Keep It Stock Or Mod Tastefully

billison

I like tinted tail
15 Year Member
Feb 27, 2006
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Ok, I have my 89 5.0 gt convertible, it has 77k on it. Only mods are pony rims, mufflers, radio, and the style bar. Aside from that nothing has been chances since stock.

I normal plan is to start upgrading stuff but the more I look at this car the harder it is to want to change anything. I'm even weary about doing a 3G alternator swap.

So the question or discussion at hand is, if I keep this car for the long haul, what will hold value more? Keeping it as stock as possible with the few mods it has? Or tasteful well done mods.. Matching full exhaust.. Clean 3G swap.. Nice electric fan, properly painted cowl hood.. Eventually motor mods..

I know it's my car and I should do what I want but I'm looking for a sounding board.
 
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I actually mistook question that is the title of this thread as a statement (with which I would happen to agree). I would go with tasteful mods.

Pretty much all the things you listed would be nice additions which wouldn't detract from (can't say about add to) the value of the car later down the road. I wouldn't keep it stock unless it was still 100% stock. That's my two cents.
 
That's where I'm at basically. The po already drilled the dash for the radio plate and drilled the rear interior quarter panels for the style bar. So it's already a step away from stock.

I think from here my best bet is to resist short cuts and cheap mods and spend the extra buck and do the extra work to keep the mods on par with the current condition of the car.
 
If you plan on driving it, then do to it what will make you happy. In my experience, the value of these cars is all over the board. Don't think that simply because you're leaving it stock(ish) that its somehow going to be worth big money one day.....because a high volume production car built during one of the worst era's in automotive history probably isn't going to be the collector many think it is. It really depends on the market at the time and what someone is willing to pay. If you're that worried about it, don't do something that can't easily be undone and put back to stock.

Nobody in their right mind buys these cars as an investment.....so just enjoy the thing.
 
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I would keep it stock. It is a waste to mod a vert' . The chassis is loose IE cowl shake ect. They are heavy. They are bricks in the wind. Save the mods for a notch or hatch. Much more stable platform to build on and you go faster per dollar spent. Besides, verts are chick cars anyway.:rolleyes:
 
Not with full subframes and a full cage there pretty soild...and heavy?..mine with me in it is 3450 lbs...compared to todays Bricks dont seem that bad...lol... :D

True, but today's bricks have twice the creature comforts, safety features, etc....and are still better built that a fully caged Fox body.

...and stock for stock, your average family sedan will whip up on Fox Body, all day long. :(
 
i say if you are going to mod it, start with mods like an alternator upgrade, chassis upgrade, suspension upgrade. do the hidden things that improve the cars handling and reliability.

since it is a convertible, i wouldnt do anything flashy body wise, i would leave that pretty much stock.
 
Here is mine looks stock until you look under the hood....
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It looks clean and has low miles.. I'd keep it stock.. would probably help the value in the longer run or when you chose to sell it... Some collectors want "Non molested" all original cars.