Restoration - Yet WIth Modernization for Enhanced Appearance, Performance, Comfort and Convenience

You may have heard the term "Restomod" and wondered what it meant. Technically, it is an abbreviation of Restoration Modification, indicating that the car has been restored but not to its original factory specifications. (See the page on this site for Car & Truck Restoration in the menu on the left.) Because the deviation from the original specs is usually because the owner wants to modernize the car, some consider "Restomod" as meaning Restoration Modernization. In either case, car enthusiasts understand that this means the vehicle has actually been improved through the restoration process.

In some cases, it is the powertrain that is the focus of the restoration. Take for example this '75 Corvette owned by one of our customers. It originally came with only 165 horsepower - one of the weakest years in hte history of Corvettes. A complete drive train modification, engine, transmission and differential, turned this wimpy "Vette into a powerhouse of a car, 800+ HP, that could pass anything but a gas station.

On the Car & Truck Restoration page on this site, we presented a late 60's Pontiac Firebird that was maticulously restored to its original condition. Similar to the one that we showcased there is this late 60's Pontiac Firebird, restored with a powerful 400 CID engine. As you can see, it looks like it is brand new, but it is considerably more powerful.

The C3 Corvette shown in the image below is owned by one of our customers is also a '75 that has gone through a complete Restomod transformation. Instead of the weak 5.7 liter engine with an automative transmission that it originally came with, this one now has a 502 bored out 60 over with hyperutectic dome top pistons, Comp Cams performance camshaft, Weiand Stealth intake with a 850 cfm carb, a Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission, and the suspension has been converted to transverse leaf springs that can be lowered for a ground clearance of only 3 inches, if desired for circle track racing. As you can see, it has a Greenwood Daytona front end that can be quickly removed with the release of four zeus faseners on each side. Inside, the entire instrument cluster was changed to AutoMeter gauges, the radio is now an AM/FM/S-XM with a 12 CD changer behind the seats. The facory wheels and tires were replaced with Centerpoint wheels with Z-rated performance radials. This car on a track now tops out at 210 miles per hour, while being street legal at the same time. (It would never have been able to achieve that in its original configuation.) So, those who are looking to modernize their car to achieve maximum performance, Restomod is the way to go.

Some purists believe only OEM Restoration should be considered, however, there are many more car enthusiasts who certainly feel otherwise. Take for example TV personality and car collector Jay Leno: "Some purists object to changing or modifying these old cars. I look at it this way: If it makes the car better, safer, more reliable and faster—and you can change it back to stock whenever you want—why not do it."

Tributes or Replicas

Some customers bring in cars that they want modified to replicate a performance model of the same car. For example, a '70 to '72 Chevy Malibu can be modified to look like a Chevelle SS-454: Not only does that take installation of a cowl induction hood, the grill is different, the emblems need to be changed, the instrument cluster is completely different, as well as the front seats, needless to say, the drive train is completely different. Owners who decide to sell their car after the restomod must identify it as either a tribute or replica, but never try and pass it off as an original, as that could be considered fraud. (The serial number and title tells the truth.) You see, an original is worth considerably more than a tribute or replica. For example, although a '70 Pontiac Lemans restomoded to appear like a '70 GTO Judge, may be sold for tens of thousands, but an original '70 GTO Judge, a much rarer car, often tops $300,000 in collector car auctions when restored to its original condition.

One thing about a tribute or replica, when done right, most car enthusiasts cannot tell the difference when seeing them. They can be used as daily drivers without concern for the value of the vehicle diminishing with each mile driven.

Let Boatman Automotive Restoration and Repair be there when you need us the most!

To find out more about what we can do to help you and your family members, email us at support@boatmanautomotive.com or call 865-748-2424.