To keep original, or not

Hello, I am new to this forum. I am conducting a frame off restoration on a 1972 GS stage1. My dilemma is the car was a factory automatic then converted to a 4-spd manual at some point in its life. I like the 4-spd but i am trying to go as original as possible. Should I leave the 4-spd in the car or go back to the th400? How do you guys feel this effects the value of the car?

 

I vote to go back original. Especially if its a real Stage car.

Oh, And welcome here! Its a nice place with good people.

 

First off, do as you please, but if it is was my car I would is keep is as original as possible.

 

We have owned them both ways. If it not a concours 72 car that I planned to show and I already had the correct 4 speed components in place, I would probably leave it alone. If it is not a concours car, I do not think the 4 speed modification will substantially devalue the car. Unless you have the original BB trans with the VIN, it will not be a number matching car either way.

 

I'm with Jim on this one. Unless you don't like driving a stick, then by all means go back to the auto. But not having the original TH400 takes a bit away from going back to an auto, if the idea is originality.

 

I'll agree with the last two, unless everything else on the car is numbers matching as original (and you have the original trans) then I'd keep the 4 speed. It'll most likely be more desirable than a non vin matching auto trans installed in its place.

 

I'm willing to bet a 4 spd won't hurt the value on a 72 stage 1 if you have the original automatic trans then when you sell you can offer it with the car

 

Enjoy the car as a 4 speed and gather the correct parts for the conversion back to auto should you choose to sell to pass along to potential buyers.

 

You you building it to enjoy it, or to sell it?
I'd keep the 4 speed. It can be converted back to an automatic in the future. As said, the 4 spd conversion is unlikely to reduce it's value significantly.

 

If you heard Tim Welborn, the well know Alabama? MOPAR collector, at the recent TV Mecum broadcast, he stated that for 4 speed cars he adds 25% over an automatic. Now, he was talking about factory 4 speed cars, but still there is some carry over value to conversions in my opinion.

 

Hagerty valuation guide says to discount their values by 20% for an auto, right in line with what Tim is saying.

 

When is the last time you saw a stranger obviously excited about seeing a muscle car walk up to the window, look in, and say, "Darn, it is a 4 speed. I was hoping it was going to be an automatic". :laugh:

 

I'm with the others, if you dont have the matching numbers transmission then I'd go with the 4 speed since it's all already there. If you have the original transmission, that'd change things (for me anyway). Plus, like Jim said, people get a kick out of it. I converted my SBB/auto skylark to a BBB/4 speed and I get far more comments about the trans than I do the engine.

But above all else, if you're building this car for YOU, make it how YOU want it and don't look back! It's a bad#ss car no matter what trans is in it!

 

Ok, I'm out voted here. Idk, didn't think about the non oem trans maybe being gone. But about the breast reduction. I think "upgrading" to a non oem 4 speed is more like buying your girl friend a breast enhancement.
And I had both, the 4 speed upgrade and the other, and there is just no comparison to the real thing!

 

I'd keep the 4 speed. If you think you might sell it someday, pick up a th400 and keep the original linkages if you have them. You can always convert it back if you have the parts.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

Oh that funny

:beers2::beers2::beers2::beers2:

 

I prefer the original.

 

First off its up to you, but will offer some advice. If the conversion was done with factory parts then it comes down to which YOU prefer. Value won't make a huge difference since it's a factory auto. Now I have a few questions.

Do you WANT it a auto or manual?
What's your plans for the car? Manual = more fun, auto = more convenience.