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Thought I would come aboard here to get up to speed on changing things up a bit with the car. I want to start having fun with it, that means adding more power, 200R4 trans, shocks and springs, larger wheels. I am done with car shows and letting the car set year after year. I look forward to getting up to speed on the mods.
Welcome, and sweet W31. There's a member here that sells parts to (I think) change a stock Olds floor shifter to a 4-speed ratchet, which would be the perfect covert shifter for your new trans. No need to advertise deviations from stock, especially on a W car.
That's a beautiful car. Is it a legit W-31 with paperwork? If so, my advice would be DFIU. Every modification you make will detract from its intrinsic value. If you absolutely can't restrain yourself, make sure you don't do anything that can't be undone.
Dan Janes is his user name. He makes a slap shift conversion detent plate for the factory floor shifter. He makes a 3 speed plate and I believe he makes a 4 speed plate as well. They work really well and you can keep the factory shifter.
It is the same car, Still in Colorado.Bought it almost 6 years ago from the original family that had it for 50 years. 2013 MCCN concourse gold winner. Judged 998 point car.
I have some paper work but not all, Your point is well taken but these car's as rare as they are, don't have the value they should. I see a trend that has been happening in the muscle world where the resto mods cars are bringing more than a 100% restored car.
I have some paper work but not all, Your point is well taken but these car's as rare as they are, don't have the value they should. I see a trend that has been happening in the muscle world where the resto mods cars are bringing more than a 100% restored car.
That's been going on for over a decade now.
If you want to restomod a car, you should sell that one and do it to a less rare and desirable one. For one thing, maybe your W-31 isn't worth as much as you think it should be, but the proceeds will get you a fair way down the road on your restomod project. For another, the buy-in on a solid but more pedestrian Cutlass, Skylark, LeMans or Chevelle is like 15% of what your W-31 would likely fetch, so you'd end up with plenty of cash left over to spend on the new car.
And you could proceed happily, without worrying that you're messing with a 988-point piece of history.
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; Feb 23, 2025 at 11:36 PM.
It is the same car, Still in Colorado.Bought it almost 6 years ago from the original family that had it for 50 years. 2013 MCCN concourse gold winner. Judged 998 point car.
I'd have to agree with the others that it would be a shame to modify this fine example of a rare car, regardless of resale value. If it were me, I'd sell it and find a new project that won't limit your aspirations.
I am 71 years old, I have restored cars and will not do another one. This car offers a great base to start from, I would do nothing that could not be reversed, all the correct W31 parts would be preserved, more then likely the car will be donated when I pass. This is not to say I would not sell it if someone wanted it but have not gone there at this point. I watch on you tube the Pure stock drag races and think that would be fun, could see this car out doing what they were built for. Time will tell.
It is the same car, Still in Colorado.Bought it almost 6 years ago from the original family that had it for 50 years. 2013 MCCN concourse gold winner. Judged 998 point car.
I remember the car well. Absolutely stunning car!!! Drive it and enjoy.
Thank you guys, since I no longer have any desire to do shows it is a shame for the car to set year after year with nothing more than a start up every month.
Welcome! Drive it. Like me, you said you are in your seventies. Pop in some sixties and seventies music, pretend you are twenty years old and have fun, lol
Beautiful car, and yes I agree the joy for me is driving it. Went to the Muscle Car Pure Stock Drags last year as a spectator and had a great time, planning on going back this year with my car, I own a 68 W30 and feel the same way you do, bought it 25 years ago, restored it and have the itch every year to do something on it, I think taking it out and running it at the drags will satisfy that itch... will be looking for you out there.😉
Thank you, I am going to use it. And yes it may see the drag strip a few times, Not sure how much engine work I will do if any, it is temping with the things that are out there. Time will tell.
