1970 replace factory parts

[neal986]

I recently purchased a 1970T mostly original car, low miles. Question is on modifying cars and how it will effect value.
1. Equipped with factory air-conditioning, I was thinking of removing the entire system all together, cleaning it and placing it in a box for the future owner. Significant weight and they never work great.
2. Any reason to keep the existing stereo? Thinking of adding blue tooth stereo panel with a "classic" look.
3. Replacing the headlights for a LED light for safety or keep the original.

My goal is to keep the car a short time in order to see how much I like the older cars, currently driving a 2019 Carreta T manual.

Thank you

[rwest]

If you’re only planning on keeping it for a short time, I wouldn’t do anything until you decide if you want to keep it for a longer term.

The AC is the only thing that would take a bunch of work to put it back and seems to me that being factory and “working” could ad some value to the next owner.

Stereo and lights are pretty simple and could be put back in by you or the next owner in a few hours.

[brianlay]

For a long hood originality generally has more value.

Removing the AC only saves 55 lbs, leave it in place for now.

Replace the stereo if you must but save the original

Replace the lights if they're sealed beam type. Original H4s work fine.

[E Sully]

From what I've read, the A/C was usually dealer installed for US cars. Just about all of it would need to be replaced to make it functional for the next owner anyway, so removing it and boxing it up would probably be best.
You mention stereo, which was rare back in the day. Most were mono AM/FM Blaupunkt Frankfurt. I see these for around $350. Original stereo would be worth a bit more. If the radio is original put it in a box also and get a classic look modern unit.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

I too think it depends on condition and how long you plan to keep.

Highly original cars and very well done resto-mods or outlaw-builds can bring top dollar. Anything in between is just a “tweener” and will usually have a hard time selling as the market for those cars is smaller and mostly made up of people who can’t afford the original/resto-mod cars.

If you plan to keep it and drive it for 5-10 years or longer then do what you want. The larger market is moving towards cars from the 1990’s at the moment so we probably won’t see the rapid appreciation in long hood values in the future like we have over the past 20 years.

[HarryD]

Old long hoods offer a very different driving experience that your Carrera T. It is a momentum car and will get you very involved in driving.

How about some pictures? Please include one of your motor to help determine if you have factoryAC or after market.

FWIW

Keep the AC for now. It is a pain to remove.

By all means upgrade your stereo. Keep to original unit for the future caretaker. If I had to do it over in my car, it would be a Retro Sound unit. I am planning on replacing my British Leyland Mono AM/FM with one in the near future.

What headlights are in your car now? If sugar scoops, consider the 7” LED drop in headlights. Much better Than the H4’s. If you have the euro H4’s, you may want to upgrade the bulbs. In any case, you should install a headlight relay kit to prevent burning up the hi beam flasher/turn signal stalk.

[doswald]

The original radio/stereo can be modified to link to Bluetooth.

DHO

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

I run a Retro Sound unit in my ‘71. Most would assume it is OEM and would not suspect it has SiriusXM, Bluetooth, 2 USB ports and more. Highly recommended.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Good advice above, don't do anything until it's a keeper.

Depending on which version it is, the underdash AC vent system, in good shape, is very valuable.

My rule of thumb is to keep absolutely everything. In general, easily reversible mods to the owner's taste don't effect value. When you start cutting, drilling, welding...

Post some pics when you have a chance, would love to see the car.

[PeteKz]

^^ Agree with Shaun and Rutager. Drive it for awhile and find out if it's a keeper before doing any mods. You will save much time, not to mention money.

[neal986]

Thank you so much guys! I'm going to keep the 71' stock and making no changes. Car is so much fun a completely different experience than a modern 911.