Does A/C increase the value that much?????

[daveh]

Hey guys,

I am restoring a 71 Challenger convertible.  The body is in great shape.  I am finishing a 340 with a Keisler TKO 600 5 speed conversion.  The car is also being converted to a shaker car.  Things are coming along very well.

My question:  If I add a vintage Air direct fit A/C unit will it increase the value of the car that much and if so how much?  Just courious if I should do it or not.  I know do it the way I would like it.  But I don't want to try to fit it in after the car is all back together.  Thanks

Dave

[bb71challenger]

I dont know how much value it adds to a car but I have always preferred air cars but then again I have always lived in the desert. Unless it is a correct restoration then I would do it. I think your convertible would have the best of both worlds with air conditioning and a shaker hood.     

[tommyg29]

It will certainly add value if its a correct restoration with an original unit.
If its not original, and it doesnt sound like it is, or if youre just looking to make your car more comfortable then just go with the more reliable modern classic or vintage air system in a hot climate. Then I think it will add some value. I know I wouldnt have looked at a car without a/c here in Florida.
If up north it probably wont add much, and in fact a lot of guys dont want the hassle and the extra weight and "stuff" under the hood. Too fufu for some 

[72cudamaan]

Well, since the car is apparently not number matching anyway, I would think add air would increase the value somewhat since you are essentially adding an option. But I don't think you could recover your investment in total since it costs so much to add air. Maybe you would recover 1/2 the investment. So I think if you want air, put it in for your use. But don't have it put in solely to increase the overall value of the car.

[tommyg29]

 

[Road_Runner]

I agree that it probably varies greatly by region.  I drove my 70 Roadrunner when I was a kid without a/c but I don't think I could do it now, at least not in the summer.  Back then we had "440" A/C: 4 windows at 40 MPH.  In the south I bet it could be the difference of selling a car or not.  If I bought another non-A/C car I'd take into consideration how much it would cost me to add it when figuring what I was wiling to pay.

Later, Jim

[Challenger6pak]

It may not increase the cars value much.  It will increase the cars desirebility if you ever choose to sell it.

[_Russ_]

Doesn't A/C in a convertible seem a little redundant?

[Aussie Challenger]

  

It may not increase the cars value much.  It will increase the cars desirebility if you ever choose to sell it.

It is one of those options like later model Alloy wheels, won't add value but won't lose value either.   

[Challenger6pak]

Doesn't A/C in a convertible seem a little redundant?

It depends on where you live.  Back in the 80's when my convertible was a daily driver I would have to use the a/c during the day and would put the top down at night. Mid 90's temps are not fun, with the top down, while sitting still at a traffic light.  You roast.  You don't want a black top or black interior in a convertible, here in south Florida either.

[Katfish]

IMO, it's like most upgrades you do to your home, very few will pay you back.

As stated, I'd only do it if you want it. 

No reason to buy a pool, hoping the next guy likes to swim.

[Super Blue 72]

Doesn't A/C in a convertible seem a little redundant?

Yeah, I can see where it might be redundant but on factory convertibles with AC (I know this isn't a stock car in question) it really grabbs the attension of buyers as the car probably had a host of other options which increased the value of the car, plus many convertibles didn't need the AC. 

[bb71challenger]

I agree with 6pack, it definitely depends on where you live. I consider air conditioning to be mandatory. In the right market I also think you would get the cost of a quality kit back out of the car. I do think like others though, do not do it for the sake of investment but only if you want or need it.