Better hang on to our cars then. Once the GN's dry up (again), people will be clamoring for the next best thing.
G-bodies at Barrett-Jackson 2018
- Thread starter UNGN
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Id never understood the "I'll spend 200k to have this restored and then never look at it again until I want to sell it" camp. F*ck that. I build my stuff to drive and beat on. If I come across a 454 monte carlo, 389 tri power gto, RA IV firebird, you bet your *ss I'm going to do burnouts and bang shift it until the cows come home. Screw trailers. Screw buying cars for "investments'. These cars were built to haul *ss and burn rubber. and that's what I'd do. I don't care how much it's worth. I'd park a Bugatti Chiron in my Kmart parking lot if I paid for the damn thing. It's my hypothetical car, I'll do whatever I god damn please with it.
/rant/
Anywho, I do say there is certainly something alluring to me, having not grown up during the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, much of the 90s, to drive a 100% bone stock vehicle from the time. Sure, it'd suck to drive i the winter, you couldn't go over 55mph without killing everyone behind or in front of you on the highway, but I'd like to at least once.
/rant/
Anywho, I do say there is certainly something alluring to me, having not grown up during the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, much of the 90s, to drive a 100% bone stock vehicle from the time. Sure, it'd suck to drive i the winter, you couldn't go over 55mph without killing everyone behind or in front of you on the highway, but I'd like to at least once.
I'm fully prepared to drop about $30k all-in on getting the wagon to where I want it to be. When it's done, it'll probably be faster and handle better than the GNX did from the factory. Some people already think I'm nuts for considering dropping that much on a 35 year-old "hunk of junk" but it'll be something I can enjoy, drive it like I stole it, and will be original.
Those people just do not get it. You are taking a classic body and putting some modern touches that make it a stable daily driver if you wish. If the car has a new drivetrain, brakes, suspension, tires, etc, you are creating a “new car” and reliable as much as any other car. If it starts every time, gets you from a to b, and can go on trips if you choose, you have a win, win situation. Plus no car payments! Plus you will have a “new car” you can work on and proudly say you made it that way.
Compared to $30K worth of a 66-72 era car it'll be 2x the car! (or better) $30K doesn't go too far when you're talking about new cars either. My Brother in Law just spent $35K for a transmission for his GT-R. I think right now, cars like the Gbody, Fox Bodies (if you're a Ford Guy), 3rd & 4th Gen F-bodies and C-5 Vettes are the sweet spot for going fast on a budget and having a car that is pretty modern comfort and handling wise compared to stuff from the 60s...
BOT here's a GNX for almost a 1/4 mil last year:
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LOL. After adding up the price of all the goodies I wanted plus estimated shop labor, it’s looking more like $50k!
I think I’m going to revise my strategy somewhat to try to do more stuff DIY with my buddy, and have the shop handle the more specialized/complex jobs.
Also, probably going to spread out the build timeline a few more years so it’s not as much of a kick in the crotch all at once.
I think I’m going to revise my strategy somewhat to try to do more stuff DIY with my buddy, and have the shop handle the more specialized/complex jobs.
Also, probably going to spread out the build timeline a few more years so it’s not as much of a kick in the crotch all at once.
Kinda funny when you think about it. A good story goes a long way.
For all intents and purposes, it's a Regal with 16 inch wheels, fender flares, and ~300hp.
Ok, this is why I need to go to Barrett-Jackson for the first few days and buy something to drive home:
1988 Fiero GT
You aren't going to find this clean of an '88 Fiero GT on Craigslist for $5K... and for people who say "pish posh that is a crappy Fiero", 1988 Fieros are 1 year only cars with a Lotus designed suspension.
Last summer at the Pontiac Nationals I crawled under an '88 Fiero and the '86 sitting next to it. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. One looked like a Lotus Esprit, the other looked like a Chevette.
1988 Fiero GT
You aren't going to find this clean of an '88 Fiero GT on Craigslist for $5K... and for people who say "pish posh that is a crappy Fiero", 1988 Fieros are 1 year only cars with a Lotus designed suspension.
Last summer at the Pontiac Nationals I crawled under an '88 Fiero and the '86 sitting next to it. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. One looked like a Lotus Esprit, the other looked like a Chevette.
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