5 Classic Car Upgrades that Define A RestoMod
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- My dad, brother, and I have been working on old cars & trucks since as long as I can remember. While my personal preference and style has evolved over the years, I’ve always gravitated towards the cars that aren’t heavily modified visually, but have all the underpinnings that make them fun to drive, own, and enjoy. It wasn’t for many years that I learned this type of a build is called a RestoMod. If you’re building one, or if you’re considering upgrading some systems on your classic car, listen up. In this video, I’m going to discuss the 5 major component upgrades that define a restomod:
1.Steering
2. Suspension
3. Transmission
4. Engine
5. Brakes
Do you agree with our list? What did we miss? Drop your comments below and tell us about the best upgrades that you've made to your classic car or muscle car.
#classicnation #restomod #upgrades - Auta a dopravní prostředky
On my 63 Falcon Vert I have done all of those things. You should have mentioned chassis stiffening. Now sense in having 400hp and coil overs if your chassis is like butter.
#6 might be headlight upgrade, all the 60's and 70's cars and trucks I've owned were not great at night.
I couldn't agree more! Nick put bi-xenon headlights in his '65 Impala SS and he loves them! (www.classicnation.com/hid-bi-xenon-headlight-retrofit-classic-muscle-car/)
Man, dude. You are incredibly knowledgeable and easy to understand! I did almost all of the same things to my 66 GTO. Best of luck to you and on all of your projects. Thanks for the info.
The rear suspensions on A-Body stuff GM produced is pretty decent with the '68-'72 Chevelle and El Camino, also the C10 stuff from most of the '60s. Some of that stuff was the beginning of the 4-links we see today.
Nascar uses the panhard bar which C10 has been using for 50+ years.
Absolutely!
Solid list. I couldn't agree more.
Excellent information and delivery, my friend. This direct and well supported kind of video is exactly what a car guy wants when he is looking for good advice!
Btw, I am restoring a 66 GTO and changed to an IRoc steering box, disc breaks in front, added a sway bar in back, bigger sway bar in front, new poly bushings in everything except body mounts, QA1 coil overs in front and back and QA1 tubular upper control arms in front. I clearly came to the same conclusion as you on most of these improvements!
Thank you!
I wrote down everything you mentioned about mid range upgrades. You have really helped me choose the right components for my 67 impala fastback. I hope that I can stay with in my budget. 🙏🏽🇺🇸
This video is extremely helpful with what I need to do with my classic car.
I own my dream classic 79 el camino base, she gots a 350 small block and a th350 transmission. Working on suspension and steering ironically so im glad those 2 were in your list.
Thanks again for the video, its very informative and helpful to the max.
Take care to you and to everyone who watched this video!!
Just got a 65 el Camino, I always liked the look of the older models especially that beautiful V. My first car, my dream car, in price range, in great condition but begging for a new lease on life.
Perfect! Restoring my 71 Firebird Formula that I have had since the 70's and this is exactly what I wanted to know. No plates for years, in heated garage for a while but runs fine and drives (now and then to blow dust and any possible mice looking for a residency). Restoring with mods for local car cruises and local car shows and eventually, when I am done playing with it, pass it on to my daughter. (I taught her to drive it,4 speed, when she was 15) I was unsure about just how far to take each modification. Your video with categories of the five areas AND the low. mid and high range budget was exactly what I needed to identify exactly what mods I will do. THANKS! Plan on having steps done but I did not realize that each step is generally done by separate shops, paint and body, restomod suspension, interior and engine "shops"AND that it is going to be up to me to sort of coordinate.
Good info.
66 Mustang with 347/T5/Painless wiring/Macleod clutch/ Borgeson steering/ 4x disc brakes/ Meyer front suspension / Shelby drop and modern spindles.
Sounds like a sweet combo!!!
Just finished working a 71' ford torino 500, cant wait to take the 351c out and do up the motor and finish some mechanical things such as a newer transmission. Completed the whole body kit and interior but after the motor is all finished i plan on doing the 1-5 on my charger! great video
Thanks so much for your video. I got my dads 73 chevy nova. Drove it for 2 month. Enjoy jt a lot but leaving me stranded made me think has to be a better way to enjoy n keep this car for many years to time. Thought about selling it because I was thinking I may not be able to do it. After seen your video I’m going to keep it fix it enjoy it for many years to come. 🙏🏼
Great video exactly what I was looking for, I just got a 65 Chevy and this is gonna be a learning experience for me as I’ve never had any experience with cars in general but Can’t wait to figure out how to do some stuff you mentioned.
The production quality of these videos is first class but is overshadowed by the quality of the content. Great information for anyone interested in learning more about classic cars.
Thanks, Brad! I really appreciate it!
Great Video! I'm not much of a restomod guy but I do like improving my classic cars. I subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
I’m looking for my first classic car, not a mechanic, learning a lot from your channel, looking at either impala 65-67 or chavelle 69-72, great channel
Those are great options Brent! Thanks for following along!
Great video that was easy to follow. I really appreciate the budget, mid, and money is no object options
I love this channel I have a 66 impala off frame restoration
Thank you for the video! I have a 66' Fairlane I am going to rebuild. Too many people have content about making a race care however I just want a zippy car that is fun to drive around town. Better suspension and steering are what I was looking for information on.
I will probably subscribe to this but a few pointers you may have missed:
#1 while doing steering work on your ride, consider sourcing a collapsible steering column if one is available.
#2. Repeat after me, not all classic cars are muscle cara and probably nor should they be... with that in mind super bright brake lights are a must have.
#3. LED light conversions can help aging vehicle wiring and charging systems.
#4. The front brakes do a majority of the stopping so the budget disc brake conversion would only involve the front axle.
#5. Engine swaps are done so much it is passee, but the newest swap people are talking about are EV swaps. Some can be done on a budget and some can't.
Bonus #6,
Live in an area where classic car parts can be found in a junkyard? We aren't that lucky in my neck of the woods..
Bonus #7, find yourself a mechanic that you trust that has a reputation for working with older cars if you don't have the time or knowledge or other resources to do the work yourself.
Such great tips! Thank you!!!
Great video mate. Very informative.
Great video. Still doing updgrades on a 69 camaro over 22 years.
Thank you. great info for a beginner.
Great video!!! Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Great information! I recently bought a 1970 Nova that im currently doing body repairs and always open to new and good ideas... Thanks for the video and i already clicked like and going to Sub to your channel
Amazing video!
Thank you!
I actually got some useful info for my '96 f body. Thanks a heep
Nice tips. So changing to tubed arms will change the feel i wondered why people did it. I might try that myself.
Very interesting viewing, about to buy my nephew's 66 Mustang. This car has been through a 5yr rebuild from a rolling shell. The engine is about to have a rebuild, unsure if its a 289 or 302, but happy with either. It's got disc brakes front, drums rear. Finding out something new every day about these wonderful old iconic cars. Just waiting to find a 5speed trans then hopefully all systems go. Hope to have it on the road this spring. Its taken so long due to my nephew doing this rebuild as his hobby, whilst running his own busy joinery business. He also has a running mustang convertible, and two other rolling shells from the USA.
Regards from the UK.
Great video. Would like to see one on budget mods such as pertronix, Shelby drop, stiffer sway bar etc... the best bangs for the buck.
Great suggestion!
@@ClassicNation The brakes should be upgrades FIRST!
awesome video thanks!!!
excellent advice👍
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks a million for these costless advices...any upcoming videos on exterior/interior body, electrical, tires?♥️🤜🏾🤛🏽
Well Done~
I want to restomod my 65 impala SS got it about a month ago super excited
Awesome! We've got some good 65 impala specific content on this channel that you can check out to get some ideas/inspiration. Let us know if you have any questions on anything!
I love this channel. I am doing a restomod on my 68 Mustang and get lots of ideas from these guys and have started documenting my experiences on my channel, Charley's Garage
Thank you! We'll check out your channel as well!
@@ClassicNation Finally put the TCP coil over on my Mustang, What a difference!
@@charleysgarage Good work!
great video it was really entertaining
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just watched the video and others. Thanks, great info. Any suggestions on transmission upgrade? Gotta straight 6 250, would like to get rid of the 2 speed power glide.
I actually like old school power steering. My 73 Javelin had it. I could turn that thing with one pinky effortlessly. I drove it fast too and just didnt have a problem. I knew where the tires were and didnt feel like i needed rack and pinion.
Thank you, very useful (Chev ctruck square)
You bet!
"I Love them all, 40's 50's 60's early seventies"
*sad miata crying in the back
Great video! Would have been great to give average cost of those upgrade tiers though...
86 k10 got it back from the paint shop in November and no more rust. Which they said was bad. Did a rebuild 350. Deffinietly want to work on the suspension and brakes next, after that front lockers and upgrade the gears in the back.
Great video thanks 👍
I bypassed the engine and transmission on my 1966 Dodge Charger For now. I did have the transmission serviced.
But the steering and suspension and disc brakes made it a new car...😀
Nice work! Glad it helped!
Great video. What about anti-locking brake system I haven’t seen an option to add on a classic car ?
Working on my 69 Z-28 Camaro, Wilwoods, 454, turbo 400, with Gear Vendors..:) hauls ass!!
For brakes just go on ebay and get a used front/rear CTS-V 6pot calipers with rotors set, my cousin got a use set for his 98 camaro z28 on ebay
My 64 buick riviera rebuilt 425 nailhead with a mild cam board over 30.. disc brake kit in the front. Drums in the back. 4L60E trans. Custom custom 1-in drop lowering springs. I'm looking for an adjustable panhard bar. Can't seem to find one. Wondering if an adjustable Pinar bar for and Impala will fit without modification to the bracket. Your video is very informative those are the upgrades from your video that I need to do
Hi, you make a great video, well spoken and clear. Thanks! I bought a LS5 matching numbers 454 with original trans, rear end, and motor. Solid but I need to put a trunk, quarters, doors and fenders, so I am doing a full frame off resto. I would like to get some advice of how far to modify the car with out taking away the value. or maybe not do any mods? Thx, Mark.
Hi Mark - it really depends on the market for that specific car. Some cars have a high demand for restomods, where people are willing to pay more for those compared to a bone stock original. If the car is fairly rare or optioned out really well, those are often the ones that are better to restore as original as possible. Is your plan to fix and sell, or keep it? If you're going to keep it, I say build it how you want it! Send me an email with the details of your car, and I'll do some research to see if I can point you in the right direction. Also happy to chat it through over a phone call if you prefer.
Good luck!
You can keep the original trans and have it rebuilt. Then talk to gear vendors about one of their set uos. Then the car will be as close to stock as possible. Minus the extra overdrive set up. It will require a much shorter driveshaft.
Realy good Video 👍😎 I wonder if the value in the car going up if that car have a 6 cylinder from factory and put in a v8 instead?
Thank you
I'm getting a '60 700 Corvair on Tuesday and I have no idea where to start mechanically. I think I might just try to get everything cleaned up first.
Hey nick, im working on my 65 impala. I looked up the rack and pinion for it and its around 2k.. i was gonna go with a new quick ratio steering box for.it. but i watched this video and you got me thinking of the rack and pinion option. Im putting in an ls3 connect and cruise. Will the rack and pinion optiin really be that much better than a new steering box?
I have a 69 Impala and the steering sucks, Ill have to look into upgrading the steering. My car was actually sold at yenko Chevrolet,It was green with a black landau top it is a factory four speed and the engine was replaced from a 327 to a 454.It has been painted white with the trademark Yenko stripe, Its seems to be at the mechanic more that it is with me, esp with supply parts being scarce due to covid-19. But when I do get to drive her there is nothing like it, Just an absolute blast.
Very informative video I have a 1968 super sport chevelle big block 468 turbo 400 12 bolt 373. That I have restored from the frame up it has a 1969 chevelle frame with global West front upper an lower tubular arms it does have coils springs from a 77 monte Carlo in it as I don't like lower muscle cars I haven't got to the rear arms yet but plan to the rear coils are also from the Monte which gives this A body a real don't mess with me or else stance the interior is an alternant buick gs 400 deluxe and is rare the exterior color was maroon but I'd now fathom blue with two fat white stripes it also has a full 3 inch stainless exhaust system with metric cut outs this car really turns heads it also has a back story if you would like to read about it let me know I'm very proud an have done 96 percent of all the work. RayStein
Great information,
I have a 1960 Catalina, what transmission can I use on it?
Hi, nice video, good advice. I have a 65 Skylark with a 73 350/TH350. Do you think there is value in swapping to a ‘73 455 and TH400 or should I swap to something more modern?
Have done linkage bearings and disc brakes all around.. want to do steering and a arms along the way.
I just got a 1947 DESOTO CUSTOM and I really need some advice on stuff like this. I'm not a car person at all, so videos like this help a lot. If any one could offer advice or suggest any good forums for stuff like this, I'd greatly appreciate. I'm having a terribly difficult time finding any good info on this car.
71 malibu convertible. Quick ratio power steering box (Pontiac as I recall). Eibach springs, Koni shocks, Hotchkiss tubular A arms, Edelbrock boxed trailing arms, offset A arm mounts, biggest sway bars available, metal and urethane bushings everywhere, 15x12 weld draglites w/ p395/60R 15's on all 4 corners. TCI TH400 w/ cooler, 2400 stall converter. 489CID big block, 688 hp on pump gas. 10.28:1 compression. World heads, biggest valves, offy IR intake, twin 1150's, true roller valvetrain. Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners.
But it's not really a restomod. the nose was replaced with twin nascar radiators. the hood was replaced with a 6" snorkel flanked by twin L88 scoops. 6" fender flares on all 4 corners. front air dam, side skirts, and a F40 wing on the back.
Awesome! If you look at my video on my page, I’ve got a 68 Dodge Dart, ( 3000 lbs ) with a stroker smallblock, Sniper EFI , Baffled fuel tank , ProStar Wheels , frame connectors and 3.91 suregrip with the 8 3/4 rear. Superstock Springs but I’m planning on Caltraks in the near future. 500 horse, 500 lbs tq in a 3000 lb car. It’s a blast. I’d like to go with an AOD but for Mopar, that’s a little harder
Very cool!
have a 66 mustang that i currently am doing front disk conversion on, as well as trying to get the car to handle better
Nice! I’ve got a ‘67 Mustang that I’ve upgraded brakes, steering, and suspension. You’ll really enjoy driving your ‘66 once you finish those modifications. Good luck!
I have a 1965 and put in on the willwood brakes you won’t refer
I have a 66 mustang w front disc brakes ..there kinda cheap ones I got it like that ...lol
@@ClassicNation This video was super helpful! I got a 68 that needs total restoration, and I think I am going to do all 5 (unsure of what levels). Do you have an order your would recommend doing them in?
I've got two 68s and I'm looking to make them both restomods 😁
Thank you, you are professional, if we swap to a new engine as you advised, what about the ABS system ??
What car are you referring to? Most of the old cars we're discussing don't have ABS, though some folks have cleverly incorporated ABS into their classics!
I love the smell of the gasoline on the carburator or the squeaky noises in the suspension of my saab 99. So, i will stay classic. Great vídeo btw :)
Thank you!!!
Wow that took some fast talking to get all that in LOL !!!!!
But I like your picks, sounds good, definitely breaks !!!! number one !!!! they sucked from the factory so whether you did anything else or not brakes number one !!!
For sure!
I have an 1980 C3 Corvette can you do a restomod on that since it is kind of newer but could use some modernization
You absolutely can! C3's have lots of things areas that could benefit from some upgrades!
I have a 68 Camaro that's been in my dad's yard for 20 years it needs full restore I want to do a full frame off restoration and upgrade the vehicle with new modern parts as a restomod minitubbs and 4 link procharged ls engine with 4l60 trans and full front sub frame chassis brakes steering suspension rebuild
I have a 66 mustang with a 6.0 lq4 💯
Sweet! Sounds like an awesome combo!
I hope this isn’t too much to ask for but can you make a list for a specific build? I could use some help.
I've had a 1968 Chevy II 100 in my garage for about 9 years. It not the original engine or color. I pretty much bought someone else's project car. It came with a 283 and fake SS badging. This year I started the disassembly with a goal of having all the body work done and primered by the end of the year. My goal was to build a 1968 COPO Nova with matching 396 big block. After some serious time on the toilet and talking with my buddies, I'm no closer to deciding on the engine. There are alot of drawbacks to putting a big block in so now I am leaning towards the 350 small block which would make my build a 1968 Chevy II 400 Nova SS since the 1968 COPO was only built with a 396. Since it's not a numbers matching car and more of a personal build, would it matter if the COPO was more rare? Whatever I build it will always only be a restomod since it isn't a numbers matching car. Me building my own COPO won't make it a COPO. So I'm basing the engine build on car use. I intend to drive this car on city streets. I only need the big block for serious racing applications. I plan on being in the 350-500 hp range depending on components. If anything, your video has thrown the LS platform into the mix. I will get all around better performance from an LS swap but I will lose that classic car look that really drops jaws when people look under the hood. What to do.... What to do....
I'm putting a 69 351W that will be converted to a roller with Holley FI into my 68 Cougar. At least 400/400 to the rear wheels.
Excellent choice! That should wake it up a bunch!
@@ClassicNation Also converting from auto to stick. Complete engine and 4 spd for under 2K.. sell the date correct parts.
Just a suggestion to look into edelbrock pro flo 4
Random question - what is the music you used at the beginning the vid? (I liked it)
Good question. I'll see if I can track that down and comment back with the answer. Thanks!
Have a 1999 Jaguar XJ8 looking to update that bad boy
What happened to the 62 Convertible ?
Putting all the trim back on now, after it got painted this winter. We’ll have a video update about it in a month or two!
EFI... unless there's other issues with your current engine that is bandaided by a tuned carb. I get it... that's not what you're talking about here but yeah.
Hi, thanks for your useful video
I have an idea and I need your comment, I wanna buy a lincoln continental 1979 and a lincoln navigator 2022. What I wanna do is, unassemble all the parts of navigator and install it on continental, if I wanna explain with more details I wanna replace engine, gearbox, electronic systems, airbags in lincoln continental!
Could you explain me which step will be the most challenging part?
The entire thing will be the most challenging part. Not impossible (nothing is), but time and resources typically come into play with a plan like this.
Does anyone know any good books or resources with detailed information on how to resto mod a 67 fastback? I’m not that experienced with cars but would love to restore a fastback someday, I’m just light years behind most of these you tubers when it comes to car knowledge. I plan on dipping my toes into restoring my 95 wrangler pretty soon to gain some knowledge before I go to a mustang.
I don't think books really cover the restomod style as much as a pure restoration. You can learn absolutely everything you will ever want to know by joining and reading on the Vintage Mustang Forums, year specific Facebook groups, and joining your local Mustang club. With a restomod - the beauty is there is no specific formula you have to follow. The car is a blank canvas, so to speak, and you get to customize and restore it to your liking! I wish you luck - and feel free to ask questions here! I'm working on a '67 Mustang Fastback Restomod myself.
@@ClassicNation great thank you & yes sir I noticed that so I subscribed and am looking forward to the renovation
Thoughts on LS swapping a 67-68 mustang?
Definitely thought of it! My brother and I both have LS-swapped vehicles (his is a '65 Impala SS and mine is a '53 Chevy 5 Window pickup). It definitely would be cheaper and potentially more potent than a Coyote swap for example, but I just can't get my head around putting a Chevy engine in a Ford. ;)
Classic Nation in my mind, it’s a small block American V8 swapped for another small block American v8. The biggest appeal for an LS swap is you wouldn’t need to cut the shock towers like you would on a coyote.
do it..put Ford on the valve covers and only real Ford guys will even know. I know a guy who has a Desoto with a SBC and he put the Desoto emblems on the valve covers.
Dude, I want to restomod my 71 mach I, I'm in Colorado tho..., would love for you to be the guy, any thoughts?
Hydrastop booster, Willwood master cylinder, larger front disc and line-lock is fun.
71 Mach is sweet! I have tons of thoughts as to what I would do if it was mine, but you'll want to make it how you want it. What are you thinking for it?
68 dodge polara 4 door
I consider my Chevelle a restomod even though it has the stock suspension and steering. It rides smooth and steers just fine..
I am uprgrading a 454ss ck Silverado 1990 truck 454lsx and 4l80 with moser 9 And strange and wilwood brakes and hydroboost and 4 link suspension and rack and pinion and qa1 front control arms with also wilwood spindle the problem here what i see if when i wanted too sell it nobody wants too pay all tha parts 😩 hope I never had money starvation that makes me sell it love my truck
I prefer Anti-lock brakes.
In the spring my daughter and I start working on her corvier . Driveability , dependability, safety and looks. (not to sexy)lol
Sounds like a solid plan! I like the order at which you appear to be attacking it! Cheers!
Hi there, non car guy here(not yet atleast) step father in law gave me a 69' valiant for free and I wanna start fixing it up, it runs but needs suspension work done and I wanna learn how, i know it needs co trol arms and ball joints, really everything, where can I find parts to fit with it being an old car?
Aftermarket companies...just search for one. You may even have a Summit near you.
Shame my 1965 MK10 Jaguar has almost no aftermarket or modded options, even just finding used original parts is a hassle
67 Impalas were the first with factory front disc brakes not 66.
I feel like I have a different perception of restomod because I feel that stuff like steering and brakes upgrades aren’t really restomod. I kinda see it as like fuel injections or engine swaps with modern engines (such as LS swaps and stuff). But idk that’s just me. I do have a 65 Chevelle with a crate engine but it’s still a carbureted engine so I wouldn’t consider it restomod. But that’s my opinion
Restomod has always meant upgraded suspension/chassis/steering/braking
i got a matching number hi po 289. want to make it as fast and clean as i can.
Awesome! What's you plan for it?
I would put the 289 in storage and drop in a bigger more powerful motor.
The 6 who gave this a thumbs down must have something against useful information.
Great video
Any one selling a good transmission for a 69 chevy nova
Check out Craigslist of Facebook Marketplace.
I wanna swap my 76 duster into a 4 or 5 speed manual but its not really worth it. 5k+ on a 318 duster seems pointless
Yea, maybe. For some, an overdrive trans makes all the difference though.
No wheels?
Electric swap is the new trend now.
Brakes last? It should be the first thing or second thing to talk about. You spend all that money and don't have enough for brakes. LOL.
With all due respect , if I followed your advise there wouldn't be anything left of my classic car .
I'm gonna be honest, I didn't understand most of what was said here.
I have watched your video a dozen times great job. I am going down the same path on my 68 camaro. Any recommendations or lessons learned i should take away from a build that you have done or seen? If you want to see my progress thus far i can be found on instagram @ rustysigns_
Thanks for your support! I'd recommend spending extra time planning things out for your build. Many times, I've rushed to make a decision on something only to have to "re-do" it later. I will definitely check out your progress! Thanks!
@@ClassicNation i appreciate the advice!!
@@zacharytbarber Sure thing!
...butchering up a classic car with modern components is not an "upgrade"...
Every party has a pooper...
Lose those wagon wheels! Don't pimp classic cars!
No 2 Brakes and never do engine swaps .
I love unaided steering, and i totaly hate if the steering wheel has no weigth becouse i feels wrong