She’s a beauty. Think long and hard about it. If it were me, if you don’t need to sell for financial reasons, I’d hang on to her.
It might be time to sell and move on.
- Thread starter Longroof79
- Start date
Mark,
The car has been an old friend for many years and seen it's time as a daily driver and schlep wagon. It was like having a small truck.
As someone very much in the health issues camp, here's my suggestion....
If you can set it up in one of those car storage bags for a while, do that. The market isn't going to fall out anytime soon, certainly not with new prices where they are. Full fluid replacement, fog the cylinders, etc etc etc.
It's always easier to sell later, than wish you had it back. And harder to find in this market too. Physical limitations are what they are, and, being unable to do all the work youd like is really tough, maybe even more mentally than as bad as it is physically.. but, theres something to be said for knowing what you've got even if you can't address the punch list anytime soon.
If you *did* decide to test the market, I'd hang a high enough price on it to get enough money that it makes a quality of life improvement for you. And it may be that there isn't a rational price that moves that needle in that direction.
If you can set it up in one of those car storage bags for a while, do that. The market isn't going to fall out anytime soon, certainly not with new prices where they are. Full fluid replacement, fog the cylinders, etc etc etc.
It's always easier to sell later, than wish you had it back. And harder to find in this market too. Physical limitations are what they are, and, being unable to do all the work youd like is really tough, maybe even more mentally than as bad as it is physically.. but, theres something to be said for knowing what you've got even if you can't address the punch list anytime soon.
If you *did* decide to test the market, I'd hang a high enough price on it to get enough money that it makes a quality of life improvement for you. And it may be that there isn't a rational price that moves that needle in that direction.
This is truly a case of, "I know what I got." Unless the insurance is killing you, hold onto it. Rally the Forum and get your 200-4R. My wagon can contribute a rebuilt low-mile 3.73 7.5 with an Auburn posi plus some cash to offer for your 3.08 GN. Maybe we can help get you to completion. Vanrah's coupe probably got crushed; don't let that happen.
Last edited:
Thank you guys. I appreciate your pep talk and reasoning with me. The car is garaged and don't eat anything, as they say. The insurance is up to date and isn't too bad with Hagerty.
Having health issues is making me reassess my life and thinning out my possessions.
CK, I appreciate all your advice regarding marketing and storing the car. I know you're also going thru health issues yourself. It's frustrating when you can't physically work on your projects, and even some simple home repairs that I've been putting off. I've been attributing it to my advanced age. Yet I have a gearhead neighbor who's 86 yrs old and still works on his projects. Two Fieros, and a '56 Studebaker President with a SBC in it. Everyone is different and is blessed with good genes.
Perhaps once I can back behind the wheel, my love affair will return I do enjoy driving it.
Quinn,
Thank you for your offer, but I think I will hold onto the GN 8.5 rearend with it's 3,08 gears which I feel is part of the personality of this car. I actually like the 3,08 gears with the TH350 trans. It actually drives nice with this combination.
I do have the original 3.42 gears which I held onto hoping to put a 200-4R in it, which I had on the backburner for years.
Having health issues is making me reassess my life and thinning out my possessions.
CK, I appreciate all your advice regarding marketing and storing the car. I know you're also going thru health issues yourself. It's frustrating when you can't physically work on your projects, and even some simple home repairs that I've been putting off. I've been attributing it to my advanced age. Yet I have a gearhead neighbor who's 86 yrs old and still works on his projects. Two Fieros, and a '56 Studebaker President with a SBC in it. Everyone is different and is blessed with good genes.
Perhaps once I can back behind the wheel, my love affair will return I do enjoy driving it.
Quinn,
Thank you for your offer, but I think I will hold onto the GN 8.5 rearend with it's 3,08 gears which I feel is part of the personality of this car. I actually like the 3,08 gears with the TH350 trans. It actually drives nice with this combination.
I do have the original 3.42 gears which I held onto hoping to put a 200-4R in it, which I had on the backburner for years.
Jack our 1979 Firebird Formula had the T350, 3:08 gears, and a Pontiac 301. It was absolutely delightful to drive. Good choice.
Mark,
The 3.08 gears still provide a highway gear somewhat, even with the TH350 3-spd. Years back we had driven the car from NY to Minnesota to visit relatives. I had the gears changed out prior to hitting the road. The 3.42's just weren't going to cut it. I was also running a taller 70 series tire which also helped give it an almost OD gear ratio. I was able to cruise at 80 mph @ 2800-3000 rpm.
Around town the 3.08's have some low end punch, and that's with a stock convertor. The engine has a mild Comp 268 Cam which still provides good drivability.
I know, it sounds like I'm convincing myself into keeping the car.
You do develop a love affair with a vehicle the longer you keep it, as I've found out.
For most of us here, our cars are like part of our family. We love them, enjoy being with them and they even get Christmas presents. As someone earlier in this thread said, if your decision is not based on financial needs then put it aside until you are able to enjoy it again. 38 years is an awful long time to be part of your family.
liquidh8
Comic Book Super Hero
Jack, I hope your health issues improve. though we can't escape age! I know how you feel with re-evaluating possessions and life. My brother and I have both done that, and just decided to finish our junk and drive.
Similar threads
