First let me say I am glad to have found Firebird Nation. I am the new owner of a 69 bird. I tend to think she is beautiful but upon it getting delivered I have found a few issues but nothing I consider major YET.
I am asking everyone. If a cars engine has been changed to a one year newer version. The original 69 for a 70 350 with 10 less horses. The paint is red but it was born green. The interior is black when it was dark green.....other than wheels that look like old SS Cragars on it she looks stock. This question of staying as close to stock will not change in appearance but in some other places under the hood. The car was born factory AC. However it was supposedly converted to 134 but the compressor doesn't kick on. It could just need a charge or it may not work. Then noticing that plugs 8 and 6 have the AC suitcase on the firewall so close to the plugs I am not sure how to change. I was thinking of converting to Vintage air because the system is smaller and would make working on all things a bit easier. I would also know everything works well. A fellow owns a shop that does work on classics said leave the factory air in place. Since all else is changed that I mentioned....does it now matter? Is it really going to hurt value? I don't care if the car ever were to be in a show or win anything. I like it fine. It would be nice if others did but I bought for me as I am sure all of you did. But I value opinions and what I may be missing in thinking.
Any responses for or against will be good and sorry for being long winded.
Thanks