What to do?

[2ndbaser]

Newbie. First post. Go easy.

I have a '69. wrong drivetrain, wrong color, not a true ss (x44), no sentimental value. Bought for a real good price.

I'm torn on what to do with this car. It's in pretty good shape, little rust, engine block is from a '75 C10 and rebuilt before I got it. Has decent power. Highrise intake, edelbrock 4 barrell, TH400 3spd, horseshoe shifter, factory a/c. You get the idea.

I'm not a big fan of "clone" and love original cars with a backstory. However, I could also have fun with this far since it isn't original. I do like to drive the car everywhere so I'm not sure I'd drive a 100K car out of my driveway.

So...

1. Sell the car and shop for an original
2. Restore to factory X44 (which is pretty plain and boring, no trim)
3. Clone to cool X44, so COPO (they didn't make Yenko in Cortez Silver)
4. Restomod the hell out of it with GM Crate ZZ6

My concern is pouring money into a car that isn't original. Right now I could easily get my money back.
COWL Tag
ST 69 12437 9
TR711 09C 69BDY PNT
X44

I'm in the process of finding numbers and identifying parts.

Thanks, 2B

[69Z28-RS]

Do whatever makes you happy with the car..   Cars do not all have to be *original* to be enjoyable.. and 'making a profit' on your car is a very poor reason to own one.   DRIVE it..  ENJOY it..  or sell it..  whatever puts a smile on your face.. 

[69 Zee]

My concern is pouring money into a car that isn't original. Right now I could easily get my money back.

Well,  I think you kinda just answered your own question.  Sell and get your money back and shop for one that's as close to original as possible.

..and welcome to CRG

[BULLITT65]

Do whatever makes you happy with the car..   Cars do not all have to be *original* to be enjoyable.. and 'making a profit' on your car is a very poor reason to own one.   DRIVE it..  ENJOY it..  or sell it..  whatever puts a smile on your face.. 

Nothing wrong with owning a car to make a profit on it, IMO. Guys have been doing it since the car was invented. Many times the car hobby is viewed as either build what you want and don't worry about what its worth OR build it to profit off of it. I think there is a third choice - build a fun car, and *if necessary to sell  (or opportunity presents itself) you can make money. With that money maybe you purchase something more fun. Many people think this is pie in the sky, but if your patient you can find good deals on cars, have fun and sell them and do all right. Nick (Daytona Yellow 69Z) is quite good at this.
I do agree with " do what makes you happy".
Figure out what your end game is, and put together a plan to get there. I think I realized a while back I am not going to live forever, (surprise revelation) and my time was worth more. So no more full ground up restorations. I am not purchasing show cars either. Just solid drivers suits me just fine. Figure out what will work best for you, and then work your plan.
Welcome to the CRG, & Good luck!

[JKZ27]

2B, welcome to CRG! Enjoy your X44 until you figure out what your ideal car is and the level of project you're ready for. Keep driving it until you find what you want or sell it to have cash to make a deal. Always come back here during your search if you need help identifying something, there's a lot of fraud out there. Good luck!

[x77-69z28]

If it is a nice clean body, build it. They are hard to come by. Build it the way you want it and enjoy it. I have never bought a car with the thought of making money on it, or even selling it for that matter!