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Classic Cars Restoration Advice
220 messages, Last post on May 31, 2009 at 5:49 PM
You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright
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Replying to: hpmctorque (May 27, 2009 10:05 am) A $15K coupe would have to be pretty close to "great" in condition. Most of the ones I see have nice paint, pretty clean interiors, clean but less than spiffy engine bays and old unpainted/undetailed/unrebuilt undercarriages. That's a #3 car and not a $15,000 one. |
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Replying to: hpmctorque (May 27, 2009 10:05 am) They handle like an overloaded cruise ship. They are hard on suspension parts and tires, they wallow around corners and they have boatloads of electrical and vacuum leak problems. If I were tempted to buy one (and I could be), I would pick one that is already done. I would never change the color of a car and, no, I'm not a "purist", I just don't like the results unless HUGE money is spent and 7500.00 plus is way to much for a T-Bird that will never be worth big bucks. But, that's me. |
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Replying to: isellhondas (May 27, 2009 1:13 pm) |
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Replying to: isellhondas (May 27, 2009 1:13 pm) The restorer is honor bound to be dictated by the I D tag, buck tag, & any other factory labels on the car. To do otherwise is similar to not getting an A+ on the test. After factory "add ons" lead to missrepresentations, for example, today there are more 65 & 66 Mustang GT's than the factories built. Be correct and be cautious when restoring anything. 
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Replying to: euphonium (May 28, 2009 9:44 am) As for originality, you'd be crazy for instance to keep the turboglide transmission in a '59 Impala or bias ply tires on an old T-Bird. What you don't want to do is start chopping into a car or welding on it. These I would agree are no-nos unless you are going full-bore custom. But in my book, anything "reversible" is fair game on an old car. And let's face it---many old cars are not historical monuments, they are just old cars. Some history is not important enough to preserve with intense accuracy. That's what "survivors" are for.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 28, 2009 2:53 pm) Old plain cars are not included in my post as they are in yours so there is validity in what you say when it comes to the non classic clunker. With them, do anything you want. The 57 Bel Air is more of a classic than the 59 Impala so I would go original on the BA. The 58 Impala is more of a rare classic than the 59 so keeping it stock would increase its value as well. I question the value of adding an after market continental kit to anything. |
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First thanks for everyone's advise. I intend to use this tbird as a weekend car and a vacation car, quick run to vegas or such. I drive a small Nissan for everyday and its just not roomie for a six hour drive. Is the 428 motor worth paying extra for? I realize it will need a rebuild and hardened valves and the trans gone through. I was told that a Edelbrock manifold, carb. and mild cam will give it a kick and still run smooth. What do you think of the 1967 to 1969 birds, I like them but was told they would never be worth much. I'm not a rich person and would like to lose as little as little as possible. Sounds like I better find a tbird that's close to what I want in color and options, a 7500.00 paint job is out of the question right now, I just want a really nice and dependable cruiser that can move out when given the spurs.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 28, 2009 2:53 pm) |
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Replying to: tbird8 (May 28, 2009 11:53 pm) Unless you really know what you are doing, I would proceed with great caution. These cars can be a nightmare and the 67-69's ae no better.
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Replying to: tbird8 (May 28, 2009 11:53 pm) Yes you are correct, the 67-69 Birds will never be worth very much. RE: Hagerty --- Hagerty will insure ANYTHING that is remotely old, so I think the criteria for whether you "modify or don't modify" an old car has to rest on something else---probably market value is the most sober approach. Modify a $15,000 car? Sure, why not. After 45-50 years if it's only worth $15,000 nearly restored, you are not sitting on a gold mine there. Modify a $50,000 car? Probably not a smart idea, but people do it all the time, and if the mods are tasteful and reversible, the marketplace doesn't seem to mind too much. Just don't mess with vin and data tags, don't cut the car, and don't throw away what you took off. The idea of "purist" coupled with mass production American cars made in the 100s of thousands makes me chuckle a bit. There comes a point where a heated debate on the fender bolt markings and lengths on a Model A Ford becomes Theater of the Absurd. I can see big changes in people's attitudes about restoration. It seems we went from the "careless restoration" period of the 60s and 70s, to the fanatical authenticity and pampering of the 90s to the "get it in and drive it" attitude of 2009. A balanced middle ground if you will.
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