I wouldn't be that drastic with it, but I agree. The Prelude will never
become an expensive classic car because it was mass produced (about 40k
a year). Look at some of the prices for similar cars from the 50s-70s,
few are worth more than $20k. If they are in unrestored mint condition
they may be worth higher, but your Prelude has already been repainted a
few times. Are you willing to wait 20-30 years for the Prelude to gain
so little value?

For $5k you can probably purchase a 10-ish year old Prelude or Integra,
an even newer Civic coupe or a number of other cars (most of which would
be faster than your Prelude, and less maintenance).

Cosmin

_chris_ wrote:

> I would kiss it and kick it good-bye
>
>
> "Travis" <travis_at_charbeneau_dot_net> wrote in message
> newsYidnRa35cFV5t3cRVn-gw@comcast.com...
>
>>
>>Hi, Folks,
>>
>>I'm the only owner of a 1982 silver Prelude (automatic [sorry], with
>>AC and the four-spoke mag wheels, dead "moon roof"). The car has only
>>118,000 miles on it, spent all its life spent in Virginia, and I have
>>every receipt the little bugger ever generated for service, etc.
>>
>>I've had two paint jobs, same color, with body work chasing the usual
>>rust sites in the wheel wells and leading/trailing edges of the cab. I
>>crumpled the passenger door recently, which has hurried forward the
>>third rust-chase/repaint (last done in '99). Now, with factory, Maaco,
>>and '99's base coat/clear coat, I have three layers and a piece of
>>work ahead.
>>
>>I have about $5K to put into a car, and that's what a local,
>>lacquer-only Richmond, VA gentleman wants for a
>>bumpers/windshields/light housings dis-assembly, rust-plug (with
>>metal), and then a sand-to-metal, four-plus coats silver lacquer,
>>three coats clear coat. He seems to do very good work, and it will
>>take a month. (Second old car available.)
>>
>>I could go for it, or buy a $5K "pre-wrecked" ten year-old something
>>or other.
>>
>>My best guess is to do the restore and hope to recoup a few pennies in
>>the antiques market down the line. Will there be one? Should I finally
>>say goodbye to the old girl?
>>
>>Many thanks,
>>
>>Travis