Tom T2

Does replacing any amount of metal decrease the value of any classic car? How significant will it decrease? Would if it was one panel vs would if it was a big potion of the car including mutiple panels and peices? Question came up and was wondering what you guys think.

Thanks, Tom

RacerHog

Like everything else... The purer it is.. The more it is worth in most cases.
If the repair is done were you cant tell. That's a +... If its repaired and you can see it. Well It will not be considered untouched.

Iowan

Compared to rust, bondo and dents?

Tom T2

The way I see is it's better to replace a lot of metal than letting the car rot away. My situation is I have a 1968 Charger R/T with a 440 all optioned out. Numbers matching engine and tranny, powered window, disc brakes, A.C., etc etc. But I have replaced a lot of panels but I did a nice clean job. Pretty much the floor back from the fire wall to the rear of the car is all replaced, rear frame rails, tail panel, rear valence, rear deck filler, rims of the truck opening, half of both quarter panels, upper cowl panel, probably going to get a new trunk lid, patch a part of the engine bay and need new fenders.

RacerHog

Well, in that case if your did an awesome job. I would say you have not decreased the Value !
Lots of good parts out on the market for those who have the talent to do great replacements for sheet metal. Here in SO-CAL you see allot of DYI folks that get in way over their head very fast, and then cant find the point of no return. Well I guess that's just not here in So-CAL... I'll take that back.
But you get the point.
Now Iowa, just uses Rust, Bondo, and some Potato's for filler and a rattle can to paint it, and your done.. ( Note: Just a dagger for my buddy Iowan )

Iowan

Now Now Bob, the last car I built I had close to 2000 hours in paint and body work! That's one hell of a lot of work and $ to put into a 55 chevy but I got paid!.

Magoo

I'm not a fan of -- Rust - Bondo - and replaced panels. -- Clean, and original, for Me. --

Magoo

-- a Chevy ?? -- --

Iowan

Not mine, I only work for the money.

Iowan

Tom
Sounds like you saved the car and there was no where to go but up, there is a value difference between all original panel's and a reconstructed body no doubt. What it is?

Tom T2

I appreciate the response, my friends. You all had some very good talking points and it helped a lot! I'm sure I'll be back soon asking questions as I go. I'll share some pictures of it in the future when it's starts looking like a car again. I'm just happy I saved such a desirable car, especially when it's an optioned out charger R/T, plus has powered windows which is quite rare from what I have heard.

Thanks, Tom

RacerHog

Keep us posted for sure....