Do I keep it original or not ??

[jims427400]

I've found this original 68 roadster.
-original paint
-original motor
-original interior
I'd like to keep the paint the way it is but the frame and all drive and suspention needs to be cleaned up and rebuilt.
I'm going to take the body off to rebuild everything on the frame.My question is do I strip down the frame and repaint or would I be better off leaving frame rusty for originality.Would I be hurting the value of the car if I totally restore the frame and drivetrain???

Jim

 

[MichelP]

It's your car do what you want !
That simple!
I have a 72 coupe and I'm rebuilding it. It was also complete so a lot of people were telling me that I was going to hurt the vallue if I didn't rebuild it original.
But after thinking about it for a while... I'll do it my way.
The only thing is that I keep all the parts I change or parts with the serial number stamped. (trans, diff ect). that way if later in life I decide to go the original route, it can be done.
Dont follow your dreams...hunt them down!

 

[bossvette]

Do what you want, how about some pictures of #3

I don't think restoring the frame would hurt its value
Congrats on the new Vette.

 

[MADLT1]

g/day jim hey if the chassis is rusty it wont be any good to anyone in the future less you treat the problem, really were just care takers of these great machines,weather we hotrod them or restore them,and if your going to enjoy the ride,make it a safe ride. see ya.

 

[wallyknoch]

On some of these Vettes original stops as you open the door and it wont close. Repair the bad spots after taking pictures of those areas or issues so if a question ever comes up, your covered. Then use it. Thats what there for.

 

[chevy6673]

my two cents keep it stock and clean it up and make it safe ...

 

[6880 Mike]

my two cents keep it stock and clean it up and make it safe ...

I agree. Clean it up and keep her stock. Go slowly with the clean up. Under all the road gook and rust scale you will find factory marks/stencils/etc on the frame, differential, tranny. Most folks like to keep the factory marks when they run across them.

Welsome to the '68 Owner's Club.

 

[BarryK]

hi Jim
long time no talk...........
the answer is easy, if the frame is rusty than strip it, repair it and repaint it. Done.
Rust ain't original, it developed over time and if you leave it on there you will end up with a completely original and completely destroyed frame.
Unless the car is really pretty much 99%-100% original that you plan on taking it for "Survivor" judging than restore it properly and do it right. Leaving a rusty frame is just asking for trouble down the road.

 

[jims427400]

To all who have responded,
It took several days to get offer accepted on 68 tripower.This car is all original except for the intake and carbs,but it came w/ a 435 tripower setup that I will send out to be rebuilt.The paint is completely original and in pretty good condition as is the interior.
So if I do the Survivor route,how much cleanup on the frame is to much?? Car has been sitting on a concrete slab since 1975.
If anyone out there has had thier 68 or 69 judged as a survivor, I'd like to talk to you..
Jim