What to do...feedback requested.

[Darren Burnett]

I'm new to the forum and new to the Grand National group. I recently became interested in locating one to do a project...I kind of wanted a little pro touring, weekend hot rod influence and to just do something besides the camaro/firedbird routine. I found a few great candidates, but ended up buying a relavitely low mile (40k), all original '87. After looking around a while and of course reading all I could find on here...it seems all original cars are getting harder to find. When I say original...I mean original, showroom stock. Nothing has been done to this car at all...no performance mods, nothing..no tinted windows, never smoked in, underhood is exactly as it left the local dealership...it has had two warranty claims (by the way- I also have full documentation on the car...window sticker, all service/warranty records-done by the dealer, everything...even the sales brochure from Buick in 1987). It is a fairly well optioned car too. It drives and rides amazing..no squeeks or rattles at all. Interior is mint...perfect, the paint...well...it is 25 years old and shows it...but, no dents, no accidents, bodywork or anything. I pulled the OEM wheels/tires and stored them and put a set of Centerline Convo Pro's on. Other than that...I haven't done anything. My question is...do I leave this car alone and leave it exactly as is for more value or does it hurt value any by adding a few things...enhancements shall we say !!

 

[JimP]

It's your car do with it as you wish and enjoy.

 

[Darren Burnett]

It's your car do with it as you wish and enjoy.

That's the way I usually proceed...but I haven't had a 25 year old car before that is still unmolested...I have no issues heavily modding a new car...I turned my off the floor new Corvette into a blown with methanol, obnoxious little ride with nothing much at all left untouched..haha. But it seems like this is different..just wanted to hear back if preserving the OEM status makes this car more desirable..if so, I am ok with that...I'll keep it as is and look for another project.

 

[Phoneguy]

Mine started out as a 43k mile original with no upgrades other than the TA49 turbo and Hooker exhaust... Its your car, make it what you want. If you are worried about resale value, sell it now and find a high mileage car to make your own. I would never purchase a vehicle that I was worried about the resale value of later down the road. If you break even or make money later that's great , just dont count on it.
I have spent FAR too much to recover...

Bryan

 

[Guess]

To me, I'm driving the crap out of any car I own. Half the fun is modding, the other half is driving it.

 

[Darren Burnett]

To me, I'm driving the crap out of any car I own. Half the fun is modding, the other half is driving it.

Oh it definately gets driven, it's a blast !!

 

[NyBlankets]

If you want the car to retain its originality and retail value to a wider audience, I say leave it alone.

 

[scot w.]

Darren,

That is a tough one as I never owned a 100% original stock car before..... Those are getting hard to find and after working a some that claimed to be 100% stock come to find out they were modded at one time and switched back leaving behind small little clues to there true back ground... If it is 100% stock my gut feeling is to leave it at that and find something that can be modded to the hilt!!! Coming to the GS Nationals in Bowling Green, KY in Oct should be on your "To Do" list so you can see what these cars can really do once they are built up...

Although in the end it is "Your" car to do what ever you wish to it and in this economy right now to me it is unclear the actual difference between a 100% stock 40k mile car VS a built up 40k car done properly.... My guess is they would bring the same money to the masses!

PS: I spoke to your buddy today and I think I might have found him a car!


.

 

[Darren Burnett]

Darren,

That is a tough one as I never owned a 100% original stock car before..... Those are getting hard to find and after working a some that claimed to be 100% stock come to find out they were modded at one time and switched back leaving behind small little clues to there true back ground... If it is 100% stock my gut feeling is to leave it at that and find something that can be modded to the hilt!!! Coming to the GS Nationals in Bowling Green, KY in Oct should be on your "To Do" list so you can see what these cars can really do once they are built up...

Although in the end it is "Your" car to do what ever you wish to it and in this economy right now to me it is unclear the actual difference between a 100% stock 40k mile car VS a built up 40k car done properly.... My guess is they would bring the same money to the masses!

PS: I spoke to your buddy today and I think I might have found him a car!


.

I knew you would be the one to make something happen !!

It would not hurt my feelings at all leaving the car alone, I really do enjoy it like it is....but I do wish the paint was in better condition. With that said...next time I come over, I would like you to put a cover over your car so I won't have to see it and be tortured..hahaha

 

[charlief1]

If the car is truely 100% original you most likely paid for it. If you want to do a "protouring" car it's up to you but remember that it may not be worth as much once it's done. There's an interesting build in the general section and I know he spent some serious coin putting it together, and will never get it back out of the car. Not to mention that just after getting it back the bottom end let go. What you might want to do is see if you can find another car in decent condition and build it up while you drive the one you've got now. You could even get a roller and put a series II engine in it. There's even a thread in the general section about putting a series II engine in, and you could make it a manual.

 

[Red C5]

Can't go wrong either way. Do what makes you happy. For me, since I have one that's going race car, if I found a completely stock original 87, I would only mod it in a way that I could return to stock at any point. I would paint it though. Has to look nice. Congrats on the find.

Peter

 

[HelloBozos]

You have the right frame of mind..If you add anything, just make sure you save the stock piece,an what ever you add you don't have to modifie the car at all. You can get away with many bolt-on parts. Just don't let the "Bug" get to you to go all out Fast...heh
( i tried to stay as stock as possiable, now only my Block,Intake,Transmission are buick dealer stock type,but Modded)

Enjoy!

 

[oldsracer]

I say sell it and by the stage 2 car thats in the for sale setion now. change some suspenion and now youve got a car that will haul ass in every direction

 

[Darren Burnett]

I think I will keep it....get it painted and just drive and enjoy it. I appreciate all the input from the memebrs !!