How to restore a car

[Paul_G]

that is the question.

Back to factory stock?
Stock appearing with better brakes, better suspension, more power?

The latter today is called resto mod. But, which way brings the most value at resale in todays market? I think that 20 years ago factory stock was the big deal. Is it still that way?

I prefer resto mod myself. But, I like seeing the factory correct time capsules, preserved for all to see, just not for me. I like to drive and enjoy my cars.

 

[DeltaV]

Your car, your money, your decision

 

[yella71]

any way you want/can afford.....next question

 

[Skytrooper]

I prefer "driver quality". I have always thought that cars are made to be driven. When my kids were able to they had a choice of my stable as to what they wanted to drive. Sometimes it was the Hemi Dodge, other times it was one of the Porsches. They knew my reasoning, it was just a car, please come home safe. They never dissappointed me.

To answer the question posed... it is your car, do what you like.

 

[Moms68]

If it’s a good original car I can’t see pulling out perfectly good running gear, etc. but if it’s a shell resto- mod is the way to go.

Either way it’ll cost you big bucks but with a resto-mod you won’t be chasing NOS parts and dated stuff. I did that once and never again.

 

[66ChargerHI-PO]

I agree with DeltaV it's your car, your money, and your decision but it all depends I guess. I think everyone has their own views of what you are asking Mr. Paul.

If it's a say slant 6 or 318 or 4-door car I think that you do what you want as they would not be worth that much in my opinion. Now if it's a 440, 440-6, or a HEMI auto or especially 4 speed then restore it to the cars former glory.

When I watch Barrett Jackson every so often in my opinion I think that a resto-mod brings a tad bit more than the restored car.

It all depends on what the buyer wants to pay to if you ever wanna sell the car too imho.

A couple examples of what I think, my stepdads 67 Fury III 4-door Sedan. It was originally white with a 318 it's a 4-door, not worth too much so he customized it. Picture taken @ Carlisle 2020....

My friends 1970 Superbird, a real 440-6bbl and 4 speed car. Restored by the PO before he bought it....

It's ALL up to you, please let us know what you decide....

 

[66ChargerHI-PO]

By the way when I saw the title I thought it was the step by step process of how to do it

 

[dadsbee]

Which ever way turns your crank.. and then drive the piss out of it regardless ! Maybe even go to the beer store...

 

[Jerry Hall]

that is the question.

Back to factory stock?
Stock appearing with better brakes, better suspension, more power?

The latter today is called resto mod. But, which way brings the most value at resale in todays market? I think that 20 years ago factory stock was the big deal. Is it still that way?

I prefer resto mod myself. But, I like seeing the factory correct time capsules, preserved for all to see, just not for me. I like to drive and enjoy my cars.

On a rare car my preference is factory stock or stock appearing. Everyone wants a little more HP. I really prefer the day 2 look and certain improvements, like wheels, tires, stance, etc. Most of the cars I own are great drivers that still drive, handle, and perform well even by today's standards, IMO. Long story short is do what you want and what you like, and can afford.

 

[moparedtn]

The OP didn't ask for opinions on how to do a car....
he asked whether the car would be worth more after a stock restoration or after a resto-whatever.

To answer that question, one need only do some homework/research on what these cars actually
sell for in either condition - and the evidence still leads to a restored car bringing more dollars on
the collector market.

 

[khryslerkid]

If it's a shell, do what you want to it.

If it's a collector, numbers matching, all original, it might be worth preserving that way.

If it's like above you could upgrade brakes, ignition power adders ect for a more dependable driver that could always be returned to an all original again.

It all depends on the car and it's value as an all original. Resto Mods can fetch big bucks but would you do it to a important piece of history if that's what you have.

 

[70chall440]

Are you a hobbyist or a flipper? Asking what will be worth more is a nebulous and open ended question due to a huge variety of variables many of which you cannot control such as market trends, economy, etc. Additionally it depends on what car you are starting with; brand, model, drive train, options, etc. If you are starting with a unique and/or rare car then a restoration is probably the way to go (for more reasons than value), but if you are starting with a run of the mill car, then a restomod or custom car is going to be a better choice.

Lots of people will say "restorations bring the bigger money" which is true of unique and/or rare cars but not many people are paying big money for a 318 AT manual steering/brake car but once that same car is restomod'd with a G3 Hemi, great suspension, brakes, paint, etc it completely changes the dynamic and value point. The problem here is that there are a lot of cars out there that people have put disc brakes and a G3 hemi (or just EFI) and call them restomod but yet they don't bring the big money.

There is no "free lunch" and the vast majority of both restorations and high quality restomods are a losing proposition financially especially for the first owner/builder. The only one's who make money in this game are the shops that build the cars and the auction houses, everyone else pretty much eats it. Of course there are unicorns such as very rare unique cars or cars with provenance (owned by a celebrity or famous person) which can bring more money that it took to build but they are not common.

 

[Ron H]

I agree with posted tips on when a car is worth keeping stock and resto-modded. Rare, #’s matching cars I think is a shame to get too modded, with the exception of braking, steering, and suspension…if the plan is to drive it or trailer it: Safety improvements most in mind. Anything done to a car that’s irreversible isn’t my preference; but some are building a race car too. Then there’s tasteful resto modding or way over the top. The latter increases the odds of diminishing its value…but depends on what interested buyer’s might like or not. Some get huge bucks. With the exception of the rare BB cars, keep in mind that all the cash and time you put into restoring it more likely will not garner any profit…meaning more likely a loss. I invested over $40k in my car to make it the way I wanted it and would be lucky if I might get around half of what I invested. But, I modded my car to my preferences, most of which isn’t visible beyond the wheels and tires or a look inside to see a non-factory console with gauges, cup holders, and info lights. I’ve chatted with enough fellow car guys doing fantastic things to their rides and there’s a common theme…what we’ve done to build them the way we want – money, time, sweat, and swear words…more often than not is a loss not a gain come the time to maybe want to sell it. Auctions are interesting. A seller gets lucky when there’s a few people that just happen to be around bidding on their car, sometimes just a matter of good timing, to find a handsome price.

 

[SteveSS]

I think there's a lot of people with big money that don't want to deal with the problems of an old car. They want a modern car with an old body style. No problems.

Weren't we talking about that short, ********, black comedian the other week?

 

[wldgtx]

I have gone back and forth on this subject. I just sold my all original 70 Challenger RTSE, not because I needed to or wanted to for that matter but because I already have an all original 68 Hemi GTX. I am not resto modding that car, and the Challenger was all original and I want to have something else that I can have some fun with. I am currently looking at a 72 Cuda or a 68 Charger that I can stuff a newer powerplant into with upgraded brakes, etc. To the OP, this is the dilemma with Mopars IMO, they are great both ways but consideration needs to be taken when thinking of modding out an original car.

That said, I 100% agree that these cars were meant to be enjoyed. If that means "driven" to you, then take the appropriate action, if "shown" is more your liking then do that. The very first question you need to ask yourself is what are your intentions once it is complete. Whatever way you go, do what is right for YOU... trying to please the masses almost NEVER works out. Haters will be out there either way, and I personally don't give a **** what others think... I met a guy (********) at a local car show who saw my Challenger and said "It sucks that it has the luggage rack, it looks so pedestrian, but you know that". I smiled as another couple folks walked up and said "These older Challengers have way more personality that the newer ones". ******** didn't like that and walked away.

 

[Hey-O]

Value at resale never entered my thoughts when I bought my Coronet. The thought was we would both be wore out at the end of the game. If the car is whole and just needs brought back to life, play the purest game, if it's not, let your mind be your guide. Look at mine and ask again which way I like them. Investing is what you do with money, most notably in the market, fun is what you do with cars, it's a suckers bet investing in a car you want to drive everyday and make money at the end of the road.

 

[Richard Cranium]

No matter what route you chose, there will never be enough...

 

[Darter6]

the day 2 look

I have always been into the day 2 look.Stuck in the 60's so they say.
As far as resale, this hobby is full of peaks and valleys.You never know what a car will do at what time. Timing is everything.Moods change.Above someone stated a modern driveline in a older body.That seems to be the trend now.
Plus,the people with money to spend not only want a fast car but all the comforts of the late models.
A friend is re-doing a 68 Cuda Formula S 340 4 speed.Yes his plan is for resale.The question he has is "Should I install A/C ?"The consensus is todays buyer is middle age and A/C is almost always a must.But will that change by the time the car is finished and ready for market ? Only time will tell.

 

[cosgig]

You answered your own question, do it the way you want it. Find the best example you can and do what you want with it.

 

[Budnicks]

Hers' my take on the market...

some opinions will vary from place to place too
what happens here out west
may not be good for what happens
in the east or midwest

IMO;
Today a well-done quality build, with quailty parts
well-sorted 'Resto-mod'
They will bring as much if not sometimes more
then the fully restored car, in an auction setting

the 'open market' is sometimes harder to predict too
there's lots of lipstick on pigs out there too,
"so called" Resto-mods or restorations, that are NOT really what they claim
barn find, survivor, 'original' or even '#'s matching'
when they really aren't, it's sort-of a bait & switch type deal
to draw you in
a bunch of E-scam/marketing terms to get better prices,
maybe to draw an audience
they probably wouldn't draw without

10 years ago I'd have said stock restoration parts replacements
#'s matching especially brings like 25% or more $$$

IMO today the trend is more towards the 'Resto-mod'
(& older trucks/pickups, 4x4's, Jeeps etc.)
day 2 builds, mostly stock body panels, mild customizations
like nice paint, glass hood or scoop, nice wheels tires & o/d trans
different gears & sure-grip (limited slip) maybe mini-tubbed,
some aftermarket suspension, like shocks & sway-bars, low stance etc.

Maybe ?, cars they had as a youth,
they couldn't afford & always wanted etc.

& then there's Pro-touring, low stance,
larger wheels & tires usually like 18" to 22",
also all aftermarket suspension, tubular k-members, tubular CA's & coli overs
A/C, power windows, modern drivetrain, all the power
turbos & blowers, many with a full cage, custom dashes & consoles
big stereo systems & all the luxuries too, are all common
some bring big $$$,
it's also expensive to build them
it's not the same type of build as a Resto-Mod

a stock quality OE restoration isn't cheap either
especially if you use NOS parts, not a bunch of today's repops
5-10 years ago they brought a lot of $$$

I prefer day 2 cars all day, more on the line of resto-mods

if it's a rare car, most (especially the purists) will side with
the staying much closer to stock or near-stock as possible
BUT;
they're only original once, real survivours, bring good money too