I have a 68 convertible which appears to be numbers matching, it has already been repainted a different color, and the convertible top does not match original color. The carb has been replaced with an edelbrock. As well as some floor pan replacement work was done.

I am curious as to what I can upgrade without affecting the resale price of the car.

The engine and trans need to be pulled and redone as they are both leaking pretty bad. Some of the items I would like ot upgrade.

Rearend gears: As it has the 3.08 which is great on the freeway but lacking any fun light to light
Internal Engine components: To add a little power
Front Brakes: Upgrade to disc as it is 4 wheel drum still
Transmission: Prefer a manual

Any and all suggestions are welcome, if I cannot do much, then I will most likely just replace existing brakes, fix the leaks and sell it so I can get a car that I can go more towards pro touring yet keeping the classic look.

There’s a big difference in “number matching” between a Ram Air bird and a 350 with a 2 speed automatic. The answer to that question will dictate everything. So what is the car in question.

My apologies
68 400 Convertible
Cowl Tag
01D 68-22667 LOR 3224 257 T-8

Block ID 93797 YT

Picture attached

Well imho, I would be careful and not do anything that couldn’t be backed out. I would also save the parts if it really worries you. I can tell you as time goes by, originality has become less important unless you are talking about the really rare cars out there. Just watch Mecum or BJ and you will see the restomoded cars pulling ahead of the “numbers matching” crowd. I fall into the group that likes to add factory options to my car. So far I have added PDBs, Rally’s, hood tach, clock and fold down seat. I also switched to a 4 speed from an automatic. Maybe I devalued my Sprint a little but someone could always go back. All I know is it is a hell of a more fun car to drive, especially wrt the 4speed and disc brakes.

Yeah, it has a bunch of stock options, hood tach, fold down rear seat, deluxe interior, clock, pull bar.

I totally agree, brakes I cannot see affecting the value, and PDB's are on my list

My bigger concern were the trans and rear end, as I much prefer a manual as well, and I can keep the rearend and trans in case someone wanted to go back to original, however I know it would make it way more fun to drive.

Now I just need to determine if I am a convertible person or not

The front snow plow has likely devalued it the most already!

Go for the upgrades. It won't hurt the value and may even help. If you know that you are working with a solid platform you are already ahead of the game. I wouldn't change out the rear until after you know what transmission will be going in. You may get a tranny with a deep first gear in which case the 3.08 would be just fine.

Agreed. One close call where I had to almost pick what ditch to go into was what made me go to discs up front. I saved the parts, but I don’t know why at this point. Zero chance I will ever put them back on. As far as the manual swap, I would keep the rear as is. Not ideal but it will certainly be drivable with a wide ratio trans.

Get an auto gear Muncie with the 2.98 first gear. That will go perfect with the 3.08 rear and you will still have decent highway cruising

https://nastyz28.com/threads/autogears-new-muncie-m22z-2-98-1-gearset.154012/

http://www.autogear.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Syracuse_modular_update.pdf

I have a 2.95 first gear with a 3.08 and it is perfect for me. If you are wanting to impress your buddies with a tire shredding burn-out it's not the combination for you.