To remove the roof rack = Hurt value??

[James Thomas]

Ok, I pulled the roof rack off today to buff the paint and I found a little rust around all the stainless steel "skid" strips. Not bad but just enough that I prolly need to pull the head liner and see what the underside looks like. No rust around the four corner mounts for the rack it's self, just the SS strips.

Now I know everyone is gonna say ditch that bitch and weld the holes up! Be done with it already and it will look better too! Ok, no argument from me, I agree 100%! Buuuut.........
How much is it going to hurt the value of my Ty? Please keep in mind that this is my very very clean (at least exellent condition or beteween exellent & mint condition) all stock low mile Teal Ty, not my project builder.

So... those that know, please feel to chime in and give me your thoughts please?

Thanks!
_______________
James

 

[91blazins10]

Re: To remove the roof rack = Hurt value??

If it is very low mileage and pretty clean I wouldn’t take the rack off just to keep it all original.

 

[AWD]

Re: To remove the roof rack = Hurt value??

ive seen some with the rack off but the holes werent filled and it doesnt look to bad....its hard to tell from a distance and it leaves you the option to put it back on

 

[jbone]

Re: To remove the roof rack = Hurt value??

I have often wondered the same thing when it came to doing anything to the ty. But then I realized that I never plan on getting rid of it so the value to me is all that matters.

 

[JSM]

Re: To remove the roof rack = Hurt value??

I think the value will depend on how well you do the job.

If you do a crappy job, paint lines everywhere, then yea it could hurt.

Do a good job, where you can't tell I say it won't hurt it. It seems the roof rack is not a desirable option anyways. Heck I want to remove mine now.

 

[NOJIMMY]

Re: To remove the roof rack = Hurt value??

...if you have "original" documentation (window sticker, PAS authetication, brochures, etc):
since the factory documents indicate having a roof rack and collectors can find undmodified mint Tys
...if you have excellent paint and clear coat (and the exterior is mint);
since there are few individuals who can weld, fill, paint, and re-install a headliner without "visual" clues
...if you have very low miles, and clear history (or are the original owner);
since a "collector" vehicle requires documentation, all maintenance records, and "safe" storage (rarely seen with multiple owners)
...And if you intend to keep it to sell/appreciate someday;
since either you, or your relatives/friends that will inherit the vehicle will know whats its worth

then clearly modifying the vehicle would be counterproductive.

I happen to believe that there is very little chance that these will appreciate at
a rate greater than inflation, new car pricing, property, or 10-years in the stock market.
Meaning save some money by other means than counting on your Ty (making modifying
it okay to your satisifaction)....and then buy the perfect Ty/Sy with the profits if 20 years from
now you want to celebrate...(and thus have your cake and eating it too).
Besides, if you make enough money elsewhere, one can hire Rad-Rides, Chip Foose, or
Boyd C (ie custom builders) to "restore" the vehicle back to factory standards.

Personally, unless I had a real "bug" to do bodywork (ie more than just remove the roof rack),
I would let things alone as it doesnt hurt anything - and its not like a aftermarket piece of garbage
thats flimsy, or weighing a ton (ie if it aint broke, dont "fix" it mode as there are items like trannys that
do break and will require money to fix).

-Larry

 

[James Thomas]

Re: To remove the roof rack = Hurt value??

...if you have "original" documentation (window sticker, PAS authetication, brochures, etc):
since the factory documents indicate having a roof rack and collectors can find undmodified mint Tys
...if you have excellent paint and clear coat (and the exterior is mint);
since there are few individuals who can weld, fill, paint, and re-install a headliner without "visual" clues
...if you have very low miles, and clear history (or are the original owner);
since a "collector" vehicle requires documentation, all maintenance records, and "safe" storage (rarely seen with multiple owners)
...And if you intend to keep it to sell/appreciate someday;
since either you, or your relatives/friends that will inherit the vehicle will know whats its worth

then clearly modifying the vehicle would be counterproductive.

I happen to believe that there is very little chance that these will appreciate at
a rate greater than inflation, new car pricing, property, or 10-years in the stock market.
Meaning save some money by other means than counting on your Ty (making modifying
it okay to your satisifaction)....and then buy the perfect Ty/Sy with the profits if 20 years from
now you want to celebrate...(and thus have your cake and eating it too).
Besides, if you make enough money elsewhere, one can hire Rad-Rides, Chip Foose, or
Boyd C (ie custom builders) to "restore" the vehicle back to factory standards.

Personally, unless I had a real "bug" to do bodywork (ie more than just remove the roof rack),
I would let things alone as it doesnt hurt anything - and its not like a aftermarket piece of garbage
thats flimsy, or weighing a ton (ie if it aint broke, dont "fix" it mode as there are items like trannys that
do break and will require money to fix).

-Larry

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have been thinking about it during the week and I guess I will decide for sure after I get the head liner out next weekand see what it looks like on the underside. If it's not too bad then it stays.

Thanks!
____________
James