by Sunula66 » Fri Jan 13, 2012 10:12 pm
I guess to really answer your original question, by using the build sheet and the info it provides can determine the amount or number and even the lack of number of your model with the specific components as in factory parts whether numerous or not, eg. 200 models with this particular transmission or this many of a specific model had this power window option or all came with this color carpet...etc. to place a value becomes a mathematical quiz as well as a knowledge based best summation and with some comparison, if you can, with similar vehicles or not,( car is unique if there isn't much to compare it with ) always based on fact and availability. Don't forget that there are always other components like demand and how deep ones pockets are or even the desire factor, "I like the 63 vette" but can I afford it and would I be happier for a bit less money with a unique car such as this H-body"... all valid points, when it comes down to figuring out a value. "Rare" and "Value" are two different things , but it always seems apperant that one "enhances" the other.
As I understand how it works,I am going to stick my neck out here a bit. My own particular car was valued by a well known G.M. appraiser guy from my area. He established a value based on my original books and build sheet and went on further to earn his fee by researching through his means and I suppose his methods, to obtain history on the vehicle, that he would be willing to put his name on and if challenged to prove said value in a legal or "court" setting, especially if a claim was made say, for damages to be paid by an insurance company, he would have to defend his decision based on the facts and research that he did. He and I established some findings from this site as well as other literature that I provided as well, and his ability to pull from this and his own sources with G.M. archives, which is available to anyone if you know where to look for it. Supporting documentation from a compilation that he must put together and justify. After he goes through a gambit of reading and looks at all of the repair orders and parts and the condition of various components of the vehicles he checks out, he also has to protect his decision by investigating certain things, such as, common wear and tear and whether or not certain things as simple as, were the pedal rubbers or window trims replaced or original and is this or that a factory correct part or aftermarket or reproduction add on... I mean that these people, if they are any good at all,will know what to look for. He has to prove that its valuable or mediocurr at best. So for a hundred and twenty bucks, was my fee, I got an honest assessment from an unbiased car appraiser. I now know the rareness of my car and have a price in mind. It has taken a lot of research and I can establish as a lot of us now can at how many were made of certain models and whether they are rare or whatever, hey you do the math and utilize the sources on H-Body to help. There is a ton of info provided from codes and connections and where to find build sheets incl. the one link I provided as well in Canada.
Rare or not, I have and always will maintain that these vehicles are unique and are certainly desirable and probably affordable. In my case, I hold an appraised value of 20 to 25k doesn't mean I'd get that but who knows. I'm not looking to sell, merely establish it's worth. If you look at some of the builds here, there's a lot more money put into modified cars on this site than that but rare doesn't mean worthless either.
Hope this helps. It seems to be the age old question, and in the end, "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder"! cheers.
"remember... not everything is good on TOAST!"
3 Birds of a Feather...
#1 the Silver '80 W-66 code Formula purchased 9 years ago
#2 red "80 W-66 code Formula purchased Mar./16
#3 black '78-9 coupe with spoiler kit and 4spd 305...parted out to a Terrific H-Buddy
2015 Cruze Turbo Diesel/ Just replaced by the 2016 Sonic
'98 GMC 1/2 ton with corporate 3/4 ton driveline still makin' it all possible