2 items

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2023/9/17 19:51:14

1. the restoration vs refurbishment? status: since many vehicles when they become bona fide "antique" usually 25 years, some of the items needed for restoring are not longer available nor made, paint being the most obvious. Eventually NOS parts become unobtainium or too costly to merit use in an average vehicle.
How can we talk about "restoring" such a vehicle that's say more than 50 years old, and about the only way to resurrect is to repair and replace with whatever material is available or possibly upgrade? Isn't it better to refer to that as a refurb? eg: early exterior seating using vinyl vs original leather. Upholstery by a local shop with off the shelf fabrics - can be quality, too. Replication is another term, but has too many other connotations, in other genre.
Or do we need a new term for these? As we've progressed in the age of automobiles to a new convergence, shrinking # of survivors and parts. Any 2 cents...
2. I've been thinking of building a Packard weathervane(out of copper) and was trying to narrow the field to the most iconic or recognized. I could use the packard font and just letters, etc. Obviously a '49 ain't no eye catch'n winner. I thought about just a grill or front end or something. Suggestions welcome. What happens when the brain gets old, if worries about stuff it should not or get involved in.