I am on the fence and need some input.
I am in the process of restoring a very clean (straight unmolested body) pantera with nearly no rust.
It is very low miles but has been sitting for 20 + years. Engine runs great, trans shifts sweet. But the paint is very tired, cracked, I need to replace original rusted exhaust manifolds, tear engine down put new valve springs,water pump rebuild brakes, clutch go through all electrical. All the crap that comes with a car that has been in storage for years. I am okay with all that, but here is my question:
How important is it going to be to keep this car bone stock and original. Do I search for clean uncracked original exhaust manifolds? or go with some nice headers? It has a nice teak aftermarket steering wheel, do I put the original one back on, or leave it alone? Original pantera cooling fans will not keep the car cool enough to drive in Florida, do I keep with the originals or put on after market? The car has the original air cleaner and carb. Do I keep them on the car?
My plan is to play with the car for a year then sell it. I want to do the car in a way that would appeal to the largest market. I have another pantera besides this one which is mine to keep.
So would you keep it as original as possible, or remove the rubber bumper and slap on some Euro bumpers?
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