Stock or Restomod?

In this video we pose the question to vintage Mustang fans concerning their preference for STOCK -vs- MODIFIED. We show examples of both before going on a Test-Drive of a restomod version of a 1966 GT Mustang convertible. The crate Blueprint 302 and Tremec 5-speed transmission are just a couple of the updates we incorporated into this otherwise ‘stock appearing’ example.

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[lauracullen]

Your video just made my day. You went through that list of upgrades on the red convertible and a lot of what you mentioned were parts and brands that I also added to mine. A lot of research went into buying those parts so it's nice to hear from a professional that I did a halfway decent job. Still have the stock power steering and I have different headers so time will tell if I can get the Borgeson setup to fit.

[pieroramacciato]

Stock looking (classic/art) with modern guts? I'm very good with that. NO HOT ROD looking. No oversized wheels, low/showing tailpipes, giant hood scoops, etc. Modern conveniences are okay as long as the car keeps its beauty. Can't get enough of the masterpieces your shop creates.

[stevefowler]

My position has always been if you are going to do a restomod just make sure you are starting with a base car, don't chop up a rare build/vin to make it "better".

[CraigSmith-qqsr]

I had a X code 68 fastback back in 1989. Those were the 2 barrel 390 big block. Very rare!!!

[tomolson]

I love this resto-mod! But with the COBRA valve covers and the oval air cleaner. PERFECT!

[MikeLuther-fp]

Classy resto mod! Coincidentally, I have made most of the updates on my '65 convertible, with a few exceptions. I'm curious, what type of Tremec 5-speed did you install? T5, TKO, TKX? Also what size diff gears did you pair with it in the 8" rear?

[duanepierson]

It depends. If she’s a survivor, numbers matching with original running gear, keep her stock. Other than safety things, like brakes and power steering, w/ stock style parts. Refresh the interior and paint. If she’s a hulk w/o the original running gear, then by all means, restomod her! I’m partial to a Stroked Cleveland w/ a T56 thru a posi 3.73:1 rear. Shelby lowered front end w/ all the handling and brake goodies. Paint her w/ the color on the ID Tag & rock on!

[dlowery]

I guess it all depends on what and how you choose to use the car. I had, at one time, an original numbers matching '67 Shelby GT500. There was no way I would even consider "modifying" that rare car. If, however, I owned a "common-relatively speaking" '67 Mustang with a nonmatching drive train but in otherwise good condition, it wouldn't bother me a bit to modify things, especially if I intended to drive it frequently. I wouldn't "modify" its original look as that is why it appeals to me in the first place. I do like what you did with this little convertible.

[georgewallerlll]

I have a friend who was born in 1966, and would love to have a 1966 red Mustang with a white convertible top, preferably an automatic, but a manual transmission wouldn't matter. I've been looking at all the car auctions, and websites, and I've seen a few, but it's a pretty specific car.

[Kualeppi]

I have modified ’66 Mustang. Suspension, motor tuneup etc. Interior is very stock and exterior. I like it very much but if I had GT fastback or other little bit rarer pony i would like it bone stock. By the way you have very nice job in quality classics would be dream to me. Greetings from cold north Finland!

[Ironmike]

It depends on the car, if you've got an unmolested numbers matching car its not the one to restomod.
If you've got a car that's had a motor swap, been in an accident, hell yeah restomod it all day, go crazy.

[petebarrios]

Good looking GTs. Love the convertables. Keep up your good work

[dougjustdoug]

I prefer stock. If its not a concours car I can see adding period correct disc brakes and possiblity power steering, traction lock rear and air conditioning but only with parts correct for that year of car.

[melvinsmiley]

Love the mods. Better than Original is the way to go.

[tiberiuswise]

I'm the custodian of my father's original survivor 66 K-Code convertible. I was leaning towards a bone stock restoration but you have me thinking. At least about the lights and transmission.

[JohnGordon-xl]

I like what you do, nothing radical just stock looking but isn't .

[sharkman]

Hard to pass up some of the restomod options since they enhance the car immensely IMHO!

[wendynewcomb]

Nice up grades to that red convertible, not too much but just right. Grove Newcomb

[billydee]

First and foremost, I love 'em both but I do tend towards the more practical i.e. ROI. Regardless, the decision is personal so I will always appreciate and respect the owner's wishes. For me, particularly with muscle cars, whether I restomod or not will depend on the car I'm starting with.

If I have rare numbers matching car, I will keep it stock. The inherent and future values can only be preserved if the car is kept and maintained in it's original stock configuration. These cars are getting rarer by the year so for now, cars of this nature typically appreciate in value. Modifying a complete and original classic will have significant upfront and opportunity costs with the car depreciating over time. Lastly, when keeping the car original, you have the unique driver experience of driving a time period correct muscle car which, in of itself, can be value add.

If I have a car where the major components such as the drive train and or the interior trim are not original, then for me, a restomod is the way to go for all the reasoning you cited. Also, there is a little cost recovery in a thoughtful well-done project if it's decided to sell the car later on. So the thrill of driving and owning a modernized vintage muscle car coupled with a little cost return can help justify updating the car.

[blasdelagarza]

I love what you all did with that red convertible. I have a 1965 convertible with 289 and automatic. You have me thinking about an update to drivetrain, going blueprint 302 and 5 speed. What does something like that run more or less?