I ordered a 1982 Z28 from the factory, sold it in 1986 and have just bought it back. It only has about 56k miles on it, absolutely no rust but it's paint job is showing it's age (dull, worn through in spots)

Back hatch.

Passenger side mirror.

Passenger side front fender.
. A stereo and cruise control (I never ordered it with either) was added to it but all the original components are still there (ie. still a numbers matching car). The paint was redone on the driver's door side because it was keyed. Would it still be considered an "Original" car? If I got it painted, would it still be an "Original" car? Or should I leave the paint job that is on it to keep the value (if it is still an Original car)? And if so, what kind of difference in it's value would it make? Thanks

 

An 'original' car is one that is totally stock, with no additions nor deletions of equipment, and being exactly as it was equipped when it came off the assembly line. Opinions vary concerning 'originality' of a repainted car; one that shows a weathered finish but still otherwise unmolested, is considered to be a 'survivor,' IOW, original but unrestored.

It's your car---and your choice---whether or not to repaint, or otherwise modify it in some way. Regarding subsequent $$$ value, any car, be it totally original or modified, is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

 

In would say repaint it. It is not a low mile un molested car as you have stated it has a few minor changes. If it was a pace car i would think a little more harder about it but even then they are not bring major high dollars. I would think as long as you keep motor trans and rear end original and get it repaint it will only help the value in the log run not hurt it. 90% of people want a third gen with the Iroc-z stiker on the side. THey generalize all third gen as an Iroc-z that is why you are seeing there values climb right now but non Iroc's will not climb as fast unless it a special car B4Z, Pace car, L1E , ECT. Just my thoughts

 

Paint it and fix it up the way that you want.

 

It’s an 82, it’s blue, it needs paint and the interior plastic looks badly faded through the rear window. It’s not going to bring big money whether it’s stock or modified. Fix it the way you want. If you’re hoping for an investment, I think it’s the wrong car. Good luck with the project and have fun.

 

The early third gens are not bringing high dollar value in any condition. Their values are going up, but not like the IROC-Z, as mentioned. I just sold my '82 pace car, with a repaint for $18k. I'm not sure many cars are investment cars these days as they all might have a limited future with the government pushing for electric. Look at GM's line up today. There are almost no cars. They are all SUVs or trucks. Ford is in the same boat.

Paint your car, fix it up and enjoy it. Otherwise, what's the point.

 

Unless the car looked showroom new with the original paint and super low 2-3 digit miles, you're not getting big money for that car. In fact, even mint original Pace Cars are not getting nowhere near big money. I say fix all the rotted trim, faded interior plactics and whatever else and then get a nice new fresh paint job on it. The car will look so much better and people will notice since those early third gens are a rare sight now in stock restored condition.