79 under body resto help

[Red 69]

I recently purchased a 79 that is very nice, but it has a bad rear spindel bearing. Instead of just repairing the one side, I am planning on just doing everything at once. Rebuilt trailing arms, u-joints and differential yolks. The shafts will probably be cleaned and painted as well. While I'm at it, I want to clean the frame and paint it with PPG epoxy primer. Would I be decreasing the cars value by cleaning and painting the frame and underside. I have no clue about what helps maintain value of a Corvette. My 69 was not a numbers matching car, so I did everything my way, but this 79 is cherry with all matching numbers. Guidance by those who know is appreciated very much.

[KapsSA]

My Vettes are very low mile originals. Underneaths on 3 are as CLEAN as can be but I prefer NOT to do any detailing under there. Some surface rust but not bad at all. Could they be better looking? Probably yes, but some things are not originally painted from the factory and all of the markings are still visible, and nothing looks "covered up" with a coat of paint.
My black 79 I detailed underneath 22 years ago when it was only 5 years old. Looks best of them all but I wish I hadn't done it. Also did headers and some chrome, again wish I didn't do it but will not change it now as it does look and sound good .
I guess it depends on how yours looks. If it's just dirty and a good cleanup will improve it leave it at that.
You are posting in factory correct resto so that's how you want it to look, like it came new.
Actually when I was looking to buy each of my Vettes, I WANTED to see original underneath. Pretty much why I have the years I have, still a lot of low mile originals out there. And they're only original once. Didn't want any restorations or modified. I wouldn't even look at a Vette with an aftermarket air cleaner, it made me wonder what else had been changed.
Oh, I did redo 3 spare tire carrier straps but will continue to resist any other repainting.
Mike

There was a 78 for sale a couple of months ago on the forum that was absolutely beautiful, everything painted and spotless. That car DID make me want to do some painting but I got over it!!

[Easy Mike]

Originally Posted by Red 69

....I have no clue about what helps maintain value of a Corvette....this 79 is cherry with all matching numbers. Guidance by those who know is appreciated very much.

Originality would be the single most effective action you could take to maintain the value of your '79. If you want to paint/detail the underside, do your homework before you begin. There are several factory and supplier marks under there you could lose without careful planning.

[Red 69]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info and tips!