Value Added Improvements

[Madmax440]

This is somewhat of a continuation of NZ's question in reference to the G Machine fad. I know that most of us don't own these cars as investments and do have them strictly for the love of the hobby and car. Although, most of us would sell our cars (if needed) to allow us to upgrade to say a higher optioned car. With this in mind, what upgrades would you consider good tangible investments which are going to increase the value of the car and then which are bad investments. I know that there is an arse for every seat, but lets try to find the improvements that will be attractive to the majority of the arses. Lets rule out the near stock mint vehicle that we want to keep as close to stock as possible.   

[6packCuda]

A good ol' Hemi will definitely add some value (unless you already have one).

[Carlwalski]

For the vast majority, I would say a Hemi and 3 pedals will always help a sale. Even if they're non car people, they know Hemi. Popular colours IMO are: Black, Plum Crazy, Lime Light, Curious Yellow & Custom Greys/Gun Metal.

Things that don't help are big wheels, bad craftsmanship using new interior etc (waves, bad fitting upholstery), custom stripes, 2 or 3 tone paint jobs, selling BH "Barracudas" as BS 'Cudas" and custom bright colours.

Factory appearing and clean is and always be the biggest seller.  

[BIGSHCLUNK]

IMO a real big DETRACTION is a hacked up dash from some wiz-kid stereo install. And hack wiring jobs under the hood! 

[matt63]

Detractions: Race stuff like cages, race seats, fenderwells cut, etc.

Add Value: stock looking cars with beefed up engines and 4 speeds

[Madmax440]

What about things like Suspension upgrades, steering, drum to disc brake conversions, Aluminum Radiators, Six Pack, engine dress up, etc.

[ambitions2]

Suspension upgrades?  In my opinon if you are talking about a bigger sway bar or something that would have rolled out in factory back in the day, ok, but not a full tubular control arm setup.  These are old cars, they expect the suspension to be "not the best" and they really aren't buying them to handle like Ferraris.  I think the biggest thing you said was disc brakes, that I guess is a HUGE improvement.  My Challenger had 4 wheel drums before I ripped it apart, hell is the first word that comes to mind.

NZ, with all the colors you listed, I would also include red.  No matter what, red sells.

[CrazyPete]

What about things like Suspension upgrades, steering, drum to disc brake conversions, Aluminum Radiators, Six Pack, engine dress up, etc.

I know from a car show stand point if my car didnt have a 6 pak it wouldnt get half the looks it does esp. if its a small block. 

[6packCuda]

  People really seem fascinated with six packs. Every show I go to, I see countless people bending down trying to see under the air breather to see the carbs.

I think a Shaker hood also would add to value.

[pink panther]

People really seem fascinated with six packs. Every show I go to, I see countless people bending down trying to see under the air breather to see the carbs.

I think a Shaker hood also would add to value.

I agree, I get many looks at the six pack, the color helps as well, as it really stands out next to the non-high impact colors.

[Challenger6pak]

People really seem fascinated with six packs. Every show I go to, I see countless people bending down trying to see under the air breather to see the carbs.

That is one of the reasons they are right behind the Hemi cars in value.

[Top Banana]

That is one of the reasons they are right behind the Hemi cars in value.

Would my bone stock, just like the fender tag, 70 U code Challenger R/T convertible be worth more with a hemi or six-pack?

[Chryco Psycho]

generally adding most factory options such as -  disc brakes , bigger sway bars , better springs/ torsion bars , Ralley Wheels , Shaker hoods , rear window louvers , trim , racing mirrors , ralley dash , larger engines , 4 spds will all add value for most
while non factory upgrades , tubular K frames & rack steering , air suspensions , 4 links , cutting the body for suspension or tubs , aftermarket hoods , spoilers , grilles & to a lesser extent wheels as they can be changed in minutes will detract

[uthustler]

manual transmission

shaker hoods

big blocks, hemi especially

more stock appearing vs. modified

[EVIL72]

generally adding most factory options such as -  disc brakes , bigger sway bars , better springs/ torsion bars , Ralley Wheels , Shaker hoods , rear window louvers , trim , racing mirrors , ralley dash , larger engines , 4 spds will all add value for most
while non factory upgrades , tubular K frames & rack steering , air suspensions , 4 links , cutting the body for suspension or tubs , aftermarket hoods , spoilers , grilles & to a lesser extent wheels as they can be changed in minutes will detract

 A big block will add to the value, especially the Hemi, if your set on a small block, try to find a 340, instead of a 360, even though there is nothing wrong with a 360 at all. It's just that the 340 is hard to find and has a reputation of being a giant killer.
 As for intakes, a Crossram for the Hemi, and a 6 pac for either a 440 or 340 always gets my attention.
 Also A/C would be a big plus here in California.