Gary Wells
White turbo Buick trailer park trash
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2002
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I, too, am sorry to hear of your loss. A loss like that hurts in the worst way.
Why does an ’87 seem to be worth more than an ‘86
- Thread starter bq93
- Start date
I, too, am sorry to hear of your loss. A loss like that hurts in the worst way.
Gary Wells
White turbo Buick trailer park trash
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2002
I don't think that the difference between an '86 & an '87 can be measured in $$$$'s, but I do feel that there is a definite difference there. For me, I would prefer an '87, but I would probably not reject an '86 if it meet my criteria. I think that the difference between an '86 & an '87 might be measured in the degree of difficulty of finding a buyer & length of time for sale. Everything else being equal, an '87 would sell quicker than an '86 and it might even bring a little more, unless by sheer coincidence a potential buyer is specifically looking for a '86. Same logic for difference between solid roofs & t-tops, excepting that solid roofs do bring more money. Astro-roofs are probably worth a little more than a solid roof, but not enough that you might see a difference in established value. It takes a noticable difference in value or price to establish enough data to positively state that there is a difference. I would not look for any change in heirarchy of already established values between the various models & variations either, other than a few years back I don't think that the Astro-roofs were considered more or the same in value as a solid roof, due to the fact that a few years back, most people did not know the difference between a dealer installed moon roof, & a factory installed Astro-roof. HTH, & IMHO only, too. No flaming intended.
Hi bq93 -
Ah...the eternal question: Why?
Interesting responses here...whether you know it or not, all you guys who participate in these forums are really good guys for doing so! Thanks.
I think most of the answers have been provided. But, I am like you bq93. So, I have a similar question (and my own answers):
Why do GNs sell for more than T-Types like mine?
Check this out: Between 1986 and 1987 only 3,468 Regal T-Types were built vs. 25,705 GNs. So, the T-Type is a much rarer car. Yet, asking and selling prices for GNs are typically several thousand more.
It could be that the black-out color scheme also makes a difference...hey, that "bad boy (girl)" image is worth a lot to some people.
There's more. My car is outfitted like the WE-4 (lighter because it was equipped with aluminum "T" wheels, rear brake drums, full width bumper supports, and had no trunk spoiler). That means, theoretically, the WE-4s and my car are faster (stock form). Yet, my car's market value still seems lower than the GN's.
Interestingly, when I recently showed my car to the sales manager of a local Ford dealership, he thought the car would be worth $17K-$18K cash (not trade-in value). I figured it might be fairly priced at $13-$15K...after all, it has original paint and is a 20 foot car. So, I am encouraged if I ever decide to sell.
My position is that I will carry on a crusade to make this car (the T-Types) worth as much as or more than comparable-condition GNs -- because of their rarity.
Obviously, I think the value of these cars also has a lot to do with educating the ignorant about what a particular turbo Buick has to offer. When I visit car shows, I make this point verbally and in a flyer I made for my car. After all, each one of us customizes (or not) to differentiate what we have.
It is very interesting to talk with lookers because most people do not have a clue about turbo Buicks except for the GN. Hype, and the familiarity bred from so many more street sightings (higher production numbers) keep the GN as king of top-of-mind awareness. However, I think those who are collectors or are in-the-know types will eventually value T-Types as highly as GNs...or higher.
I think anyone buying one of our turbo beasts should buy what looks good and functions well for him. I would have preferred a T-top car because I love cruising with all that exposure. But, I bought what was closest and I liked the differences from a GN. I figure you gotta buy what grabs you AND feels best under your butt, and worry about its value later.
My best regards,
Steve
Ah...the eternal question: Why?
Interesting responses here...whether you know it or not, all you guys who participate in these forums are really good guys for doing so! Thanks.
I think most of the answers have been provided. But, I am like you bq93. So, I have a similar question (and my own answers):
Why do GNs sell for more than T-Types like mine?
Check this out: Between 1986 and 1987 only 3,468 Regal T-Types were built vs. 25,705 GNs. So, the T-Type is a much rarer car. Yet, asking and selling prices for GNs are typically several thousand more.
It could be that the black-out color scheme also makes a difference...hey, that "bad boy (girl)" image is worth a lot to some people.
There's more. My car is outfitted like the WE-4 (lighter because it was equipped with aluminum "T" wheels, rear brake drums, full width bumper supports, and had no trunk spoiler). That means, theoretically, the WE-4s and my car are faster (stock form). Yet, my car's market value still seems lower than the GN's.
Interestingly, when I recently showed my car to the sales manager of a local Ford dealership, he thought the car would be worth $17K-$18K cash (not trade-in value). I figured it might be fairly priced at $13-$15K...after all, it has original paint and is a 20 foot car. So, I am encouraged if I ever decide to sell.
My position is that I will carry on a crusade to make this car (the T-Types) worth as much as or more than comparable-condition GNs -- because of their rarity.
Obviously, I think the value of these cars also has a lot to do with educating the ignorant about what a particular turbo Buick has to offer. When I visit car shows, I make this point verbally and in a flyer I made for my car. After all, each one of us customizes (or not) to differentiate what we have.
It is very interesting to talk with lookers because most people do not have a clue about turbo Buicks except for the GN. Hype, and the familiarity bred from so many more street sightings (higher production numbers) keep the GN as king of top-of-mind awareness. However, I think those who are collectors or are in-the-know types will eventually value T-Types as highly as GNs...or higher.
I think anyone buying one of our turbo beasts should buy what looks good and functions well for him. I would have preferred a T-top car because I love cruising with all that exposure. But, I bought what was closest and I liked the differences from a GN. I figure you gotta buy what grabs you AND feels best under your butt, and worry about its value later.
My best regards,
Steve
Gary Wells
White turbo Buick trailer park trash
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2002
Low production #'s will not drive the market as much as popularity, respect, & the "Darth Vader" look will.
wow, this has evolved into a really interesting thread!
2badgn - to answer your question, which do I like better, honestly, a lot of the time I'd rather have a hardtop - *however* on a beautiful day, when I have time to cruise a little - the t-tops are AWSOME! The t-tops can be real pain in the butt. first of all they're heavy. just taking them off and putting them on is a pain and especially when you think about how difficult and expensive they would be to replace if you (heaven forbid) DROP one!
And they are a pretty significant maintenance issue. The seals *must* be taken care of and they can cause some real problems if you don't. I won't go into the issue of leaks - there's entire threads on that subject. As for chasis rigidity, I've installed the usual seat braces, underhood braces and front frame braces and I believe my t-top GN is just about as tight as my previous hardtop GN that had less than half the mileage *and* all the same braces. again I think that's largely a maintenance issue - keep all your body and suspension bushings in good shape and add some braces and you're fine. One of the local guru's here has the nicest GN I've seen anywhere and it's an '86 t-top. I believe he's pretty deep into the 11's with it although he did "box" the frame rails where GM didn't.
as a side note, the only reason I was even interested in a t-top car is because my best friend in high-school had an '82 Cutlass with t-tops and I had some really great times cruising on Friday and Saturday nights with the t-tops off and the stereo blasting. I had a '79 Monte Carlo hardtop at the time and I had "t-top envy".
Please be gentile as to this admittedly complete newb question-
And I'm doing this on my blackberry as I prepare to go look at a car in the morning.
Does any one make any kind of shade or cover for the underside of the ttops? I know it is probably a stupid question but you will never know if you don't ask.
And I'm doing this on my blackberry as I prepare to go look at a car in the morning.
Does any one make any kind of shade or cover for the underside of the ttops? I know it is probably a stupid question but you will never know if you don't ask.
The only stupid questions are those unasked.
Could be some shades on the market, but I don't know of any.
If there are none available in the retail world, I would:
1. Go to an upholstery shop, have something fabricated, and ask the upholsterer about some dependable way to attach them.
2. Or, if you know someone who sews...
3. Check with a window tinting specialist
4. Consider some kind of shade cloth
Steve
Great question- My friend's 88 GTA came with these factory- I liked them so much that I searched for gray ones to match the interior of my GN.
I think I got mine from Poston's. There's another Turbo Buick company that sells them but I cant remember who. Maybe Brian at GBodyParts.com.
I put these on every winter and they really keep out the cold from the T-Top glass. It gives the look of a hardtop. I love them. U just have to center them correctly or u will have a tough time locking the t-tops.
Frank
Yeah I've owned a TTA and three different hard top cars 2 87 GNs and a 87 TurboT. It would be cool to have a T-Top car at some point. And of course there are things you can do the T-Top to make it a good drag car as well
I *know* at least one of the Buick vendors was offering t-top shades within the last year or so. As I recall, they were covered with reflective mylar though and some guys didn't like that. My GN came with a really nice pair of t-top shades that are covered on both sides with the grey headliner material. They do work really well and look nice too.
Just do a search for "t-top shades" and search Poston's, Jax Seat Cover, Kirban Performance, just to name a few.
HTH
Rob
Thanks to everyone for your input. I’m off to look at (imagine this) an 86 with t tops. I think the asking price is a little high, but it seems to be in great shape. Close to 115k miles, but with a professional, down to the metal repaint, new interior, several engine/transmission goodies, etc, and asking $11000.
I may suck it up since my goal is to get a nice driver with few issues.
Thanks again to everyone for helping me out and not thrashing the newbie as I’ve seen on internet boards before.
I may suck it up since my goal is to get a nice driver with few issues.
Thanks again to everyone for helping me out and not thrashing the newbie as I’ve seen on internet boards before.
There were big cosmetic differences between those years.
:biggrin: finally, someone speaks the truth.....wait, mines an 86
:biggrin: finally, someone speaks the truth.....wait, mines an 86
HAHA funny, but I have to agree, no need for anything but BLACK on a GN :biggrin:
I have the best wife ever.
I went over to Austin to have a look. T tops really weren’t my first choice because of the problems associated with them. I have an 88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and the sunroof on that can be a pain with the wind noise and occasional leaks. When I got there and saw the car and how straight and clean it was I decided that T tops would be fine. The owner was great and although it is a long story lets just say he went more than an extra mile to make me feel good about the purchase.
I really do have the best wife in the world and after looking it over and going for a ride she said we should get it without me even having to put on the charm. Its not perfect, but with the help of this forum I’m sure I can get it closer (windows seem to need about ¼ inch more travel to close the gap at the top, needs one rear bumper filler, needs one new ttop seal).
I really do appreciate all the help and look forward to being a part of the forum. I have wanted this car since I was a sophomore in high school and its just as cool as I thought it would be.
Good things come to those that wait.
I went over to Austin to have a look. T tops really weren’t my first choice because of the problems associated with them. I have an 88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and the sunroof on that can be a pain with the wind noise and occasional leaks. When I got there and saw the car and how straight and clean it was I decided that T tops would be fine. The owner was great and although it is a long story lets just say he went more than an extra mile to make me feel good about the purchase.
I really do have the best wife in the world and after looking it over and going for a ride she said we should get it without me even having to put on the charm. Its not perfect, but with the help of this forum I’m sure I can get it closer (windows seem to need about ¼ inch more travel to close the gap at the top, needs one rear bumper filler, needs one new ttop seal).
I really do appreciate all the help and look forward to being a part of the forum. I have wanted this car since I was a sophomore in high school and its just as cool as I thought it would be.
Good things come to those that wait.
The only chrome on it that an 87 doesnt have is the grille, and for -$200 you can find a 87 grille, and thats fixxed. (thats what mine has now):biggrin: finally, someone speaks the truth.....wait, mines an 86
btw, NICE find, now change those RWL tires before you trip on your mullet (reffering to other post in turbo lounge)
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