Originally posted by GMCpanel:
Originally posted by Fumblin46:
[b]How the engine being changed effects value can go either way.. folks seem to be split about 50/50 on the subject.. some are staunch 'keep it 100% stock original' guys.. while others are all about slapping a small block V8 in there.
Modest engine updates.. like replacing the engine with a full pressure 261 or 235 from a 50's era GM product tend to ruffle the least feathers in the 'purist' camp.. the fact that the engine was replaced in the 50's makes it less harsh of a concept to the purists out there.
[/b]INDEED! While Chevy guys don't generally tend to care about engine make, since it's all out of the Momma GM fold.. GMC folks tend to be a little more marquee specific in their tastes!
Today I don't see a whole lot of difference between GMC and Chevy trucks.. but back in the 'old days' a GMC truck really did have a pretty advanced engine over it's Chevrolet bretheren and they were build to work and work hard.
And in regards to glass fenders...No slight intended to by pal Jed.. even if he IS directly responcible for my recent Fjord convertible itch.. (ok, more like a RASH)
In all fairness, there are a number of folks in the market for an old truck who probably won't care if the fenders are original steel or fiberglass.. but it is my experience that on the secondary (used/eBay) market, steel rules the roost by a price difference of close to 100% when we're talking straight parts. Often a pair of never installed glass rear fenders will sell for what a single quasi-solid & straight steel original will bring.
Of course, that's for just the parts.. when you compare two nearly identical restored trucks, one with glass fenders all the way around, the other with steel, the final sales price difference is likely to be far less.. but i'd still give the edge to the steel garnished truck in the 15% to 20% range.
