Are you a Purist or a Realist?

felix37

felix37

Well-known member
After the post about modifications and what is acceptable, I thought a poll might be in order to see where most of the Barn stands with out giving a detailed reason or excuse as to why. so let us know, are you a Purist or are you a Realist ???
 
What is the definition of a realist, I think I am a realist and want to keep my antiques original as best I can, that's real.
 
As long as I can get parts without having to sell my house I'll stay a purest. I'm really not into hot hodding I just like having an old car and enjoy trying to keep it running like new. It's a hobby, and as my wife says, it keep me out of trouble.
 
im a realist, i realise you cant tour cross country in a car that can run only 50 mph. when every one else is doing 70-75, you will get killed, and is almost impossible to get parts when out in the country away from any big town i keep the body as stock as i can, but the running gear is modern, i love to drive my car, not on just short trips to breakfast or get togethers a few miles out in the country, so i guess you could say im one of those bad boys that upgrade the old cars, i know im not a purest and kinda take pride in that, and this is a post that is going to cause a lot of passion between the two groupes lol
 
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I enjoy both sides of the hobby leaning towards realist for safety,,,ie upgrading brakes,,I also enjoy power,,,but have a love affair going with henry's flathead v8...that was the first motor i rebuilt!!!
 
My 37 - Pure stock, 60 hp, all original unrestored and going to remain that way
My 38 - Looks stock, 85 hp, restored similar to original, but I'd add flames and big n littles if money allowed
 
Would be a sick flathead that with 3/78 or better gearing will only do 50mph.
The butcher crowd with their mods and easter egg colors only make our original cars more valuable. There are some safety items like brake floaters, halagen lights and hidden 6v fuel pumps to fight vapor lock that most of us have on our drivers. A flathead will wrap your car around a pole as good as a garbage truck engine.
 
I am a realist, but my car is very original, so realist in me says I would be crazy to mess with it. If it was not very original I would have rodded it (although I would never cut one up myself)
 
A properly rebuilt flat head with a Columbia OD will do well on the freeway & should last well over 100,000 miles & not over heat with a good cooling system.Why some guys think they need a SBC is beyond me.
 
I am a realist . I want my car to look original but drive better.What was Henry ? He used parts from earlier years on new models,he approved (?) The dog only for 34. He approved the Potter trunk 33-34 And made similar trunk standard production later.At what time do we become a realist or purest .If we add lead to our fuel are we changing to a purest or from a purest ? I respect both views.I think each owner should enjoy his car (or truck) the way he likes it and don't worry what others think.When I get a thumbs up I am happy that is the bottom line. my 2 cents lee34
 
I like old cars. Period. My `37 Chevy coupe street rod is a great car to drive, anywhere, anytime. My `35 Ford Cabriolet is basically original and it will stay that way as long as I own it. I have always liked the Ford flathead engine, its unique sound, its looks and the nostalgia it offers. So I have no idea where I stand as a realist or a purist.
Shadetree
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columbia, i will answer your question, sbc complete long block, $750, and 300 h/p. parts every where and cheap, ford flat head, $3500and maybe 150 h/p, parts very scarce and expensive, now before you roast me i was just answering your question as why people go to the sbc, i personally love the flathead engine, and have a 39 delux coupe that is all original, and wouldnt take any thing for it
 
Realist.

Can't afford to be a purist.

If I tried to be a purist I'd never get a car on the road.

Mart.
 
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