Blasphemy

[craigster59]

My boss retired a few weeks ago and he's getting around to projects he had been putting off while working.

He's not mechanically inclined whatsoever, does none of his own maintenance or repairs on his vehicles (he owns a 996 and 997 and still says "Porsh") and he has this '62 Corvette that he's owned for close to 20 years.

He flat bedded it to our storage warehouse to store it until he can drop it off at the local Vette wizard.

I hadn't seen it in years and when it rolled in today I checked under the hood and he had removed the original fuel injection and installed a carburetor. I was blown away to say the least.

Well, it didn't end there. Asked him what he was going to have done now and he said disc brakes (I can understand) and have an automatic transmission installed! You could have knocked me over with a feather.

I didn't say anything, just shook my head and walked away. My question is, how much has he devalued this car? I told the guys on my crew easily 20%, what's the Pelican Brain Trust think?

[craigster59]

Pic of the car...

[flatbutt]

oh man is that ever gorgeous IDK how much he devalued it but dang that's pretty.

[Bill Douglas]

Ah, put the original bits in storage and his estate can sell them with the car. Good game plan I say, so the old fella can drive the car comfortably.

[Laneco]

Regarding value on these - what is really important is do the numbers-match parts exist and was it optioned like that to start with?

If it was a manual transmission fuelie from the factory, it really needs to stay that way. Disc brakes that are a bolt-on (retain the drums for next buyer) aren't really a deal breaker.

If the original parts are not with the car or it was never nicely optioned (e.g. was NEVER a fuelie, was originally an automatic, etc) - then this isn't really a big deal. It was already devalued and if it helps him keep it and love it - then so be it.

angela

[Sooner or later]

I wouldn't put an auto in it but the other items are fine if he wants a driver. Hope he keeps the parts he removes to be passed on to the next owner.

[john walker's workshop]

It's his to do as he pleases. Maybe he's tired of shifting or has a bad knee. Got to modify it for himself to enjoy, not the next guy down the road.

FWIW, I had a 57 with a factory powerglide that I installed '63 injection on back in the day, in winter, outside on the street. Wierd combo, but drove nice.

[GH85Carrera]

Hey it is his car, and it’s just a car. He would certainly be wise to retain any original parts he has. The fuel injection system was pretty crappy overall. Make it into what he wants, it can always be put back if they have to original parts.

[DanielDudley]

Certainly not what I would do, but I can't fault the guy if he makes it into a car he will use.

Hopping into your classic Vette to get a Sunday paper; Priceless.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

The fuel injection system was pretty crappy overall. .

It runs OK if you keep up on it and don't let it sit around. I like looking at it as much as anything.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Ah, put the original bits in storage and his estate can sell them with the car. Good game plan I say, so the old fella can drive the car comfortably.

Bingo! It's his car, right? I've experienced folks who thought they had the right to tell me what I should do with my car. They were wrong.

As far as injection removed in favor of carbs, that was a common alteration back in the day...for reliability. The Rochester injection wasn't exactly trouble free.

Current physical problems with my left ankle are giving me thoughts of selling the manual trans Mustang and getting something with an automatic. Maybe more of a luxury car, I dunno. Not yet...hope I've bought my last new car.

[Tervuren]

Jay Leno is a major proponent of upgrading the brakes on street driven classic cars.

Frankly, "back in the day", if an upgrade was available, would a "car guy" have done it?

When a classic race car has its springs and dampers changed out, does that hurt the value? What if they changed the brake ducting for the brakes, or put on a different angle wing from one track to the next?

If it makes a car better it is ok in my book.

[nota]

there are value guys esp with vetts who value numbers dates and stickers

and
THERE ARE CAR GUYS who improve there cars with out a eye on resale
I value cars made by this group as better then stock/original cars

yes I understand the date/numbers sticker guys but will never play that game
and to me adds no value

example a buddy had a 69 z28 4 speed all stock
except the original motor was dealer replaced under warinity with a 69 z28 unit exact match
value was 1/2 number matching original

the recalled boxters with new motors will be a car I value for the new motor
not the numbers stamped on the motor
that collectors want

what matters to you
you can spend your money on

[scottmandue]

when is he installing the 22" wheels?

[A930Rocket]

Nice looking Vette.

He’s not installing one of those bench seats in the background is he.

[herr_oberst]

If it were mine, I'd just get a modern EFI "carb" and not even worry anymore about cold starting and driveability, because those issues would be mostly a thing of the past; fitting an automatic doesn't require any cutting does it? Pedal box should be the same, right? rigging up the kickdown cable shouldn't be too big a deal...

[Baz]

[herr_oberst]

[Synchro Joe]

As far as Vette purists, he's pretty much screwed the value down many notches. But as already said, it's his ride to pimp or primp. I had a '61 Vette with fuel injection, and never had any issues with it aside from tickets and insurance increases. Ah well. These guys would probably sell their 26" wheels for some McDonalds gift cards maybe ?

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Ha! My first thought when I read the title of this thread.

Those of you unfamiliar with the "Blasphemi" need to look it up. The ultimate way to treat your damn "classic" car.