Starting Controversy on Customization..

[Bullitt-]

I'll answer your question with a question...Is there any car YOU would NOT customize? .....
Think about a 427 Cobra, Superbird, Hemi Cuda, I guess I would have to measure each vehicle on it's own merits.
 E-bodies are common enough that there are plenty of candidates for customising but in the end how far do you need to take it. With a unique paint job and a few bolt ons you can make it your own without getting into chopping up a solid one that probably could be much more valuable kept stock than any custom. & there are plenty of rotters around that would be candidates for such a project. As for Vipers who knows what a stock example might be worth when they get to be 40 years old, but I guess that you can't worry about that today.   

[wally426ci]

Not a fan of the crazy stuff that people do, like the guy around here that has a gazillion yellow lights under the hood, yellow crinkle tubing all over the wiring, and a huge stuffed tweetie bird in the passenger seat (no lie) 

but to each is own, I dont like when people disregard 318 cars though, Ive got almost every 71 option out there short of big bloxk and performance packages and I LOVE my car. I may have changed the color, and it looks like a 340 car with minor mods, but thats what i like... 

[ViperMan]

I'll answer your question with a question...Is there any car YOU would NOT customize? .....
Think about a 427 Cobra, Superbird, Hemi Cuda, I guess I would have to measure each vehicle on it's own merits.
 E-bodies are common enough that there are plenty of candidates for customising but in the end how far do you need to take it. With a unique paint job and a few bolt ons you can make it your own without getting into chopping up a solid one that probably could be much more valuable kept stock than any custom. & there are plenty of rotters around that would be candidates for such a project. As for Vipers who knows what a stock example might be worth when they get to be 40 years old, but I guess that you can't worry about that today.   

And see that's what I was going to say - we talk about the rarity and production numbers of "our" cars - ebody's, Cuda's and Challengers.  Realize that they saw HIGHER production runs than the Viper (at least I think - that's kinduva guess without doing some serious statistical research.)  Now, Gen-1 Vipers, according to my research, have still dropped about 45% from "new car" value.  Of course, when they finally stop producing Vipers altogether, we'll probably see this number go up.  But then again, they've ALREADY stopped producing Gen-1 Vipers.  So tecnically, they're ALREADY as rare as they're going to get.

That means that Gen-1 Vipers and Ebody 'Cudas would technically share the same issue - that no more will ever be made, and they'll continue to dwindle in numbers as some are totalled, left to fall apart, etc.  So again, WHY is customizing a Gen 1 Viper okay and customizing a Cuda not?

Now, lemme say that I AGREE with the same argument I'm making - I don't like seeing old muscle cars all riced out or chopped all up - to quote another member, "ruined beyond the point of return."  I think there is a degree of respect that's due to these cars - after all they paved the way for cars LIKE the Viper to even exist today.  I just don't see why people get all bent out of shape over little things.

And to answer your question - is there any car I wouldn't customize - my answer is no.  Now, if I got my hands on a 426 Hemi Convertible, would I go adding lights or cutting off parts or adjusting things....  Absolutely Not.  But I'd probably end up selling the car because I wouldn't like the feeling that I can't make it my own.  I guess I don't really see the point of people saying, "I like cars to stay looking stock."  Then why do you BUY sports cars or muscle cars?  You buy them because of their rarity, because of their stigma.  If you just want a stock, "like everyone else's car" - why don't you buy a Civic or a GT6?  They all look the same, and many of these cars today I can barely tell apart.  My wife wants an SUV - I looked at Toyotas, Hyundais, Fords, Subaru's, even Lexus's - they ALL look the SAME.  I had to look at things like Towing Capacity just to establish a variant between those slush boxes...  The moment she brings one home, I'm going to customize the crap out of it just to make it unique!

I like the comments though - I think it's a neat discussion, and again, I'm not trying to start a fight or point fingers.  But I'll tell you now, my 'Cuda is going to CHANGE.  Of course it was a 318 car, so as someone put it, "Who cares?"

Jeff

[HP2]

The art analogy is a good frame of reference when it comes to customization and what floats your boat may not float mine.

The member on here doing the extensive tube frame, twin turbo 6.1 Hemi is receiving lots of kudos and compliments, yet it is a radical customization that is irreversible. However, the Johnson Hot Rod shop Cuda has been lambasted. In spirit, they are not that different.

Doubtless to say,  few members may remember back to the 70s when customization meant radical fender flares, N50 tires, sidepipes, porthole windows in C pillars, diamond tuft interiors in velvet and other garrish designs, but they were hip at the time. No doubt some customs of today will be viewed in the same context of time.

Since most of my history is in racing, some of the mods that you see on race vehicle are what I like, subtle yet different. One of the most extreme examples of that being the Smokey Yunick Camaro. It doesn't appear any different than any other Camaro until you park it side by side with a stock Camaro. Then it become hugely evident that it is a radical custom that is more like a 7/8 scale version of the same car. I would love to the same with an E body and race it in the NASA American Iron series, but time and money mean that won't happen.

Anyway, I see nothing wrong with customs and I actually prefer them to stock vehicles. Honestly now, in a  row of restored, identical vehicles, aren't the only differences really just color, fit and finish? Is that something people will notice when you are cruising by? No, but to a great many people that is very important, so that is what they look for. The funny thing is that a large number of members here will say they own a mopar because they are not as common as Mustangs or Camaros, but then they restore the car to look like a large majority of other mopars. SO, perhaps, customization is really about degrees of difference and how acceptable those degrees are to the majority. If you are willing to step outside the norm, be prepared to accept to criticism of not toeing the line.

[72Chall77Doba]

I agree with those who have stated...
"if it's a #'s matching 440 6pac or hemi don't touch it."

However, when I had my chally restored, a basic petty blue rallye, I decided to use the resto
as a custom ordered car, the way I did it when I bought my first new chally back in 1971.

Instead of checking off options on a dealer order sheet,
I sorta placed the order with my restorer, and had it rebuilt the way I wanted it,
knowing I will NEVER NEVER EVER sell her.

I ordered it in plum crazy, white vinyl top and white interior.
I ordered my favorite year of striping, the 70 r/t in white.
I ordered the 1971 spring special option of the wide chrome trim around the hood.
I ordered it with power windows, power disc brakes, and a/c.
So I had it built to what I wanted, my vision, my true love.

I paid more for the resto than the car is worth, put myself into major debt to do it but who cares, certainly not I. Maybe my wife does, lol. But then again, who cares.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, it's MINE all MINE.
Think I'll go sit in her in the garage.
Bye

[torredcuda]

I bet if you go to a Viper board they will be just like us,a lot of guys saying biuld it like you want and others keeping them bone stock although since they have not hit collectible status yet the higher percentage would favor the mods.Still if you showed up at a meet with an early production gen 1 R/T with a chopped off roof,plum crazy paint and twin turbos under a cowl hood you`d beat up more than a transvestite trying to pick up guys at a Hells Angels rally!    The limited production `08 Challengers will be looked at the same way.

[moparmaniac59]

Interesting thread Jeff,
I say to each his own. Not that I might like it.  I agree with the art of the shape and style unique to the era. I am all good with subtle changes like suspension and drivetrain. Why not a keisler 5 speed or XV suspension?? How about a Saleen Mustang? Not much different looking on the outside than any other Mustang, but all the changes are under the "skin". I have a '74 Challenger with a 440. Did they put big blocks in "E" bodies in '74?? NOT, but it's what I want. I am all about with keeping the style and look of the era. So I guess I am nostalgic, and want to keep the cars with the original look, but I am all good with a custom paint job, or drivetrain or rims (not 20"), but let's not put any Ford parts on or chop it up!!. Just my 


                                                              Matt B.

[geneo4116]

ya know i just bought a 70 rt challenger last october 383 auto rt nom, but i grew up in the 70s and i love 15x10s in rear and 15x7s in front so i bought cragers , i just wanted the old skool look and it worked i love it, jacked it up with air shocks, i know its a bad word ,and i agree the car rides rough, but i love the raked look in the future will proably add a leaf,but always loved that look dont want 20s no neons but if thats you then thats you, yeah would not do a hemi car are a 440 sixpac