long term value

[mcemond]

Hi
While waiting anxiously for the delivery of my new 71 cuda I've been doing a lot of thinking on how best to restore it. One day hopefully many many years from now the car will go on to another deserving collector or to one of my kids as an investment. I lean mostly to restoring to factory original but I want to make sure any restoration alterations made do not decrease the value of the car substantially in the long run. Maybe people here can alert me to any no-no's or give advice on how best to ensure the car's value over time. Changes I'm considering that stray from factory original:

• Adding a shaker hood with pins
• missing original engine, should I try to find a matching '71 340 or is a crate 340 just as good (investment wise)
• Adding the 340 billboard decals
• Changing the column auto to a floor shift
• Re-cover the hard top or leave it painted?
• Modifying the engine internals if original 71 340 for better performance

Here's the fender tag (translated):
EN2 (end)
M38 (Deck lid finish panel) N41 (Dual Exhaust) N42 (Chrome Exhaust Tips) R11 (AM Radio) __?
H51 (Factory A/C) J45 (Hood pins) J54 (Sport Hood) M21 (Driprail Mouldings) M25 (Sill Mouldings) M31 (Belt and Hood Mouldings)
G35 (outside mirror) U (USA) B51 (Power Disc Brakes) C55 (Bucket Seats) C1_?  C56 (dual seats)
GB5 (blue color) H6B5  000  525 (build date?)*****
E55 (340 ci 4bbl) D32 (H/D A727, A998, Auto col shift)*****

Thanks!
Mike

[the_engineers]

Personally, I think it depends on the level of restoration that you're going to have done.  If the end result is something that would compete nationally in an OEM Gold Standard class, I'd keep it completely original and search out a date-correct 340 (or even your original if possible).

On the other hand, if you're using the term "restored" to describe a clean, well kept car that may not be 100% correct, but is otherwise mostly show-quality, I'd add the options that you've listed.

Keep your hood, column-shift parts and vinyl top trim for "someday" when you want to put it back.

[ntstlgl1970]

Personally, I think it depends on the level of restoration that you're going to have done.  If the end result is something that would compete nationally in an OEM Gold Standard class, I'd keep it completely original and search out a date-correct 340 (or even your original if possible).

On the other hand, if you're using the term "restored" to describe a clean, well kept car that may not be 100% correct, but is otherwise mostly show-quality, I'd add the options that you've listed.

Keep your hood, column-shift parts and vinyl top trim for "someday" when you want to put it back.

I would agree, closer to stock will have the highest value.

[Choppintime]

I agree with the closer to stock vibe...

I would, however, swap that column auto to slapstick. I think I would put a 340 back in it as well as billboards. The tranny swap isn't going to effect value, it might actually help you in the long run.

[Chryco Psycho]

To me non #s matching is non numbers matching so I could care less if it has a date code correct or even a 340 in it , you could do a 408 stroker that looks like a 340 & run that . Console shift is definatly more desirable , Decals can be easily removed later

[mcemond]

Thanks guys. This helps. Right now its got a tired non original 318 and no scoop barracuda hood so it will be an easy decision to swap those out. Thanks again for the tips.
Mike

[Choppintime]

I'd love to see pictures when you get it. Finding a rally hood shouldn't be a problem.