Restored cars

Kahuna

Kahuna

Well-known member
Just for fun I looked thru the ads for Model "A" on the Mafca site.
I was amazed by the number of cars that are "restored".
Has the definition of the word changed?
Just wondering
Jim
 
The definition of the word "restore" :

repair or renovate (a building, work of art, vehicle, etc.) so as to return it to its original condition.

Looks like the definition hasn't changed....only people's interpretation of the word has.
 
Does it really matter?

There are people who will pick the best restoration apart. It’s just a hobby.

Just enjoy it, no matter the level of restoration.
 
It doesn't ever really matter except in a sale description. Maybe the word renewed might be more correct. Most everything on my car has been renewed but may not be factory. I trust my car to get me there and back anytime it is used.
 
dean from bozeman said:
The definition of the word "restore" :

repair or renovate (a building, work of art, vehicle, etc.) so as to return it to its original condition.

Looks like the definition hasn't changed....only people's interpretation of the word has.
Click to expand...

In that same definition, it gives these synonyms...

synonyms: repair · fix · mend · refurbish · recondition · rehabilitate · rebuild · reconstruct · remodel · redecorate · revamp · make over · overhaul · put back into its original condition · redevelop · renovate · modernize · update · bring up to date · upgrade · gentrify · refit · re-equip · refurnish · bring up to code · do up · fix up · give a facelift to · rehab
antonyms: neglect

(My bolds...note that all but one synonym does not apply to our former definition of restore.

The term has become more to mean "fix up" than "return to its original condition".

Even those who argue that it is misused, often have a lot of leeway themselves (seat belts, radial tires, powder coated wheels, high compression head, insert bearings, turn signals, safety glass, modern shocks, etc. etc), but can always rationalize THEIR deviations from "return to its original condition" as still being "restored".

It doesn't bother me any. I know what is meant when I see the car.
 
I don't have any problem with safety equipment being modernized.
I also feel it's ok for period correct accessories....It all depends on the goal of the "restoration".
If you want a trophy car that scores points, no.
If you want a driver and don't care about trophies, then whatever...it's your car.
 
WHN said:
Does it really matter?

There are people who will pick the best restoration apart. It’s just a hobby.

Just enjoy it, no matter the level of restoration.
Click to expand...

J Franklin said:
It doesn't ever really matter except in a sale description. Maybe the word renewed might be more correct. Most everything on my car has been renewed but may not be factory. I trust my car to get me there and back anytime it is used.
Click to expand...


I think it matters greatly. It is the deceit that is often intended when using this word to mislead someone about the actual condition.
 
Brent, that is why I said it was wrong in using restored in the description of a car for sale unless quantified and honestly described.
 
Kahuna said:
Just for fun I looked thru the ads for Model "A" on the Mafca site.
I was amazed by the number of cars that are "restored".
Has the definition of the word changed?
Just wondering
Jim
Click to expand...


Depends on the time to which it was restored.


Restored to factory is different to restored to the condition my Dad bought it.
Since the first person that wanted to sell something to another "stretching" the truth or even out and out deceit has been the norm when buying a used car. Being called a "used car salesman" is not a good thing.
 
None I own or have owned were restorations, then or now. Yet I enjoy tooling around in them whatever shape they are in. I took a guy for a ride in one as it sputtered and died a few times, then burst to life to get us home only to die a pathetic death as the coil melted onto the firewall. He told me that little drive was the most fun he had seen in years. Giggled like a young kid through the whole episode. Could have sold him the car to take home, he was so tickled. Just drove it to Heritage Day in San Jose with no issues. Man, I'm still the Ace mechanic once in a while. Since it's running so well, I plan to keep my hands off anything that moves or turns until there is a real reason.
 
People have been using the word restored when selling cars in much the same way as long as I have been around the hobby. Even today many cars that are called "restored" are not factory but the persons interpretation of what they were new. If you don't use the same paint, then they are not back to factory or grease or oil or top material even fabric. Not to mention 100% factory Ford parts.
 
At a young age in the 1960’s when I went to a used car lot and looked at a 1957 Chevrolet, the salesman stated the engine had been rebuilt, my dad was with me and we went on a test drive. After the test drive I walked into the shop and asked the mechanic what he knew about the 1957 Chevrolet that I had taken for a test drive. He stated that the vehicle arrived with the engine disassembled in the trunk. I asked him if they rebuilt the engine and he stated that they reassembled the engine. So when you are told it is rebuilt or restored you need to ask specific question to determine what rebuilt or restored means.
 
24ruxstel1339, 'If you want a driver and don't care about trophies, then whatever...it's your car.'

I totally agree.

There are, as Dick Steinkamp points out, many different synonyms and therefore many uses of the word "restore". Conveying to potential buyers the definition that you used when working on your "A" is aided by photos and by explaining/listing any deviations from its original condition, e.g. radial tires, V-8 engine, hydraulic brakes, etc.

The point I think that Kahuna was making is that you can "see" many different definitions of the word "restored" just by visiting the classified ads on the MAFCA website.

It's interesting that MAFCA has a magazine called "The Restorer" and the popular series of books, "How to Restore your Model A". What variations of the definitions of the word "restorer"does MAFCA use?
 
People tell me my 'restored' car, with original cutout & batter cables, correct top, new tires ect isn't even good for parts & i should crush it & give them the remains.

People choose their own interpretation these days.
 
I think it is awfully late in the game to formally define and restrict the word restoration to the extremely narrow condition that it really should be....good luck in getting everyone to somehow adapt to that!
 
Man, I'm still the Ace mechanic once in a while. Since it's running so well, I plan to keep my hands off anything that moves or turns until there is a real reason.





very funny! we all get that feeling and aint it grand!
 
Mike V. Florida said:
Depends on the time to which it was restored.


Restored to factory is different to restored to the condition my Dad bought it.
Click to expand...
Nail hit squarely on the head. The word "restored" by itself means little. Restored to what state. It seems to me that "restored" can legitimately mean put back to any state that it was prior to "restoring". Restored back to factory new condition is not the same as restored back to driving condition. Both cars are "restored" but to two completely different conditions. I have found that no matter what hobby you are in, there will ALWAYS be issues with terms being used and what they mean. You can't even use the dictionary because there are those that will say that the dictionary is wrong and that their interpretation is correct.
 
Around here "restored" means paint and interior. The mechanicals are never part of it.

A friend ,new to a's, bought a nice looking Tudor that was "restored" several years ago. When he had a lot of problems he found a lot of worn out parts that were painted and put back in
such as steering balls with paint still on the worn areas.

John
 
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