Never understood restoring to original....... so essentially have a brand new 70s boat that your wifes daily will spank the pants off. If going to all that trouble why not make it look better, drive better and just be an all round better car.
I have a mate thats building a car to stock standard showroom and to me its just flat out boring. I get it if its nostalgic but neither of us were alive when these were even built
While I certainly enjoy restored cars, those who believe old cars should only be restored to stock, have actually hurt what they love, such as the AACA and their ironclad Must be Restored as Originally Built!
That single minded goal probably helped many old cars, That Could Have Been Saved, go to the crusher, instead of being brought back to life as modified vehicles.
Even Rat Rods have saved many from being scrapped.
I ran a one man wood boat shop, and had this discussion with club member/judges of the ACBS(Antique & Classic Boat Society) with very little good feedback.
Their members have let many boats Rot Away by not considering the number that could have been saved. & wood rot leaves so little good structure, that restoring one in that condition is even harder than rust repairs on old cars, and is more than most are capable of. Hull shape must be correct & few patterns exist.
Proper boat modifications can be few & far between. Modern powerplants are more accepted now, as old Marine Engine parts can be scarce.
Even Henry Ford was a Racer, & knew modifications were a understandable progression.
Mostly they just don't care to listen.
