Alright so I'm just curious on everyone's opinion here. Are more of you interested in doing a typically "back to new" restoration or doing a restomod?

I'll go first...

I like vehicles that look factory (aside from a couple inches of lowering) , but have many changes for the the engine and transmission. Also, I think they should have saftey upgrades because I don't trust people (especially their driving).

Any other opinions?

 

I concur.
Safety upgrades aren't just for the owner, but for the bystanders as well.

 

Its dangerous being a pedestrian.


For whatever reason, give any money you spend on these trucks a kiss before you spend it because you are never going to see it again.


These trucks are safe as long as you know the limitations and know how to drive them.

 

I enjoy watching both of them being built as long as its done right(safely)

 

Personally, I'm keeping mine totally stock, it seems like every other vehicle I see at car shows is a resto mod, and its a refreshing change to see a factory stock vehicle.Easier to find parts for too.

 

Mine is mostly stock appearing.


Upgrades like disc brakes are nice and not noticeable. I was very uncomfortable driving without seatbealts I want to run the headlights off relays and do a few other minor mods to improve drivability and reliability. Otherwise, Im also a fan of keeping them somewhat oem looking.

 

I am probably the dumb one here, but I intend to do both. I have a truck in great condition except for a hood problem and some cab cancer. The first time around will be a restoration of what needs it and fix up body/paint first class. Then as I learn, and acquire skills, and accumulate the cash I intend to stiffen the frame, and drop a Cummins diesel into it, and upgrade steering and brakes

 

Keeping them as original as possible, they were perfect when they were new. Make the changes needed for safety, but the stance, and style are what makes them great.

 

I am all for restomodding ..... the amount of changes made can be as little as safety upgrades to full on powertrain and suspension/brakes but anyway you look at it a restomod is changes that were not options from the factory for that year .

 

Im with yankbs. Upgrade safety stuff but keep the original look/feel.

 

Slightly mod. Don't do anything that can't be returned to stock easily. I did mine with personal touches to the motor and wheels. Except for seat belts and tach the interior is stock. I have the original wheels and caps. I have all the original engine parts rebuilt and repainted (intake, carb, air cleaner, exhaust manifolds and crossover, valve covers and complete single exhaust pipe) With the exception of internal engine pieces I can make mine look original in a day.

 

Every other vehicle? it seems more like 90% are restomods. These vehicles should come with a disclaimer "NOT ALL COMPONETS YEAR OF MANUFACTURE" for the less informed general public.

 

Yepp, very true, Thankfully I can usually tell just by the engine sound whats stock and whats not. Try to find a bone stock unmolested Jeep CJ-5 for example, they are as rare as rocking horse excrement. (and no, rocking horses don't make Lincoln logs) :P Mainly because everyone modded them to death. Granted mine is heavily modded, but My truck will stay completely stock for this reason. vehicles like this will IMO, go up in value as time passes, even though You see resto mods on Barret-Jackson fetching six-figures...

 

I can appreciate both, personalizing it, to me and driving it are what makes it fun,,, I see too many factory restored cars/trucks, that aren't enjoyed. To me, personally, i prefer something I can drive and enjoy. I have done the disc brake, p/s mods and such, but with my last 2 66's, I have just made it all new, and have been very happy. I forgot who posted it, but I liked their order of work,,, safe, reliable, cool. 1st make it safe, 2nd make it reliable, 3rd,,, make it cool, while most Slicks bleed cool, you can always personalize it more to your flavor and coolness.