When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

[Paul C.]

For example all my hoses from the vapor cannister to the carburetor, pcv, valve, are in average shape with the correct numbers, labels, etc. I can purchase new reproduction hoses and replace them so they look new. I am thinking about just leaving the original hoses on--not perfect but on a scale of 1-10 probably a 7. Is it better to have original or is it just personal preference? My attitude has been if it's in decent condition and original why replace. Parts that can be rebuilt like the carb, starter, alternator, distributor, air pump, etc I had just had rebuilt to keep the original parts. I understand certain things like the carpet must be replaced if it is shot--mine was and so I replaced it; tires and shocks--who would want to drive a car on those?? Just thought I'd ask and see what everyone thought.

[Steven B.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

With a '71 LT-1 if it was mine I would keep everything original that properly functioned. Only original once. I have one I drive (77) and I rebuild all I can and have had to replace very little. I always keep the take-offs. The non-daily drivers (57 & 78 SA) I keep everything I can original as many replacement parts and repros are not exact and it is great to see the originals, especially after decades.

It all comes down to what you want to do with it. Just make sure you have fun with it!

[Patrick H.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

Use the originals whenever possible.

There are a multitude of reasons to do so, and it's my preference to attempt to salvage an original part and use it if at all feasible. In fact, on my deer car when I eventually restore it I'll replace repro parts with some of the original parts I've saved and not discarded.

[Roy B.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

With a '71 LT-1 if it was mine I would keep everything original that properly functioned. Only original once. I have one I drive (77) and I rebuild all I can and have had to replace very little. I always keep the take-offs. The non-daily drivers (57 & 78 SA) I keep everything I can original as many replacement parts and repros are not exact and it is great to see the originals, especially after decades.

It all comes down to what you want to do with it. Just make sure you have fun with it!

I agree Some of my parts are not perfect but original and good like my outside mirror for one. I never use repro hard parts but have to some times use repro soft parts. I wont to know I'm driving a real original vett not a kit car with all repro parts installed.

[Tom H.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

I'd use the original parts for the most part. If it still looks and functions well, keep it. If it is deteriorated or unsafe, replace it.

[Bryan M.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

For example all my hoses from the vapor cannister to the carburetor, pcv, valve, are in average shape with the correct numbers, labels, etc. I can purchase new reproduction hoses and replace them so they look new. I am thinking about just leaving the original hoses on--not perfect but on a scale of 1-10 probably a 7. Is it better to have original or is it just personal preference? My attitude has been if it's in decent condition and original why replace. Parts that can be rebuilt like the carb, starter, alternator, distributor, air pump, etc I had just had rebuilt to keep the original parts. I understand certain things like the carpet must be replaced if it is shot--mine was and so I replaced it; tires and shocks--who would want to drive a car on those?? Just thought I'd ask and see what everyone thought.

Paul,
If the original parts on my 72 are functioning correctly, I'm just cleaning them up a bit and letting them age gracefully. I am going to get rid of the red and black a/c muffler caps to back on the original style caps when I go back to R12 freon.

[James W.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

Paul,

Original is the way to go. Most original parts can be cleaned or refinished is you're doing a complete restoration. If you are looking at a frame on, having a mixture of original parts and new looks odd, also. Many so-called reproduction parts have errors and can be spotted easily by a judge with any experience.

Jim

[Richard W.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

I am restoring my 63 right now and it is a really tough call. I basically am deciding part by part based on its condition. I am trying to clean up and use everything I can as I like originality. Also, some of the new parts look "too good" and are slightly off from original if you know what I mean.

Richie (29417)

[Bob R.]

Re: When to Replace/Not Replace Items During Restoration?

I think safety should always be the primary concern. I wouldn't drive a car on old tires, fan belts, radiator hoses, ball joints ect. The rest of the car I try to keep as original as I can. Things that wear out such as carpets and seat covers get replaced. I also replaced my cracked dash pads, I don't want to try to repair them over and over.