Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Wilkybob]

I wonder what people thoughts are in weather to restore or not to restore?
I have a Morris Ten, fully restored by the previous owner. Fair enough it was full of holes and severe rust so needed doing.
The question is my "C" reg BSA B40 motorcycle, it is tatty, but not too tatty, just tired. It has surface rust on the chrome rims, the paintwork has minor rust spotting, but looks OK from a few feet away.
I get told not to restore it, as it is a good run-around bike, mechanically sound, and that the condition is part of the bikes history. The advice I get is to wipe WD40 over the paintwork to protect it and leave it "as is".
The next person I meet says am I going to restore it as it would look brilliant "done up"
I have worked out the costs, and seen what restored examples bring, and the cost involved wont reach the price they sell for (not including my time) but then most of the fun is in doing the work.
What are other people thoughts on restoring or leaving alone?
Thanks

[peter scott]

In my view unrestored vehicles are much more interesting than concours types. If it is generally tidy and runs reliably and doesn't have horrible modern components added to it then that's my ideal. Old vehicles are delightful when they look their age.

Peter

Here's one I'd love to own and run just preserved as it is.


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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Rick]

I agree with Peter, cosmetically I'd do the absolute minimum to ensure the bike's continued survival - ie only restore/replace when absolutely necessary. From your description, I'd oily rag until such time as the pickling on the wheel rims (for example) becomes seriously ugly.

RJ
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[Jim.Walker]

I also agree with Peter and Rick. I think though, that Rick's words "continued survival" are the key. As long as the machine is not allowed to go beyond the point of no return (if there is such a point bearing in mind what we see on here), then why restore it? Of course the point of no return can be dictated by economics for most of us.

My bikes are not perfect, but still collect encouraging remarks. I always describe them as "Rider Bikes". They are kept in good reliable running order though.

Jim.
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Quote from my late Dad:- You only need a woman and a car and you have all the problems you
are ever likely to want". Computers had not been invented then!

[Rick]

[7cylinderHEMI]

[img]

I have run my my U.S. import 61 Falcon for 7 years with updated running gear and had so many positive comments and a few negitives but people generally like it as is ,shows how cars can start off , it has slightly deteriorated but is not totally shedded all the time but under carport ,[/img]but so much fun when you pull up beside some stuck up person then you blow em away ,