Pro and cons of restoring 60 bird w/sunroof
Thanks for looking,
Are sunroofs rare enough to add significant value to a 1960 hdtop?
We have a 1960 Squarebird hardtop, with a factory sunroof, 352, cruise-o-matic, A/C, electric seats, washer pump, remote rear-viewmirror on the driver's fender with built-in searchlight. (Probably dealer installed?)
We are deciding whether to part it out or restore it - here are our arguments:
Negatives:
1. It is in rough shape from sitting in a New York garage since 1968.
2. Copper oxide is showing through all the chrome, there is some mildew but the headliner looks clean.
3. Undercarriage is covered 100% with surface rust, but there is no rust-through anywhere.
4. Would need complete new paint, rust removed, interior cleaned, undercarriage blasted and repainted.
5. $$$$$
Positives:
1. The car is completely intact.
2. Nothing appears broken, i.e. steering wheel, knobs, lenses, trim, chrome, buttons, seats, glass, sheetmetal - it's just filthy.
3. We like the sunroof.
4. Engine oil, transm fluid and radiator fluid look surprisingly clean. Battery isn't leaking acid.
5. Emotional value, it belonged to a close family friend who passed away
recently.
6. We know it was ordered by the owner from the factory. He never threw away anything, so we expect to find all the paperwork from the sale and service of the car.
Any comments on the value of restoring this? Thanks, - Art
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