Does it add value?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Does it add value?
Hello all,
New to the site here so maybe a dumb question, but I'll ask anyway. Does replacing worn interior materials, (carpets, seat upholstery, door panels, etc.) with new materials detract from the value of old corvettes? I would think the obvious answer would be that it might add $$ to the value but I know with some antique items other than cars, that modifying or updating lessens the value.
Thanks for any input!
New to the site here so maybe a dumb question, but I'll ask anyway. Does replacing worn interior materials, (carpets, seat upholstery, door panels, etc.) with new materials detract from the value of old corvettes? I would think the obvious answer would be that it might add $$ to the value but I know with some antique items other than cars, that modifying or updating lessens the value.
Thanks for any input!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS
Unless you have a ZR1 or a GS, C4s don't have a lot of "value" in the dollars and cents way. If you redo the interior back to stock or close the biggest value you'll get is the pride of making it look new again. If you're in the car hobby to make $$, you'll most likely be disappointed. TBS, C4 is one of (in my opinion) the coolest of the Corvettes because of the massive changes heralded in by it. It paved the way for what people are buying now in the showrooms.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
He is saying the C4 isnt where you want to invest money to make money. The low perceived retail values makes restoration of these cars not cost effective. When a complete redo of the interior is close to $2k, how much do you think your car is worth now? How much do you think it will be worth when you get done dumping the $2k in it? Probly wont be worth $2k more I assure you. If this car is a hobby car and something your planning on keeping for a while and enjoying, well yeah, go ahead and do it. Go ahead and spend lots of money on the car and when you get ready to sell it just dont expect to get it back. Someone will really appreciate your efforts and investment.
The PO of my car spent $11k in paint and body and a bit in mechanical and I got mine for $3800 if that gives you any idea.
Good luck!
The PO of my car spent $11k in paint and body and a bit in mechanical and I got mine for $3800 if that gives you any idea.
Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
If it was a 57 BelAir we'd have different advice for you.
Realistically, this car is a great car to have, but if you replace the interior, first of all do it right -- it's a Corvette, after all. But secondly, you'll have the satisfaction of having a nice -looking car. It's not a car you can pour money into and get money out of. Frankly, there aren't many cars on the market you CAN do that with.
If you want to restore something that will return your money, try houses.
Realistically, this car is a great car to have, but if you replace the interior, first of all do it right -- it's a Corvette, after all. But secondly, you'll have the satisfaction of having a nice -looking car. It's not a car you can pour money into and get money out of. Frankly, there aren't many cars on the market you CAN do that with.
If you want to restore something that will return your money, try houses.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 475
From: New Jersey
I think it depends. If the rest of the car is very good and the interior is a weak point, it is probably worthwhile to buy the parts and do it yourself. If the whole car is weak, paint and interior will have you upside down for sure. Do you have a test case for us?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
My car could use some interior work, but at about $2K for leather sport seats and another $500 on up for carpet, it's taken a back seat to little things like hood lift struts and so on (which went on last night).
What I really want to spend my money on is headers/heads/exhaust. That should eat up $3K pretty fast, if I shop well.
But ALL of that will not add $2-3K value to my car. The exterior is pretty good. It might give a "wow" value to a prospective buyer, however. Which may bring in another thou or so.
What I really want to spend my money on is headers/heads/exhaust. That should eat up $3K pretty fast, if I shop well.
But ALL of that will not add $2-3K value to my car. The exterior is pretty good. It might give a "wow" value to a prospective buyer, however. Which may bring in another thou or so.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 888
Likes: 4
From: Ridgecrest Ca
Just my 2 cents here. Many may feel the same way....or not.
If I came across a C4 that was in great mechanical and cosmetic condition for $5,000 but the interior was ratty I'd pass. Doing all the labor yourself you could easily spend $2 grand on interior carpet and leather. Add door panels and just add up the bucks.
However, If I came across a similar Vette that was done I'd gladly pay $2 grand more all else being equal.
If I came across a C4 that was in great mechanical and cosmetic condition for $5,000 but the interior was ratty I'd pass. Doing all the labor yourself you could easily spend $2 grand on interior carpet and leather. Add door panels and just add up the bucks.
However, If I came across a similar Vette that was done I'd gladly pay $2 grand more all else being equal.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,147
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
Just my 2 cents here. Many may feel the same way....or not.
If I came across a C4 that was in great mechanical and cosmetic condition for $5,000 but the interior was ratty I'd pass. Doing all the labor yourself you could easily spend $2 grand on interior carpet and leather. Add door panels and just add up the bucks.
However, If I came across a similar Vette that was done I'd gladly pay $2 grand more all else being equal.
If I came across a C4 that was in great mechanical and cosmetic condition for $5,000 but the interior was ratty I'd pass. Doing all the labor yourself you could easily spend $2 grand on interior carpet and leather. Add door panels and just add up the bucks.
However, If I came across a similar Vette that was done I'd gladly pay $2 grand more all else being equal.
I'm not sure how much more value it would all to a car, but if you were selling it, It would be much more desirable to a buyer than one with a worn out interior. I think that would justify a higher selling price too though.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
Al agree with the above. But also, if you think putting $5k into your engine and $2k into the interior, it doesn't add $7k to the selling value of your car. You'd have to get the car for next to nothing to get your money back. At least in these parts (Inland NW).
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
If two identical cars were parked beside each other and both were for sale, which one would you buy? The one in better shape cosmetically or the one that needs cosmetic work? I'd opt for the one that had the work done already, every time.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
I don't think there's any money in "flipping" c-4's....I did exactly ...2k on interior, 5k on engine....also 6k for pairnt.....never will get my money back, but don't want to anyway....car is too fun to drive to get rid of for any price....
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
I did hook it up.....didn't pay much for it, but know, everytime I start it and hear that exhaust, I think i'd never sell it.....worth every penny to me....I think that's the way it is with a lot of c4 owners...we all know they're not much for blue book value....but nobody wants to part with their c'4's....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
The shape of the car is classic. That, along with great handling and decent power, makes a really fun car to drive. As long as there is a reasonably smooth road. I drag the nose on my car on the streets around here sometimes. Apparently the folks who built the roads don't have a level.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Just my 2 cents here. Many may feel the same way....or not.
If I came across a C4 that was in great mechanical and cosmetic condition for $5,000 but the interior was ratty I'd pass. Doing all the labor yourself you could easily spend $2 grand on interior carpet and leather. Add door panels and just add up the bucks.
However, If I came across a similar Vette that was done I'd gladly pay $2 grand more all else being equal.
If I came across a C4 that was in great mechanical and cosmetic condition for $5,000 but the interior was ratty I'd pass. Doing all the labor yourself you could easily spend $2 grand on interior carpet and leather. Add door panels and just add up the bucks.
However, If I came across a similar Vette that was done I'd gladly pay $2 grand more all else being equal.
I bought the car for $2500 in need of a lot of stuff. Now that I've put $1500+ into it (and a lot of time and effort), I feel it's easily worth $4000.
If I put $5000 more into it though, it wouldn't be worth $9000, it would be more like $5000...
Beyond a certain point, it's called a labor of love, I guess.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 173
From: Citrus Heights CA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 48
From: Henderson Nevada
As others have said, you'd be at a net loss. But does it "add value to the car?" Yes, absolutely, if you restore it to original. Just not enough value added to make back the money you spent if you tried to flip it. Not an investment, but the value of the car does increase if, say, the interior was shot and you restored it.
I agree with your assessment. But are you saying you need new seats altogether, or just covers and perhaps foams? Because that can be done for half the price you quoted with some careful shopping and doing the work yourself.
Yeah, essentially its progressively diminishing returns. But if you do the work yourself, shop carefully and are economical with your decisions, you can come out looking pretty good for the $ up to a certain point.
These are not collectors cars, so the high dollar return just isn't there. In 20 years, the ZR1 should start getting seriously collectable and we may see prices start skyrocketing, but that's not your average C4, and thats not today.
My car could use some interior work, but at about $2K for leather sport seats and another $500 on up for carpet, it's taken a back seat to little things like hood lift struts and so on (which went on last night).
What I really want to spend my money on is headers/heads/exhaust. That should eat up $3K pretty fast, if I shop well.
But ALL of that will not add $2-3K value to my car. The exterior is pretty good. It might give a "wow" value to a prospective buyer, however. Which may bring in another thou or so.
What I really want to spend my money on is headers/heads/exhaust. That should eat up $3K pretty fast, if I shop well.
But ALL of that will not add $2-3K value to my car. The exterior is pretty good. It might give a "wow" value to a prospective buyer, however. Which may bring in another thou or so.
So far, the money I'm spending on my '84 I feel strongly is keeping pace with the value. However, I'm about at the limit for that, and the differences will become more incremental.
I bought the car for $2500 in need of a lot of stuff. Now that I've put $1500+ into it (and a lot of time and effort), I feel it's easily worth $4000.
If I put $5000 more into it though, it wouldn't be worth $9000, it would be more like $5000...
Beyond a certain point, it's called a labor of love, I guess.
I bought the car for $2500 in need of a lot of stuff. Now that I've put $1500+ into it (and a lot of time and effort), I feel it's easily worth $4000.
If I put $5000 more into it though, it wouldn't be worth $9000, it would be more like $5000...
Beyond a certain point, it's called a labor of love, I guess.
These are not collectors cars, so the high dollar return just isn't there. In 20 years, the ZR1 should start getting seriously collectable and we may see prices start skyrocketing, but that's not your average C4, and thats not today.