I have always been of the mindset that I am never going to restore my car to be a numbers matching period correct replica so that one day if I ever decided to part with it, it would be worth more. Why bother with the correct replica trunk mat when I have 20 inch rims? When I was restoring my 68 Camaro, I was hung up on getting the correct seat belts that I paid through the nose for them.

I just got a trunk mat but I hate it. I dont have a spare tire and am thinking I dont want one - just a can of tire sealant. So now I want to cover the trunk with Dynamat and carpet it. I want keyless door locks, power windows, a quiet interior, bright dash lights, etc. I want to be able to pop my trunk without worrying about scratching it with keys.

I guess I wonder who is in the same boat as me. I want the look of these classics but also want the modern conveniences.

I think it all depends on what you have to start with...;)

I guess I would call what Im doing "modern" only because it matches what Im doing best. My motor will eventually be turbochargedand I have "modern" style race style buckets. I will eventually have LED lit Autometer gauges and LED tail/park/license lights and HID headlights. Termo-tec sound barrier throughout the car. None of this stuff was around back when the car was in its newer days, so either "modern" or "resto-mod" would best fit my restoration goal I guess.

When I redid my engine I made it look my version of stock versus the hot rod black and chrome. I painted the block orange. Powder coated the intake silver. Ceramic coated the headers in high luster silver. used some chrome pieces (oil dip stick, thermostat housing and chromed the 1969 LT-1 valve covers I bought. I used the same cowl induction air cleaner from the Z28's used a chrome air cleaner lid and put all the correct stickers under the hood. The exterior already had the SS hood and SS side stripe. I made the car the way I would have liked to have bought one in 69 if one could order it that way. I have kept the interior the factory blue bench seats. Its a stock looking hot rod.

Mine is somewheres between period correct and something else.

Mine is a resto-mod I guess. It was born as a brown 2 tone 307 malibu, so numbers matching is pointless. Everything I do to it makes it more MINE than it was before. I try to make sure that things are period correct, so they don't clash with the rest of the car. If I could find an 8-track player and radio to put in it I would...but only if it came with a badass collection of 60s/70s rock and roll. :yes:

Mine is a resto-mod I guess. It was born as a brown 2 tone 307 malibu, so numbers matching is pointless. Everything I do to it makes it more MINE than it was before. I try to make sure that things are period correct, so they don't clash with the rest of the car. If I could find an 8-track player and radio to put in it I would...but only if it came with a badass collection of 60s/70s rock and roll. :yes:
X100%:thumbsup:

I guess I'm doing a combo restoration-upgrades. I want to put in an overdrive, LED lit gauge cluster, etc. I'm keeping as much of it original as I can (either original style, or original equipment), but I still want to do things like put in a good sound system, but I'm not putting on mods like superchargers and flamethrowers. I think of it as "sensitive modernization."

My father in law's style I call Frankenstein. Its using parts of whatever is cheap.

I found a numbers matching 70 El Camino 350 Custom. Going to keep the matching block, and the original color and trim package for a custom. What I'm going to change is install the SS dash, buckets and console, convert to correctly numbered muncie 4-speed, and an SS hood. This won't make it worth more, or more desirable, but I too want to make a car that I would have ordered in that era. I voted for period correct.

This IS the RESTORATION forum; not the CREATION forum.

Is there such a thing as a day three car? Ultimate goal for my car is a beefed up big block, M22, and 12 bolt with upgraded suspension and four wheel discs. But it will have a factory look to it.

I voted modern, but I'm not even sure that's what I would call what I'm doing. Mine is a 72 Malibu 350 2 barrel carb. No prize by any means, but the engine is numbers matching, so there is some incentive to keep it that way.

I will go SS clone (I hate that term, but it is what it is), but a modern Corvette color combo, lowering it a couple inches front and back, maybe aftermarket wheels, and engine upgrades that have been done are mild but modern (Dart heads, Street Anvenger carb). I wouldn't call it period correct, but I'm not throwing turbos and a 700R at her, either.

I guess I would call it Resto-mod. I should have voted "something else" in the poll.

if I want modern conveniences I will buy a newer car with all that from the factory. when I decided I wanted a old car I wanted all the old style stuff I want the car to be simple nothing more then what you could get back then

Mine goal is a modern/restoration. It'll look original with a few modern conveniences -- added disc brakes, opted for power door locks and power windows, still debating the A/C question, newer rims & wider tires, custom console, newer stereo and speakers, quick ratio P/S, headers and dual Pypes exhaust, finished off trunk panels.

Stock/restored appearing inside and out, lowered...
Wider wheels, drivetrain that belongs on a track.
Not really a restomod but not a total sleeper, either

Just something clean no frills subtle and quick

Day 2 baby! :disco:

What is the opinion around here on SS cloning?

I picked period correct, but its a mixture. Period correct looking as much as possible, but where practical, modern.

Stock restoration or day 2 for me....matching numbers doesn't matter but it is nice.

What is the opinion around here on SS cloning?


I think the consensus around here, save for a few purists, is that one can do what he pleases with his own car, as long as when it is time to sell, he doesn't try to pass it off as an LS6 or ZL-1 or whatever else. There are a LOT of clone cars on this site. Not mine though, I like my Malibu just the way it is.

I guess I wonder who is in the same boat as me. I want the look of these classics but also want the modern conveniences.

For me personally, I love a car done up with modern performance that has been disguised to look like its factory stock. I think part of it is my being 30, so I wasn't around when these things were new, and I want the full muscle car experience with my Chevelle (bad or good :D ).

Whereas some of the older guys who dealt with these cars and their issues on a daily basis, have seen how good technology can make cars perform and more tolerable, and don't want the headaches 40+ year old tech can bring. And I don't blame them for it, its just not my thing.:noway::thumbsup:

I have a clone/tribute car that came to me with some aftermarket wheels and a sweep dash. I'd like to at least make those two items correct.

RMX

My goal is to get a fresh motor, replace drum brakes to disc, upgrade the suspension and tires, then Drive it !

I am going the modern route...why because I can...I have a barebone chevelle and I refuse to be a follower and do the same old generic things that everyone else does...I been going to car shows for a long time and I have never seen any chevelle close to what I have planned out....Everythings been soda blasted and Por-15ed to help preserve it for years to come.

Mine is going to look like I want it to look. It will look mostly like an SS except for a couple of the things that I don't like about the way the SS looked, and the Non-stock/aftermarket paint color. It will appear mostly stock at first glance until you look under the hood; some extra brightwork and electric fans and such...........but hey it is what I want.

i say do wat you like that suites you and the car i have a 67 2 door sedan 300
its totaly changed exept for the body i have 2000 montecarlo seats very comfortable
s 10 suspension recessed grand am door handles electric locks it didnt chenge the look of the car
wasnt real expensive and ill have fun driving

Stock/restored appearing inside and out, lowered...
Wider wheels, drivetrain that belongs on a track.
Not really a restomod but not a total sleeper, either

Just something clean no frills subtle and quick

pretty much the same, only wish my procharger wasnt so noisy.....

I guess you can say my car will be a Day 2 clone. :D No! Its not getting a big block! I'm staying true to the 300 Deluxe options, Except the 4 wheels disk brakes. What good is a classic muscle car if you crash it cause it wouldn't stop!

i say do wat you like that suites you and the car i have a 67 2 door sedan 300
its totaly changed exept for the body i have 2000 montecarlo seats very comfortable
s 10 suspension recessed grand am door handles electric locks it didnt chenge the look of the car
wasnt real expensive and ill have fun driving


Got Pics? I love to see other 300s!
http://s852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/67300Dlx

I have a one owner trailer queen. 70 SS 454 M/22 El Camino. My most fun is had in my SS 454 Sta. Wgn. It is a real good copy of an SS unit. Used up a lot of NOS parts, It has the rear frame braces,SS steering shaft,70 Org.SS dash. 70 H.D. core support and Rad. Its is my home built fun car.
To make sure I was building it like a correct 70 SS, I would look at my one owner and copy what it had. Added note the upper torque arm has the welded patch on it.
The truth is. I bought the wagon from the King of Italy and drove it home.
Bob ACES--AACA:noway:

Depends for which car...

My 70 - period correct, but with modern upgrades for performance

My 69 - stock, numbers matching

70 Convertible - bone stock, trailer queen SS454 clone

The Charger - stock, but with some performance upgrades.

mine will appear stock other than wheels and side trim removed('65 malibu).factory colors,bench seat.and stock hood.but with a 502,richmond super street 5spd,vintage sure fit(was fact a/c car),sc&c stage 2 plus,spc springs,.....etc.frame is done,body should be back on the frame and painted in the next 2 weeks.:hurray:

I'm not sure what I want to do yet. My car is a #'s matching smallblock, M20, 12 bolt posi. PS, PDB, buckets, console, fathom blue with white vinyl. GM Canada says it's one of less than 1000 with the 300HP 350 and one of less than 300 with an M20. It either came with full guages and cowl hood or someone has put them in. I haven't found the build sheet but have the option sheet from GM which has a disclaimer that it might not be complete.

The guy before me had the engine built up a bit, head work, Moroso pan, tall rocker covers, Air Gap. I have the original Q-Jet and intake, but not exhaust manifolds. The alternator and starter are rebuilts.

I think it's a fairly rare optioned Chevelle that I should keep as close to original as possible. I can live with the blue but I like Hugger Orange better. How much would a color change lower the price of a car?

Is there such a thing as a day three car? Ultimate goal for my car is a beefed up big block, M22, and 12 bolt with upgraded suspension and four wheel discs. But it will have a factory look to it.

That's pretty much what I did (see signature). Interior is bone stock except for some after market gauges. Even has a Delco AM/FM radio with single rear seat speaker that works (if you could hear it! :D)

Big wheels are due to 4 wheel discs. Otherwise I would have kept the OEM SS wheels. full modern suspension with adjustable shocks.

I wanted to keep the M22 and 12 bolt, too, but the BB got too beefy. I still have them, though.

Got one to totally play with...the '67. And one that will be restored soon and has it's original numbers matching drive train...the '69 SS.

Both of our cars have been "Day 2" since, well, day two. The one we bought new got the headers, mags and such within the first year or two. The original owner of the other one added the headers, Stewart-Warner gauges and such early in the life of that car. We switch back and forth between the Cragars and the factory SS wheels just for a change once in a while. It works for us. The other car will be done the the way we had it back in the early '70s.

Im going for period correct for the 68. Next project, a 67, will probably be more "custom" haven't decided. Still, love the original color on this car, and other than the 350, it'll be period correct down to the dog dish hubs!

I'm going for somewhat of a period-correct look.

I'd like my '66 300 Deluxe to be equipped with a big block/4 speed/gauges with a modern upgrade or two that isn't noticeable upon first glance such as disc brakes.

Not going for a "clone" by no means but more of a "hypothetical" look - What if you could order (insert option here) on the 300 Deluxe model?

The car will be sprayed in its original Artesian Turquoise hue. Interior will remain Fawn and be upgraded with stock gauges and "knee knocker" tach. Bench seat and rubber floor mat will will stay with the car as well.

Original style Torq Thrusts or '69/'70 SS wheels in a 15"x8" version would look tough.

I'll just keep going goofy with him,getting all the nos. and dates correct.:wacko:

Re: What is your Restoration Goal?

Get er done and quit spending money on it!
Oops that is a fantasy.

I am interesteed in period correct on the drivetrain, for the most part. I am putting in a custom console shifter built by Brian Kilduff, which doesn't look period; I have Centerline Champ 500 wheels; chrome tail pipe ends; modern stereo/speakers; 74 Monte Carlo bucket seats - for the short term, anyway.

I am also looking at a modern paint job - black with large silver flake from House of Kolor.

so I guess part period, part custom

Glad this discussion came up. I'm toying with ideas myself. I'm starting a 67 SS complete numbers matching 4sp resto, but the car is a stripper - the only option was push button radio. So since I'm adding power steering and brakes I think Im going to make a few other changes to suit me, since I dont ever plan on selling it. Bench to buckets, console, fact gauges, lumpy cam, lowered, 2 1/2" exhuast bent like factory, fatest ralleys I can fit with those special order fat redlines from diamond back http://www.widewhitewalltires.com/. Oh, and I want to try to fit a greenline tach in the place of the consle clock. Anyone ever done that?

I have always been of the mindset that I am never going to restore my car to be a numbers matching period correct replica...

I want the look of these classics but also want the modern conveniences.



I think it all depends on what you have to start with...


As Sebert says, it all depends on what you have to start with.

You can't "restore a car 'to be' a numbers matching, period correct replica."
It's either numbers matching or it's not.

If an SS is numbers matching...or at least has its numbers matching engine...then (IMO) I think it should be restored as close to stock as possible to maintain its stock purity and intact heritage.

If it's not numbers matching, then I don't think it makes any difference what you do with it...restore it your way to suit yourself.

Regards,
-Greg

Got Pics? I love to see other 300s!
http://s852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/67300Dlx
im still working on all my pics in photo bucket soon as there done ill post them