Question about retaining value when fixing/restoring older car
I have never done a restoration project or much serious work on a car besides relatively simple repairs on various vehicles. I recently bought a 1966 Chevy Impala; I wouldn't have chosen something like this to be my first, but I don't have a lot of money to throw on projects and I got this car for a great deal - runs, drives, has a nice engine out of a later-60s Impala in it. I couldn't pass it up.
I have a buddy who casually works on cars so I'm not worried but my big question is, when looking for parts what should I avoid in order not to diminish the value? I have been searching specifically for original parts, but will OEM devalue the car at all if I have to go with those?
It's originally an automatic but my buddy has been toying with the idea of converting it to a manual and I'm pretty on board with that, should we look for a tranny out of a Chevy of that era or does it really matter?
I appreciate y'all who entertain my questions, I am sure I'll have plenty more to come.