Difference in value of a Saiga with basic conversion compared to full

[im_n2_vws 28]

The reason why I'm asking this question is I'm trying to justify to myself (and more impotantly explain to my wife) the extra time and money to change the gas block/handguard, welding the extra holes shut, intalling AK74 gas block and FSB etc. Does returning them back to their former glory and adding this stuff actually add to the value of the Saiga? Or is it like most firearm add-ons, your SOL when it comes time to sell? Sorry if this has been discussed before, I wasn't sure how to word the search. In the end it doesn't really matter because it makes me happy, just curious. Thanks

Edited January 15, 2014 by im_n2_vws

[haugpatr 972]

I would skip welding up the holes, because the plastic plugs work just fine, but the other work would add some value to the rifle, but not sure if it would add as much value as it would cost you.  Just do the conversion for you and you will be happy with it.

[semper299 284]

You may get your money back, depending on the market, but that would be about it. For example, a Saiga bought and converted when they were under $300 could be sold now for a pretty good profit. However, buy one now and convert it, the best you could probably hope for is to break even.

[im_n2_vws 28]

I bought my .223 right, I only paid $300 for it. It's almost done. I converted the rear and replaced the gas tube and installed the correct handguard. I welded the holes shut and removed the original gas block and fsb and installed Bulgarian fsb and gasblock. I just need to wait for warmer weather to touchup or refinish after the welding and the bare spot on the bottom of the receiver. I'm getting ready to replace the gasblock and fsb on my 762.

[Padrooga 55]

Are we talking about monetary value or intrinsic value?  Personally, I think the satisfaction and catharsis that comes from modding your own stuff, whatever it may be (cars, computers, firearms), more than justifies depreciation. 

Plus, if you view value in terms of the development of a future skill or expansion of knowledge on a subject (hands-on learning), then doing the conversion yourself is priceless gain. 

Advice from a woman?  Tell her it's something you really like doing, and it helps you relax.  Everybody needs that.  Maybe she'd be interested in working on it with you.  Nothing tastes better than home-made cookies.  Same thing...

[ptthere 5]

I agree with others. If you bought it on the cheap a few years ago, then there is positive value there. If you bought it in the last 18 months, chances are you paid more, and breaking even on "value" would be more realistic. If you plan on keeping it, then it all is up to you on what you are personally comfortable with, how much you care about how far you take it.

[im_n2_vws 28]

Here she is, all she needs is a cleaning rod and painted.

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv38%3A6%3Dot%3E%3B6%3B8%3D46%3C%3D345%3DXROQDF%3E2639467%3A45254ot1lsi

Edited January 17, 2014 by im_n2_vws

[Inspector 12 37]

The reason why I'm asking this question is I'm trying to justify to myself (and more impotantly explain to my wife) the extra time and money to change the gas block/handguard, welding the extra holes shut, intalling AK74 gas block and FSB etc. Does returning them back to their former glory and adding this stuff actually add to the value of the Saiga? Or is it like most firearm add-ons, your SOL when it comes time to sell? Sorry if this has been discussed before, I wasn't sure how to word the search. In the end it doesn't really matter because it makes me happy, just curious. Thanks

Interesting concept this "explain it to the wife". I have never experienced that phenomena...

 

Looks like you are enjoying the process, and the rifle is turning out well. One of the things I realized as I started converting mine is that doing so was for my enjoyment of the gun and that based on what I paid for the gun and the parts would be unlikely to reap any profit from the process. Case in point, heard of a recently converted S-12 Saiga for sale for $400 because the guy was in a jam. Consider that if it were me, I would be backward several hundred dollars. In his case he was coming out ok because he bought the gun when they were cheaper than they have been in the last couple of years.

[im_n2_vws 28]

I do enjoy the build. I got a really good deal on my 762, and it was already converted. Sometimes evan though I got a good deal, I feel like I got screwed or ripped off because I didn't get to do the conversion.

[semper299 284]

I enjoyed the conversion mainly because it forced me to learn the ins and outs of a platform I knew nothing about. Been an AR guy, and learning everything about my rifle from butt to break was well worth the cost. I just bought a x39 from Atlantic for $445. Gonna do a folder on this one, so i will be slightly north of 800 by the time I purchase all the parts, including 50 for a buddy to parkarize it, and do the conversion. 2 or 3 years ago, that would buy you a brand new Arsenal. But like Darth said, its about the experience.

[Padrooga 55]

Yeah necessity is the father of invention/mechanical issues are the source of forced learning.  I didn't know shit about BMWs until I bought one that had many *hidden* issues (don't even get me started on the electronics and fluid leaks...German autos...), but troubleshooting and lack of funds led to me learning a lot about the cars until I came to appreciate and love them. 

So often now instead of acquiring knowledge on a subject and experimenting first-hand, people are quick to shell out $ to a dealer or professional.  That's fine, but the spirit of American industry lives in those who choose to up their skills.  Hack life.  It used to be normal. 

[im_n2_vws 28]

I got a lot of my fix-it mentality from my Dad. He could never afford to hire a plumber, so we always fixed things ourselves. Same with cars, I got in the way allot of time's but was always there to at least  hand him tools. I love working on my own cars, but when it will take me 2 or 3 weekends of my time crawling around on the garage floor or paying someone to fix it during the week. Sometimes I would rather pay someone to get it done so it's not down for a few weeks. 

[Bigtwin 219]

That is the reason I love my ACVW's as well!

[Sim_Player 1,939]

I consider myself to be in a minority.

 

How many amateur gun-enthusiasts decide to buy a box full of gunparts and build a rifle, without a shop.

 

It was very satisfying, in the end.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Sim_Player

[im_n2_vws 28]

Pretty cool Sim. If you want to do it bad enough, you don't need a shop. Hey Bigtwin, nice to see others who enjoy the old vw's too. Don't see too many who love Saiga's/AK's too

Edited January 29, 2014 by im_n2_vws

[Bigtwin 219]

They are out there!

 

There is a guy on The Samba website that has a cool designed Tshirt. It is the VW logo, with AK47's.

I have been asking him a to let me know when he gets more made.