Euro conversion advise

In my opinion in the event that you want to sell the car your market would be smaller and may translate to a price reduction.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Personally, if I was in the market for another Dino, I'd never want to `touch' a Dino that's been converted from what it was born as.

 

IMO the mandated side marker lights are hideous, and the emission system is crap as well though I wouldn't throw it away. It will probably affect the value but I have seen US version cars now in Europe restored w/o side markers.

 

If you're planning to sell it at some point, you'll probably take a hit on price because you've cut up the car. If you're not planning to sell it, or don't care about the potential price hit, set the car up the way you want. I don't care for the US lights, seatbelt, or emissions control stuff either - the Euro version is much cleaner.

 

I wish my car was a Euro but I would never convert it.

 

First off, IT'S YOUR DINO! Are you looking at it from an investment perspective, fun to own or a bit of both? Are you showing it at FCA shows? It's much like a colour change. If your car is mostly original, with prices really going up, from an investment perspective, keep it original. If you don't plan on selling it soon, not showing it at FCA shows and want it the way you want it, do what you want. My advice is, in the conversion process, keep every single piece including the metal you cut out. Parts are unobtainium and when they are available are priced in the stratosphere! I had first right of refusal on a 7500 mile U.S. spec Dino coupe with everything. In my heart I wanted a Euro spec coupe. I would have loved to own it but in the end it would have frustrated me with my desire to change it. In the end I opted for a Euro Dino that had cosmetic needs with an original colour combo I love. It's not an easy answer. What is your Dino's original colour combo? Does it have all its U.S. equipment such as smog controls etc? If it's done to the level of perfection of Tom Kearn's Dino I wouldn't have an issue at all. Tom's an extremely creative talented designer working with one of the best, Steve Kouracos. It's like Chip Foose doing "a few things" to your Camaro! Whatever you do, SAVE ALL YOUR PARTS and TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!!

Freeman

 

Keep it original! That's a US version and that's how they came. I don't know why people make such a fuss about the turn and side markers. I have a euro GT and a US GTS and love them both.

 

I think the overall presentation is more important than the us vs euro details.
The differences disappear when its on the lawn. Only in pictures are the differences really noticed. Not worth the effort. Originality is king.
Ed

 

I interpret your words as a hidden desire to return your car to a Euro, just as Enzo intended it. The front marker light lenses are easy items to find but their light housing is the difficult part. Plastic aftermarket ones could be found, infrequently has metal ones.

 

One of my favorite Dinos that I see every year at the annual Huntington Beach concours is a U.S. spec black w/black/red inserts "Flairs and Chairs" GTS. It just has presense! I'd love to have that Dino to compliment my GT!

Freeman

 

I think Euro cars imported and forced to have US spec stuff added are the only cars it makes sense to return to that specification.

Making US delivered cars a Euro spec is always going to cause reasons to ask questions.

The Euro spec and US spec cars are different. Although almost every US spec car has had the smog non-sense removed, I still wouldn't try and make a hodge-podge car, as it will always be such a thing until returned to factory spec.

In my opion, and I know I am in the minority, I think hodge -podge cars answer more questions than asked, and that isn't always a good thing.

I have always said and still belive, keep them as original as we can, only fixing neccisary mechanical stuff as needed. Cosmetics ALWAYS look better when they look their age.

 

Congratulations on a tough decision.

 

Congratulations. You made the right decision.

Sam

 

take the side markers out if you feel that way. i took the front ones out of my car years ago but left the rear ones in as they did not bother me. they can always be put back in . you will not regret it !
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Great photo Vrooom!

 

mel, good luck with your repaint, i agree about the turn signals , that is not as easy a conversion as side markers. what about the reflectors on the back, will you keep them , they are often deleted ? dan

 

tom, thanks, that was winter of '08 , i was shoveling snow for days to keep my steep driveway clear !

 

Mel, I applaud your fortitude! Kudos are in order for your decision.

I am passionate about Dino and I hate to be a spoilsport, or care to stir up a hornets nest and if my friend Julio Batista is still reading, and I hope he is, he would probably crucify me or hand me over to Torquemada , and not that my opinion/choice is worth anything, but my 'E' will lose all the USA stuff.

Will neatly store everything away, parts, templates and instructions, and as it was meant to be, will be a car thoroughly used, and before any potential sale be repainted, and all the USA stuff re-installed or not, to the buyer's taste or wishes.
No big deal, at least that is my thought. Regardless, the car will pass to my children, so in my book, I really don't care. It will be their problem.

I am painfully aware of the costs implied in the USA for such whimsy, and I do not mean any disrespect or haughtiness. It simply is my car.

The car is not going to be modified with aftermarket units, and it will look as a European version on the outside, just the way it was designed.

Hope I will not be unduly chastised or spoil anyone's dinner, but those front turn signals are a US requisite and they spoil the otherwise perfect contour of the nose, the side lights, well...they are pretty ugly too.
Typically, all USA version cars of the era, were ruined in their design by hurried modifications that were hardly flattering and certainly not in the best fashion, but then, they were not expected to last long, so once again a moot point.

Regards, Alberto

 

I have also kept all the US 'Government' parts for a future caretaker of my Dino. Totally respect the originality thing and understand everyones decision on this subject ...... but for me (prior to having the exterior done) every time I'd walk into the garage to soak on the Dino my eye would go directly to the side markers. Not only the size and shape, but mine where sagging in the middle creating a bow tie shape. Perhaps it's designer in me as we are trained to look for faults, most people are probably not as critical.

For me, now it's just pure as intended!

Best,

 

I think Corbani had a fix for the sway-back side markers. I saw a factory production photo and the side marker had the sag in the middle before it came off the line!