Posted by MoparNorm on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 9:19AM :
In Reply to: WC 1/2 ton V-8 Conversion? posted by Steve in PA on Monday, January 09, 2006 at 11:46PM :
You're going to have a tough time fitting the V-8 into a narrow 1/2 ton.
The most valuable Dodge truck, with the most resale value, would be a perfect original truck, untouched, stored since it was new. Next would be a perfect* stock, numbers matching, reproduction, frame off restoration. Next would be a perfect* restoration with a repower using an early Dodge Hemi or Poly V-8, with maybe a re-gear or overdrive
The more you stray from original and stock the more you diminish the value. Putting a good body on modern running gear, or non-Dodge running gear really hurts or destroys the value. One thing I have noticed over the past few years at Barrett-Jackson and other top line auctions is that no matter the vehicle, putting motors and drivetrains from different manufacturers seriously deflates the value. If you have a gm, put a gm motor in it, if you have a ferd put a ferd motor in it, if you have a Mopar, put a Mopar in it.
If you want a nice smooth ride, get a Ram, if you absolutely want a smooth, modern ride with vintage Dodge sheetmetal, then by all means do it, but don't expect to be able to sell it.
MN
* assumes a numbers matching all original, NOS parts or reproduction parts
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