is it sacreligious to modernize a classic muscle car?

Question

Like put in a modern stereo system, updated seats, etc. not neccessarily "pimp" it out.

Answer 1

for me any upgrade is better, unless of course its a valuable original, if not, modify and upgrade till you hearts content. classic mustangs are a great example, tubular a-arm suspension, coil over shocks, rack and pinions, 18 inch wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, fuel injected computer controlled 5.whatever, 6 speed trans, 4 link rear suspension, modern air conditioning, custom interior and on and on. classic cars can be made to ROCK! and drive and handle better than a new Vette straight off the assembly line.

Answer 2

It's your car. Customize it to your likings and no one elses. If someone has a problem with it, tell them to go out and buy one just like yours and do what they want with it.

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with making classics a little more modern with wheels seats steering and braking systems. Stereos are a must in any car. There are ways to put in a customer stereo while leaving the dash original. I have a 64 Continental and I have the whole thing original except for the stereo which is mounted under the dash in a custom pod and speakers. Didn't have to rip anything apart at all or cut anything.

Answer 3

. Get your self a Caterham 7. Banned interior the U. S. interior the 60's and 70's cos it became deemed "too quickly to race". Banned in 2002 Nurburgring 24hrs after an ordinary classification victory. the present Caterham CSR 260 specs: MPH figs 0-60 = 3.1seconds 0-a hundred-0 = approx 10 seconds NB Caterham 7's have held the production checklist for 0-a hundred-0 for some years. They have been overwhelmed by utilising the Noble GTR final 3 hundred and sixty 5 days, yet that vehicle isn't able to circulate over speed bumps, while the Caterham can. In overall performance comparisons on aim, the Caterham will frequently win against all production exotics, till the circuit has a extensive form of extreme speed straights. .

Answer 4

There are purists out there that will tell you must not change a thing, however it's your car. My classic car, yes I have one, Has updated seating (redone in leather rather than vinyl), uprated stereo and several other toys that you probably can't detect. I restored the car for myself and if I wish the creature comforts of modern equipment I do it. Additionally some of the classic cars were really unreliable that with modern parts become much more driveable. So go ahead and upgrade it it's yours.

Answer 5

I don't have a problem with that at all. We have four antique cars with one dating back to 1930. That car has seat belts and an Ipod ready radio that I installed myself BUT it is hardly noticeable and would be easy to restore back to original. Also, have to vent.....I weep for all the beautiful pre WWII cars that have been turned into muscle cars much the same way I lament when I see some gorgeous old building that was "modernized" in the 50s or 60s!!

Answer 6

lol, i'm sure this could be debated? i'd say no, go with you want to do, it's your car! i on one hand do not like "stock cars", tires, rims, stance, etc. i currently have a 74 nova that i've been working on for a while (upgraded front drum brakes to disc., swapped out the motor, ignition system, exhaust, stereo, etc.) anyway, if you look at some of the hot rod magazines, they do it all the time. and, alot of the times, they look alot better than they did originally.

Answer 7

As long as you save the original equipment, you'll be fine.
Replacing with NEW makes the value go DOWN.

ADDED:
A 1974 Nova, is not a "Classic Muscle Car".

Answer 8

As long as whatever you do can be reversed, it won't hurt anything. For example, updating drum brakes to disc will improve performance and safety, and is something every muscle car driver should at least consider. Radios, wheels/tires, seats, whatever - go ahead and make it cool!

Answer 9

If you do anything that was not factory installed it will lower the value. My Brother-In-Law owns a 100% restored 65 Mustang and installed stupid looking wheel spinners on it that make it look like crap.

Answer 10

some people may not like it. but it's been done a lot to just add nice little modern things like wat you said. Whats the best is like on the stereo hiding it so you don't have to ruin the dash by cuttin anything. I've seen that done and it looks nice.