How far restrooms before devalue?
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1
From: Ponte Vedra, Fla.
How far restrooms before devalue?
I’m new to the site but have owned Oldsmobiles for decades and am in the (legal) side of the auto industry. I purchased a 1969 Olds 442 from a collector in about 50% restoration stage. ‘Some interior, some paint, new bumpers, lots of odd parts. It is represented to be a W30 but since family was involved I am not altogether sure. It is a 400 and have confirmed it is a 442 and not a clone. ‘Can’t find a build sheet as yet.
‘I spent the money to tune it up and replace the drums with a quality disc kit. I’d like to go further but do not want to devalue what appears to be a very stock ‘69 442. Any advice? I’ll show it a little and use it as a weekend driver. Engine upgrades? Change the OEM black racing stripe to white? Upgrade the quality of the carpet? How far is too far given my uses?
-Cirrussea
Ponte Vedra, Florida
‘I spent the money to tune it up and replace the drums with a quality disc kit. I’d like to go further but do not want to devalue what appears to be a very stock ‘69 442. Any advice? I’ll show it a little and use it as a weekend driver. Engine upgrades? Change the OEM black racing stripe to white? Upgrade the quality of the carpet? How far is too far given my uses?
-Cirrussea
Ponte Vedra, Florida
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,907
From: Toytown, MA
You really need to post some pics for us to value it. Any dents, rust, or rot? A 69 442 is worth maybe 5-40 K depending on condition. Go to the Haggerty site for 1-5 conditions for rough value. A documented W is worth more...maybe! If it's 50% then it's worth 1/2 of those prices. Post some pics.......
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,263
From: Edmond, OK
Gregory, if you value your car for being a 442 and maybe even a W30 then any aftermarket changes will devalue it. This includes an aftermarket 4 wheel disc brake kit, or even an aftermarket front disc/rear drum kit. If your car is currently 4 wheel drum brakes and you want improved stopping make sure you find an OE front disc/rear drum car to pull parts from. We look forward to seeing pics.
'87 Delta 88 Royale
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,514
From: Margate, England
I hope the brake upgrade is completely reversible?, By that I mean you can fit the original parts back on and nobody would know. I would keep it in its original color)s) if it needs paint, and try to find carpets matching the originals, likewise for upholstery and trim.
But it's your car, you can do whatever you want, if it was mine I would want to keep it as near original as possible.
If the car was assembled in the Lansing plant you almost certainly won't find the build sheet, it was never meant to be left in the car. If it was it would be with the documents like the guarantee and handbook.
If you bring the car to as new or close condition and drive it within its limitations you won't need to upgrade the brakes or steering.
Of course we want to see it, a picture is worth a thousand words....
Roger.
But it's your car, you can do whatever you want, if it was mine I would want to keep it as near original as possible.
If the car was assembled in the Lansing plant you almost certainly won't find the build sheet, it was never meant to be left in the car. If it was it would be with the documents like the guarantee and handbook.
If you bring the car to as new or close condition and drive it within its limitations you won't need to upgrade the brakes or steering.
Of course we want to see it, a picture is worth a thousand words....
Roger.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,440
From: Phoenix, AZ
That's a good point and brings up another point - if it is NOT a Lansing built car, then it is NOT a W-30 as those were built at the Lansing plant exclusively. If it is a Lansing built car, there's a possibility that it's a W-30, but you would still need some sort of proof.
Barely Registered
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,648
From: Gillespie County, Republic of Texas
Yes. Consider this when you need to scratch the restoration itch.
I owned a documented (window sticker) 1970 442 convertible with 4 speed and air conditioning for 30 years. When it came time to restore it, I would have felt very constrained restoring the valuable car to factory-correct state.
I sold it to someone who would value a correct restoration; I chose to work on a car that would allow me to exercize my creativity without destroying value.
I owned a documented (window sticker) 1970 442 convertible with 4 speed and air conditioning for 30 years. When it came time to restore it, I would have felt very constrained restoring the valuable car to factory-correct state.
I sold it to someone who would value a correct restoration; I chose to work on a car that would allow me to exercize my creativity without destroying value.
My suggestion is just enjoy the car as you wish.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 51
From: Westfield, IN
Don't ya love autocorrect? I noticed you couldn't correct the post title once you submitted though you can edit the text in the message, I guess the title was supposed to be "how far restore before devalue?"
Hookers under Hood
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,543
From: Ontario, Canada
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