Read below to learn what is meant by the term Restomod,
and what is done to make one.
The pictures illustrate the systems of an old car that are
changed to make it perform like a new car.
The term Restomod is short for a
“modern update of an old car under restoration.”
Item #1 of 7 – Engine
It is now possible to buy brand new engines and transmissions directly from the manufacturer and use it to replace the old gas hogging, polluting, original carbureted engine. For a true restorer, it is essential to save and rebuild the old engine.
Item #2 of 7 – Trunk
When installing parts new to the design – in this case an in-tank high pressure fuel pump – it is often necessary to do body modifications. This was also necessary in this case because the tin worms had the trunk floor for dessert.
Item #3 of 7 – Brakes
A huge safety upgrade is to replace the old drum type brakes with modern disk brakes. This is made easier by after market manufacturers who make kits to do this. With this upgrade, the stopping power of the car compliments the more powerful engine.
Item #4 of 7 – Heater
The car originally only had a hot water heater and no air-conditioning. The old unit was removed and a Vintage air replacement A/C unit was installed. This requires some painstaking work, but the car will be comfortable in any weather.
Item #5 of 7 – Seats
The old bench seat can be upholstered and made reasonably comfortable. However the new power bucket seat with seat belts is both safer and fully adjustable. This is a Cadillac seat. Similar seats are available for not much money in self-service junk yards.
Item #6 of 7 – Radio
The old AM #radio has little to offer today. Now you can get a modern system that will offer you all kinds of capability. I find the nav system and cameras along with the hands free blue tooth #CellPhone to be highly desirable upgrades. There are six high quality speakers to that produce excellent high fidelity music. With this upgrade, there is no excuse for watching where you are going.
Item #7 of 7 – Body
The reason to do a restomod rather than just buy a new car is that the style of the old car is something that you want to preserve and show off. This means that the original body which in time has suffered degradation due to corrosion and abuse has to be reworked and put back to like new condition with a snappy new paint job. This is often very expensive. Bad surprises are common.
