Custom or not to customize

Ok,,,, so Krash...

Are you taking credit for the PT Cruiser???
Cuz, that car co. shure won't...
Just messin' widya'...
NOT....
The 45hp. of the veedub...would have been an improvment!!!
Later,
Bruce

 

My whole point of starting this thread/poll was to find out the "mood" of the membership.

It's only to run for another day but it appears the customs either minor or major are what we prefer. Granted we don't have a quorum with over 1,200 members not voting.

I think I found out what I wanted to know. Few purists. Maybe the reason is that some parts, some drivetrains just need to be updated and maybe just some of us aren't totally happy what the manufacturers came up with when the cars were built.

 

Everyone has their own views. I would never cut up a Edsel for upgrades, they are just too perfect stock, but a Model A, that is one that is screaming for a big block and some 33" fattys out back. 70 Vista Wagon, just a set of wheels and tires and stereo upgrade would be fine with me. Everything can benefit from an exhaust upgrade, just to open up the flow and performance of the motor, wheels and tires are not only a cosmetic but a smart upgrade for drivability and performance. Its not like you find many Bias Ply tires on the market the days. To each their own, but IMO 2 same year make, model and year cars sitting side by side at a car show, I will always walk to the one with upgrades first and depending on the car, I might not even give the stocker a second glance other then walking by to find more appealing prospects to OOGLE over.

 

Couldn't have said it better...

A REALLY BIG X2...on Blackfoot...
He hit the nail right smack dead center!!!
At least for ME !!!
Gotta love a guy who does burn-outs in a wagon...
On dry pavement (no less), sick but...well sicker...!!!
Something that sounds SOOO wrong...But went SOOO right !!!
Kinda like that car accident YOU just can't look away from...
Later,
Bruce

 

Your right Blackfoot. I think it all depends on the particular car. Take mine for example. The 82 Cougar wagon is relatively rare nowadays but it's similarity to Fairmont, LTD, Zephyr etc. I think holds it back in the marketplace. Not to mention that only 2 years later they had more powerful fuel injected engines available. Stock trim parts are near impossible to find now. Too many went to the crusher. I offered it for sale and not a single hit on four web sites so far.

If it doesn't go in the next few weeks it'll have to get modified. I just have to have a V engine with fuel injection. The scary part for me is all the wiring harnesses involved in the swap, fuel system changes and also satisfying the California smog Nazis. I don't mind the demand for cleaner air but it's a 90 mile drive to the closest Nazi to get a certification. Not to mention the whole front suspension has to change out due to the K member differences and I'm not a welder so I can't modify the one in it. Ford used one K member for all V engines and the inline 4 and a totally different one for the I6. Kind of a pain.

 

I'm for modifications that work with the car. I know that all comes down to personal preference, but it's how I see it. A mod on one car doesn't necessarily work on another.

An upgraded powerplant? You bet.
Wheels/tires? Of course.
Stance? Yep.
Scoop? I only care for period correct ones, but OK.

Now when I see a 4x4 Bonneville wagon?... I want to cry.. (It was on craigslist a few months back..)

You get the idea.

 

Everyone has their preferences but I cannot stand normal.

I grew up with customs and hot rods. Dad never kept anything stock. When I bought my first brand new PU 1994 it had 7 miles on it and the next day Dec 25, I had it on jackstands lowering it, roll pan, new tires/rims, stripes, etc.

I do this not only for myself but being in the business, I gotta show off the trade by doing what the crowd likes and attracts them to my biz.

As for customizing a car and not making any money on it, I do 90% of the work, so out of 300 of 'em over the years I may have lost money on 10%. I have my customers and buyers, but I really do it for myself.

Now, go do bad things to your good car.

Mikey
www.mikeyspinstriping.com
"does bad things to good cars"

 

OK, Mikey...

So, now we know you have 10w-30, in your blood, inherited,,, damn!!! All the rest of us had to aquire that gene, and now we have passed it along(tell me you don't do boom boxes...say it ain't so...)
However, yours seems to be in a more advanced state.
To me, there are certain cars that beg to be messed with(their asking for it, sorta speak), but with others...Not-so-much.
Example; cars asking for it...Magnum wagon, wheels, bling and whatever your heart desires(can't make it look much worse-maybe that's the key here[meaning of life stuff]!!!) !!!
Cars...begging to be left alone...you know what...can't really think of any that can't benefit from shoes and paint!!!
Oh well...My point exactly...(where was I going...?)
Later,
Bruce

 

I am a "Tin hugger" at heart...meaning...."a car is only original once"
..yet 'original cars' dont seem to be worth as much as 'butchered cars' :confused:\

but at the rate that people are hacking up perfectly good cars...it wont be long before the 'original' ones are worth a TON

therefore...if the car is at the junk stage...then have at it !!
...if the car has NO historical value..(not limited production)..then have at it !!

I know guys that chopped the top 4" on a 38,000 original mile 39 Essex..
..I havent spoken to them since...IDIOTS !!

Now mind you...Modifications need defining...I say....if it doesnt effect the "originality" of the vehicle...ie; bolt ons..wheels,lowering,chrome goodies,adjustable suspensions....then whatever

Also keep in mind....theres a BIG difference between RARE..and HARD TO FIND....2 completely different things
RARE- not many made
HARD TO FIND- most are scrap

 

Anyone can restore one...but...well you know the rest. Screw that original crap. I gotta do different.

Conformity is a social disease

 

Tell 'em Rev...!!!
My son wants to do 'stuff' to his '79 H/O and I keep telling him NO!!!
It's one of 537 built like that (t-tops) and one of 237 (color, white/gold).
So around we go... original engine and all(last 350 in a less than full sized car, G-Body), 170hp purring ponies. Much to his dismay, we have too much stock stuff we need to get going, and NO, it's not going to get a cowl hood(like the '83 longroof).
But, suspension wise, we've done tons, and have some 15" Rallye Wheels comming for it(with gold powdercoat on the inside, by the lugs).
We're keeping the 14" for later...
Keep 'er UP... and running...Is the phrase for the duration!!!
Wish me luck !!!
Bruce

 

sorry Blackfoot LOL

 

Mikey...
You were born a little too late !!!
Kinda' like, "Don't trust anyone over..."
We all have to make out mark, some are good and the others...
Well, they are kinda' like skidmarks in the skivvies...if you get the drift...
Whew(narrow escape, almost TMI...)!!!
Later,
Bruce

 

Jeff...
Sweeeet Pic !!!
Can't touch THAT!!!
2-L8-2change...as it were.!!!
Bruce

 

This is much MUCH better