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Questions on modifications and affecting value.
We inherited a 66 convertible. Frame was replaced 6 years ago. Otherwise, all or mostly original and numbers matching. I have good records on the car but no record of it ever having been repainted. Paint has some cracking on the front end, but over all is in good shape. Car runs very well. Its a nice driver's car.
My question is this: I have a list of mods/upgrades. Power brakes, power steering, modern (working) retro-look radio, more aggressive exhaust (N11?). I'm sure this has been asked, but will these upgrade negatively affect the car's value? The brakes and steering are safety upgrades. The N11 exhaust was available as a factory option, which is why I would choose that over another system. But the radio is modern and more of a comfort feature. We have instructions to never sell the car (not that we would). I just want to make an informed decision before saving up. Thanks in advance. I enjoy the forum and the all the information. |
I would do them and enjoy the car...........that is what its for. Original cars should be maintained as original for maximum value, but then they usually become garage queens or trailered show cars. Not as much fun in my opinion.
Larry |
I agree. The car has been in my wife's family since new. I'm the only one that can drive stick, so the car is now in our garage :-D We really enjoy the car. My plan for modding is only mods that maintain stock appearance. I'm taking the gauge cluster out this weekend to send off for odometer repair. The guy sounded shocked when I told him told him I only wanted the odometer fixed, not a full cluster restore. The interior is original and it pretty good shape. I want to keep it that way.
Kevin |
Nothing you're considering doing can't be undone but even if it were, so what? Make the car what you want and enjoy it, that's why you own it...right?
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I laugh at “reversible” mods. Maybe a radio or quartz clock. But I don’t know anyone personally that’s removed Vintage Air or disc brakes or power steering. Do what you want but the car is perfectly safe to drive with original steering and brakes. |
Just so you don't think that everyone is of the same mind, my advice is keep the mods on your list, and don't put them on the car. (some of them anyway)
The car was safe when it was built. You don't need power brakes or steering to enjoy driving it. 1000s of us have cars like yours with out those things, and love how they run and drive as is. Growling exhaust and upgrade radio are another matter. Do those to your hearts content and enjoy! |
The following has been added to my '67 after it was built:
Power steering Power brakes Vintage Air Dewitt's radiator and SPAL puller fan Bolt-on wheels Leather seats Headrests LED exterior lights 3-point seat belts Electronic ignition Teak steering wheel Much of that stuff was done to the car by the previous owner and, at least to me, made the car worth more. Most of those features were available options in 1967. I figure I'm not the only person out there who would like to own a car with those safety, reliability, and creature comfort add-ons so if I ever have to sell, there will be a buyer for the car who thinks like I do. Best not to think about future value anyway. Make the car into what YOU enjoy while YOU own it. Everything else will take care of itself. Besides, you said the car will never leave the family so monetary value shouldn't be an issue for you at all. Make your car into what you want and enjoy it. Steve |
I suggest you drive it as is for a good while before you start hacking it up. You only think you need them becouse every car you ever owned probably had all that. That’s all well and good but these cars stop, and steer just fine with manual set ups. Get your original radio restored with Bluetooth and call it a day. Exhaust is all about preference. |
I am with Steve on this one. I have done all of the mods to my 66 coupe so the car is more enjoyable and safer to drive. I would add Vintage Air to your list as well. I could not drive my black/black coupe here in Florida because of the heat and rain. My A/C is on par with any modern system. Enjoy your car and send some pictures. Jerry
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Yeah, my car was very original, that being said, I did all the things the purists would faint over... it now has offset trailing arms, changed all 4 corners from drums to disks, got the dual master cyl, all stainless brake and fuel lines, Allens Stainless N-11 Exhaust, I got a set of bolt on 64 knock-offs & put redlines on them, even though redlines were not available in 64 & I sleep just fine at night!! A 5 speed & vintage air are also sounding delicious to me! I drive my car, & sitting in a parking lot sweating on a hot summer day, while strangers nit-pick every detail that they feel is not correct about my car is not my idea of a good day. I only feel this increased the value of my car.
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I grit my teeth a little at the putt-putt sounds out of my original 63 250hp exhausts. It just pales in comparison to the off road muffler roar out of my 61. I’m on a knife’s edge of doIng something about it. |
Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
(Post 1597574977)
I grit my teeth a little at the putt-putt sounds out of my original 63 250hp exhausts. It just pales in comparison to the off road muffler roar out of my 61. I’m on a knife’s edge of doIng something about it. Steve |
Do all of the changes you want to do... Then bag up the stuff you take off. You will not get more money out of the deal unless you switch it back and sell off the parts separately. You would not lose money in the value since you have the original parts. I would say just keep the parts if you had room and make whatever changes you want to do which can be reversed.
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Personally I like them “as is”. That’s the beauty of driving a 50 year old car. There’s nothing wrong with making changes but beware of the cost and creep that can easily occur. I’ve seen many start with a single mod and once it’s “no longer original”, things can be modified easier and faster. It’s a slippery slope. As far as value, who cares if you plan on keeping it. Ed |
If it's very original and you might sell it, I'd keep it very stock.
If either of those conditions is not true, I'd modify it however you desire. I'm in the same position with my '69--it's all original and untouched. I'm doing nothing beyond restoration. My '64, on the other hand, is being modified with no concern for originality. I may even add sidepipes (the horrors!). |
Originally Posted by RatDog
(Post 1597575054)
What do you have in mind? Steve I’d like a factory appearing option that would make the little 250hp mill sound less anemic. |
Have the speedo assy AND tach completely rebuilt. If one has gone bad, the other will soon. The little gauges usually never have problems.
Doug |
I’m surprised the 2” setup doesn’t sound good. I have that setup on my 250hp Camaro and it sounds great. Ed |
Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
(Post 1597575258)
Haven’t gone to the dark side yet. I may have to step up from the factory 2” setup which I’m not crazy about doing. I’d like a factory appearing option that would make the little 250hp mill sound less anemic. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0a12a7be8a.jpg What Frank will end up with: https://2qoxwl36xoo13z02lh155w1c-wpe...loSUmmer-1.jpg :rofl: Doug |
Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
(Post 1597575258)
Haven’t gone to the dark side yet. I may have to step up from the factory 2” setup which I’m not crazy about doing. I’d like a factory appearing option that would make the little 250hp mill sound less anemic. Steve |
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