The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk restoration question

I have a 1964 chevy C-10 I would like to restore but it does not have the original engine or transmission. I would like to put some modern modifications to it like fiberglass fenders and hood. Will that devalue the truck? Also most of the chrome is pitted and scratched. For it to be original, do I have to find old parts or can I buy new parts for restoration? I do not want to put a lot of money into it if I can't get back if I decide to sell it later. It is sort of a hard question to write. Any hepl would be greatly appreciated.

Well, the answers to your questions are different for most of us. It is more opinion than fact. You ask about devaluing the truck. I ask you, is the truck fun, reliable transportation or an investment? I wouldn't worry about value if it is a driver. About the parts. Most parts you will need for a restoration are reproduced, and some to concours quality. Personally, I perfer to find good used original parts. All in all, I would say to do with your truck as you see fit. The way things are going, if you decide to sell it later you won't have a problem finding a buyer no matter what you do (within reason).

I agree completely with fab51. If you can find good used parts, go for it. If you can't thats fine, and many times for the more commonly damaged stuff, it is cheaper to buy new. I was told that fibreglass fenders don't fit properly (at least they don't on my uncles truck). Good luck anyways!!!!

For it to be original it has to have all the parts it came from the factory with no replacements. Your truck already has a replacement engine and transmission so it will never be original again.

jwaters:

Start by picking up a copy of Classic Trucks magazine and requesting a catalog from every aftermarket truck supplier that has an advertisement in the magazine. Also, eBay is a good source for good quality used parts for your '64. I have bought and sold many good quality used parts on eBay. Make sure you know your stuff when doing so. Finally, do a search for 1964 Chevy Truck on a search engine like Google.com and you will get more links than you can look at in one sitting. Good luck with finding good quality used parts for your '64. Also, check in the Truck Parts Wanted and Truck Parts For Sale section of the Forums. I have found that to be a good source.

I think you may be getting into the wrong hobby. It is a RARE vehicle that will have a value anywhere near the cost of restoration. By rare I mean probably none of us will ever find one. That being said, if you build the truck the way you want it, enjoy it as much as you can and take good care of it, it will be worth everything you do, and when you decide to sell it, the value is just gravy on top of your memories.