New Year's Resoloutiom

[Saabpilot]

Good evening all. I am a new member to the forum, obviously. I have made a resolution this year to make a decision about my 3rd Gen Camaro. It is a White 89 RS T-top with the 305 TBI, factory CD player, 700R4, with 74k miles, I also have the window sticker as well as the build sheets for it. Now the bad news...it was in an accident 3 years ago and the car is in show room shape from the windshield back as well interior. I had even put on a Z28 hood (louvers) along with a 92 grille (bow-tie) and fog lights with all the correct factory wiring and switches. I would estimate the costs of repairing it to be in the $3-3.5k range to have it done correctly and to my standards. I am the third owner and bought it with 41k miles and am attached to it as all of us are with our beloved F-body's.

My main question is that is it worth waiting the time and money to resurrect/restore it or to part it out against my wishes. I am mainly looking for some direction on what it would be worth as it sits for parts or as a whole. I also have a 18 month old daughter and another one on the way in April, so funds would not be available for the next 2-3+ years. Thank you all for your time and wish a happy and prosperous new year to all!!!

[meissen]

My vote is to restore/resurrect but I think it really has to do with you and your feelings on it. It sounds like a relatively low mile 3rd gen for its age and if you really are attached to it then I'd say go for it. Obviously it won't be worth the time and money you put into it if you try to sell it, though.

PS - Welcome to the site! Post some pictures of said 3rd gen!

[2002Z4CSS]

My son's 1979 Camaro Berlinetta has been apart since 2004 and he thought about selling it several times. He just can't seem to let it go since it was his first car when he turned 16. Only a 2 owner car for one that is 33 years old. Keep yours if you have the room for it since it doesn not cost anything to feed it.

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

Welcome, Brett, and enjoy the site!

Hard question to answer...I guess my first concern would be letting it sit for 3 years. Is it stored inside? If not (and I hate to say this...but...), I think I would probably part it out, or sell it complete to somebody who wants to restore it.

There is just so much that can wrong with these electronically if left outside for long periods of time, that would be my biggest concern.

[ruckusz28]

Welcome! If I were in your shoes, I would try to sell it to somebody who will bring it back. Maybe take down their contact number so you can try to buy it back down the road?

2-3 years is a long time to hold on to something that's wrecked. For the cost to repair, you can probably pick up a car that's in great shape and go from there. Just my .02

[WMCCjames]

Since it's a 305TBI RS I'd be inclined to part it out or sell it as is.

[Akodo]

It all comes down to what YOU feel it is worth. My grandfather has a 72 Mustang that sat in his garage for over 30 years, it sat so long the RIMS went flat. Then, two years ago, they drug it out and started restoring it. They kept it all these years because it was the first car their eldest son bought on his own. Now, its a rare thing of beauty, even if it is a Mustang.
Bottom line, anything can be fixed. It just depends on whether you want to put the time/effort/and money into fixing it. Will you ever get out of it what you will need to put into it? Of course not. But thats not why we do this, is it? If you have the space and can keep it, I would. The parts will only get rarer as long as you can keep them in good condition if you decided to part it at a later date.

[bri2203]

Like Mike said it really depends what YOU want!

To answer your main question of what the car is worth. From the sound of it your car would be worth more if you parted out vs selling it as a whole. I have parted out a few cars and it can be alot of work. It can also be very frustrating when people fall short of what they say.
Does the car run? As it sits I would say it is worth 700-1700 depending on rust, how damaged the front end is, if it runs, how nice the interior is.

If I were in your shoes, I would sell it- enjoy the time with your children and buy another car down the road. It might cost a little more but you would not have the liability of owning the car during that time nor the headache of fixing it up.

[ktl711]

Family comes first and the car is, sad to say, not the most desirable 3rd Gen ever. Don't let the car become a ball and chain. You should be attending to your family, and you could be enjoying a different car today along with your family, one that's already intact.

As frustrating as it is, we just can't save every single one of them...

[Jdseibe]

I initially voted to restore it.. but if you HAVE to get rid of it.. I'd say sell as is.. and for 2 reasons..

1) parting out a car and selling off and shipping everything is a PITA!
2) if you sell it whole.. maybe someone else can restore it.. and keep it from ending up in a junk yard.