Restoration Vs Customization – Which is better for your classic car?
A common question among classic car buyers is what to do after purchasing that vintage gem: restore it or customize it? Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here we will cover the different aspects of restoration and customization to help you decide which route to take for your car.
Restoration: the authentic is beautiful
Restoring a classic car means finding the original parts and options for a particular model. This means that if you have a Cuda with a broken Hemi engine, you need to find an original Hemi to restore it. The painting is something else. While authentic paint for a certain brand may not exist today, there are several auto services that offer that brand’s color, making it look original.
The advantages of restoring a classic
1. Restoration is more challenging, so there is much more love between you and your car. It can be a bit easy to find a stock engine, but looking for the small parts like the starter is going to be an adventure. Once you finish restoring, you will surely find a greater bond between you and your car.
2. Fully restored classic cars increase in value. Because so much more effort and money goes into restoration, you can easily increase the price of the car once you decide to sell it. A perfectly restored vintage car can fetch over $100,000 at professional auctions.
3. You have a chance to own an authentic car. There is nothing more advantageous than that.
The disadvantages of restoring a classic
1. Parts are hard to find and therefore expensive. Unless you’re going on a scavenger hunt and searching for auto parts at junkyards and auctions, replacement parts can be a bit pricey. The reason for this is simple: car companies don’t produce those parts anymore, so most people would consider it rare, like a classic car.
2. Safety, efficiency and comfort are sometimes compromised. A 1950s era car may not yet have the proper airbags and seat belts. The engine is probably not fuel efficient and the suspension may be a bit wonky. And if you decide to go cheap and recycle a used engine from a spare car, expect it to break down at least once due to stress.
Personalization: convenience along with originality
Customizing a classic car means adding or changing some parts and details that are not originally included in that brand. This could include a better engine, suspensions and more comfortable seats. The painting can also be customized. Maybe you’ve seen a Mustang with blazetrails on the side. That is customization.
The advantages of customizing a classic
1. Safety and convenience are the main advantages of customization. Upgrading your car with more fuel efficient engines and better seat belts and airbags will make your ride much smoother and safer.
2. Parts are easier to find and sometimes much cheaper. Engines are much easier to find, but still a challenge. You will have to find an alternative engine that will fit in your classic car. Still, you can find smaller parts in an easier way.
3. You have cool additions to your liking. Stock hydraulics, superchargers and lights are among the many options you can add if you customize. Cool blaze trails too.
The disadvantages of customizing a classic
1. The value of your classic car will go down. A heavily modified car will have its value lower than those that were simply restored. If you plan to sell your car in a few years, the best option would be to restore it.
2. If you plan to sell the car, you may find it difficult to find a buyer. Most classic car buyers are looking for one that can be easily restored. Therefore, a dusty and rusty vehicle is much preferable as some original parts included in the car may still be used.
The best indicator in determining whether you should customize or restore a classic car is knowing what your dream car looks like. The good thing about this is that you can easily combine customization and restoration. Restore everything under the hood and get cool flames on the hood itself. Your preference is king.