Auto to 5 spd

[mtnrat]

I have a 72 3.0CSA with 30,000 original miles. My dad bought it new when I was 12. Very nice shape always garaged no winter driving etc. Tundra with white leather interior. Would the value decrease by changing it to a 5 spd? I am entertaining selling as I only drive it to keep the seals etc in good shape.

 

[jmackro]

I suspect that installing a 5 speed would increase its value.

However, if you are going to sell it, then why bother? The cost of the conversion will about equal the increase in value.

Only 30,000 miles? That's amazing.

 

[David]

Hi
30k is amazing. If you don't mind, could you please register the car here:

http://www.e9-driven.com/

Also, it would be great if you had time to take lots of photos of the engine bay and interior. It helps serve as as record of what an original car looked like.

Automatics dont generally sell for as much as 5 speeds. But I wouldnt be surprised if an all original 30k car wasnt worth more as-is, vs converting it.

Id bet the folks at BAT would be interested in the car if you decide to sell it. They will definitely want photos of the usual rust areas.

 

[mtnrat]

Picture of CS

 

[Stevehose]

+1, please take pics of the decals etc. Beautiful car.

Also, it would be great if you had time to take lots of photos of the engine bay and interior. It helps serve as as record of what an original car looked like.

 

[mtnrat]

Sure. I will do that and add to this thread.

 

[jmackro]

Automatics dont generally sell for as much as 5 speeds. But I wouldnt be surprised if an all original 30k car wasnt worth more as-is, vs converting it..

Hmm, good point. I had remarked that manuals are generally in greater demand than automatics, but I wasn't considering that mtnrat's coupe was an all original 30k car. The advertisement would be more compelling with the title "unmolested, only 30K miles", rather than "after averaging only 732 miles/year, I just ripped out the original transmission (which was perfectly fine)"

I guess a big factor is whether mtnrat wants to drive his father's coupe for awhile before selling it and whether he prefers a manual. If his answers are "yes" and "yes", then installing the manual shouldn't detract from the car's selling price (especially since the mileage won't be so low anymore). But, if he wants to sell it now, it's probably best to leave it alone.