Hi all- long time no post. I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope the forum has been able to survive without my invaluable input.
I know everyone hates these "what's it worth" posts, but come on, admit it- you really love it!
I'm slowly coming to terms that I probably wont be able to finish my car, so its time to be a grown-up and look into my options- (sell, have someone else finish it and sell, keep it in storage, spend my kids' college fund on it... etc. )...
I'd be interested in getting your unparrallelled and exceptional expertise on the value of my car, described below. Personally, I have no doubt that it will pull at least $100k on ebay, but I've heard rumors that sometimes owners may have slightly biased opinions of the value of their pride and joy. (not me of course). Any opinion would be greatly appreciated.

I have a 1968 Firebird 400HO (1 of 1,415 400HO manuals) convertible. It is Burgandy with a parchment (white) interior, 3 speed manual transmission, rally wheels, deluxe interior, and 8-track tape player. It runs and drives strong, but the restoration needs to be completed, but all the needed parts are included.
It is numbers matching with the original engine, transmisson, radiator (recored), long branch exhaust manifolds, and 3.40 Posi rear end. It currently has a Muncie M21 four speed in it, a 1978 TransAm steering box, and GM front disc brakes. However, the original 3 speed manual trans, steering box, and front drum brakes are on a shelf, though all in need of a rebuild. The engine was rebuilt in ~1985, and my guess is it has about 50k miles on that motor. It is all stock specifications except for 10:1 pistons so it can run on pump gas. The car drives and runs excellent. The usual accessories are not original (alternator, water pump, voltage regulator).
The interior is dismantled (except for the drivers seat, so I can drive it), and the body will have to be repainted. I painted it myself in the original burgandy lacquer, but my inexperience shows in some lines that are not straight, so I purchased two OEM doors, an OEM trunk, and an OEM quarter section so that a good bodyman can straighten the lines and repaint it either partially or fully- (the hood and front fenders are fine- its just the back that is a little "wavy". There is also rust in the drivers floor pan that will have to be patched. The car spent its first few years in the US midwest, but spent the rest of its life here in rust-free California. Included would be every part I have purchased for the restoration, which is just about everything, including the very rare #7028271 carburetor- ($1200 value), an original 1968 8-track unit ($450 value), a "survivor" 4-speed console ($850 value), a full reproduction interior ( the door panels are black, which will have to be painted parchment), and every little trim or detail needed. My guess is there is about $3000-$5000 worth of parts, total. Also included is an oem setup for power windows for a convertible- (not on my PHS)The car and parts are in deep storage, so detailed photos are not easy to do.

...a shot in the dark with no picts... $14k.

12k if extensive bodywork is needed. Personally I would either repair the original doors or look for rust free replacements before using OEM repop doors.

ahhh, did I use the wrong term? when I say "OEM" I mean original used parts. The replacement doors are off a 68 Camaro, perfectly straight. The qtr was cut off a 68 coupe. My Firebird doors are certainly restorable, but the Camaro doors are pristine.

I guess I was thinking OER. Yes, original 'Maro doors are great. And using them to complete a fgf is even better!

$20-25k

Thanks for the estimates guys. Anybody else?
I dug up some pictures from 2006. Sadly, the bird has not changed since then. I can't figure out how to post direct from Snapfish, but here is a link to the album;
http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbn..._NAME=snapfish/

x2

ok, it looks like my linky no worky. Did something change while I was gone on how to post pics? It used to be very easy, just post the link in the "paste link" button.... but now when I do that is just posts the URL address......

testes..... 1....2..... 3?? [img]http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbn..._NAME=snapfish/[/img]

can anyone see that?- I just see a link....

I can see it

ah, ok, its just me. thanks- I'll post the rest of the pics later.

All I see is a link. When I click it, it asks me to sign up.

John, you need to open one of the pix in the album & view it, then go up to the URL and copy it, then do as you did in the last post to add the image.

Some on line album hosts will not work this way & Snapfish may be one of them? They may only redirect to the album itself...

The fact that it's an H.O. 400, Manual, Convertible, Hood Tach etc (add in all the additional options) brings the price way up, then as it's been a CA car most of it's life (even with mentioned minor rust) it would be highly sought after.

To be honest, I'm amazed at the over inflated prices people are "trying" to get for base model cars that need a complete ground up restoration to even make them a driver... but when you run across something like yours, then yes, the price would reflect the $18K-$25K range.

If you are not in a hurry and get it to a good point, ready to sell and then advertise it right, you will come out on top!

I wish we could see you finish her up and enjoy it for a while... maybe that will still be the case? Either way, good luck, she will be sweet once complete!

Brett!

Thanks Brett- I think its more than snapfish- I can't post any pics anymore...
thanks for the input from you and everyone. Its a tough decision,I'll have to sleep on it for more than a few nights.
I could sure use the money, and I have to face facts as to whether or not I'll have the time and money to finish this car. Sometimes we have to let go of our adolescent dreams in order to make room for our adult lives. If I release myself from this project, it could enable me to pursue more realistic and mature dreams, such as playing lead guitar for Ozzy Osbourne, being the starting wide receiver for the 49ers, and marrying Farah Fawcett.

Wow...have you been talking to my wife?? Just sayin

DON'T DO IT!!!!
Just hang on to it till you get the kids gone and the wife gets sick of looking at you. Believe me when I tell you that you'll be looking for something to keep you busy out of the house someday.

I'm telling ya...you can't do it...Farah is gone!!

Well,if you're referring to the restraining order, thats ok- I have a plan. Once I get rich from selling the car, she has to love me, right?....right.....?

Only till the money is spent!

I mean she died the same day as M. Jackson...

so-that means the restraining order is void?



I'd better stop here....

I thought I was a waaak job!

After seeing the basement at your parents house, where you live, wallpapered with Farrah posters I'd say you're probably not welcome at the gravesite either.

hey! you promised you werent going to tell anyone about my shrine in the basement!

$5 dolla , love ya long time!

What can I say...it's a classic...

That's about the way it comes down!

My "long time" seems to be costing me more than $15. And I didn't realize that the "long time" was describing the amount of time between each time

amen....ain't that the truth

Hey Dave, you feelin spacey today or what?

She say "long time" but thinking much smaller and "short time".

Anybody remember what this post was actually about?

Something about a car for sale possibly, and being married too long... I think.