Would you restomod an original car?
10-31-2017, 11:10 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Would you restomod an original car?
Just picked up a 71 convertible, matching numbers. Stock except for paint color, long hood (I have the old one) and wiper door cover. This was a car that I use to own and by an amazing coincidence I stumbled upon it 6 years later in another State.
I am thinking about doing an ls3 swap with a 6 speed transmission. Wouldn’t mind adding side pipes because I like the look. Then of course brake and suspension upgrades to get a better ride.
I know this will be pricey. Do you think I would be better off doing this with another car?
Last edited by gcadby1; 10-31-2017 at 11:12 PM.
10-31-2017, 11:17 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
The only one you have to make happy is you. I'd have to think long and hard if it was totally documented with all of the paperwork.
11-01-2017, 12:08 AM
#4
Pro
It appears it's no where near stock and not an extremely rare model so I'd say build what you want. I have never been impressed or awed by the trailer queen crowd. And as old Ricky sang, "You can't please everyone so you got to please yourself".
11-01-2017, 12:43 AM
#5
Team Owner
My answer to your questions would be, "No!"
But, you don't have an "original" car, so knock yourself out.
But, you don't have an "original" car, so knock yourself out.
11-01-2017, 02:20 AM
#6
Nam Labrat
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At this point in time every older Corvette is a potential part of History:
NO.......if it is original.....and can be tweaked for a reasonable sum$$$.
NO.......if it is original enough to be restored for a reasonable sum$,$$$
NO.......if you have the dedication and $$,$$$ to save a Corvette
NO.......if you have respect for a part of History which makes many car enthusiast envy what you have now.
NO.......if you can buy another car that would benefit from everything you would like to do to an original car.
YES.....If it is a basket case.
YES.....if you keep EVERY part you remove so the new owner can restore it
YES.....If you are not concerned about a piece of history that someone else would love to restore/maintain as such.
Please take your time thinking it over
NO.......if it is original.....and can be tweaked for a reasonable sum$$$.
NO.......if it is original enough to be restored for a reasonable sum$,$$$
NO.......if you have the dedication and $$,$$$ to save a Corvette
NO.......if you have respect for a part of History which makes many car enthusiast envy what you have now.
NO.......if you can buy another car that would benefit from everything you would like to do to an original car.
YES.....If it is a basket case.
YES.....if you keep EVERY part you remove so the new owner can restore it
YES.....If you are not concerned about a piece of history that someone else would love to restore/maintain as such.
Please take your time thinking it over
Last edited by doorgunner; 11-01-2017 at 02:26 AM.
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11-01-2017, 06:22 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Absolutely resto-mod an original car if its the one you own. Why be stuck with something you don't care about, and build the car you DO care about. As for value, maybe it will be worth MORE that way. IF you come on this forum looking for answers, you will find both sides, each believing they are correct with their OPINIONS. SO, in the end, make up your own mind and build the car you want.
Last edited by Torqued Off; 11-01-2017 at 05:45 PM.
11-01-2017, 06:55 AM
#8
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...Would you restomod an original car?...
11-01-2017, 07:04 AM
#9
My answer to your questions would be, "Yes!"
11-01-2017, 07:15 AM
#10
Instructor
I would. I'm not impressed by brand new 1971 cars. To me, these are very cool looking hot rods. Every hot rod I, or my buddies, have owned have been modified. To me, it seems unnatural to see an old performance car that has not been modified.
If I wanted an all original vette I'd buy a C7, they don't need modifying.
If I wanted an all original vette I'd buy a C7, they don't need modifying.
11-01-2017, 07:17 AM
#11
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Hi g1,
I wouldn't modify an original 71 convertible.
The car in the photos has already travelled pretty far down the modification road.
Therefore I'd say you can do what ever you'd like at this point…. INCLUDING bringing it BACK to a more original condition.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I wouldn't modify an original 71 convertible.
The car in the photos has already travelled pretty far down the modification road.
Therefore I'd say you can do what ever you'd like at this point…. INCLUDING bringing it BACK to a more original condition.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
11-01-2017, 07:47 AM
#13
Le Mans Master
I would not Resto Mod a 73 and earlier car. A 74-82 probably because they suffer from a lack of performance. I have known of plenty of high dollar original cars proudly cut up to be Pro streets, drag cars, and Resto Mods. These projects can stall leaving a parts car, worth pennies on the dollars they cost. Be sure you can finish the car if you take this path.
11-01-2017, 07:54 AM
#15
Safety Car
My answer is yes AND no! I would have no problem modifying it....unless it looked as good, and was in the condition yours appears to be. I would not touch it unless the motor was bad, or it needed major work. I would drive & enjoy that puppy just the way it is. When the time comes that it needs serious work done to it, THEN (and only then) would I start mods.
Last edited by oldgto; 11-01-2017 at 07:55 AM.
11-01-2017, 09:28 AM
#18
Race Director
beautiful car. looks at first glance like it is original. engine-trans-brakes-suspension upgrade, it'll still look like it is original. few will spot the 73-up hood and complain. I am gonna mod my 75 convert. I am gonna make it look like yours...
11-01-2017, 11:03 AM
#20
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St. Jude Donor '05