Define Restoration

[DonFromTexas]

At 83 I have been noticing that MY idea of a restoration has grown from the 50s restorations, where we strived to make the car as original as it can be, to an obsolete idea, first tolerated, and now actually scorned by others. I just cannot fathom taking an old car and "modernizing" it with different engine, suspension, body contours, etc and calling it a restored car. However it has been pointed out that my "restoration" will be very hard to sell, since it does not have all that obsolete stuff removed. Some go so far as to say that if it is in the interests of safer, that is OK.
I am too old and stubborn to change my ideas, and will do what suits ME, not others. Is there anyone left on this forum that shares my definition of restoration? One would think that museums at least would prefer as near to original as can be, but that is an extremely small market, almost none for Imperials. Has this had an effect on the market value of an original type car?
A few years ago I drove my 1951 Kaiser (restored to original) to a major car show. It was he ONLY car entered in the "absolutely stock 1950s" class, and as such they did not award anything, saying it was not a competition since it was the only one in its class.

[ImperialAtom]

I'm with you, I like original as much as possible. Different seat material, disc brakes, or slightly upgraded ignition is fine with me, although if those are all in good working condition, I would never understand if someone were to change it.

I had a very rough starting Lincoln before and replaced the points with the electronic/magnetic ignition - it was completely invisible on the car so I was absolutely fine with that. And it worked great!

My 57 that is getting wrapped up is getting a NOS distributor and I had the original WCFB carb rebuilt for it. I did not want a modern carb even it does run a little smoother. I personally do not prefer the modern, shiny carbs on classic cars. I understand if it's temporary as I also keep one around just in case, but I will always try to take it back to stock once I can find the original part.

I will have an in-line fuel filter after the fuel pump that will not be stock, but I know that is better for the engine, so I tolerate it.

[ImperialAtom]

I would also note that my 57 had a pair of 59 or 60 swivel seats installed in the front when they did the reupholstery job by the last owner. If I run across a nice set of original seats, I might choose to swap it out, but it may just stay that way for now. It's not something I would have ever done though.

[DonFromTexas]

Everybody wants those swivels, you do realize they were available across the MOPAR line, even Plymouths had them. My second Imp has a bench seat, I had not realized that you could get an Imp in 59 with a bench seat (my other two 59 Imps had swivel), but would never change it out to a swivel. I paid a LOT for original upholstery cloth, and had both my Carters rebuilt professionally, each cost more to rebuild than I could have bought an Edelbrock for. I think some of it is for cost, it costs a LOT more to put it back to original, and if you are not some sort of a nut, it takes a LOT of time to chase down the parts as well. A good "for instance" I just paid an even $100 for two jack handle/lug wrenches, and it took a long time to run them down.
I did however track down a hood ornament for Rose, she came without one, but it was a dealer installed extra so it is my little secret!

[slantflat]

I'm there as well. I like restomods as much as the next guy, but I wouldn't call that a restoration. My favorite car is the all original car that hasn't been all do-dadded up.

The original engine/trans/whatever was good enough to do anything you wanted it to do when it was new, no reason to change it.

I have a couple cars that might get the restomod treatment, but I also have a couple cars that will be bone stock! I'm not going to change anything just for the sake of it.

[ImperialAtom]

I think there's always a case for a restomod. For instance, if you found a shell of a car somewhere that didn't have the trans/engine, or one with a cracked block, then bring it back with a crate motor. Better to have it out cruising down the road with a modern engine than rusting in a field.

What bothers me is someone taking a complete car that is in good condition and ripping out a perfectly good engine for a modern one. Throwing away the working original radio to get a modern one. That stuff makes me cringe when I see it. It is their car, so I know everyone likes different things, but for me I see the history being destroyed.

I think most restomods were likely in some sort of state where they were not able to be restored without going way over the top on expense. But I know I've seen others where history has been lost by those who just don't share that same point of view.

[DonFromTexas]

I think you are correct.

[DonFromTexas]

But you have to agree that restoration to factory specs can be a beautiful thing, just look at this:

[DonFromTexas]

By dwelling on this trying to understand why and how we got to this point, I noticed that my creative car stuff fixation on antiques, is seasoned by my desire to mess up the current stuff. I have changed everything I have owned for years to become a Mercedes, here are two of my current conversions:
They are a 1998 Discovery Fleetwood diesel pusher motorhome, and a Honda Fit.

[ImperialAtom]

But you have to agree that restoration to factory specs can be a beautiful thing, just look at this:

Something doesn't look right... I think it's the garage, it's supposed to be my garage in the background.