I have an 89 rs convertible 82k original miles. I have confirmed that I am the second owner. Car has all matching numbers and runs good (after tune-up). It has 5.0 tbi. The car is red exterior, black cloth top, and red interior. I am ready to begin restoration (only needs cosmetic - minor rust and interior worn) and can't decide whether to go factory original or custom with the paint and interior. Would like comments from those in the know.

 

I would go for custom. Stand out a bit from the rest. Besides it is going to be a long time before these cars are worth lots of $$$$. Enjoy the moment.

 

If I go custom, it would only be with paint and interior (maybe some different wheels). I'm debating leather interior (black or charcoal) and a different color paint, but nothing outlandish.

 

Your car enjoy it the way you want it!

 

I would get some leather 4th gen seats from a trans am. Cant beat them.

 

Why go OE? The car isn't going to be worth anything for at least a few decades. You plan on sitting on it that long? I enjoy my custom car every single day.

 

Doesn't sound like there is anyone arguing for factory original. Anyone want to make an argument for that? Just FYI for everyone, I got the car basically free as part of selling my wife's old mini-van (got the cash I wanted for the van and they threw the camaro in)!!! Currently, I don't have any intentions of restoring the car to sell it. Just thought it would be a fun toy to have.

 

Personally I think the value of a car is better when a car is original. However if the car is worn and needs some repair then fixing those things is typically a bad thing, I would think that a properly restored car is worth more than a unrestored, crappy looking car.

However modified cars are a tougher sell, Unless you find someone who wants their car just like that it is usually not worth the time or money.

If the car is a rare model, or a model that is sought after then I would be more inclined suggest that you keep it original as possible. Or if the car is a High miles car then I would say do whatever you want.

On the one hand, convertibles are sought after, on the other hand RS's are not as much as Z28's Your car is on the "middle miles" side of things at 82K. Ultimately its your car, do what you think you will like with the car. I would keep the original stuff and not sell it on ebay, but keep it if you plan on ever selling it.

John

 

I don't plan on selling it. I'm actually thinking that it would be neat to be able to give it to my son when he turns 16 or 18 (he's one now). As far as modifications go, the only thing I'm thinking of changing is paint color (red now), leather seats (red cloth now) and possibly new rims (factory stock now). All of these items would feasibly be able to be changed back if the car becomes worth any real $.