How does adding A/C effect value?

[fredfryguy]

Hi, Can any NCRS experts answer these questions as I don't know what to do?! I own a 71, 454, 4speed that got a Top Flight Award in 1998 and has been improved since. Living in NC is really hot and this car does not have A/C. By adding a modern aftermarket a/C and a larger than stock radiator does that knock the car out of a Top Flight Award assuming everything else was correct?
Would adding A/C reduce the car's value? Opinions? Thanks, Fred

 

[JohnZ]

Yup, adding aftermarket A/C would knock you out of the park for another Top Flight due to the large number of judged parts/components that would be affected by the conversion, and the car would be significantly de-valued in the eyes of a buyer interested in originality. Probably wouldn't matter much to a buyer just looking for a good driver, but it would be a shame to convert a car that's already a Top Flight car and lose that distinction.

In the end, it's your car and your decision; in any event, drive it and enjoy it!