A common question among classic car buyers is what to do after purchasing this classic car gem: restore or customize? Both options have their own pros and cons. Here we will look at the different aspects of restoration and customization to help you decide which path to take for your car.
Restoration: Authentic is beautiful
Restoring a classic car means finding the original parts and options for a specific model. This means that if you own a Cuda with a busted Hemi engine, you’ll need to find a stock Hemi to restore it. color is another matter. While the authentic color of a particular brand may not exist today, there are several car services that offer that brand’s color so it still looks original.
The benefits of restoring a classic
1. Restoring is more challenging, so there is a lot more love between you and your car. Finding a stock engine might be a bit easy, but finding the small parts like the starter motor will be a bit of an adventure. Once you are done with the restoration, you will surely feel a greater bond between you and your car.
2. Fully restored classic cars increase in value. Because a lot more effort and money goes into the restoration, you can easily increase the price of the car if you decide to sell it. A perfectly restored classic car can be valued at over a hundred grand at professional auctions.
3. You get an authentic car. There is nothing more beneficial than that.
The disadvantages of restoring a classic
1. The parts are hard to find and therefore expensive. Unless you go on a treasure hunt and look for auto parts at junkyards and auctions, stock parts can be a bit pricey. The reason for this is simple: car companies no longer produce these parts, so by most people they would be considered rare, much like a classic car.
2. Safety, efficiency and comfort are sometimes compromised. A 1950’s car may not yet have proper airbags and seat belts. The engine is likely not fuel efficient and the suspension can be a bit wobbly. And if you decide to go cheap and recycle a used engine from a parts car, expect it to fail at least once due to stress.
Customization: convenience along with funkiness
Customizing a classic car means adding or changing some parts and details that are not originally in that make. This could include a better engine, suspension and more comfortable seats. The paintwork can also be customized. You may have seen a Mustang with Blazetrails on the side. This is adaptation.
The benefits of customizing a classic
1. Safety and comfort are the main benefits 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 a lot cheaper. Engines are much easier to find, but still present a challenge. You need to find an alternative engine that fits your classic car. Still, you can find smaller parts more easily.
3. You will get cool supplements according to your taste. Hydraulics, superchargers, and funky lights are among the many options you can add as you customize them. Cool blaze trails too.
The cons of customizing a classic
1. The value of your classic car falls. A heavily modified car has a lower value than a simply restored car. If you are planning to sell your car in a few years, a restoration would be a better option.
2. If you want to sell the car, it can be difficult to find a buyer. Most classic car buyers are looking for one that can be easily restored. So, a dusty and rusting vehicle is much more preferable because some original parts included in the car may still be used.
The best yardstick for determining whether you should customize or restore a classic car is to know what your dream car is like. The good thing is that you can easily combine customization and recovery. Restore everything that is under the hood and get cool flames on the hood itself. Your preference is king.