Modifications U (Don't) Like

[mph]

One subject that polarises opinion is modifications to classic cars. I plead guilty having modified numerous cars over the years, mainly to improve the driving experience i.e uprated brakes, 5 speed gearbox etc. etc.

But there are some "enhancements" that I really don't understand, make me cringe and in certain cases would put me off buying the car.

Please treat this as a lighthearted topic as we're all entitled to our opinions.

In no particular order - I dislike

Walnut dashes fitted to MGB's, TR6's etc.
Contrasting seat piping on cars that never had it originally
Minilite wheels fitted to almost everything - TR's, Stags etc.

Edited by mph on Sunday 28th September 13:35

[mph]

Jimski said:

i dont like too modern seats in classics - buckets excluded, but seeing early escorts with rs turbo or escort cosworth seats just seems odd

I agree about the minilites and I really don't like the look of modern head units in cars

Even worse to see classic 1950's/1960's saloons with modern rally seats - hideous.

[mph]

shambollic said:

There are lots of modifications that would stop me buying a classic car, such as modern 5 speed gearboxes in place of original 3 or 4 speed gearboxes, synchromesh gearboxes instead of crash boxes, cable brakes replaced by hydraulic brakes, chrome wire wheels, and wheels that are smaller than they should be. But its all up to personal preference, I don't want an old car to drive like a new car, otherwise I'd just buy a new car. Other people have a different perspective.

As you say, different perspectives.

The only point I would make is that modifications are often portrayed as a new phenomenon whereby "modern" drivers are ruining old cars by upgrading them.

Nothing could be further from the truth . Replacing cable brakes with hydrauilcs, fitting overdrives, improving lighting, improving cooling, fitting wider wheels, and a myriad other modifications were taking place in-period almost as soon as a car was marketed.

Road conditions have changed dramatically for the worse in the last few decades. I modify my own cars simply to make them safer and more usable on a regular basis.