Hi All, I bought a 66 Chevelle last year - and I'm finally ready to start working on it.
The question is, do I restore it or Customize it? Regardless, this vehicle will be a driver - so keeping that in mind the customization I was thinking of doing is relatively tame. Perhaps a 3.55 posi unit, LS1 Crate Engine, poly bushing's, close ratio steering box, disc brakes etc.
Vehicle details:
2 door Malibu, CDN build VIN613617007149
283cu
bench seat
powerglide, colum shift
40,000K orginal KM's
All numbers match, single owner car - i know this model combo is likely the most common, but with the raising cost of bowtie Muscle these days - I'm not sure what to do....although I don't plan on selling, it don't want to be kicking myself in 10 years either.
Thanks for your opinions, Brock!

It sounds almost just like mine going by your numbers with the exception that mine was born a 6 cylinder. My car will be seeing a narrowed rear end, big block, and factory interior. I'm doing my car up just like I want it. Maybe you should too.

Get out the sawzall and go to town on it... non-performance smallblock cars will never be worth as much as a well done, tasteful customs, especially if you're considering an LSX engine. When gas hits $5, any classic that gets 30mpg and is fast will be worth far more than a slow one that gets 15mpg. :yes:

I like to retain the stock emblems, bunpers, etc. Keep the inside mainly stock as well. Then upgrade the stuff you dont really see like drivetrain, electrical etc. Finally a nice set of wheels and tires.

If you are concerned about the numbers matching stuff?
keep it in storage.
Then when the car is worth a million dollars give them all of it.
Let the new guy decide .Drive it like you stole it.

Do a resto mod. Keep the body stock appearing and do all of your modifications using bolt on items. Keep all original parts and one day if someone decides to put the car back to original, everything is there.
Tory

I also would hang on to all the stock stuff, and build it the way I would want it.