[mike nixon]

Maintain it, don't molest it or sell it to someone who will.

Mike

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by 151007

Not a survivor car collector -- what would you guys do?

Sell it to someone who is. It'd be nearly a crime to modify that car at this point in it's life.

[geeteeohguy]

I met Mr. Wangers, and I liked him a lot. I also respect his opinion. I have my own opinion, and it's the same as his. I would rather have your car than a restored one. A lot more interesting and unique, to me. If I were you, I'd sell it to someone who appreciates it, and use the money to buy the GTO you really want (and feel ok customizing). I think it's great that you posted, and your reluctance to modify a survivor car shows that you are considerate, thoughtful, and morally on the right track! Sell it and don't look back.

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by 151007

I bought this 67 last summer with intentions of taking it apart, powdercoating frame, add 4 wheel disks, lower front about 1 1/2 inches, modify suspension for better handling, changing auto to 5 speed manual (Tremec, etc.) adding Butler heads, Tri-Power, 2 stage paint, Hurst type wheels, etc.

The car has 43,000 original miles, original vinyl top, 100% original interior, 75% original paint (LR quarter repainted with laquer in the 60's, low quality enamel repaint of RF fender and hood in the late 70's/early 80's. Under the hood the radiator support and inner fenders appear to have been repainted at some point. Master cylinder replaced but have original. Misc. service items replaced. Tons of documentation, invoices, titles, etc.

A number of shops and individuals (including Mr. Wangers) suggested there aren't many survivor type cars left and I should preserve as is.

Not a survivor car collector -- what would you guys do?

Does that car have a BOOMERSHINE dealer plate on the trunklid? Are you in Atlanta?

[67 LeMans 326]

I am in a similar situation, however, my car is only a LeMans so I guess it really is no big deal, whereas a GTO is like the holy graile of Pontiacs...

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by 67 LeMans 326

I am in a similar situation, however, my car is only a LeMans so I guess it really is no big deal, whereas a GTO is like the holy graile of Pontiacs...

Don't knock your car like that. If you have a survivor LeMans, you're a lucky guy.

[gearbanger]

I'd pro-street it

Just kidding. I am all about modifying cars. I love the pro-touring theme, but I with everyone else, that car is a keeper. I'd sell it to someone who wants it that way though because I would have no use for it. I like big horsepower, big tires, and big brakes.

[HaloMedic]

keep it original, very nice car as it is

[68gtoMN]

keep as original. If you don't want an original, sell it to someone who does. Find yourself something else to modify. Trust me, there are few around like this...

[KenD]

I have a 70 Judge I am restoring, and I too had your debate. Mine had too much surface rust on roof and original paint was too far gone. I had to restore. Original is best.....enjoy!!!! My avatar shows the paint condition.

[ITSBACK]

Keep it the way it is, buy a project car and rip that apart. When you dont know how something goes together just look at the original one.

[67 LeMans 326]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

Don't knock your car like that. If you have a survivor LeMans, you're a lucky guy.

Thank you. I did not intend to trivialize my LeMans, I was trying to make a point that if I had an original GTO, which is what I truly wanted when we bought this car a couple of months ago, however, I would never have been able to afford a GTO in the same condition that this LeMans was in. We feel truly fortunate to own this car as it is simply an awesome complete original car.

As for this white GTO, wow, what a keeper. Your car is stunning and being so original, I can't imagine modifying it one bit...

[Dick Boneske]

Keeping the car as is--unrestored--is the right decision if you enjoy the car as it is and want to keep it. If you are going to sell the car, I can't picture a situation where an unrestored original will fetch as much money as a properly restored GTO. This especially pertains to the engine compartment and interior.

Unrestored originals are nice, but they don't win at car shows and don't sell for as much as properly restored cars. Just watch Barrett Jackson or Mecum auctions to confirm what I've said.

The obvious exception is an original that actually looks like it the day it came off the assembly line. For a GTO, the car would have to have been shrink wrapped when it was new.

[lust4speed]

Even beat up originals trump restorations. Don't think so? Last year at the CoVention there were hundreds of GTO's in perfect states of perfection. There was a pure survivor car that had seen better days in the tent area, and there was a crowd of us standing around it poking our heads wherever we could to get a glimpse of a true factory original. Who ever now owned it hadn't spent a penny on restoration, but the car attracted the most spectators. Only thing I might do is to replace hoses and clamps with correct originals.

[Ducks Goat]

I own a '67 survivor GTO (it was at the Covention, Linden green car)that I wouldn't change for anything, it's not the prettiest car out there but it shows well and runs/drives like it was brand new. My '65 GTO get to be the modded, beat on, or more like abused car in the bunch. I say fix anything that needs to be done to make it safe or reliable and enjoy it, or find another car to mod.

[1978 T/A]

Great looking car! I agree with the crowd, keep it original.

[Andre]

Don't mess with that original Lemans in Florida. I'd like to have a car like that.

[67 LeMans 326]

Thanks. Just doing a 4-wheel power disc brake conv., engine swap I have a built 400 w/Muncie M21 (converted to M22) that will be going in the car. It will be dressed to look just like the 326 and no one will know the difference. I'm leaving all the LeMans badging and NO GTO parts will go on the car. I am keeping ALL of the original parts...

[Gator67]

Hey 67 Lemans, did you have your car in Gainesville at the BOPC event last month? There was one there like yours there that appeared to be original, and it was absolutely beautiful. No way would I mess with it, nor would I feel bad about it not being a GTO.

To the OP, keep your car as is. I'm spending a small fortune having my car restored so that it looks original, and lots of other people do the same. You're lucky because you're already there.

And Duck's Goat, what's wrong with Linden Green?

[Ducks Goat]

And Duck's Goat, what's wrong with Linden Green?[/QUOTE]

Not a thing wrong with the color, one of my favorite. It's the condition under the hood that doesn't look to great.