Where it can't be seen....

[jim1932]

so... in internal areas, where no one will ever see....

Original ford always?

Whatever works?

original within reasonable costs?

[19Fordy]

You forgot:
High Quality Reproduction

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

You forgot:
High Quality Reproduction

I don't know if I have ever seen that!

I'll answer this way. I will find NOS or a used part before I buy reproduction. If the parts are used I like them to be in good condition or at least workable.

[Kube]

Guys that know me, know how I voted.

For the guys that don't know me, know this... I KNOW what lurks beneath the surface and as such "good enough" is never good enough.
I don't care of any particular area will ever be seen by another human... it must be as perfect as I am capable of. Period.

[DavidG]

And those that know me know how I voted.

[Ken/Alabama]

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I'm with Kube on this one. Otherwise it's kinda like putting a wristwatch on a pig.

[SofaKing]

[QUOTE=Kube;1376606]Guys that know me, know how I voted.

For the guys that don't know me, know this... I KNOW what lurks beneath the surface

At last the secret identity of "The Shadow" is revealed.

The question is contingent upon variables that make a meaningful trend impossible. If, like Kube, you are surpassing perfection, only one answer is possible. If like me, in a moment of absolute ignorance of all the details you decided that a 76 year old truck that hasn't run in 40 years would be really great for weekend trips to the lawn and garden center; well, I didn't worry about bolt finishes and I didn't use cloth covered wire. I made it a runner and just tried to maintain the essence of the original technology.

[Kurt in NJ]

I like the search--- All NOS at 1/2 or less than the cost of GYP parts -- then select originals

When I look at a restored car I first look inside the doors, if it looks new inside there I will start to consider the other hidden areas were restored too---- very fey cars are totally restored

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

I'm with Kube on this one. Otherwise it's kinda like putting a wristwatch on a pig.

Yeah......the "WATCH" does look out of place! DD

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Yeah......the "WATCH" does look out of place! DD

..........It wouldn't on Arnold Ziffel

GB

[Henry Hopper]

Mmmm...Id be very surprised if there is any car that is 100% original...if it is, it will probably never get used.

I like the idea of 100% originality, but in reality it is not feasible....what about your tyres,plugs,gaskets,carb rebuild kits,mufflers,LeBarron Bonney interior,etc,etc...I think some people like to crow about having a 100 point car but in reality they choose to be selective in what they consider original

[ford38v8]

I voted always original, but with qualifications: Without question, I'd always choose items that offer significantly improved performance over original, such as: the improved synchromesh of 1939-'48, floaters in mechanical brakes, 50-32cp bulbs. I consider these as no-brainers, always to be used in pre-war cars, regardless whether Driver or Concourse. Beyond those, choices aren't as clear, but always with consideration of whether the car is to be a Trailer Queen or to be driven and enjoyed.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Henry Hopper

Mmmm...Id be very surprised if there is any car that is 100% original...if it is, it will probably never get used.

I like the idea of 100% originality, but in reality it is not feasible....what about your tyres,plugs,gaskets,carb rebuild kits,mufflers,LeBarron Bonney interior,etc,etc...I think some people like to crow about having a 100 point car but in reality they choose to be selective in what they consider original

You make a valid point indeed. As is often said " a car is original but once".
In reality, when a car is properly restored, a knowledgeable craftsman will restore it to "as new" condition.
Nearly impossible to achieve "exactly as original" I will be perhaps the first to concede that there is no such thing as a "perfect" restoration. I have had numerous cars score 999, even one at 1000. Here to, these cars were well beyond what Ford produced in fit and finish.
My most recent restoration project was scored 996. A four point deduction was taken for "over restoration". No argument against the deduction was made as it was in reality well beyond what Ford produced.

As a side note, the word "restored" means to "bring back to original condition".
The use of this word is very over used. I detest advertisements for "restored" and the description goes on to state a 12 volt system was added, power windows, a/c etc. My immediate inclination is to believe the so called "restorer" is either ignorant of vocabulary and / or shy of true restoration skills.

[Charlie ny]

I'll NEVER cut anything........how I wanted to go to a T5 trans when I did my truck......
I'm glad I didn't because my frame would require some hacking. On the other hand I admit to rolling on an entrance ramp and winding my motor to 5200 and shifting into 3rd at 55 + no sweat. !2v halogens and a stroker motor suit me.
I'm a mixed bag..........I've never drooled over a 'touring' class car like I've done with
one of Kube's or the old master Benny Bootle, ( remember him ). Some guys dig blondes some go ape for red heads.
Charlie ny

[Kube]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

I voted always original, but with qualifications: Without question, I'd always choose items that offer significantly improved performance over original, such as: the improved synchromesh of 1939-'48, floaters in mechanical brakes, 50-32cp bulbs. I consider these as no-brainers, always to be used in pre-war cars, regardless whether Driver or Concourse. Beyond those, choices aren't as clear, but always with consideration of whether the car is to be a Trailer Queen or to be driven and enjoyed.

Like you, I do upgrades as well. Typical are adjustable lifters. I solder the wire connections beneath the rubber encased sleeves.

Just a question...or perhaps more of a statement: Trailer queens can be and are enjoyed.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Kube

...Just a question...or perhaps more of a statement: Trailer queens can be and are enjoyed.

I've seen trailer queens unloaded at the Operational Check, loaded back into the covered trailer, unloaded again on the morning of the Concourse, to be immediately loaded back into the trailer at 3PM. This is the guy that enjoys his Dearborn Award above anything else, and like as not, hasn't a clue of what we're talking about.

[flatford8]

I believe cars are original once..... the day they come off the assembly line. Never again after that day. I personally don't have the tools,time or talent to do restorations. I like rebuilt, SAFE dependable drivers..... Mark
P.S. I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for those that are capable of making look "LIKE" they did when they were brand new.

[DavidG]

Mike,

Adjustable lifters fall well outside the definition of "as new", so now I know that it's okay to be a little bit pregnant beyond the obvious and appropriate distinctions pointed out above for upholstery, etc.

For what it is worth (likely nothing), I have reason to believe that only one person restores '32 and '33 V8 engines with the original '32-'33 valve guides with the shoulder and accompanying big valve springs and never adjustable lifters. Guess who? Does that make his cars more like new than someone who uses the later components? Yes, of course, but does it matter in the grand scheme of things? Not to anyone but him, but that's the point.

[stangblue]

It is only original once!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

I've seen trailer queens unloaded at the Operational Check, loaded back into the covered trailer, unloaded again on the morning of the Concourse, to be immediately loaded back into the trailer at 3PM. This is the guy that enjoys his Dearborn Award above anything else, and like as not, hasn't a clue of what we're talking about.

Okay, but how do you know he doesn't enjoy his car as much as you enjoy yours?

I rarely, if ever, drive any of my cars. Still, the personal reward I obtain from restoring them is priceless to me.