So as I slowly work on my car I've replaced a few parts and also removed, probably never to refit, others. The dilemma I have is: Should I pack and store the removed items for a future owner (the car will outlive me for sure!) who may want to restore to stock with original parts, or should I pass them on to others to help them with their builds? I'm leaning towards the latter and have already passed on one item that found a new home through a lead from another board member. I feel happier knowing that item is out there performing its function rather than idling in a box. Just wondered what others thoughts were on the subject. Bob
I have saved all the original parts that I have replaced on our 'stock' cars. I have given them to the new owners when I have sold them. If they had no interest in them, I sold them. I also kept the usable parts removed from a couple restomods, such as the stock rims. I'll offer them should I ever sell the cars. I label the boxes, should the cars 'outlive' me.
Bob: I am pretty much in the same boat. Instead of packing and storing, I decided to pass them on. I personally prefer to swap my parts for parts that I need rather than cash. I have done a few swaps with different guys with great success. When I do sell a part I take that money and use it to buy other parts that I need. Keith
I'm super grateful that the original owner of my 70 455 saved his original parts that he replaced . Master cylinder Raditor Distributor I plan on getting these items all rebuilt
...depends on multiple factors like space, economics, etc...and in my case it's kinda both ways...GN has been modded, so I have originals so future owner can choose...GS came pretty much stock, so there really aren't any...
I can see this dilema from several POV, and all are valid. All are examples of obtaining the car in the condition in the examples. Near 100% stock vehicle. Keep the parts. Car that has had some parts replaced with OEM or OEM Equivalent, like water pumps, master cylinders, alternators, starters etc. Likely kee them if the car is or could be restored to near 100%, as most of the above although not "stock/factory" parts, are acceptable as "original". This is the one that "space" is a big factor. Car has had some "customization", different engine, or a 4bbl intake replaced a 2bbl, different rear, transmission etc. Big parts that matter. So keeping something is really a matter between storage, and putting them in the hands of people who can use them, might be the better part of valor. Car is heavily modified, race, Pro touring, autocross, "cloned", "tribute", then you likely don't have much you will be taking off, that is original, and if you do, you probably are not concerned with what anyone thinks anyway. Unless you're a pack rat, then you keep everything, even if it doesn't fit anything your have or ever will have, because that's what packrats do.
I’ve been slowly getting rid of parts I decided I will never use, some I bought in the late 70’s. For the numbers original cars small parts are boxed and labeled so my kids will know what goes with what. It sure is nice to have the extra space!
I keep all my take off stuff and give it to the next owner. If they don't want it then I sell it or toss it. When I sell my Caddy someday, I hope the next owner wants the stock air cleaner, steering wheel, and points and condenser....if they don't it'll go to the recyclers as it isn't worth squat without the car it goes to.
Back when muscle cars were new, the owner would stop at a speed shop, on the way home. By nightfall, they were out on the streets with headers, cams, etc. Most of us tossed the original parts. I wish I still had the stock parts for my '69 Z/28. Not that I'd install them, I'd just like to still have them.
Like original smog pumps that got trash canned when you first got the car home? They're big dollars for a piece of crap now. Yeah I know.
Thanks to everyone for your insights. I felt good about letting go of that one item already so I'm going to make other stuff available to others. Cheers! Bob
