> ...Yes Roger, thats true... a true restoration like you're talking about > is another story. But its very rare, arguably impossible, to acheive > 100% factory original condition. Show the cars to some oldtimers > (people, not cars) who were there and they'll show you something that > isn't correct on the car... > But, there have been plenty of examples of neglected cars stored away for years that can't be "freshened" but would have significant value if restored which means correctly because if "in for a penny etc" ever meant anything, this is the example. Corner cutting never pays off because a small economy can ruin the whole project and eyes will be drawn to it every time to the detriment of the rest of the car. But spending the money to do something like this had better be worth it in the end because eventually the car must be sold so that another one can be started. After all, a lot of the fun is in the work and being able to step back and admire it. There are only so many trophies to win which gets old after while and if it's a historic racer and used as such, the expense goes on and the danger of damage is always there. My friend CHB has decided to stop racing his Bugatti 35 because it's become too valuable and repairing anything on it is damned costly. And it's not a restored car but just maintained nicely but when you are running an 82 year old car and the fuel tank develops pinhole leaks, sealing them up invisibly is a project.
The ability to restore to original depends on the knowledge base which is g oing to be from the enthusiast base. Some, like Porsche, are vast worldwide and experts abound, often in disagreement about what's original but the data is out there. You just have to know where and there is a national network of experts. But, Porsche is unique in this. If you want to know all about a certain 917 knowing the serial number, that info is available because records are kept. For example, when we were restoring the 904 GTS, the correct interior splatter paint finish had to be verified and just how much overspray was on the belly and where it was heavier. Where the wire runs were fastened and with what fasteners. The correct color of the anodizing on all the nuts, bolts and washers. The correct orange for the Koni shocks. Etc. And being a former Corvette owner and knowing or caring little about them now, I do know that at National Corvette events, their judging standards and knowledge of what's right or not may have passed PCA's rules. You certainly have to be a member of the Heavy Wallet Club these days to be a winner. RLE _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
