question on changing color and engine

[fretbrner]

 :hey all. I just boughta 71 Challenger. It was originally a  340 auto and plum crazy. It has no drivetrain nowand is dressed in primer. Do I hurt the resale ( not that I plan to sell her ) if I put in a 440 and convert to manual? I was also thinking of changing the color. Would I be in my right mind if I didnt keep her original designer dress on?

[ChallengerHK]

Mostly it depends on whom you'd sell it too. Collectors will always want a car to be as original as possible. On the other hand, if there are more people who would want it the way you built it, then there would be more demand. Typically this only matters if you've got a high ticket car. If you don't think you can use the phrase "1 of X" to describe your car, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[HP2]

Depends on what you change it to. Plum crazy was a very popular color then as well as now. Black, reds, and blues are all still pretty hip. Pink, butterscotch, olive green might turn away potential buyers.

[69ChargerRT]

Mostly it depends on whom you'd sell it too. Collectors will always want a car to be as original as possible. On the other hand, if there are more people who would want it the way you built it, then there would be more demand. Typically this only matters if you've got a high ticket car. If you don't think you can use the phrase "1 of X" to describe your car, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

  I think youre safe to do as you please with this one, especially since you don't plan to sell it.  do it up your way and enjoy

[mauls]

Just remember it's your car and you aren't building it for someone else.

My car was a slant 6 car so I had no hesitation making it the way I want it.  Good Luck

[resq302]

Just remember it's your car and you aren't building it for someone else.

My car was a slant 6 car so I had no hesitation making it the way I want it.  Good Luck

I agree with this.   If you were looking at keeping the car at more money, its already lost some value to potential buyers who are after a #s  matching car.  Bottom line is it is your car, do what you want to it to make you happy !  The resale number is all in the eye of the beholder.  Some people will pay crazy money for a #s matching, documented, original sheet metal car vs other people who will pay more for a certain color combo, drive train combo they like / want.

[AARuFAST]

Modifications don't hurt the value if done right.   

Watch auctions...........seems modified cars get more money than a original ex: 340 to a 440-6.   

[joelson6]

original always brings top dollar. paperwork adds to the price too. if it was a 318 with no fender tag or build sheet, then do what every you want with it. but a 340 car, i'd get a 340 for it and paint it purple. that's just me.

[HP2]

original always brings top dollar.

Not always. A run of the mill 318 Barracuda will never be worth more than a 440 Cuda clone.

[ChallengerHK]

I think the key is finding the buyer who wanted exactly what you have. If originality or "survivor"ness or more importnat to the buyer, that buyer will pay more for a survivor car, even if it's a 318. In general, though, for the less high ticket cars, originality is not a huge issue.

[joelson6]

Not always. A run of the mill 318 Barracuda will never be worth more than a 440 Cuda clone.

yea, but a 440 cuda will always bring more money than a 440 cuda clone. lets talk apples to apples please.

[HP2]

Except for AAR, TA, and convertibles, big block clones tend to command more $$, if done well in none original combos, than equivilent small blocks. We aren't comparing original big blocks to cloned big blocks, we're talking about a 340 auto with no engine, wants to make it a 440 manual. I think it will increase the value. Obviously if it is a tossed together carelessly and finished with a green vinyl top and gold exterior, it becomes a sales leper. But paint in blue, black, or red, do up the rest of the car to look original, it will be worth more to most, not all buyers, except those specifically looking for originality.

I think we've all seen guys loose their mind and pay stupid prices for original stuff, whether complete cars or date coded parts.

[djw383]

Except for AAR, TA, and convertibles, big block clones tend to command more $$, if done well in none original combos, than equivilent small blocks. We aren't comparing original big blocks to cloned big blocks, we're talking about a 340 auto with no engine, wants to make it a 440 manual. I think it will increase the value. Obviously if it is a tossed together carelessly and finished with a green vinyl top and gold exterior, it becomes a sales leper. But paint in blue, black, or red, do up the rest of the car to look original, it will be worth more to most, not all buyers, except those specifically looking for originality.

I think we've all seen guys loose their mind and pay stupid prices for original stuff, whether complete cars or date coded parts.

Agreed! Somes it up well.....