thoughts on changing a numbers matching R/T

[C_stripes]

If you had a numbers matching 440 auto 69 Coronet R/T in factory Q5, would you change things and build the car how you like it?

Examples of changing would be adding side scoops, ramcharger hood, tach, aluminum heads, TTI exhaust, aluminum radiator, weld in subframe connectors, and several other chassis stiffening and go fast goodies.

As for all the date code parts, I don't really care about the numbers stuff and would probably sell it all. This car is currently an un-touched original with the exception that someone added a Dana at some point, though the original 8 3/4 sure grip comes with it. The car does need restoration, but currently runs and drives.

Am I going to get scrutinized?

[Aero426]

Am I going to get scrutinized?

You already know the answer.    But if it is your car, and you are happy with it, I don't know that it really matters what someone else thinks.    Whether or not it is a good decision on your part is a whole 'nother can of worms that can be argued for and against.     

[JB400]

Enjoy the car to your liking, but keep the numbers matching parts to put it back.

[C_stripes]

I should change that to, how much scrutiny would I get. As far as the engine and trans, I plan on using them. I just mean I will probably sell the exhaust manifolds, radiator, heads, etc...

As far as adding the side scoops and ramcharger hood, or disk brakes will hurt the value in anyway. I would probably use all US Cartool weld in subframe connectors, but again see no harm in making the car better. I  WILL keep it Q5 though. What a cool color eh?

this whole deal isn't for sure yet as I have to wait till spring before we can get to the car. But I will keep everyone informed.

[myk]

If you had a numbers matching 440 auto 69 Coronet R/T in factory Q5, would you change things and build the car how you like it?

YES.

What do "you" want to do with it?  Only you can decide the car's fate; anything else from anyone else is just noise...

[tan top]

 looks a good project  
love the wheels , mmm slots 
 ,  your car !! what ever you decide , although don't think I would  change the color  & no matter what , would not  put side scoops on !    not a fan  of them same as if I had a 70 charger R/T & was restoring it , would leave them off  

[bill440rt]

Good question. And yes I agree with a previous poster that I think deep down you already know the answer.

Complete, original, numbers-matching project cars are very hard to find these days. Especially rarer ones with cool options & a desirable color such has yours. 
So, my answer would be NO.
Instead, I would find a plain jane project that's already been monkeyed with and build that one into whatever you wanted.

This: 

But if it is your car, and you are happy with it, I don't know that it really matters what someone else thinks.    Whether or not it is a good decision on your part is a whole 'nother can of worms that can be argued for and against.     

[Baldwinvette77]

Yup, i'd change it, matching numbers and build sheets don't mean a damn thing to me, if youre going to put the effort and money in to ripping that car apart and rebuilding it, the least you can do is build it the way you want it 

[DAY CLONA]

It's just a machine, a factory hotrod, meant to be customized further to your liking where the factory left off

[Ghoste]

And yet, we all bitch when we get a car and we can't find broadcast sheets and "I wish it still had the original engine" and all of that.  It's going to cost the same to restore it whether you destroy its heritage or not so why not restore it the way you want but hang on to all of the numbers matching stuff because the next owner might value it highly.  It does make a big difference whe its time to sell it.  We're just temporary stewards of these things watching over them for the future owners.

[Cooter]

It's just a machine, a factory hotrod, meant to be customized further to your liking where the factory left off

See, that used to work until $3k cars became $30k cars....it all depends on how much you think you will need to ingest and recoup.
If tge value of an original 440 R/T means nothing to you, and you can handle everybody and their brother runnig the VIN where ever you show it and making comments like "I can't believe this idiot did this to an original car", then go for it.

[C_stripes]

We're just temporary stewards of these things watching over them for the future owners.

I HATE when people say things like that. This is the exact reason I quit caring about numbers. People saying that we are just care takers of these cars. In the real world, caretakers get paid. Not put their whole paycheck a into what what they are "caretakers" of. This is why if I ever have the means, I will buy a real HEMI cuda or Daytona and totally bastardize it into a 70's street machine. People put way to much value in the numbers.

There's a guy up here that still races a factory HURST HEMI B-cuda and it's awesome to watch. He doesn't care how much it's worth, it's a factory hot rod.

I guess I just answered my own question!

[Ghoste]

The alternative I suppose is to consider yourself the final user in which case you should crush it when you are done with it.  I respect your opinion but like it or not, that is what we are.  It doesn't mean you can't modify it or use it or whatever, it just means to respect the car.
As far as putting too much value in numbers, its funny to me that when its time to sell the people with the highly modified cars are always pissed that they can't move them.  What one person sees as a valued improvement the next guy sees as a detriment.
But at this time its all yours so you are right to do as you wish.

[Aero426]

We're just temporary stewards of these things watching over them for the future owners.

I HATE when people say things like that. This is the exact reason I quit caring about numbers.

But when it comes to significant cars, it is a true statement, like it or not.    There will always be a pedigree and pecking order to any kind of collectible.

Do I think that modifying this car is the end of the world?   No.  It needs "everything".  It's not a cream puff.   Do what you want if you care not about resale down the road.   It probably is not smart to sell anything original off the car.    But as I said in the beginning, you are not exactly a rookie and I'm sure you already know the answers.  

Most importantly, you have not even purchased the car.   And who knows if you will?   So at this point, you don't really have a decision to even worry about.  

[C_stripes]

The car is promised to me by a very good friend. I just can't get the car (due to weather) till spring.  I don't know how adding a ramcharger good could ever be seen as hurting the value. And as far as the next owner goes, what's to say he doesn't buy that car someone has spent all that time getting the date code parts and change it. People should build the cars for them and enjoy it. Trailer queens don't impress me and frankly are pretty boring anymore. Where's the enjoyment of having a nice car sitting in the garage? Ooo, so you have a HEMI charger with 425 HP and a 4spd. What fun is that 425 HP and that 4spd if it never gets hammered on? My friend had a numbers matching HEMI 4spd cuda and nothing brings a bigger smile to your face than the feel of all eight barrels open through all four gears down a narrow back road with three people in it. I will never forget that excitement. These cars were built to me modified and enjoyed.

[Ghoste]

Ryan, if I had a Hemi Cuda convertible I would drive it.  But I'd also leave it unmodified.  There is a place for trailer queens and there is a place for the stuff that has been hacked up.  Like Doug said, the one in question isnt a cream puff so back half if you want, but you did ask if it would be scrutinized and well, here we are.
I would ask you this, if the history behind these cars is of no value or interest, why do you go around seeking out the forgotten ones?  You may prefer the modified ones but there will always be others who want to know exactly how they came from the factory.  And there will always be people who don't understand the other groups frame of mind.

[Aero426]

People should build the cars for them and enjoy it. Trailer queens don't impress me and frankly are pretty boring anymore. Where's the enjoyment of having a nice car sitting in the garage? Ooo, so you have a HEMI charger with 425 HP and a 4spd. What fun is that 425 HP and that 4spd if it never gets hammered on? My friend had a numbers matching HEMI 4spd cuda and nothing brings a bigger smile to your face than the feel of all eight barrels open through all four gears down a narrow back road with three people in it. I will never forget that excitement. These cars were built to me modified and enjoyed.

I agree with you that cars need to be used and every so often leaned into a little bit.   But everyone enjoys the hobby in their own way.    For some, just owning their favorite collector car is enough of a thrill.   

[C_stripes]

Ghoste, though I do seek out a lot of hidden cars. I think you have me confused with screen name Devil. My names Jeremy.

[Ghoste]

Sorry about that.  It must be the car hunting that crossed me up. 

[C_stripes]

No worries... If that's the worst thing that happens to me today, I will be a lucky SOB.

[cdr]

that is a very cool car,if is a KEEPER,build it the way YOU want it,enjoy it, drive it,DO MASSIVE burn outs,

[AKcharger]

NO Don't change it at all otherwise you'll go to jail!

On a more serious note I'd agree with most people above. Make all the changes you want just keep the old parts and avoid any (non-safety related) permanent mods. You never know what tomorrow will bring and those original parts you sell now for $1000 could add $10,000+ to the value of the car when you REALLY need money...like to pay for cancer treatment, avoid home foreclosure, pay for Attorneys ect...it's all happens to people right here on this board..it can happen to anyone!

You it's your car but it's also a piggy bank too

[Bob]

I did what I wanted to to mine and to the flavor I wanted. Do exactly what your heart desires. 

[hemi68charger]

Am I going to get scrutinized?

You already know the answer.    But if it is your car, and you are happy with it, I don't know that it really matters what someone else thinks.    Whether or not it is a good decision on your part is a whole 'nother can of worms that can be argued for and against.      

Take it from someone who's jumping into a big "Mod" myself with the Daytona and getting "feedback",,,,, GO FOR IT !!!!!  I have already spent a good chunk of change on getting the parts I need for the conversion........... Being that I won't be reincarnated on this planet, I have one shot to create something I want..... I'm going for it....

[cdr]

Am I going to get scrutinized?

You already know the answer.    But if it is your car, and you are happy with it, I don't know that it really matters what someone else thinks.    Whether or not it is a good decision on your part is a whole 'nother can of worms that can be argued for and against.      

Take it from someone who's jumping into a big "Mod" myself with the Daytona and getting "feedback",,,,, GO FOR IT !!!!!  I have already spent a good chunk of change on getting the parts I need for the conversion........... Being that I won't be reincarnated on this planet, I have one shot to create something I want..... I'm going for it....

and he is a convert    ex mr OEM