Guys I NEED advise / motivation maybe. I have a 1969 red/red white top sprint Firebird auto th350 with ratchet shifter. I WANT TO DO A 100% TOP NOTCH RESTO. ON THE CAR. Why? Because I think the car is worth it. Car was from the original family. Original owner was a GM Jansville Wi. worker. Guy special ordered the car. That being said we all know the costs involved and while mechanically inclined I will not be doing alot of the work myself, not a body guy. So whats the delima you ask? Well I have an 1988 Trans AM GTA that Im thinking of selling to fund the project. Bought the car from the original owner , Cali. car. 18,000 original miles. Gunmetal Metallic Gray cloth no t-tops 350 auto. CAR IS MINT with all papers. Do I sell the car to restore the 69 sooner or really extend the time the project will take? Do you think Ill regret selling the GTA? Whats the future hold for these cars. Now obviously I can expect a bias opinion here so only respond if you have any real knowledge comparing our 60s Pontiacs to a more modern "corporate" Pontiac. I think I will have a hard time selling the GTA only because it is so nice and has won best in class at shows. Also thinking something older something newer,,, Give me your thoughts. I also plan to ask this in the "third gen firebird"

First, two nice cars. awesome. If the ohc 6 engine needs work or parts then that should be done sooner rather than later. Cams, fuel pumps, timing belts not to mention many other parts are in short supply. As for the third gen my own opinion is that the third gen cars are the next ones to take the big jump in value. A few years ago you could buy all but the very nicest 2nd gen cars for less than $10,000, now good luck with that. I think your GTA is an excellent investment that would be a shame to sell just before the value goes way up. Again just my opinion which might not mean much. Neill

wachs, I agree with what Neill has said about the GTA. The boys that were young and taking an interest in cars back then are hitting their 40's now and will be looking for these cars.
Regarding the regret if you sell it? I expect you would, especially such a nice example.
On to the Sprint. I wouldn't worry about extending the time - especially if you have the GTA. If you are concerned about mechanical parts availabilty start by stock piling those now. If you are mechanically inclined look around for a technical school that offers auto body classes and have a stab at doing it up right yourself.
Cal

I have a one owner 69 Sprint and I can tell you that if you are going to restore and need engine parts you best get to looking for them now. Also, the "H" cam in that engine is not reproduced at this moment so take care of your motor. I am working on getting someone to reproduce camshaft from a blank mold so we can get all of the factory grinds. I would suggest that you go to the Yuku OHC forum and looking for this thread so you can participate.