like to hear why some people feel that having an original/restored car prevents a person from driving it. I do apologize as I should have started a new topic to address this question rather than hijack yours.
It is your car and you certainly can enjoy it in any way that you want (and I certainly hope that you do enjoy it!)... Be it stock, or by changing it to better suit your taste. Just be aware of the consequences of each of those options... An informed decision will leave you with fewer regrets later on.
Welcome to the Forum and have fun with the new '73... Semper Fi Marine!
Regards,
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Original or Custom? - Custom! (Chevyguy1973)
I don't think a 383 would be an improvement over an L-82. You might get what 50HP more? That's not worth losing the look and love of the original engine. The tranny is not easily visible, so you can have any tranny you want and not have anyone look at it and tell it's not original.
If I was in your shoes I would leave it alone until I have enough for a Ramjet 502 with Richmond 6-speed, along with full upgrade to drive train. Once you start getting over 400HP the U-Joints, rear end, and tranny start to fly apart.
If I was in your shoes I would leave it alone until I have enough for a Ramjet 502 with Richmond 6-speed, along with full upgrade to drive train. Once you start getting over 400HP the U-Joints, rear end, and tranny start to fly apart.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Original or Custom? (Rowdy Rat)
Stan,
Personally, I think that driving a fully restored car is no problem with the less valuable cars. While I would not have an issue driving an L88 as a weekend toy, I might be concerned with putting too many miles on her. The same applies to the other more sought after cars.
The risk of getting caught in the rain, a rock being thrown through the windshield, an accident, a blown engine, a paint ding, etc, however would be costly to fix (more than on a non NCRS driver where #s and quality may be less important) if not detrimental to the car's value.
Rick (SouthernC3) in another thread posted about concern regarding the number of previous owners affecting his sale. Mileage has the same effect from what I can tell with many NCRS type 'shoppers'. A lower mileage L88 seems to bring more money than a high mileage one (heck, even color has a big impact).
Thus, many people do not see the point in doing a frame off, high dollar restoration to NCRS standards if they are going to use the car in a manner than adversly affects its value. It is one reason I am not sure how to restore mine just yet.
Personally, I think that driving a fully restored car is no problem with the less valuable cars. While I would not have an issue driving an L88 as a weekend toy, I might be concerned with putting too many miles on her. The same applies to the other more sought after cars.
The risk of getting caught in the rain, a rock being thrown through the windshield, an accident, a blown engine, a paint ding, etc, however would be costly to fix (more than on a non NCRS driver where #s and quality may be less important) if not detrimental to the car's value.
Rick (SouthernC3) in another thread posted about concern regarding the number of previous owners affecting his sale. Mileage has the same effect from what I can tell with many NCRS type 'shoppers'. A lower mileage L88 seems to bring more money than a high mileage one (heck, even color has a big impact).
Thus, many people do not see the point in doing a frame off, high dollar restoration to NCRS standards if they are going to use the car in a manner than adversly affects its value. It is one reason I am not sure how to restore mine just yet.