So heres a questions for every car enthusiast. Id say its probably one of the more difficult ones too.

Lets say you are looking for a car that is basically impossible to find unmolested. So one day you stumble upon one, lets say a crx or integra gs-r (just using these as reference points since seriously they cannot be had stock).
So of couse you cant afford to pass up the deal, you buy it.

Now heres the question.

Since these type of cars are impossible to find stock, would you mod it or just enjoy it as it was designed?

 

Wouldnt do much to it if I was in that situation. Maybe simple wheels and suspension is all i would do. Wouldnt touch the engine.

I like seeing older cars in stock form rather than overly modded.

If you want to mod it then buy a car already modded that is well documented and has quality parts in it.

 

Yes. I would love to find a bone-stock 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo in red. Unfortunately, thanks to F&F...they've all been riced out to hell and back.

 

You're asking a question that car collectors have been asking themselves ever since the inception of the hobby. There are several different views on the subject since each collector is as varied as the other.

There are actually several things you need to ask yourself if you find yourself in the fortunate position to purchase an older, unmolested car. I suppose the first would be your personal tastes. It's your car, and you have the privilege to do what you want with it. Another consideration is the rarity. If the car is rare, it may be best to keep it stock and allow others to use it as a reference point for their restorations. A car such as this is invaluable to those restoring a car, as emblems, stickers, mechanical, body parts, wiring, and fasteners are all factory correct. There are individual cars out there that have been used as a reference point for many, many restorations. Still another consideration is value. Modifying or restoring a rare or desirable car can greatly reduce it's value. I suppose it's a moot point for a car of moderate value, but still one you need to ask yourself.

Personally, I believe a car is only original once. A car can be restored or modified numerous times, but there is only the one time it went together as the factory intended. There is something magical about an untouched car. It's patina and history worth far more than a restoration or customization. I actually don't prefer to restore or modify a car if not needed. If I do, it's restored to the point where it left the factory. This isn't easy, and it isn't cheap. An original car is a point in time, and often a restoration or modification only detracts from it's appeal.




Terry

 

wheels and suspension only..


otherwise, i'd leave the motor stock.

 

Depends on the car really. Unless the car is rare, numbers matching or an exotic, I'd mod it.

 

As it was designed. When I was 16-22 I would have modified it and tried to sell it on craigslist sheepishly when I was 23 and realized I ruined it.

I still like the though of putting euro bumpers and a functioning ac on a 70's BMW though. Recently on craigslist I found a 1976 bmw 530 4 speed that is a completely original garage kept 1 family car. This is the same model my parents drove me to school in till it was run over by a box truck in the mid 90's, and I have always had illusions of using one as a daily driver. The one thing (other than sane concerns like reliability) that makes me think twice about it is the fact that BMW climate control from the 70's was a joke. To drive it around and be mildly comfortable it would need to be completely redone.

Also the U.S. Bumpers were ugly as sin.

 

You spent your own hard-earned money on the car, so I think you should modify it to your personal tastes.

Keeping it stock because that model is hard to find unmolested sounds like you're cutting back on what you want for the preferences for the next owner.

And I kinda liked the U.S. bumpers on 70's and 80's BMWs.

 

There seem to be quite a few people that do. To my uncle the U.S. bumpers that came on his 70's 320 defined the car, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

 

I know the Euro purists hate the patio/diving board bumpers, however, I like the U.S. bumpers on my E28 and the styling to me is sweet. Although I would love to swap to some euro bumpers someday, its not a big deal if I never do.

 

The only way I would modify it is if I am able to return it to 100% stock. Unless of course the car is worth something at the time I buy it, in which case its just maintenance.

 

It depends on the car. There are quite a few cars I desire, but I would do different things to different cars:

BMW 850i - I love that body style, but I think some nice wheels are in order.

Buick Grand National - 1986/97 - Nothing. Probably replace the rubber seals around the doors and T-roof.

Dodge Charger - 1969 / 1970 - Ensure the body is perfect, and replace the front brakes with modern discs. The wheels, maybe.

Tough question.

 

Personally, I like to keep things stock. There's something to be said for a car that's as original as possible, in my opinion. Given the kind of tires OEMs put on their cars though, I would probably get different tires.

 

stock 4 lyfe...

 

rims and suspensions, that's it.