Would mods on my Longhorn lower value?

[jku72]

My Longhorn is a fairly intact original(pictures on this forum). I am thinking of installing a tilt column, disc brakes and an overdrive, as well as some basic engine modifications, such as cam, lifters, intake and such. Would doing these mods lower the value of my truck, since it is an unmolested low production number truck?
All opinions welcomed. Thanks guys for being a helpful resource, as well as a good distraction while I'm stuck home on a rainy day, with an as yet unheated garage.

[qksilver]

Hey if you are going to do all that, might as well make it a short wheel base truck.
Just joking!
I have a 72 longhorn fully optioned with a bb. I personally can't see that making it more comfortable to drive will harm it's value, besides what you are doing it basically bolt on's. Save the stuff you take off, then you have covered your bases.
Steve

[73737373]

I'm a purist, no mods. Leave it the way it is. Do your current brakes not stop the truck? Then why replace them?

[CPNE]

Originally Posted by 73737373

I'm a purist, no mods. Leave it the way it is. Do your current brakes not stop the truck? Then why replace them?

I love this guy! Dead nuts on.

To address your question, in a word, yes. Your truck's value is in it's low production numbers and relative unmolested condition. True your resale market is much narrower, but I don't see a one ton being highly desirable outside of it's functional value, unless it has collectability which yours has. It certainly can't compete to a customized shortbed in sex appeal.

That being said, it's your truck... make it what you envision it...and save the parts just in case.

[Joe67]

Originally Posted by jku72

My Longhorn is a fairly intact original(pictures on this forum). I am thinking of installing a tilt column, disc brakes and an overdrive, as well as some basic engine modifications, such as cam, lifters, intake and such. Would doing these mods lower the value of my truck, since it is an unmolested low production number truck?
All opinions welcomed. Thanks guys for being a helpful resource, as well as a good distraction while I'm stuck home on a rainy day, with an as yet unheated garage.

Sounds like a nice truck already.

IMO - it's your truck, Mod away and enjoy it how you want to enjoy it. Why worry about what the next owner wants?

Remember, these are trucks, not Hemi Cudas or Tri Power Corvettes

[cableguy0]

Make the truck how you want it. if worse comes to worse and you would absolutely have to sell it. you could always take it back to original. the mods u mentioned are common and most people do them anyhow so i wouldnt see it lowering value per say.if your planning to keep the truck for a long time do what you want to do with it and forget anyone elses opinion

[mocwon]

These trucks don't have the same collectibility/allure as muscle cars or rare cars and never will. Make it your truck and modify it until you're happy. If you plan on driving the truck very much, there's a bunch of stuff that can be upgraded and updated to positively impact performance, handling, safety, reliablity and economy.

[HeavyD]

I say modify it. Very few people will not like disc brakes, tilt, etc.. on the truck if you decide to sell it. What you are planning to do is add tasteful upgrades, not mould an old Tercel front clip onto the thing. Like the others have said do what you want since the value is not high enough to worry about keeping it 100% factory stock, unless thats the way u want it to be.

[boundstaffpress]

Anything that is not a bolt-on will effect your truck's appeal to future generations. Cutting in a sun-roof will almost always reduce the value of your truck. Major body modification will only appeal to a certain audience. Chopping the top or adding fiberglass fender flares will make your truck appeal to fewer people, and thus drop it's re-sale value. You are already in a niche market with a longhorn.

Saftey items like disk brakes, and comfort items like tilt steering are easily undone if a purist wants to have a less comfortable or less safe vehicle. Even engine swaps can be undone if you don't cut up the frame or fire wall. Some people get all excited about cut dashes, other's just like a clean looking installation.

At the same time, if you want to drive a dropped, hydralic suspension, chop top, with a 100% velour interior and bed-liner, with 12" gold spoke wheels, you can. It may only appeal to you, and you may not be able to give it away, but at least you'll be happy.

drive happy
Justin

[soundspecilist]

I have a '69 GMC 1-Ton Longhorn and I'm in the process of modifying the %#$@ out of it! You need to do one of two things: 1) Clean it up as best as possible, sell it for every dime you can get, and buy another truck that has all the options you want. Or 2) Take what is already a top notch truck, improve upon it with modifications, and love every mile you put on it!

Theses trucks are fantastic, regardless of the model, but rare they are not!!! Maybe an option or two might be, but let's do a reality check. Every part for these trucks is available for replacement (ok, close to it), they're great to drive, but will never be on the platform at Pebble Beach. So make it your own, sell it in a few years, get another one, repeat. Live happily ever after knowing you're not contemplating what to do with a FORD!!

[crazy longhorn]

The bolt on mods wont hurt you, as said, you can change em back if needed. Still I agree that these old trucks will never be worth a ton of cash for original condition. My longhorn was a $550 truck when I got it, & is pretty modified......it will appeal to a smaller group, but my guess is that its worth more than $550 now L

[red71cheyenne]

Just my $.02, but your truck is never going to be worth more to someone than it is to you. If you want to make some comfort modifications, do it! The '71 is modded to high heaven and is very nice to drive. Will I ever get what I have tied up in it back out? No. Do I intend to sell it? No. I told the old lady, it was going to be my casket.

Anyway, its all up to you, just like these guys said. A nice unmolested Longhorn is a thing of beauty, but not necessarily that great to drive. Good luck, Jeff.