Opinions on keeping original equipment

[97ss497]

I plan on keeping my car for a long long time but if I ever get stupid and sell it do you guys think it pays to keep all the original stuff since my car is somewhat rare? According to a report I read somewhere there's only 50 97 SS's that are white hardtop 6 speeds. I have the opportunity to sell the parts and make some extra cash (for more bolt-ons) but I'm not sure if that would be wise to do.
Any suggestions?

[LoudLT1]

i'd sell the original parts for extra ca$h for bolt ons. that's what i did. hood, wheels, air box, anything i could get money for i sold on ebay. my car isin't as rare as yours (exept for my red and black cloth interior)
good luck,
eddie

[97ss497]

ttt. come on, your opinions are much appreciated...

[Benm109]

I agree with LoudLT1. I would sell the original parts for some money so you can mod your car more. The only thing I wouldn't do is rip out certain things (AC and heat, for example) that some people just can't live without on a car, if or when you sell it. That's my 2 cents.

[Joe 1320]

Here's where I disagree with others. Keep all original parts. Clean them, box them up with labels. If you ever decide to sell it, the car can be put back to stock and the mod parts sold. Not to mention of a part fails, you'll have a stocker as a back up. Funny thing is that many times, trying to sell a modded car years down the road is alot harder than selling a stock one. People are looking for well kept stockers.

[TraceZ]

Here's where I disagree with others. Keep all original parts. Clean them, box them up with labels. If you ever decide to sell it, the car can be put back to stock and the mod parts sold. Not to mention of a part fails, you'll have a stocker as a back up. Funny thing is that many times, trying to sell a modded car years down the road is alot harder than selling a stock one. People are looking for well kept stockers.

My opinion exactly. Joe is dead on target. Future value of the car is higher if it is stock, and the mods can be sold for even more money.

[97ss497]

Joe and Z,

That's what I was leaning towards doing; now I'll clean them up and find a dry spot in the basement. That's probably one of the biggest reasons I initially bought the car; it was completely stock.

Thanks

[PJ Reynolds]

Box it all up

I agree with Joe & Z Definately keep the original parts. If there were only 50 of those baby's built that makes that car exceptionally rare 10 to 20 years from now. What would you think if a 69 ss with a production run of 50 would be worth today in original condition?

[DeWynter]

If it were mine I would box up all the original stuff and put it in a safe place. The amount of money you may get for it will never offset the amount you will have to pay later to put it back when you realize you want to sell it, and its worth twice as much complete. Just a thought.

[Roger in Kensington]

Not only do I agree with Joe and the others of similar opinion, but . . .

. . . keep EVERYTHING that originally came with the car. Window stickers, tags, labels, manuals, company brochures, etc.

I've got all that, plus a couple of the promotional video tapes and calendars offered that year (as well as a complete Pontiac Product Information catalogue for 1998).

Keep it all. These cars aren't being made anymore and the more stock items you have, the more valuable your car is.

IMHO, of course.