By Nick Licata
There are times when going totally custom with your build sounds like a good idea, but ya gotta be careful as to not go overboard when the time comes to giving your classic ride some additional flair. Too much fabrication gymnastics can cause more chaos than custom to your ride whereas a smaller dose of tasteful nuances may have been the best route.
To maintain a classic vibe without straying too far, consider having a rendering drawn up to visualize your concepts on paper. What may seem cool in your mind might not translate well on screen, and it is a great way to avoid excessive fabrication faux pas.
Whether it’s incorporating a cartoonish carbon-fiber wing, creating a custom engine cover, or shaving the original door handles in favor of the latest aftermarket electric, push-button pieces, you’ll risk having your car resemble hundreds of others with that identical modification. When it comes to building a classic restomod, personal preference and originality are important aspects to ensure your ride carries a distinctive look and style all its own. One major mistake I’ve seen is opting for trendy paintjobs with stripes or flames that typically do not age well. Among all modifications you can make to your car, the paintjob can be the most expensive when it comes time for a change. Whatever color you choose, be sure it’s one you can live with for a very long time. Of course, when building a concours restoration, the rules pivot as the idea is to build a car that looks just as it did when it came off the assembly line, making it similar to thousands of others of that same year—not an easy task and a completely different aspect of the hobby altogether.
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When it comes to customizing that hot rod of yours, resist the temptation to follow the latest trends and be sure those modifications don’t hinder your car’s driveability. That super-low front spoiler may look cool, but it can be a huge bummer when it comes to rolling down that steep driveway transition or navigating that parking lot speed bump at your favorite cruise spot. Damaging that spoiler is certain to be an expensive mistake.
A key consideration during the car building process is ensuring smooth and trouble-free operation. It’s the backbone to the whole idea of owning a muscle car or hot rod. When your car becomes more challenging to drive, it tends to spend more time in the garage than on the road, defeating its purpose.
Trust me, I get it. There are times when I look at my car and think the ride height could be just a little lower, but the bottom of my headers strongly disagrees. Although it’s easier said than done, there comes a point where you just have to leave well enough alone.
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