Auto restoration has long been both a growing industry and a complex pastime for many car owners. The process of tearing down and rebuilding a classic, vintage, or antique vehicle typically requires at least a basic understanding of mechanical engineering concepts and a specific set of tools such as wrenches, grinders, and paint strippers. It is also often recommended to seek professional assistance for car restoration projects. Some auto enthusiasts, however, argue that a restomod may yield greater results in certain cases.
Picking A Side
Before entering the debate on whether car restomods are more effective than restorations, it’s important to clearly define both of these processes and establish their differences. Here is what each of these two processes entails.
What Does Restomod Mean?
A “restomod” (a combination of “restoration” and “modified”) is a restoration of a classic vehicle that incorporates elements of modern technology in order to improve the car’s performance. When a restomod is performed, a vehicle’s outside appearance remains the same but its interior is upgraded. If you choose to replace your engine with a newer, more powerful one, this is considered a restomod because it can help improve your vehicle’s performance and boost fuel efficiency. The installation of a GPS or a safety feature in your car would also constitute a restomod.
Restoration Is About Preserving History
A restoration involves rebuilding a vehicle (both internally and externally) until it looks as if it had just rolled off the original manufacturer’s assembly line. Sometimes, certain original parts of a car (such as a dashboard panel and oil cooler lines) are no longer available for sale. In these cases, a custom auto body shop can often supply higher-quality alternative parts. A classic car restoration typically includes a frame alignment, a paint job, and repairs of normal wear and tear (including rust). There are also several levels of car restoration, (driving condition, street show condition, etc.), so it’s essential that you decide what type of project you are seeking before beginning any part of the process.
The Challenges Of Restoring A Classic Vehicle
One of the greatest challenges of restoring a classic car relates to the difficulty involved in finding all of the necessary parts. Sometimes, you may be forced to settle for aftermarket parts. However, classic car restorations can also be challenging because of the amount of work typically required to complete certain aspects of this type of project, including the paint job and replacing the engine. A classic car restoration can also be expensive, which means saving up sufficient money and setting a budget can often be difficult.
Bringing A Classic Into Modern Times
According to the Antique Automobile Club of America, “classic vehicles” are cars that are more than 25 years old. Obviously, many of these vehicles have parts and features (brakes, engines, lights, etc.) that are now outdated. However, there are several different types of upgrades you can perform on a classic vehicle. For example, you can replace the metal hydraulic brake lines or upgrade your headlights to stronger-performing ones, so long as they utilize the original lens. Also, be sure to check whether your insurance covers these types of modifications.
Ultimately, you have to evaluate your needs and priorities before deciding whether you are interested in a traditional restoration or a restomod. If you simply wish to have an exciting car to drive, then a restomod may likely be the best option for you. However, if you wish to take your vehicle to an auto show, a traditional restoration may be more appropriate. In any case, be sure to do as much research on the restoration process as possible and seek professional assistance.
Reach Out To A Restoration Expert
Contact the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia for more information on the pros and cons of traditional restorations and restomods. We are a custom auto body shop whose employees have extensive experience working with several different types of automobiles, including classic vehicles, vintage automobiles, antique cars, and muscle cars.
At Robs, we understand that vehicle restoration are complex processes and they should reflect an owner’s unique interests and lifestyle. Therefore, we are always dedicated to ensuring that our work shows this. Our restorations always begin with a frame alignment, as this is essential for a car to be able to circulate properly on the road. Once this has been done, we can repair any normal wear and tear and perform a custom paint job if necessary. If any parts are old and worn out, we can replace them with higher-quality alternatives. We can also restore your vehicle’s seats, center console, and dashboard, as well as complete an engine swap.
Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online for a free estimate on your restoration.