How do you Preserve your Classic British Car?

[Dinky]

I like to keep my cars to the specification they came out of the factory with. That means not changing the brakes to more powerful ones or putting a V8 under the bonnet if it didn't have one there. The reason I don't like to change things is that I was my vehicle to be a genuine example of the car rather than a Frankenstein monster that just looks like an old car. I will confess to adding a cigarette lighter socket under the dashboard to power a sat nav but even that is hidden for shows.

How do you keep yours?

 

[NutmegCT]

Have to admit, I try to keep them (1974 MGB, 1959 TR3, 1959 M-B 190b, 1958 M-B 220S as close to original as possible. Exceptions are things like using replacements that are "better" based on recommendations here at BCF.

On the TR3, I replaced the original steel wheels with Minilites, as the originals were bent and out of balance much more than could be corrected.

Otherwise, I do try to "stay original".

Tom

 

[coldplugs]

I've never had a problem with improving ~some~ things like brakes, suspension bushings, and so on as long as the changes are reversible. My Elan was stock when I got it and drove "ok" but after some invisible tweaking it ran a lot better and was more enjoyable. I spent a lot of time on the steering on my Model A (not British, I know) changing to needle bearings and doing some internal changes to stop oil leaks and it transformed the vehicle. I'd be less inclined to alter a truly rare car but that's never (sadly) been a consideration.

 

[Guest]

I do what feels right.:friendly_wink:

 

[CaptRandy]

Safety is more important than original.
I remember when I bought my 69 396 Chevelle from the factory it came with Cherry Bomb mufflers and the dealership had to cut them off and replace them before he could put an inspection sticker on it to deliver. Pennsylvania car.

 

[glemon]

I am somewhere in the middle, I like to preserve the look and feel of the cars as they were built, but have been known to do some modifications. Most of the cars we drive were built by the thousands, so I don't see a need to treat them as historic artifacts, if I had a one off le mans winner or something I might feel different. Your car, your choices, I do sort of feel if you are going too far with the modifications, modern seats, engine swap, air conditioning, etc. etc. why not just get a modern or relatively modern car that has this already, but I can also understand liking the looks of the old cars and wanting something a little different, bottom line, your car, your $$s, your choice. One thing I don't like is calling a car that has been modified in some way as "not correct" or saying that something is "wrong" with the car, simply saying not original is probably more accurate and less insulting to the guy who spent a lot of time and money fixing it up. Of course representing something as "completely original" when it is not, is just as bad if not worse, do what you want with your car, and describe it honestly.

 

[drooartz]

For how others handle their cars, I'm a big believer in your car, your plan. Do what you enjoy. I do think that truely rare and significant cars should be preserved as original if possible, but each car has different circumstances and I'm not one to judge.

Now my approach is specific to the car at hand, and to my personal oddities. Take my current Bugeye restoration as an example: this car will be visually original but will have a later, larger motor, 5-speed, and disc front brakes. These make it more useful to me as a driver, and are generally accepted changes in the Spridget world.

On the other hand, I specifically hunted this car down because I wanted an originally right hand drive Bugeye. Now, it's not that difficult to swap LHD to RHD in a Bugeye, something I could have done to my previous Bugeye. The only difference is the absence of the letter L in the RHD VIN. Silly, really, but that authentic RHD was critical to me, even though I'd be making all sorts of other changes. Not particularly logical, but it is consistent with what is important to me.

 

[aeronca65t]

My '69 street MGB has non-standard size 175-60 radial tires.

And it came with a Weber downdraft carb (which I dislike, but since it runs fine, there's no reason to really "fix" it).

Mine's a '69 and I actually "backdated" the top to the older style because I prefer the fully removable version.

And it still has an AM-only radio. :friendly_wink:

My '73 Spridget has a '58 engine (948), fenders from a '60s vintage Midget, a trans from a '68, a '71 top and various other bits and pieces. But that's because I built from all the dross I had laying around.

 

[HealeyRick]

Safety is more important than original.
I remember when I bought my 69 396 Chevelle from the factory it came with Cherry Bomb mufflers and the dealership had to cut them off and replace them before he could put an inspection sticker on it to deliver. Pennsylvania car.

I can't believe Chevy was sending cars out from the factory with aftermarket "Cherry Bomb" glasspacks on them. I remember Chevelles being offered with the "chambered exhaust" option that I totally believe wouldn't pass noise regulations in a lot of places: https://chevellestuff.net/1969/misc/exhaust.htm Not trying to be argumentative as there's always something new to be learned in the old car game, but are you sure they were Cherry Bombs? Either way, that 396 must have been a blast in 1969.

 

[Guest]

Invisible deleted message

 

[PAUL161]

I restored our 72 B as close to factory as possible, even with the original smog equipment on it, but with two exceptions. The seats are Suffolk leather seats from the UK and a wood rimed copy of the original steering wheel. The wife must have a dozen or more trophies she's won with the car.
My TF will be as factory as possible, also with two exceptions, they never came with Jaguar Regency Red paint and never came with Black interior! Both are going on the TF. I've had trailer queens in the past and it got so boring, to a point I sold them and built drivers after that. But, to each his own, if that's your thing, go for it! Doesn't do a thing for me anymore. PJ

 

[NutmegCT]

Invisible deleted message

Obviously well preserved in his newly developed 100% effective light absorbing paint ...

I held it up to a candle to read it, but my laptop melted. oh well

 

[HealeyRick]

I am somewhere in the middle, I like to preserve the look and feel of the cars as they were built, but have been known to do some modifications. Most of the cars we drive were built by the thousands, so I don't see a need to treat them as historic artifacts, if I had a one off le mans winner or something I might feel different. Your car, your choices, I do sort of feel if you are going too far with the modifications, modern seats, engine swap, air conditioning, etc. etc. why not just get a modern or relatively modern car that has this already, but I can also understand liking the looks of the old cars and wanting something a little different, bottom line, your car, your $$s, your choice. One thing I don't like is calling a car that has been modified in some way as "not correct" or saying that something is "wrong" with the car, simply saying not original is probably more accurate and less insulting to the guy who spent a lot of time and money fixing it up. Of course representing something as "completely original" when it is not, is just as bad if not worse, do what you want with your car, and describe it honestly.

EXACTLY how I feel right down to the "wrong" and "not correct" comment. My choice was to modify my cars to the Healeys I wished I had when I was young. My first car was a bugeye and when I bought one to restore it was done using factory Special Tuning parts to the specifications of the '59 Sebring Sprite. My BJ7 is modified in the style of the 60s hot rodders with a small block Ford that looks like it came from a '65 Shelby Cobra. Both cars look mostly stock and maintain their original colors of Cherry Red and Healey Blue, original interiors, instruments and dashboards, with wire wheels on both. I'm really happy with the way both turned out, but I enjoy seeing a concours car as well.

 

[Bayless]

My 48 Prefect looks original until you lift the bonnet and see a couple of master cylinders hanging off the firewall. They are there as part of a replacement for the original mechanical brakes. We actually drove it for a few years as the official "second car." Oh, it also has modern radial tires.

 

[CaptRandy]

Healey Rick, it has been a long time since the '69 was delivered but it was glass packs but may not have been Cherry Bomb brand. Either way PA did not allow them. It indeed was a blast 396 350 HP with 4 speed.

 

[SaxMan]

I think it depends on what you're planning on doing with the car. I know my '69 Sprite is not going to be a show winner. It's sole purpose is for enjoyable driving. I try to keep the car reasonably original, but with upgrades that are generally considered "acceptable", such as Pertronix ignition versus points, adapter for a spin-on Oil Filter versus the original type, and LED dash panel lights (hopefully) as opposed to the original incandescent bulbs and a more up to date (but still in the "spirit") radio.

If I ever ended up with my dream LBC (an MGA or a Jaguar Mark II), I'd probably be much more finicky about keeping it original. Likewise, if I ever took up vintage racing for a hobby, I'd be far more willing to deviate from stock.

 

[judow]

I've kept my Healey as original as possible. Only exception is a spin off oil filter. I guess you might call me a purist. I also drive it like the car it is, certainly not modern.

 

[martx-5]

I don't have any problems with changing things on my TR3. There were about 80k of these cars built (TR2-TR3B), so that leaves plenty for the guys that want to keep them stock. I don't have to worry about making a stock model extinct.

FWIW, I've installed rack & pinion steering, upgraded the brakes, warmed up the motor, installed a Toyota five speed, put in modern electrics, larger wheels and tires and just generally messed over a fine stock vehicle. However, every modification is reversible if you so desire. I've kept all of the undesirable parts. :laugh:

As a further affront to the purists out there, I'm seriously considering electronic fuel injection.

 

[Dinky]

It's your car and your rules, Just don't leave them in the garage.

 

[judow]

I so agree Dinky.