Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

I for one prefer originality. There is nothing worse than seeing an old car with modern bits fitted. Wrong engines,wheels,upgraded brakes and suspension even wrong paint. Maybe I am getting long in the tooth now at 61 but I prefer to drive my old marina the way it was meant to be in 71 that surely is the idea...to use it the way it was..not with some ugly V8 under the bonnet.
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The Clan Chieftain

Den · Joined: 12 Apr 2008 Posts: 99 Location: Ontario, Canada.

I like them both ways. Though I prefer older modded cars to have "period" mods or have them done discretely.

I HATE the "HUGE" DUBrim crap that looks like an abortion from Pimp My Ride!

And I also am very anal about the misuse of "restoration" and "restored" on obviously modified cars.

For myself, I would tend to keep most cars looking "normal" but it depends on the car. If it were used to transport my kids, I would be adding Radial tires and seatbelts and also I like a CD player but it would have to be hidden.

I don't worry about "value" as I hate selling cars and tend to drive them t'til they die. I don't worry about keeping them 100% "authentic" as there's enough cars in museums for that. Very Happy

In many ways, I'm mixed. I think the fact that people like Carroll Shelby are making clones and fakes (And creating "continuation series" cars of cars that never existed. re- "GT500E"!!!!) and selling them as "real" is downright criminal.

But if an enthusiast adds modern running gear so he/she can drive a classic every day, then, I'm all for it. But then, where is the line between "making it drivable" and "Butchering"?? LOL. Now that's yet another can of worms!!
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Den.
Reporter-"How's it feel to be Henry Ford the Second?"
Henry Ford ll-"I don't know. I've never been anyone else."

Job-Rated · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1010 Location: Sugarbeet County

My truck has an 'ugly V8' under the bonnet, but it already had one under there when I bought it - I just put a better one in it's place.

Owning a car is all about individuality - the vehicle says a lot about it's owner.
I would like to think that I've paid as much care & attention to mine as someone who owns, say, a '71 Marina....
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Don't run your fingers over my truck & I won't run my truck over your fingers!

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Uncle Joe · Guest

As soon as a car rolls out of the showroom, or even earlier, it stops being original. As time goes on, it gets les, and less original as more parts are replaced, be it through servicing, crashes or whatever. The only thing that a classic car can do is LOOK original. And thats a big difference.

As far as modifications go, I have one comment. As long as they are easy to replace, ie return to standard, I have no objections whatsoever. I do agree though, that a lot are tasteless.

The point is, if I or want to modify my vehicle, then I will! After all, it is mine, and nobody elses...

Giggles · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject:

Uncle Joe · Guest

Giggles, I've just put you on my Christmas card list...

Regarding a few points mentioned. I've started to collect parts for a brake upgrade. The first time I dont run over somones kids after I've fitted it will make me very happy, but not as happy as the childs parents...

If different tyres help me to swerve to avoid hitting a half a ton upwards of moose or something, then even members of the animal kingdom will be happy...

As regards paint, people have been spraying cars different colours as long as there have been cars....so what difference does that make.

Giggles · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject:

Giggles · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:31 pm Post subject:

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

There are several ways of looking at this, it’s sad to see a pre-50s car ‘rodded’ but when you get back to 30s small cars, a certain amount of discreet modification should be allowable to improve their usability.
So many of my friends have Austin sevens they hardly dare use because of the lack of braking and power; they are only taken to the odd Sunday pub meeting or country show. My A7 special has hydro/mechanical brakes and an 850cc Reliant engine developing nearly 40bhp and it’s fine for everyday use. My 1932 Austin 10/4
has adequate brakes but an engine modified with a 4 blade fan and later downdraught manifold and carb’. And, of course, flashing indicators. Anyone who drives an old car without flashing indicators has a death wish (from experience).
I am guilty myself of heavily modifying a 60s car, but at the time they were plentiful and unloved rust-buckets. Who could have predicted their scarcity, and that post 80s cars would become so complex and boring.

Uncle Joe · Guest

I agree that there are several ways of looking at this. I think that those into the US car scene tend to have a much more liberal attitiude as regards mods. Those into the British car scene, IN MY OPINION tend to be a little bit more stuffy about these things. One thing that surprises me on this forum is that it a lot of members seem to OK modifying british cars.

If I purchased, say a sit-up an-beg Pop, the chances are that I would convert it to 12 Volts, fit hydraulic brakes, and maybe even a 100E motor. If I could find a Willment or similr head, that would go on it as well. Then use it.... All these things would, in my opinion, make it far safer and user friendly. The trouble is, if I ever took it to a show, a lot of people would frown upon it. Do similar things to a US car and it would attract no end of questions and attention, none of it negative...

Just an opinion...

Den · Joined: 12 Apr 2008 Posts: 99 Location: Ontario, Canada.

Uncle Joe · Guest

Den, where are you based at present? In the USA?

Old-Nail · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 853

and one of the main reasons I want to move to the U.K

Move TO the UK?... Good God man you'll be swimming against the tide there then, fancy an exchange? Wink

Uncle Joe · Guest

The way I've been thinking for a while, I might just do the same...you lot seem to need a lot of help restoring.... Laughing

Den · Joined: 12 Apr 2008 Posts: 99 Location: Ontario, Canada.

I'm in Canada. And at the moment Modifying ANY car here in Ontario can get your license suspended and your car taken away even if you never left the house! It's being considered "Intent to Street Race" if you as much as add aftermarket rims!!

They have also defined "street racing" in so vague a manner that a cop can charge you for pretty much anything even if you didn't do it. It's like being charged for rape because you're male.

At least in the U.S., "Street racing" laws require you to be actually street race!!!

Anyways. Back to the subject at hand!!
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Den.
Reporter-"How's it feel to be Henry Ford the Second?"
Henry Ford ll-"I don't know. I've never been anyone else."