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Restoration questions

HWY100

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St.Louis
If one were looking to restore a classic B-body..for daily driver duties as well as future resale. A couple questions...does it hurt to update mechanicals such as drum to 4-way disc, electronic ignition as opposed to dual point distributor, performance carburation from factory and little things like fender mounted turn signals where none were there before. 1969RoadRunner 4-spd.,conv., engine not original (bad block) original heads though.
 
As long as the original parts are saved and can be reinstalled, I see no problem. Even still, in the case of a NON Hemi or 440 car, many minor changes as you have suggested have almost no negative effect at all.
 
The quality of the work will dictate what the “return” will be if you sell it.
Sounds like a nice car.
 
I have a slightly different perspective since they made so few Roadrunner convertibles. IF it had the original block (can you get it?), I would suggest you leave the car all stock for value. If the block is long gone, then don't give it a second thought. I do agree to keep all original parts you take off in a big box to stay with the car.

It sure does seem that "modern safety upgrades" like brakes/tires/shocks help value slightly these days. I'm not sure how "day two" items affect the value (like headers, wheels, ignition) although I've done a few of those on my car (I don't plan to sell my car ever), fyi. For me, I've pretty much stuck to adding a few factory options my car didn't come with originally.
 
A daily driver where you may be...assuming not driving it in winter /salt? Some are particular about 'all original' and the most pristine/correct condition. It gets really deep including matching #'s (the biggy ticket item) and beyond, as it goes down to everything original or correct like we see done on graveyard carz. An engine decal missing or off by an inch or incorrect screws makes a difference. A car you want to drive a lot is better/safer having the modern upgrades. Driving in today's insane traffic is a quick clue. Front disks are a huge difference with radials. There are further mod's to improve handling and steering as had done on my Plymouth. Night & day difference with handling and braking. As posted, keeping original parts for selling the car some day can bring extra bucks. I also installed electronic ignition years ago and that worked great other than the brain box going to crap once. Systems they have today are better than what was around when I put mine in. Also installed LED tail/brake lights for traffic behind to see...couple near misses with idiots tailgating me.
 
I'm pretty much onboard with all mentioned above. Several upgrades to maintain safety on todays roads, brakes, tires, shocks, steering and such. But a few extras that I've had on previous RR's like fender turn signals, radio(cd or cassette), gauges, factory tach (delete plate now) and LEDS all over. No snow or salt of course, just wanna drive the crap out of it before I pass from this world. Have had it for several yrs. but never the time to finish it. BTW..original block was over heated, blown head gasket to the point where #3+#5 cross fired...nickle plug topside was OKAY but #3 + #5 warped so bad crankside.. that sleeves were not really an option. POS previous owner
 
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Welcome to FBBO Hwy.
A car is only original once. It can be restored to original appearance but will never be original again. Your car is a very desirable car and IMO would be worth more with as many number matching parts as can be had. However, without the original engine, and with what you would like to do with your car, I say build it the way you want it and forget about the whiners that will tell you not to. You will only please a small percentage no matter what you do. It's your car and you are on track with the brake upgrades and safety issues you plan. Build it and enjoy running the wheels off of it and leave the resale issues up to your Heirs.
 
I'm just getting back into this after a longtime away from it. Last time I spent anytime on this, Direct Connection was "THE" place to go for Mopar parts. Hopefully things will come together without tooo much trouble.
 
If I start really trying to remember all the stuff I've done on my car over 22 years, I find "oh yeah, forgot I did that too". My guess, with what I paid for it, is around $45k in it. I used to be concerned if I'd buy an old car restoed what could be wrong with it especially shortcuts on body work or its original state. My 1st car was so far rusted I'd never do another like it; but it came out pretty nice with all the new metal put on. My Plymouth (2nd resto project) was a CA car but still was endless work to resto. Cherry resto's may come with an album or flash drive of 100's of photos of the car through it phases of resto (like mine has now) so whoever would buy is going to know that they're buying and get a steal price. After restoring two cars in my time, I'll be done with this beyond putzing here and there. But, after you stand back and look at what's been accomplished, it's like part of your soul is now in the car besides the blood, sweat, and tears.
 
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