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I just bought an '86 with 53k on it. Its totally stock with the exception of the wheels (im looking for a stock set). Im going to keep mine as stock as possible.
These cars are not an investment, so mod it to suit what you like. That said, certain body mods will kill the value if everyone else hates the mod. Being unique is cool...being ugly isn't.
Performance and brake mods seem to be the most popular.
Once the "mod bug" bites you it will never end. Ever. And it is a constant cycle because once you change one thing (usually speed related) you have to change three more. Leave it stock and enjoy it. Get another one already modified (for 1/2 the price of parts alone) if you really want it modified.
I will probably do some minor mods like some mufflers, a double din stereo and go from there. Nothing too rad...
I was a mechanic for 16 years so that helps on the labor. Now I am just concentrating on maintenance. I replaced belt, hoses, plugs, fluids, filters and tires. It had the original 1987 VR50's on it. I replaced with BFG's.
It's your car, make it to be what you want. However, my suggestion is to take a moment before you do. Figure out what you want, and develop a vision for the finished product, then develop a plan to get there. This will save you time, money, and the lessen the chance of dissapointment.
If the only thing holding you back is potential value down the road, I'd say mod it. You're correct in thinking it will be a longggggggg time before C4s start to appreciate in value.
It's your car, make it to be what you want. However, my suggestion is to take a moment before you do. Figure out what you want, and develop a vision for the finished product, then develop a plan to get there. This will save you time, money, and the lessen the chance of dissapointment.
BINGO, a well thought out reply. I wish I had done that.
You're correct in thinking it will be a longggggggg time before C4s start to appreciate in value.
The mid/late C3s are still struggling with that....once they are untouchable price wise then people miiiight look at the C4. That could be a long way off dont even give thought to it at this point; youd be cheating yourself the opportunity to enjoy the car.
You have a very low mileage completely stock early C4. Believe it or not, cars like this are getting pretty hard to find and will become even more difficult to find over time.
Accordingly, I suggest that you keep it stock. Purchase a set of wheels for it and put your new BFG's on the new wheels for daily driving. Install the original tires on the original wheels and put them up in your garage for shows and NCRS judging.
Once you modify this car, it will be very expensive and time consuming to bring it back to original condition with the correct date coded parts. Ask me how I know .
You have a very low mileage completely stock early C4. Believe it or not, cars like this are getting pretty hard to find and will become even more difficult to find over time.
Accordingly, I suggest that you keep it stock. Purchase a set of wheels for it and put your new BFG's on the new wheels for daily driving. Install the original tires on the original wheels and put them up in your garage for shows and NCRS judging.
Once you modify this car, it will be very expensive and time consuming to bring it back to original condition with the correct date coded parts. Ask me how I know .
12,800 miles? That's almost a time capsule! Keep it stock.
However, in the interest of preserving the car, go ahead and get another set of wheels. You can pick up a set of stock rims on this forum cheaper than some fancy ones. Change back to the originals for judged shows and trailer the car. CAUTION: Those originals should not be driven on the road. They are dangerous.
It makes no difference whether it's an Autocar or a Zephyr, it's only original once. People love barn-find originals--no matter what make or model it is. Please keep it original.