Restoration Guidance - OEM vs Aftermarket & Maintaining Value

[YYZ]

Some good advice so far.

As an appraiser, keep in mind that a true, OE certified car is really one-of-a-kind.  Restored with incredible attention to detail, and essentially not driven after.  So whatever it changes hands for does not necessarily reflect the market as a whole.

Similarly, top-quality 'survivor' cars that have never been restored, will get a premium for their originality, but the price is not always representative of the market.

You've got some big pluses with the V-code and the original engine, so IMHO limit modifications to those that are easily reversed.  Wheels/tires, rallye dash etc.  Have the repro Polyglas on 450 wheels and use another set of rims and radials for driving.

Things like a passenger side racing mirror, console, upgraded OEM radio may scare away some purists, but in the general market they will not hurt, and may help the car sell faster.

YMMV

[HP_Cuda]

Care to share the broadcast sheet here.

With this information I believe you would get much better advice on what is impactful to price versus what is not.

[Banana]

Warning on NOS:

I bought multiple parts from the dealer in the early 80's. Plus, my Challenger was in an accident in the early 80's (before I bought it) and had OEM replacement fenders and a few other things.

When I finally started putting the car back together (restoration) a few years ago, I pulled the NOS out of the boxes and sleeves and noticed the quality was VERY POOR. Also, my Mopar replacement fenders (as replaced by the body shop early 80's) fit terribly. Bad welding, seams, gaps, etc.

Have to realize back in the day, the factory and Mopar suppliers probably shipped their "line rejects" to the Mopar Aftermarket for use as replacements.  Also, people bought Mopar dealer parts back in the 70's and early 80's and if they there were not 100%, we all would return them to the dealers. Of course, the dealers would keep selling them until the purchased kept them.

Bottom Line: DO NOT assume NOS is any good unless you do a 200% inspection (pre fit even better) before purchase. Mopar Quality was poor and NOS parts are just statistically good/bad. Mostly great people selling NOS, but NOS does not mean part is made to exact original factory " nominal" specs (fit and finish)

For my (endless) restoration, I am striving to find best possible "pre-owned" original parts, ensure they fit, are dimensionally correct, have the least corrosion/pitting/dents/dings, then send them out for professional refinishing or try to do it myself.

Just my 2 cents

[70_440-6Cuda]

I have resolved myself to use as many original parts as I can find when it makes sense, and good quality aftermarket if I have to.  I am not really missing much, so will be restoring what I have.  I already source a great set of original '70 seats, side marker lights, poverty caps  and a few other choice pieces to get the car going.  I may post the "restoration" in the appropriate section just share how it turns out.

@Banana I agree and with your assessment and that is the approach I m going to take - good original parts and either restore them myself or send them out.  I also appreciate the difference between quality and not so great aftermarket parts so will look here for input on that - thanks everyone, I think I have a plan... sort of.