This probably will offend some of you, but to me it just seems like insanity. How could someone ever consider paying $1250 for a 40 year old, 42 amp alternator?

http://www.chevelles.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=36395

I saw that, that's ridiculous.

This probably will offend some of you, but to me it just seems like insanity. How could someone ever consider paying $1250 for a 40 year old, 42 amp alternator?

http://www.chevelles.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=36395

Actually it is a 37 amp. I just sold one dated March of 1969 for $1,100 and it was used.

Not ridiculous at all if the stampings are indeed originals. I've seen restored 837's go for mid teen's.

It definetly tilts the playing field. NEVER throw parts away without checking part numbers!

Jerry

Not ridiculous at all if the stampings are indeed originals. I've seen restored 837's go for mid teen's.

I have too, it's still ridiculous, just like the 437 distributors going for $3000+.

I have too, it's still ridiculous, just like the 437 distributors going for $3000+.

Unless YOU had one and sold it for that much! :yes:

This probably will offend some of you, but to me it just seems like insanity. How could someone ever consider paying $1250 for a 40 year old, 42 amp alternator?

http://www.chevelles.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=36395

Not the least bit offended,but I just paid $1200.00 for a 1100837 alternator completely restored for my 1970 L78 Nova. That is what they are worth to find one,restore it and have the proper date code.
Jerry MacNeish is selling them for $1695.00

Three of the cars in my signature have 1100837 alternators, and two,the Z/28 and the LS6 are original. Priceless.:yes:

all the more reason to build clones, take em to the strip, and have fun with them.

Rich dudes with money to burn.

Our L78 car has a CE engine, so it doesn't really matter if the other stuff is correct. Any more, we're more than apt to go for a 150 mile Sunday drive than go to a car show. I guess after having these cars for forty years, they just aren't a big ego trip to me any more. Not that they ever were. We have always enjoyed driving them and that's what we do. When I can't drive them any more, then I'll sell them. Being a bit of a pack rat, I kept most all the odds and ends for our COPO car including the original leaking water pump and smog stuff. The shifter was such garbage that it did go in the scrap. I did save the handle though. It could have just as easily ended up in a scrap bin back in the day as well. I prefer Day 2 with parts that work. We'll leave the numbers to the numbers guys. To each his own. I enjoy seeing cars done both ways.

A pointless waste of money for numbers that nobody will ever see or care about. If they did something different than the identical versions with a different stamp on then it might be interesting, but as is, pass. But everyone is different.

That's actually a very good price if you ask me. If you need it, you need it, that's all there is to it.

A friend of mine told me a couple of years ago...he doesn't make the price of the parts, it's the guys buying them. :yes:

I'll buy one 1100837 alt for a 69 model Nov 21 engine assembly, if price is right.

About three weels ago I had one of those on my hands. The numbers game is not for the fainted heart...correctness is a money matters. Not many people car play this game. This why I now have more appreciation for those car that are correct. Just pray you don't have a dual snorkle air cleaner. It will set you back 7K and it might need to be resotred.

That's the price of the game at that level. You play if you want to.....

I was going to email dvss.
Actually 1250 is too cheap.
It will sell for that for sure.

I'm surprised how many of you guys are out of touch.
I suppose you think you can just zip down to your local Walmart and get one.:sad:

Having the correct parts on your car like this alternator, is what separates the $30,000 70 SS454 from the $90,000 SS454 at Barret Jackson.

I've been out of this scene for many, many years, so forgive my lack of knowledge. I am just trying to learn more.

After reading here a few months, and lots of encouragement on another thread, I'm thinking about bringing one of my Chevelles into an roadworthy, enjoyable condition. While I admire the results and the dedication it takes to put a car into original condition, I know that route is not for me. I like a romping, stomping hot rod too much to not drive it like it's a romping, stomping hot rod. On the other hand, I have a bike that accumulates very, very few miles each year, so I can relate to polishing the trailer queen and her throne.

I like the security and comfort of modern technology, a supple leather interior and serpentine belt means more to me than pleather and v-belts. Having the color that makes me sit in the car and stare at my own creation means more than the 40-year old paint code.

That's the way I customize my bikes, I like the old look built around today's technology. For the most part, matching numbers and genealogy don't concern us in the late model bike world, But, I don't want to screw up a good candidate for the Miss Originality Chevelle awards when I could enjoy another one built to enjoy without being embarrassed by its heritage.

Are these high dollar parts going on cars being returned to an as-built condition or as replacements for the original parts? How much can be replaced and a car still be considered an "original".

Is there a clear definition to the term? Docs, engine, VIN, and frame seem to be a given, but what else needs to be there or be available NOS in order for a car to be an original candidate?

Rick

It definetly tilts the playing field. NEVER throw parts away without checking part numbers!

Jerry

You should see our basement...

Prolly 400 carbs...

100 or so water pumps

radiators

ignition stuff...

distributors

intakes

etc...

I wish I would have got into alternators instead of horns. gary

A pointless waste of money for numbers that nobody will ever see or care about. ... But everyone is different.

Yup. I look at them. But then again, I'm different... :D

I think it's dumb to pay $1500 for an alternator that will be covered up anyway. Over $1000 for a distributor gear? You have to be kidding me. Makes me glad I've just got a hoopty. This all numbers matching and correct game seems kind of silly to me.

I think Im going to have to start looking at numbers. Makes you wonder all the Q jets and points style dist. we use to just throw away without batting a eye. My buddy bought a 87 350 motor with the odd angle center 4 bolts on the intake, he had this old chevy aluminum intake he was going to hog out to make it fit, I gave him a old performer to modify. We finally ran the numbers, turned out to be a 1 year only 62 340hp corvette intake. jim

If everyone kept everything there would be a plentiful supply of parts and these rare items would be common and cheap. But everyone didn't keep these things. They went to rebuilders, went onto other cars and dare I say, they went to the scrap yard.

That's the deal, sports fans. If you wanna play the game you gotta pay the price.

I still think its gotten out of hand. The common working guy, who in the day, could actually have an original car, has been priced out of the game. These are cars. Does the snooty dude with the $1600. almighty "correct" alt on the big block chevelle ever do with this car what it built to do? Nope. It gets pushed in and out of a trailer and he stands guard over it like its royalty or something.

Drive it, or crush it.

I still think its gotten out of hand. The common working guy, who in the day, could actually have an original car, has been priced out of the game. These are cars. Does the snooty dude with the $1600. almighty "correct" alt on the big block chevelle ever do with this car what it built to do? Nope. It gets pushed in and out of a trailer and he stands guard over it like its royalty or something.

Drive it, or crush it.

I think that sums it up pretty well.

I still think its gotten out of hand. The common working guy, who in the day, could actually have an original car, has been priced out of the game. These are cars. Does the snooty dude with the $1600. almighty "correct" alt on the big block chevelle ever do with this car what it built to do? Nope. It gets pushed in and out of a trailer and he stands guard over it like its royalty or something.

Drive it, or crush it.

I think you have a wrong preconcieved opinion about a lot of guys who restore number matching cars. I've gotten to meet quite a few of them and in my opinion, they are just common working guys. They struggle financially to restore these cars just the way others do building full blown race cars or pro-touring cars. Everyone has a right to spend their own money on their car anyway they see fit, be it a correct alternator or chrome blower, there really is no difference. It's only a matter of personal preference of what they want their car to be. There's plenty of room and enjoyment for everyone in the hobby, from trailer queens to daily drivers. As far as your "Drive it or crush it" statement, that appears to be a somewhat misguided thought in my opinion. To each their own!!!

The restoration game has it's levels with 100% correctness being the highest level an owner can achieve. This level demands an incredible amount of money along with crafmanship. Once this level is achived the vehicle becomes a piece of art and therefore will receive "royal status" "aka" it will be trailered, supervised, and receive the best care products available to maintain this status. Almost always owners who achieve this level are able to afford something else to drive and just cruise arround. You do not collect stamps, lick them and put them on envelopes. Every game has it's level, and most often those who can not play it are the ones who critizes the ones who can. Life is full of choices, choose what you want and move on...

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm very surprised that there is this much conversation on the subject...

Guess my humble opinion is this- if you find a car that is largely original, complete, and has most of its "born with" parts, maybe buying an alternator like this makes complete sense.

On my L78, which did not have its "born with" engine, and had been hot rodded in the late '80's, I would have gone broke buying parts like this. The overthinking about getting the car back to correct was just too stressful. Rare car with a pedigree, yes. My cup of tea, no. I'd rather have a cloned Malibu that gave me no pangs of conscience if I wanted to change suspension to modern items, and build with modern parts. Guess I'd rather spend $50.00 for a new alternator, and have $1200 left to buy a complete modern suspension...

But, that's why ice cream comes in so many flavors... We all have our "thing", and different drives and motivations. To those that can afford a $1250 alternator, and then have a dime left to finish the car, cheers!

I still think its gotten out of hand. The common working guy, who in the day, could actually have an original car, has been priced out of the game. These are cars. Does the snooty dude with the $1600. almighty "correct" alt on the big block chevelle ever do with this car what it built to do? Nope. It gets pushed in and out of a trailer and he stands guard over it like its royalty or something.

Drive it, or crush it.

I don't get it. We see cars posted every day from private sellers and ebay and everyone has a field day laughing about how many things are wrong with it. Now if the car is correct or original that is no good either!
I worked hard for my cars,don't own a trailer, and drive them everywhere,but I am a purist and when I replace something it is the correct part, and documentation is most important. As some said,we are here to enjoy our cars anyway we choose.:beers:

Some of you guys need to study Economics. There is a law called "Supply and Demand".

this is why our is trillions of dollers in debt,the goverment thinks everybody has this kind of money to throw around! OUR WHOLE ECONOMY IS NOTHING MORE THAN A PONSI SCHEME!! on the other hand it is nice to see that something in your garage might worth gold to some other person.

Some of you guys need to study Economics. There is a law called "Supply and Demand".



Hmmmm, might be a good case study. The second chapter is probably "My house is in foreclosure, and my kid's not going to college because I bought a 512 block and a 837 alternator", lol.

Actually sounds like a good country song... I'm getting off here and grabbing my guitar.

a fool and his money will part soon..
WOW it's dated 1970 january..
and nothing in it is that old..
it's no different that the rebuilt napa one..
new rec. new dio pack, bearings, maybe even windings that are out of another newer alt,
oh, the horror, say it aint so..
if it was a working,n.o.s. never rebuilt, I could see maybe(and thats a big maybe) an ls 5 or 6 car. etc. wanting it..
but your paying 1200.oo+ for a beadblasted case.. sorry,, FAIL

a fool and his money will part soon..
WOW it's dated 1970 january..
and nothing in it is that old..
it's no different that the rebuilt napa one..
new rec. new dio pack, bearings, maybe even windings that are out of another newer alt,
oh, the horror, say it aint so..
if it was a working,n.o.s. never rebuilt, I could see maybe(and thats a big maybe) an ls 5 or 6 car. etc. wanting it..
but your paying 1200.oo+ for a beadblasted case.. sorry,, FAIL

Well, that's kind of what I was thinking... The only thing "authentic" are the dents caused by the GM stamps 40 years ago, and is it worth paying $1200 more for some dents in the metal? And, the person building the car knows that it isn't the original alternator for the car, so is it any more "correct" or "original" to the car than any other alternator floating around out there?

It just seems to me like trying to "Restore virginity". Great idea, but it ain't happening...

I still think its gotten out of hand. The common working guy, who in the day, could actually have an original car, has been priced out of the game. These are cars. Does the snooty dude with the $1600. almighty "correct" alt on the big block chevelle ever do with this car what it built to do? Nope. It gets pushed in and out of a trailer and he stands guard over it like its royalty or something.

Drive it, or crush it.

This subject has been tossed around way more than most of us care to think about. I usually don't comment because it's kind of like republicans and democrats. There's always going to be different opinions. Trailered, or driven. Like some/many car guys, I like original restored cars for myself. I also like to see cars like Don Lightfoot's, with the day 2 add ons, although I do like to harass Don about it. (but thats another whole subject)

Why is so difficult understanding why some folks place a great deal of importance, on having a correct part numbered, date coded alternator, water pump, or dist, etc. For myself, and many other car guys I know, we get just as much pleasure looking at a nicely restored smog system, as others might get from looking at a nice set of headers or aluminum wheels.

I'll be the 1st to agree that the cost of some of the L-78 parts is a bit out there, but it's supply and demand. If a bunch of guys need a particular numbered part, and there's only a hand full out there, it's going to cost big bucks....but I don't see any difference between spending $1000 for an alternator, for a trailer queen, and spending $1000 for aluminum wheels or a blower, for a hot rod.

I doubt this will be the last time this subject is discussed, but as long as some guys like their $1000 distributers, and some guys like $1000 aftermarket wheel, there's going to be "discussions like this.

Drive it or crush it, is about as silly as saying, trailer it or crush it:yes: Respect the opinions of others, and if you don't like to see the cars rolled out of trailers, simply walk away and try to understand what the trailer queen thing is all about. I know it's hard, but at least try to understand:beers:

I was talking to a guy who was selling an unused original 1969 Uniroyal white lettered tire. It went to the first guy who called for over $800 CDN. It wouldn't be any good for anything except showing. I have a set that I bought a few years ago when prices were affordable. I sure wouldn't want to drive on them though. Don't think for a minute that people are going to give you rare stuff so that you can get $150K when your car is done. It just doesn't work that way. I'd be curious, regardless of value, how many guys could actually sell their cars at a profit over what they have invested. Not too many i think.

This subject has been tossed around way more than most of us care to think about. I usually don't comment because it's kind of like republicans and democrats. There's always going to be different opinions. Trailered, or driven. Like some/many car guys, I like original restored cars for myself. I also like to see cars like Don Lightfoot's, with the day 2 add ons, although I do like to harass Don about it. (but thats another whole subject)

Why is so difficult understanding why some folks place a great deal of importance, on having a correct part numbered, date coded alternator, water pump, or dist, etc. For myself, and many other car guys I know, we get just as much pleasure looking at a nicely restored smog system, as others might get from looking at a nice set of headers or aluminum wheels.

I'll be the 1st to agree that the cost of some of the L-78 parts is a bit out there, but it's supply and demand. If a bunch of guys need a particular numbered part, and there's only a hand full out there, it's going to cost big bucks....but I don't see any difference between spending $1000 for an alternator, for a trailer queen, and spending $1000 for aluminum wheels or a blower, for a hot rod.

I doubt this will be the last time this subject is discussed, but as long as some guys like their $1000 distributers, and some guys like $1000 aftermarket wheel, there's going to be "discussions like this.

Drive it or crush it, is about as silly as saying, trailer it or crush it:yes: Respect the opinions of others, and if you don't like to see the cars rolled out of trailers, simply walk away and try to understand what the trailer queen thing is all about. I know it's hard, but at least try to understand:beers:
Bill, maybe I came on a little hard. I DO respect a totally original car. Mine is not, but its because of these prices. But, prices aside, it's no longer, in my eyes anyway, a car, if it is to wonderful, to perfect, to expensive to drive. You are correct, its your money and your right to spend it as you choose. Its just a shame that so many are scarfed up buy people who will never drive them that it gets tough for a working man who, actually intends to (gasp!) drive the car to even find one. I know that some need to perfectly preserved, but to price those who use them out of the game is wrong. I have upwards of $40,000. in my 66 and it far from original. But I drive it. Alot. I guess thats just whats its all about to me. Sorry if I offended you.

This thread shows how diverse muscle car enthusiasts can be. There's room for all of them and each group relys on the others in some way. The parts guys feed the purists for profit to feed their own needs. The purists depend on the mainstream to envy their prizes which creates it's value. Take away any exteme or the various links in between and it will effect all of us. Just another micro-economy.

Jerry

Well, the way I see it, the car is only original ONCE. Once it's been refitted with new sheet metal, and new carpet, seat covers, and that #'S matching engine has been rebuilt with new parts, and it has new exhaust and everything else is new on that car, it's no longer original, and to spend that kind of money on a stamped alternator is insane. I'm sorry, the guys doing the numbers chasing game, and making these cars trailer queens aren't car guys, these are bankers, stock market people, and investors only interested in cubic dollars, and these guys have totally ruined the market for us true car guys who take great pride in what we build, and take greater pride in turning that key, hearing what we built run, and actually DRIVING it to shows, or maybe running it down the 1/4 once in a while and doing what that car was actually built to do in the first place. While it's true that there aren't a whole lot of these numbers matching cars alive and well, and a few of these real ORIGINAL cars wearing ORIGINAL paint and etc, deserve to be shown and treated to queen status, the majority of these cars are so far from original it's sad. Case in point, a childhood friend of my fathers bought a 1970 black chevelle SS 454, actual LS6 4 speed car, and enjoyed it his entire life, garaged it in winters, and never had rust. a few years ago, he decided to do the old girl some justice and rebuild it. He put all new internals into that numbers matching block and heads, putting original cam, pistons and rods into a box, putting lower compression better quality parts into it making it pump gas friendly so he could drive and enjoy it. interior is original, and then had the car painted over. Although this car is all numbers matching, and he was the original owner, that car is no longer original. Before the restoration, he was offered low ball prices for it, right up to an insane amount of money being it WAS in original paint, albeit faded, and buffed through in some spots. Well, he has since passed away sadly right when the car was completed, and his widow is sitting on the car, and on the fence of selling it or keeping it, and she has yet to be offered anything close to what it was offered before the restoration. See my point? And no, I will not now, nor ever disclose the location or name of the owner of that car, I and my father have spoken to her regarding the car, and she showed concern with somebody who'll enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed, rather than somebody putting it on a trailer making a queen out of it. (she's on the fence because she can't drive stick, is in her early 60's, and doesn't want to part with something that meant so much to her husband). There is also another childhood friend of my fathers who bought a LS5 chevelle SS brand new, drove it his entire life, including some winters, has restored it, because of restoration it's no longer ORIGINAL, and he drives the snot out of it every summer now enjoying what the car is and what it was meant to be. #'s matching? you bet! but it's A CAR!

I peronally like a unrestored survivor more than a fully restored car with no disrespect to the restored cars out there. They have a place and I truly enjoy looking at them.

With that said...if I had a survivor and needed that "correct" date coded alternator, I have no problem spending the money.

Trust me, I have done it with my Day 2 car...ask my wife! :D

Kurt :beers:

Really it is just simply like any other hobby. Be it coins, stamps, guns, hotwheels, etc... The serious collector want's the best they can afford, but almost anyone can get into any hobby for alot less $$ but they have to be willing to accept less than perfection. It's ALL good! As a side note, whoever thought back in the day this stuff would be what it is? Hell, I just wanted my $5 core charge back so I could have some spending $!!!

This thread shows how diverse muscle car enthusiasts can be. There's room for all of them and each group relys on the others in some way. The parts guys feed the purists for profit to feed their own needs. The purists depend on the mainstream to envy their prizes which creates it's value. Take away any exteme or the various links in between and it will effect all of us. Just another micro-economy.

Jerry

Well said.

I don't get it. We see cars posted every day from private sellers and ebay and everyone has a field day laughing about how many things are wrong with it. Now if the car is correct or original that is no good either!
I worked hard for my cars,don't own a trailer, and drive them everywhere,but I am a purist and when I replace something it is the correct part, and documentation is most important. As some said,we are here to enjoy our cars anyway we choose.:beers:


Now you're talking and this is so true...and I agree 100%!!!!!!

I think Im going to have to start looking at numbers. Makes you wonder all the Q jets and points style dist. we use to just throw away without batting a eye. My buddy bought a 87 350 motor with the odd angle center 4 bolts on the intake, he had this old chevy aluminum intake he was going to hog out to make it fit, I gave him a old performer to modify. We finally ran the numbers, turned out to be a 1 year only 62 340hp corvette intake. jim


geez....i think i got an intake like that (62 vette 340 hp) hangin in my basement, now that you've mentioned it! whats one o them critters worth in todays world? :eek:

Bill, maybe I came on a little hard. I DO respect a totally original car. Mine is not, but its because of these prices. But, prices aside, it's no longer, in my eyes anyway, a car, if it is to wonderful, to perfect, to expensive to drive. You are correct, its your money and your right to spend it as you choose. Its just a shame that so many are scarfed up buy people who will never drive them that it gets tough for a working man who, actually intends to (gasp!) drive the car to even find one. I know that some need to perfectly preserved, but to price those who use them out of the game is wrong. I have upwards of $40,000. in my 66 and it far from original. But I drive it. Alot. I guess thats just whats its all about to me. Sorry if I offended you.

Larry, I wasn't offended at all. I was just pointing out, the other side of this hobby, and why some would find value in a $1000 alternator. I really can't understand why some guys (not you) are so closed minded about original restored cars. There's a post by Beachbum29 (above) that makes no sense to me at all. I wonder why guys like this are so bitter. He's talking about bankers, stock market people owning muscle cars, and not being car guys. He doesn't have a clue. But to each his own, There's always going to be closed minded people in any hobby.

Apparently, I'm not a "car guy"... He doesn't know, guys like me own some of these trailer queens, and I did every bit of the restorations myself, and trust me, I'm no banker. Not only did I build all my cars, I built the building, that they were restored in. I even documented every stage of the restorations, here on TC..

Anyway, I just wanted to make that point. Not everyone is going to understand this part of the hobby, but at least keep an open mind when looking at these cars. Not every trailer queen was purchased by bankers. Sometimes they're built with sweat, hard work, dedication and a few dollars scraped together working for a living.

Larry, I wasn't offended at all. I was just pointing out, the other side of this hobby, and why some would find value in a $1000 alternator. I really can't understand why some guys (not you) are so closed minded about original restored cars. There's a post by Beachbum29 (above) that makes no sense to me at all. I wonder why guys like this are so bitter. He's talking about bankers, stock market people owning muscle cars, and not being car guys. He doesn't have a clue. But to each his own, There's always going to be closed minded people in any hobby.

Apparently, I'm not a "car guy"... He doesn't know, guys like me own some of these trailer queens, and I did every bit of the restorations myself, and trust me, I'm no banker. Not only did I build all my cars, I built the building, that they were restored in. I even documented every stage of the restorations, here on TC..

Anyway, I just wanted to make that point. Not everyone is going to understand this part of the hobby, but at least keep an open mind when looking at these cars. Not every trailer queen was purchased by bankers. Sometimes they're built with sweat, hard work, dedication and a few dollars scraped together working for a living.
the way I see it, is a original restored car doesn't "need" a 1200.oo alt. cause if it's original, it already HAS one. and you just rebuild it..
but it o.k.
cause lets face it. any owner that is that anal about date codes and spending that much coin, to restore the car back to factory fresh,
is never gonna drive it.. like a muscle car was made for..
so, I see it as totally pointless, but thats just me..
face it.. aftermarket floors, 1/4's but look it's a date stamped alt. man.. that makes the car worth more coin.. I don't see how, but tons of cars sell for silly money , just like that.. if the napa part lights up the headlights, then it's doing it's job.. and thats all I need it to do..
I don't see many guys at cruise nights going.
"hay man , thats a nice date code on that alt."

the way I see it, is a original restored car doesn't "need" a 1200.oo alt. cause if it's original, it already HAS one. and you just rebuild it..
but it o.k.
cause lets face it. any owner that is that anal about date codes and spending that much coin, to restore the car back to factory fresh,
is never gonna drive it.. like a muscle car was made for..
so, I see it as totally pointless, but thats just me..
face it.. aftermarket floors, 1/4's but look it's a date stamped alt. man.. that makes the car worth more coin.. I don't see how, but tons of cars sell for silly money , just like that.. if the napa part lights up the headlights, then it's doing it's job.. and thats all I need it to do..
I don't see many guys at cruise nights going.
"hay man , thats a nice date code on that alt."


This poor dead horse, how many times can it be beaten to death??? I swear some of you guys live in a closed box and will just never get it. If NAPA parts do it for you, that's all fine and well. For those doing concours restorations, it's not happening with NAPA. What's the hang up with it???
To each their own!!!!:beers:

Larry, I wasn't offended at all. I was just pointing out, the other side of this hobby, and why some would find value in a $1000 alternator. I really can't understand why some guys (not you) are so closed minded about original restored cars. There's a post by Beachbum29 (above) that makes no sense to me at all. I wonder why guys like this are so bitter. He's talking about bankers, stock market people owning muscle cars, and not being car guys. He doesn't have a clue. But to each his own, There's always going to be closed minded people in any hobby.

Apparently, I'm not a "car guy"... He doesn't know, guys like me own some of these trailer queens, and I did every bit of the restorations myself, and trust me, I'm no banker. Not only did I build all my cars, I built the building, that they were restored in. I even documented every stage of the restorations, here on TC..

Anyway, I just wanted to make that point. Not everyone is going to understand this part of the hobby, but at least keep an open mind when looking at these cars. Not every trailer queen was purchased by bankers. Sometimes they're built with sweat, hard work, dedication and a few dollars scraped together working for a living.

Bitter? i'm not bitter in the least! I just find it a true shame that these cars have become investements rather than CARS! If you look around, you'll see alot of investment type's that really aren't "into" these cars, and buy them to flip, or to show off on a trailer, instead of driving them like they were meant to be. I've been sitting on, well, actually i've been driving a car, with a 512 block LS6 engine. The car this engine came out of was burnt beyond repair in a garage fire back in the 70's, although now it's got a nice aftermarket steel crank, aftermarket rods, pistons, canfield aluminum heads, merlin intake, and a very nice solid crower cam, and i've got my hands on a very clean 12 bolt posi rear end from a 69 chevelle/elcamino that i've been looking for a clean 70 to 72 chevelle/malibu ragtop at a reasonable price, but unfortunatly because of the investment type guys buying up and cloneing the crap out of these cars with the sole intention of resale at a higher price, they're getting very hard to find. Bitter? no, not at all, but it's a SHAME. I named two cars in my last post, but there's another friend of mine from colorado who was the 2nd owner of what he's telling me was an lS6 chevelle SS, 4 speed car. (I don't know, as I never saw the car outside of pics, so I can't verify LS5, or LS6, but old pics were wearing SS 454 emblems). Back in the late 70's he traded this car for a honda motorcycle. At the time, it was just another old car!! He did this with the intention of buying another chevelle down the road, well here he is, close to retirement, and with the prices of these cars now, he can't even afford to look at them! I think it's sad. What's sadder is once the BJ auction airs on television, everybody who's lost some cash on the stock market buys up cars that they really know nothing about, and have no intention of ever enjoying on the road, with the sole purpose of resale for profit, hell, they've even publicized on television that these cars are better investments than the stock market. If you took personal offense to what I wrote earlier, than I apologize, I DID NOT single out anybody on this site, so please don't single me out and start calling me bitter when i'm really not. I'm just a working guy who thinks (free country after all, you know, freedom of speach and all) that things are a little pathetic when somebody pays $1200.00 for an ALTERNATOR all in the name of originalty, for a car that's nowhere near original to begin with.

This poor dead horse, how many times can it be beaten to death??? I swear some of you guys live in a closed box and will just never get it. If NAPA parts do it for you, that's all fine and well. For those doing concours restorations, it's not happening with NAPA. What's the hang up with it???
To each their own!!!!:beers:

no "closed box" here..
I buy 1:24th models as art..
concours resto's turn cars into unuseable vehicles..
art you look at, cars you drive..
whats the point of owning the baddest cheveele the ls6 , if it never turns a tire under that bbc 's power..
but whatever floats it..:hurray:
me, slam the hammer down.. or buy a econobox:beers:

no "closed box" here..
I buy 1:24th models as art..
concours resto's turn cars into unuseable vehicles..
art you look at, cars you drive..
whats the point of owning the baddest cheveele the ls6 , if it never turns a tire under that bbc 's power..
but whatever floats it..:hurray:
me, slam the hammer down.. or buy a econobox:beers:

My cars get driven once in a while, just not to NAPA looking for a radiator hose!!!:beers: PS, once I went to Wallmart looking for a battery!!!:thumbsup:

Forget it Mike. It ain't gonna get thru. Some guys will never understand this huge part of the muscle car hobby. They're use to cruz night type cars, which I enjoy looking at too. Ive done more cruz nights than I care to admit.....but they will never understand the attraction, to the types of cars you and I saw at the MCACN show in Chicago. It's all good. We're all going to enjoy different aspects of this hobby, but not everyone is going to understand that.

Forget it Mike. It ain't gonna get thru. Some guys will never understand this huge part of the muscle car hobby. They're use to cruz night type cars, and will never understand the attraction, to the types of cars you and I saw at the MCACN show in Chicago. It's all good. We're all going to enjoy different aspects of this hobby, but not everyone is going to understand that.

I know Bill, I'm just having some fun with the youngsters or maybe the ill informed new posters, no harm intended. Nothing will ever change their minds, they've watched too much Barrett-Jackson, which is an illusion, and they just don't get it!!:noway:

Havent read the whole thread but thats one reason why Im glad I dont own Vettes, namely the ZR1 anymore. $500 for a used PS pump with 80 k miles on it, etc etc. $2000+ for windhsield. Forget that, those things arent gold plated. :sad:

Forget it Mike. It ain't gonna get thru. Some guys will never understand this huge part of the muscle car hobby. They're use to cruz night type cars, which I enjoy looking at too. Ive done more cruz nights than I care to admit.....but they will never understand the attraction, to the types of cars you and I saw at the MCACN show in Chicago. It's all good. We're all going to enjoy different aspects of this hobby, but not everyone is going to understand that.
you're right.
some of us will never understand that part. why..
before my grandpa died.. we went to tons of shows like that..
,now, he worked at g.m. framingham,ma factory..
and was one of the guys that let the car go as "ok" or sent it back ,
he did this for over 30 years.. in one form or another..
and those cars you speak of.. are TO GOOD.. and never come out of a g.m. factory, like they are shown....
he called it over restored,
I like a factory looking old car, but don't like just how "out of touch " it has become..

Forget it Mike. It ain't gonna get thru. Some guys will never understand this huge part of the muscle car hobby. They're use to cruz night type cars, which I enjoy looking at too. Ive done more cruz nights than I care to admit.....but they will never understand the attraction, to the types of cars you and I saw at the MCACN show in Chicago. It's all good. We're all going to enjoy different aspects of this hobby, but not everyone is going to understand that.

Bill, you hit the nail on the head. I worked my tail off for what I have and it is important to me to have a correct car,which I drive everywhere,so I will spend $1200.00 for an alternator or whatever. If I don't have the money,I wait until I do. Two of the cars I own now, I had new in the day.when they were just cars. I wonder how many of these guys that don't understand were even born yet? By the way I am not a stock broker,banker or candlestick maker.:beers:

Great forum guy's!! I can see both side's of this ,I was at Nashville,TN this year for the Chevelle-A-Bration as a vendor,Great show,great cars,and wonderful people. As I do a lot of these shows, I run into a lot of people from both side's of this "fence".I have done this for 35 or so years and collected alot of rare and very hard to find parts. At these kind of shows I find there are people that are there for that $1200 alt or $500 starter and jump at the chance to get it ! And on the other side of that I have Offered a chair to a guy because I thought I gave him a Heart attack!
If you are setting with a car and there are certain parts are missing and it's right and correct for the car,this is what makes this car what it is, "YOURS"!!
Cars have skyrocketed and then fallen off just as fast, right along with the parts.I have a friend of mine (and a member here) who built a 69 ZL-1 clone back in the day,sold the car,and 3 months later saw it in Hemming's for more than twice his price.I called as soon as I saw it that day and it was sold.
What I guess I am trying to say is there is no right or wrong.These cars and parts have become investment. If I was looking for that $1200 priced part and this was the first one that I have gotten a chance at
"No-Way" would I let it get away. "Been There,Done That".
I was also at the MCACN in Chicago.This is "THE SHOW" to go to next fall. What a collection of cars. I hope it will be there for many years to come.
Look this show up,see what this show has to offer and then maybe it might put a better perspective on this fourm letter.
Just my thoughts,Thanks
Joe "Hiperf cars & Parts"

well, I guess if that's your thing. There are people who want the correct date coded diodes. Peh, cars are for driving.

Okay, I think I understand most of this, but here's the part I still don't get. I understand the guy that's doing this restoration himself, I can see that there's a great deal of satisfaction in making a car "correct".

And I can certainly understand a guy that just wants a cool old car to go cruising in, because, well, I'm one of them! :)

What I don't quite get is the guy who wants to spend $100K plus on a "correct" car. Once you have all the paint dabs, chalk marks, date codes, exact overspray patterns, etc., you have a car that you really can't drive. You can just look at it. The thing is, I can go to a car show and look at it too! Doesn't cost me a dime. I'm very glad there are people that do this sort of thing, but other than standing next to the car all day getting congratulated for someone else's work, I don't see why someone that's not doing the restoration himself would want to spend such astronomical amounts for one of these cars.

In the end all either of us can really do is look at it. Unless he manages to sell it at a profit, but that's another story. There are lots of other investments out there, I don't think that's the sole motivation for most of them.

As I said, I don't quite get that. But a tip of the hat to you guys who do the work on these cars!

Once you have all the paint dabs, chalk marks, date codes, exact overspray patterns, etc., you have a car that you really can't drive. You can just look at it.

Why can't you drive it? Restore it that way, then drive the wheels off of it. In 20 years, when it is dirty with stone chips, etc, etc, it will be a "survivor". ;)

I'll never be able to afford a flawlessly restored, 100% correct LS6 , and even if I could, I would not choose to spend my money that way. I am in the "drive it" camp, and I personally get more satisfaction out of a car I do not have to worry about as much.

Having said that, I so have a deep appreciation for what restorers do. Making a car "showroom" is a real art form, and it seems like the bar is constantly being raised. I wouldn't want to own one, but I do love to look and admire. :)

Like the previous poster, I am not sure why someone would want to buy a car like this "done". It seems to me that most of the fun of having a restored car would be doing the resto, and all the challenges that come with making it look just like it rolled off the line.

Ok, I'll use Corvettes as an example. NCRS and Bloomimgton Gold both are based on absolute originality and correctness. The car is judged by how close it is to when it left the showroom. There are thousands of "car guys" that strive for the perfect car, and most drive them and they are not rich,but hard working folks like most of us.

Why can't you drive it? Restore it that way, then drive the wheels off of it. In 20 years, when it is dirty with stone chips, etc, etc, it will be a "survivor". ;)

I'll never be able to afford a flawlessly restored, 100% correct LS6 , and even if I could, I would not choose to spend my money that way. I am in the "drive it" camp, and I personally get more satisfaction out of a car I do not have to worry about as much.

Having said that, I so have a deep appreciation for what restorers do. Making a car "showroom" is a real art form, and it seems like the bar is constantly being raised. I wouldn't want to own one, but I do love to look and admire. :)

Like the previous poster, I am not sure why someone would want to buy a car like this "done". It seems to me that most of the fun of having a restored car would be doing the resto, and all the challenges that come with making it look just like it rolled off the line.


Well, of course technically you can drive it, but the value is in the perfection. Driving it will degrade that.

Well, of course technically you can drive it, but the value is in the perfection. Driving it will degrade that.

The one that struck me as really strange was the fellow at the ACES Northeast Regional this year that I met. He had just had a high dollar restoration done on his very desirable high horsepower car (not going to be more specific than that, very nice fellow and I don't want to embarrass). Now, here was a beautiful example of a mega correct supercar, and he was in agony because he was worried that the paint was going to get faded being out all afternoon in the sun.... Not for me, boys. I'd rather have a driver with the wrong alternator, paint chips, and rubber on the quarters.

The one that struck me as really strange was the fellow at the ACES Northeast Regional this year that I met. He had just had a high dollar restoration done on his very desirable high horsepower car (not going to be more specific than that, very nice fellow and I don't want to embarrass). Now, here was a beautiful example of a mega correct supercar, and he was in agony because he was worried that the paint was going to get faded being out all afternoon in the sun.... Not for me, boys. I'd rather have a driver with the wrong alternator, paint chips, and rubber on the quarters.

Yep, me too. These cars were meant to RUN. Not to be parked and looked at with a magnifying glass.

It is expensive but not a waste of money.

A correctly restored car with all the correct date coded parts will have a higher value then a car with a lot of repop parts and wrong parts/numbers.

Same as with the quality of the resto.

When the car gets inspected and all the wrong parts are found and low quailty paint etc the inspector will say the car needs to be redone and this can lower the value by $50K or more depending on the car.

The expensive parts like the correct GM Holley, 837 alt, 499 dist, AIR pump and tubes, etc. is figured in to the value of the car. That is why there is a market for these parts.

Well, of course technically you can drive it, but the value is in the perfection. Driving it will degrade that.

Right. Driving a car will degrade it. Just like eating your dinner. It turns it to $#!T. Just sit and look at your steak, I'm eating mine. :D

The one that struck me as really strange was the fellow at the ACES Northeast Regional this year that I met. He had just had a high dollar restoration done on his very desirable high horsepower car (not going to be more specific than that, very nice fellow and I don't want to embarrass). Now, here was a beautiful example of a mega correct supercar, and he was in agony because he was worried that the paint was going to get faded being out all afternoon in the sun.... Not for me, boys. I'd rather have a driver with the wrong alternator, paint chips, and rubber on the quarters.

Geez... modern paints can sit outside 24/7 for years without fading. :confused:

Barrett-Jackson is the Devil Incarnate. A couple of years ago I watched 2 guys bid up a 56 Chevy to $210,000. One of them finally folded like a cheap suit and the winner got applause and slaps on the back for besting that wimp. He was a REAL man. Yup, paid $210K for a 56 that would have trouble selling for $30-$35K anywhere else, private party or dealer (at the time). Unfortunately many, many other people watch that sad example and figure "If that 56 was "worth" $210K, mine MUST be worth $50-$60K cause my blah-blah-blah is nicer/ better. Then we're off to the races with $1500 alternators and $500 valve stems. B-J is just the opposite of a real auction where you are trying to get the best deal you can, it's all about how much can I over pay for something and get my face on TV so everyone will want to be me. As for me, I've got a 70 Monte 402 4speed car that I bought in 1977 as a daily driver for $1700 off the Chevy dealers lot in Seattle. No rust, 1 repaint and 220,000 miles on it. Not a DD anymore but the odometer keeps going round and round in the nice weather! And no, I won't pay $1500 for my next alternator.

A Concours was my grumpy Aunt's nicely trimmed 4-DR Malibu when I bought my first SS. Who would have thought the parts we were tossing would come to have more than the core charge or scrap value.

Over a 10 year period, I wound up owning several Chevelles, including '65, '66, '67 and '70 SS models. I bought and sold a well done '70 clone before it was called a clone, and used a couple of really nice '66 or '67 Sport Coupes as beaters because they were air conditioned and I'd rolled my a/c'd '68-CST playing in a muddy river bottom. Like some guys today, I was scavenging parts and trading to finance the projects.

The '66 was a red/red/black convertible 350 or 360 horse; a 4-speed bought from my sister with a spun rod bearing. I sold it for a less than the engine would bring today if I could locate it in one of my outbuildings. The very nicest I owned was butternut/black/black '70-SS, a/c, auto, 350HP, a perfect car that I'd bought the wife for a wedding gift. The lazy lover of "the about to become 'ex" refused her request to check the oil; so she threw a rod bearing on the way home from getting the rod.

I'm amazed at the wealth of knowledge that's accumulated since I got out of it in the early '80's. Without a doubt, the concours quality cars take an incredible dedication and long term commitment and provide a unique level of enjoyment that only a person competing in that rare aired niche can truly understand and fully appreciate. It is obviously a high altitude atmosphere for the most elite cars.

What I do to a bike, car or truck to make it "my own" is an inner competition with myself. I strive to outdo myself; to improve this year's version of the same vehicle. That's a totally different world. From what little I've read on the subject, it appears the competition at the concours level goes well beyond that; the competition is between cars in a category and the skills and talents of the respective owners. That includes everything from research skills to applying the very specific knowledge it takes to deliver a car to the Masters of the Chevelle world, a very elite arena.

I'm interested in learning about the cars, it's kind of fun after being out of it all these years. The information is applicable to all levels of the hobby. I'm sure some times the questions seem redundant, dumb and tiresome, but as annoying as it can be, there are some us who are truly interested in learning more simply for the sake of the experience.

Sorry for the rambling length,

Rick

Alright,let's agree to disagree. Give it a rest already.Do whatever floats your boat,but stop bashing the guys that are willing and able to spend the bucks for perfection and want as close to original as possible and not a hot rod.

I wish I could afford to do it, then I hear my wife saying......You paid how much for that?

It seems that my opinion on the value of a car or part depends on whether I own the car or part or am looking for or wish I owned it. gary

Barrett-Jackson is the Devil Incarnate. A couple of years ago I watched 2 guys bid up a 56 Chevy to $210,000. One of them finally folded like a cheap suit and the winner got applause and slaps on the back for besting that wimp. He was a REAL man. Yup, paid $210K for a 56 that would have trouble selling for $30-$35K anywhere else, private party or dealer (at the time). Unfortunately many, many other people watch that sad example and figure "If that 56 was "worth" $210K, mine MUST be worth $50-$60K cause my blah-blah-blah is nicer/ better. Then we're off to the races with $1500 alternators and $500 valve stems. B-J is just the opposite of a real auction where you are trying to get the best deal you can, it's all about how much can I over pay for something and get my face on TV so everyone will want to be me.

That was then, this is now. Most of the "funny" money, a lot of what drove this craziness, is gone. No more guys using HELOCs to buy their overpriced muscle cars. I think it's getting back to basics where the ultra correct, rare RPO cars will bring in decent coin. Like everything these days, prices have come way, way down. Back when I had cable, I used to watch BJ and was slack-jawed at what people were paying for the junk I used to see my high school buddies driving around in circa 1985.

RMX

Ok, I'll use Corvettes as an example. NCRS and Bloomimgton Gold both are based on absolute originality and correctness. The car is judged by how close it is to when it left the showroom. There are thousands of "car guys" that strive for the perfect car, and most drive them and they are not rich,but hard working folks like most of us.
and cars that where pulled out of dealership back rooms ,and cleaner, trailered to those shows.
have had those "judges" make points off the car. cause "it didn't come that way"

when
1) the car was delivered to the dealership and stored in that building
2) never driven

after seeing this first hand.. I take those shows and awards with a grain of salt..
:yes:

I know Bill, I'm just having some fun with the youngsters or maybe the ill informed new posters, no harm intended. Nothing will ever change their minds, they've watched too much Barrett-Jackson, which is an illusion, and they just don't get it!!:noway:

Youngsters? Now that one really made me laugh. Just about all the guys around here that were cruising in the 60's and 70's still think that these are cars that are built to be driven. They are not some Greek god that we must bow down before. It's been mostly my experience the guys that are in their 30's and 40's that are stuck on the idea of the trailer queens. It seems to be the guys who were little kids and seeing these cars all over the place, but weren't old enough to actually drive one. Now there are always exceptions I know.

You are right though. I don't understand the "show car" mentality. And to be perfectly honest I don't really care to. :)

I would glady take these cars that have won national awards and drive the crap out of them. You think the guys who bought LS6 cars brand new were babying them? A few might of, but I think a majority of them were running the crap out of them. I know the LS6 Chevelle that ran around here was drag raced all the time. Both on the street and on the strip. It also served as a daily driver. The '70 SS always has been ,and always will be, a driver. Even when I was a little kid that 454, M22 Chevelle was the family car. Either that or the '83 Mustang. If a frame off resto was done on it the car would still be driven all over without a second thought. The only exception might be when there is ice on the road. Things can happen way too fast on ice.

I would appreciate it if you didn't call us called ignorant just because we don't give a hoot about a correct alternator, or all correct part numbers. No matter what it is ,or what shape it's in, a car is a car is a car. They may be extra special cars, but they are still cars none the less. The only reason to not drive a car is if you can't afford the gas, or if it doesn't run.

This is not an argument. Just letting you guys know where I am coming from. So please don't look down your nose at me just because the Chevelle that I am driving has a little character. Ok, a lot of character. That last sentence was not directed at anyone here, but I have been given the stink eye quite a few times when I've been out driving.

Youngsters? Now that one really made me laugh. Just about all the guys around here that were cruising in the 60's and 70's still think that these are cars that are built to be driven. They are not some Greek god that we must bow down before. It's been mostly my experience the guys that are in their 30's and 40's that are stuck on the idea of the trailer queens. It seems to be the guys who were little kids and seeing these cars all over the place, but weren't old enough to actually drive one. Now there are always exceptions I know.

You are right though. I don't understand the "show car" mentality. And to be perfectly honest I don't really care to. :)

I would glady take these cars that have won national awards and drive the crap out of them. You think the guys who bought LS6 cars brand new were babying them? A few might of, but I think a majority of them were running the crap out of them. I know the LS6 Chevelle that ran around here was drag raced all the time. Both on the street and on the strip. It also served as a daily driver. The '70 SS always has been ,and always will be, a driver. Even when I was a little kid that 454, M22 Chevelle was the family car. Either that or the '83 Mustang. If a frame off resto was done on it the car would still be driven all over without a second thought. The only exception might be when there is ice on the road. Things can happen way too fast on ice.

I would appreciate it if you didn't call us called ignorant just because we don't give a hoot about a correct alternator, or all correct part numbers. No matter what it is ,or what shape it's in, a car is a car is a car. They may be extra special cars, but they are still cars none the less. The only reason to not drive a car is if you can't afford the gas, or if it doesn't run.

This is not an argument. Just letting you guys know where I am coming from. So please don't look down your nose at me just because the Chevelle that I am driving has a little character. Ok, a lot of character. That last sentence was not directed at anyone here, but I have been given the stink eye quite a few times when I've been out driving.

I'll take your example of the LS6. I am almost 60 and the LS6 in 1970 was under $5000.00 loaded. Today the same car is worth over $100,000.00. To restore that car today will cost over $100,000.00. Who is going to drive that every day or take it to the drag strip? Not me, I did that, been there,done that when the cars were new.
Today my cars are still driven once in a while and that is fine with me. We can all enjoy our cars any way we choose.:D

Youngsters? Now that one really made me laugh. Just about all the guys around here that were cruising in the 60's and 70's still think that these are cars that are built to be driven. They are not some Greek god that we must bow down before. It's been mostly my experience the guys that are in their 30's and 40's that are stuck on the idea of the trailer queens. It seems to be the guys who were little kids and seeing these cars all over the place, but weren't old enough to actually drive one. Now there are always exceptions I know.

You are right though. I don't understand the "show car" mentality. And to be perfectly honest I don't really care to. :)

I would glady take these cars that have won national awards and drive the crap out of them. You think the guys who bought LS6 cars brand new were babying them? A few might of, but I think a majority of them were running the crap out of them. I know the LS6 Chevelle that ran around here was drag raced all the time. Both on the street and on the strip. It also served as a daily driver. The '70 SS always has been ,and always will be, a driver. Even when I was a little kid that 454, M22 Chevelle was the family car. Either that or the '83 Mustang. If a frame off resto was done on it the car would still be driven all over without a second thought. The only exception might be when there is ice on the road. Things can happen way too fast on ice.

I would appreciate it if you didn't call us called ignorant just because we don't give a hoot about a correct alternator, or all correct part numbers. No matter what it is ,or what shape it's in, a car is a car is a car. They may be extra special cars, but they are still cars none the less. The only reason to not drive a car is if you can't afford the gas, or if it doesn't run.

This is not an argument. Just letting you guys know where I am coming from. So please don't look down your nose at me just because the Chevelle that I am driving has a little character. Ok, a lot of character. That last sentence was not directed at anyone here, but I have been given the stink eye quite a few times when I've been out driving.

I didn't call anyone ignorant, I made a reference to some new members who may be ill informed on the true costs of restoring a correct numbers matching car. And it's also my opinion that most of the trailer cars that you so despise, are now owned by guys that actually did beat the living S$$T out of these cars when they were new, making them considerably older than 30/40. I've bought, wrecked, blown up and junked more 70 Chevelles that I care to remember. It's only later in life that I've come to appreciate them in a different light, 100% restored. I'm also not looking down at anyone for what they own or drive, I appreciate evey car for what it is, good or bad, as I've owned them all, from junks to trailered cars. And lastly, if you'd take a National Show Winning LS6 and drive it into the ground your showing your own age!!!!;)

I never said I despise trailer cars. I said I don't get the babying thing. ;)

I would glady show my age with a national award winning car. To me a car is useless if it's not being driven. That's the way I've always figured it, and I don't think it will ever change.

I was talking to a guy who was selling an unused original 1969 Uniroyal white lettered tire. It went to the first guy who called for over $800 CDN. It wouldn't be any good for anything except showing. I have a set that I bought a few years ago when prices were affordable. I sure wouldn't want to drive on them though. Don't think for a minute that people are going to give you rare stuff so that you can get $150K when your car is done. It just doesn't work that way. I'd be curious, regardless of value, how many guys could actually sell their cars at a profit over what they have invested. Not too many i think.

:) Hey dats me your talkin about!!

I didn't call anyone ignorant, I made a reference to some new members who may be ill informed on the true costs of restoring a correct numbers matching car. And it's also my opinion that most of the trailer cars that you so despise, are now owned by guys that actually did beat the living S$ out of these cars when they were new, making them considerably older than 30/40. I've bought, wrecked, blown up and junked more 70 Chevelles that I care to remember. It's only later in life that I've come to appreciate them in a different light, 100% restored. I'm also not looking down at anyone for what they own or drive, I appreciate evey car for what it is, good or bad, as I've owned them all, from junks to trailered cars. And lastly, if you'd take a National Show Winning LS6 and drive it into the ground your showing your own age!!!!;)

Mike, I figured out the disconnect. We must be too old to understand.:D

I gotta say I understand both sides of this discussion. If you look at the link in my profile you will see pictures of my 66. I feel it is a very good representation of a "stock looking" 66 ss chevelle. I can drive my car to a local show and for the most part it looks like a 396 ss chevelle. However, the car has a 509 BBC and runs 11.1 in the 1/4 and I drive the crap out of it. I will admit, I love seeing these "trailer queen" cars that everyone is against because I, unfortunately, wasnt even thought of when these cars where new, seeing as i am 29 years old. These cars give me a chance to see what they where like sitting for sale at the dealership. I respect the people that go through great lengths to build these cars like this. The cost of putting a car like that together prices me right out of ever doing it. However if I had the money to do it, I gotta admit, I would probably drive it and drive it hard. If something happens, I gotta say, if I had the money to build it, i'm sure I'd have the money to fix it. Last, I gotta say a completely numbered correctly muscle car that isnt driven and just for show, is 100 times better then some muscle car thats scraping the ground with 20" wheels and some exotic interior and some exotic engine and exotic paint that seems to be gracing the pages lately of the car mags. Thats my 2 cents

I gotta say I understand both sides of this discussion. If you look at the link in my profile you will see pictures of my 66. I feel it is a very good representation of a "stock looking" 66 ss chevelle. I can drive my car to a local show and for the most part it looks like a 396 ss chevelle. However, the car has a 509 BBC and runs 11.1 in the 1/4 and I drive the crap out of it. I will admit, I love seeing these "trailer queen" cars that everyone is against because I, unfortunately, wasnt even thought of when these cars where new, seeing as i am 29 years old. These cars give me a chance to see what they where like sitting for sale at the dealership. I respect the people that go through great lengths to build these cars like this. The cost of putting a car like that together prices me right out of ever doing it. However if I had the money to do it, I gotta admit, I would probably drive it and drive it hard. If something happens, I gotta say, if I had the money to build it, i'm sure I'd have the money to fix it. Last, I gotta say a completely numbered correctly muscle car that isnt driven and just for show, is 100 times better then some muscle car thats scraping the ground with 20" wheels and some exotic interior and some exotic engine and exotic paint that seems to be gracing the pages lately of the car mags. Thats my 2 cents

I think you got it! You have to remember that from 1965 the parking lot at the high schools were filled with these cars, and also cars from the 50's, like 57 Chevys, 56 Fords etc. We did the same thing then that you are talking about now. We drove like we stole them, and were never satisfied with the stock performance,so we changed cams,heads,rears and so on. BUT any guy with a job after school and on weekends could afford to do that. Today it is not the same. The same cars today as they were are special and not cheap anymore. Nothing stays the same.:beers: