Re: To restore or preserve?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2015/10/16 9:42:24

Hi Ken:

IMO there is never enough "originality" out there, it's the referee for those wanting full restoration. There is often the temptation to "restore" to an as-new appearance but in my view, where some elements are original and meet your criteria for "presentable" I'm in favor trying to maintain as much of that as possible. Using my own '34 Eight as an example, much but not all the paint is original, I repainted only where body repair was needed. I replaced the roof insert because the car can see rain on tours so to me that was essential. I went thru lots of delay and $ is obtaining new and correct matching striped wool broadcloth and only reupholstered what was absolutely essential - seat and door panels in front only which had large tears. Some of the chrome is original, that which was really poor was replated. So in the final analysis it depends of how much of the originality meets your criteria for acceptable appearance and function.