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What Makes a Resto-mod?

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Old 07-26-2021, 12:47 AM
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TCKT B8
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Default What Makes a Resto-mod?

Just curious what makes a car qualify as a resto-mod. Is my 65 a resto-mod? I have left the body stock on my 65 roadster, but have made the following mods:
1. Torch red paint 2. 405 hp 355 Blueprint crate motor 3, TKO 5 Speed 4. Holley Sniper FI 4. Wilwood disc brakes 5. Vintage air 6. Tilt Steering column 7. power brakes 8. Steroids Rack and pinion steering 9. 3:55 Posi 10. numerous other small items like blue tooth, etc.

I do not have an LS and I have not lowered the car.I also did not opt for big wheels, but I did go with a set of Torque Thrust wheels. I also installed Spax shocks and a new rear spring, but that's pretty much it. So bottom line -- have I created a resto-mod or is it just "modified?" What makes up a resto-mod??








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Old 07-26-2021, 12:49 AM
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If it’s on a stock frame I would say no
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Old 07-26-2021, 12:51 AM
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Does a resto mod retain the stock body?
Old 07-26-2021, 01:20 AM
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vettebuyer6369
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
If it’s on a stock frame I would say no
I agree. LS motor, chassis at a minimum.

Resto mods are high end street rods under a Corvette body. Cosmetics are up to the builder.

I’d call your car modified. There’s nothing wrong with that.
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Old 07-26-2021, 02:09 AM
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Originally Posted by TCKT B8
Does a resto mod retain the stock body?
The Body can be stock or customized.

The convertible is stock bodied. The Coupe has a modified body, designed to fit the wheels.
Drivetrain, frame, suspension etc. have been updated.


This one qualifies as a Custom Car also.

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Old 07-26-2021, 07:55 AM
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509 rat
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So what does the word resto mean and mod , should mean restored and modified right. So any car restored and was modified is a resto mod I would think .
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Old 07-26-2021, 08:15 AM
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I consider my non LS, non Frame change 57 a Resto Rod all day long. ZZ383 crate motor with Edelbrock Pro Flo EFI, TKO 600 trans. 4 link rear suspension with coil overs , shortened axle for rear wheel clearanceand modified frame with mini tub also for wheel clearance. Fat Man front suspension with Shock Wave air ride, Wilwood 4 wheel disc brakes, Foose 18/17 wheels, chopped convertible top with folding rear glass window, Vintage Air, Blue Tooth, rack and pinion steering, classic gauges, power windows, leather interior, built to be driven current mileage is 16k.
This car spent its early years as a drag car then a summer only car (in Michigan) then parked for 23 years in a garage. Perfect frame no motor, top or interior and less than 40K miles when the build was started. Yep it’s a resto rod .
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Old 07-26-2021, 08:27 AM
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The body need to keep its lines. Stretched rear wheel wells is fine not flairs. if it on a stock chassis and no LS with just a bunch of mods it falls into custom or semi custom class not resto mod. Modern chassis, modern engine, upgraded interior with old body is a resto mod. Looks like a old car drives like a 2021.
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Old 07-26-2021, 09:06 AM
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I have to disagree…

Not to many year ago a RestoMod was a Restored and Modified vehicle (not just Vettes).

Normally body off restoration plus upgraded engine – transmission – brakes – suspension – interior – stereo – tires – wheels – etc. Making car look close to original but with new technology for comfort, reliability and safety.

Only recently has the LS engine and new chassis become mandatory and only in Corvettes. Yes the LS engine is a great modification I had a LS3 (450hp) in a C3 Vette and it was great but so is my 383 stroker (450hp) w/Holley Sniper FI. Transmission is beefed up 200-4R.

My original frame is a low milage rust free with Ride-Tech coil over suspension. Brakes are Wilwood. Stereo is modern with BlueTooth.

Search the internet for Restomod and you can’t find LS & New chassis mandatory except in this C1/C2 forum.

I rest my case but I like them all modified, stock or REST-O-MOD.

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Old 07-26-2021, 10:51 AM
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I think the main thing would be the suspension. Frame can be stock but no original style suspension. Some consider that an up grade to todays standards. A more modern ride.
Old 07-26-2021, 12:52 PM
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Or maybe it's just Wook.
Old 07-26-2021, 01:40 PM
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It's just a name. Yours looks terrific so you can call it what ever you want.
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Old 07-26-2021, 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
If it’s on a stock frame I would say no
My exact thoughts as well. Real Resto-Mods start with a new, modern frame at the very least. It's the most important component and what makes the car modern. Bolt- ons with the original frame just mean you have a modified car.
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Old 07-26-2021, 02:24 PM
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OP: You have a well done car. Gotta love a red corvette.
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Old 07-26-2021, 02:29 PM
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If you change a car from the way it rolled off the assembly line, it's a resto-rot.
Old 07-26-2021, 03:04 PM
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Nice added options. I too have and will be building mine almost the same as yours. I have a 383 topped with a Sniper on top ordered. I've got my 5 speed, tilt column, rack and pinion with power upgrade conversion, power brakes conversion, etc. already to go. There really is no true definition to RestoMod. I feel what I am doing is a day 2 car. To the "untrained" eye appears to be stock. You have a little more bling but to me still a day 2 car to me.
Old 07-26-2021, 03:25 PM
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My 2 cents worth
Restomod yes, look back to street rodding for resto rod for the origins of the term. I think a lot of people confuse pro touring and resto mod. JMHO

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Old 07-26-2021, 04:00 PM
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I would say ..you have a hot rod.
And thats good.
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Old 07-26-2021, 07:15 PM
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Hotrod, started reading them when I was 10 which ruined me for anything stock. Still have difficulty keeping my hands off of them. Call them whatever you want, they are all hot rods to me. Interesting, I am buying a 1966 L72 and I want it as stock as possible. Who knew?
Old 07-26-2021, 08:06 PM
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@Black Magic nailed it.

I only see one mention of Pro Touring. That’s the aftermarket chassis, etc. next level upl. Resto - Restored, Mod - Modified. Easy Peasy.
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