What's Your Preference: Restored, Original, Modified, Rod?

[KenCoupe]

If I had the money and the space, I would have one restored original to putt around town in and a modified (high compression head, Mitchell OD, maybe hydraulic brakes, etc.) for the freeway/highway. Where I live in SoCal, sometimes it is difficult to get from here to there without going on a highway or freeway. If I tried to go on the freeway at 45 mph, I would probably cause an accident that would destroy my car. So, I have a coupe with a high compression head, Mitchell OD, etc. The only thing on my car that can't be changed to original is the full pressure oil. That was done as a knee jerk reaction to having to have the engine rebuilt because the oil galleys to the mains were clogged when I bought it and the babbit was destroyed from no oil. I believe everything else can be changed back to original.

Again, I have no problem with modifications that make the car driveable for your circumstances. But I like restored originals also.

To each their own, but I don't really care for the whole patina thing. To me, it looks like a car that has not been maintained. But as I said, if that is your thing it is cool. I really don't like rat rods. Just my feeling, they look like a bunch of junk welded together. Again, if that is your thing more power to you. Everyone is entitled to their own likes and dislikes. That is what makes the hobby great!

[dumb person]

Is built from rusty junk anyone else would throw away, into a running driving car counted as restored or other?

[johnneilson]

While a Purist might be the Ultimate authority here, I certainly have a different view.

To me, any of these should command respect, yes, even if a particular car requires a tetanus shot after looking it over. Any of these old cars still running are a testament to someones dedication to it. Good on Ya'

Anyone can buy a car today, not everyone can keep one running.

J

[katy]

I prefer original, but my '31 CCPU is a refurbished "Heinz 57", AKA a Johnny Cash special.

[TerryH]

I like a restored driver/tourer, keeping the stock look, but with some sensible safety and performance mods....Mitchell OD, HC head, quartz halogen headlights, LED tail lights, turn signals, seat belts, etc.....

[CB919ER]

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for me personally, it all depends on the starting condition of the car. It's the car is able to rot away in a field then I don't see any problem with making a hotrod from the car. If the car is in decent shape to restore then restore the car. If the car is a good/clean survivor then leave it alone. I also don't have any problems with modern upgrades to make my restored cars easier/safer to drive.

[Licensed to kill]

I like them all but don't care for "classifying" them. Some people get too hung up on definitions of each "class".

[NCRebel]

Originally Posted by Larry Jenkins

Then where did you borrow the car shown in your Avatar?

Good question Larry. The car in my photo belonged to a deceased friend. He (dictated in his will) and his family allow me the honor as "care taker". The paint was his idea to show at University of MS. home ball games. The car and I have been a constant since 2009 and the owner one year before that. All working parts are as original as possible with the bells and whistles added for show. She is a 30 Deluxe coupe that mechanically is 95% stock.

I have my eye on a 31 pickup (if the owner will ever let it go).

[René W]

I like(and have)an Original A.......don't have to be pretty or shiny only mechanical sound....and drive it all day

[ronn]

145%????????????????

[lake_harley]

Originally Posted by ronn

145%????????????????

That's pretty good voter turnout!

Lynn

[johnneilson]

Originally Posted by lake_harley

That's pretty good voter turnout!

Lynn

another Presidential election from California.............

[Randy in ca]

Originally Posted by ronn

145%????????????????

-
You are able to vote for as many types as you wish, so don't need to add up to 100%.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by purdy swoft

i prefer mods that improve performance but mostly don't show ...

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I want mine to have the correct wheels for the year of the model A . I dont cut or lower. I don't do anything that can't be reversed .

.x2

[Synchro909]

Repaired, not restored!

[pgerhardt]

I prefer original, but I have no objection to unobtrusive mods that improve performance and/or safety. On my 29 tudor I have a Powermaster alternator (that looks like a generator) and a F-100 steering box mod by Randy Gross. Most would never notice either. I also have seat belts and turn signals. IMHO they are essential for safety.

Eventually a Mitchel Transmission will be added, and nobody will be the wiser on that one that as well!!

[cars2cool]

I like them all, but right now I'd settle to just get mine done and running.

[1930-Pickup]

176 people have voted up to this point, and the results are interesting.

There are nearly equal numbers for the 'Restored' category and the 'Original' category. I expected to see significantly more votes in the 'Restored' category since there seems to be many more restored cars than original cars out there.

There are many votes for the 'Modified' and 'Rod' and 'Other' categories. It continues to show the diversity of this group and the importance of respecting each others philosophy about the use of old cars.

If you haven't voted yet, please do so. More data points tends to make more accurate results.

Although this hasn't been a scientific study, it will be interesting to use this information as a baseline for future polls of this type and thereby track the direction of this hobby/lifestyle.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by 1930-Pickup

176 people have voted up to this point, and the results are interesting.

There are nearly equal numbers for the 'Restored' category and the 'Original' category. I executed to see significantly more votes in the 'Restored' category since there seems to be many more restored cars than original cars out there.

There are many votes for the 'Modified' and 'Rod' and 'Other' categories. It continues to show the diversity of this group and the importance of respecting each others philosophy about the use of old cars.

If you haven't voted yet, please do so. More data points tends to make more accurate results.

Although this hasn't been a scientific study, it will be interesting to use this information as a baseline for future polls of this type and thereby track the direction of this hobby/lifestyle.

After your done with this, can I send you my taxes to do?

Nice job. Very interesting comments. There great cars owned by good people. Enjoy.

[Dick Steinkamp]

Originally Posted by 1930-Pickup

176 people have voted up to this point, and the results are interesting.

There are nearly equal numbers for the 'Restored' category and the 'Original' category. I executed to see significantly more votes in the 'Restored' category since there seems to be many more restored cars than original cars out there.

Me too.

I think many voters have their own definitions of Restored, Original, and Modified that differ from the definitions given in the first post.

If voters went by the definitions given, I think we'd see far fewer "Original" and far more "Modified".

How many unrestored and stock Model A's have you ever seen?



Restored:
For show, and/or driving. Stock. New or older restoration. No 'significant' modifications.

Original:
Unrestored and stock. Could have original type replacement parts for maintenance and repairs.

Modified:
Changes to wheels, brakes, upholstery, major performance equipment, etc.