Hello, I'm kinda new to the old car scene, but i jumped off in it and bought a 67 convertible that was completely submerged during hurricane Katrina. It has a solid body, but the motor and trans both have water in them and all the interior and electrical parts are toast. I've got a decent budget to work off of and have found a guy that will put it up on a rotisserie and completely blast, paint and re-hang the steet metal. My goal is to have a car I can drive if i want, like on weekends, out to the lake etc, and maybe hit some of the local burger joint car shows and such. From the factory it had a 326, 2spd auto, power top, rear man antennae with 8 track, deluxe interior and was painted Mayfair Maize. What I'd like to hear from you guys is a discussion on the different aspects of going true to original or slightly modified. Nothing crazy, just things like a different color,(i've always liked red) maybe color match the firewall and engine compartment, adding AC, adding a rear spoiler, dropping a crate 350 in it etc. I know its tough to armchair someone elses project, but i just wnat to know what you guys think.

Thanks, KJ

unless it's a rare car ,build it to what you like.that is if you plan on keeping it for your own enjoyment.if you plan on resale keep it close to original.just my thoughts.

Build it nice and you will find it has good value. No matter what engine or color people recognize quality. People want a complete and done car that has attention to detail. You can build it anyway you want as long as you stick to the quality rule.

Yes, most definitely build it the way YOU want it.

No, build it the way I want it:
I want a VW air coolled engine, candy apple pink paint, velour seats and green shag carpeting. That should get you started. I'll give you a detailed step by step list shortly.
Oh, and dont forget the 25" bling wheels.

I think you need to build it the way Z_Firebird wants it, since he is paying for it and all the work - right?

j/k

You're saving the car from the scrapyard - in more ways than one! Being a flood car, even if it were in great condition before, it's no longer in that condition, and will need a bunch of work to get it back. Your work, your money.

That being said, generally speaking, since there are many less first gen Firebirds than Camaros out there, and convertibles are more "rare" than coupes - there are some things to consider. But it's not a 400/4speed car, or a RA car, (or a TA), so you're in good shape to not "destroy" anything rare.

I'd suggest building it the way you want to - but also keep in mind your tastes might change as time goes on, and original cars seem to gather a little more "awe" from spectators.

Now for *my* firebird - a run of the mill 350 coupe, I wouldn't mind swapping the engine & trans out (but keeping the original), adding spoilers, painting it a different color, and adding different rims. These are all reversible modifications. When you get into cutting sheet metal, or dash parts, then I start to cringe a little.

As long as you don't tub it, gut it, install a full roll cage, and turn it into a pro-street dragster, I'm ok with it! (and if I wasn't - who the heck cares?! It's your money and your car!)

That all sounds pretty good, I'm not thinking of anything wild, just drivability stuff. The mayfair maize is starting to grow on me a little bit so i may do that since its the hardest to change. The only thing that would require drilling holes would be an aftermarket AC. Two big holes in the dash may be a big deal to some people. Other than that, just bolt on stuff: Disc brakes, spoilers, new motor. I need to get the old one to an engine shop to look at and see if its worth fixing.

I don't think the aftermarket AC is going to hurt the car's resale value as long as it's done right. It actually may make it a more desireable car for many people.

Keep it Pontiac! No need for a Chevy powered 'bird. There are to many of them already. What every else you want to do is up to you. You get to start with a clean slate.

the closer you keep it to original;the greater your resale value will be when(or if) you go to sell it.i think you will get the most for your money if you keep it original.

agreed, esp easy to change spark plugs!

WELCOME BACK BJORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks!