First off I'm a new member and would like say 'Hey' to everyone and would like to apologize in advance for what will be long post.
I have a 1969 that I'm getting started on that has a lot of sentimental value and would like some input on where to go with it. I'm not in the restoration for the dollar value as I have no intention of EVER selling it, I would have to be homeless first and then I would probably live in it! The car will be a driver.
A little history on the car:
I'm technically the 2nd owner, my Dad bought it brand new off a dealer in California in 1969. In the early 80's (1982 if memory serves, I was around 8 years old) the car got into an accident
and was hit on the right front wheel well and directly on the nose. I was sitting on my Mom's lap in the passenger seat and remember it like yesterday (before seat belt laws!), I was so upset my Dad thought I was hurt, but I was really upset that the car was hurt! The car has not been driven since. A whole new front body clip was placed on it, my Dad was then killed in an ultra-light accident in 1985, the car hasn't been touched since and has less than 40k original miles on it. Unfortunately the car was stored outside for a few years, it will need a complete ground up including the interior. I'm finally to the point of being able to keep my promise to my Dad and start working on it.
I'm not exactly sure on the option packages yet (still have to do my research), but here is what I do know about it:
1969 Hard-top
Fathom Green
427 cu in / 390 HP
4 spd transmission
Factory A/C
4 wheel disc brakes
What I know is not original:
-Entire front body clip (from the doors forward)
-Searing column (a tilt wheel has been swapped in)
-Distributor (Has an HEI distributor)
-Wheels / Tires
I'm torn between going two ways with the restoration and would like everyone's thoughts. Keep in mind I do want to drive it and it will not be a trailer queen to be hauled everywhere. Another item to note is that I live in Houston, TX so humidity and corrosion are always a concern for me.
Option 1:
Take it back to 100% original, maybe even go for a topflight judging in the future. My major concern is this even worth trying since the whole front clip is not original. I did notice in the NCRS rules that I've read so far that replacement parts are OK as long as they restore the car's original factory condition. I figure this is the option most NCRS members would go for.
Option 2:
Keep the car fairly original and do what is commonly called a resto-mod. I would restore everything back to original condition (especially the body and interior) with the following exceptions:
-Keep all engine internals original
-Add modern fuel injection.
-5 or 6 spd trans with overdrive
-Upgraded springs and shocks
-Replace all rubber with Polyurethane
-Upgraded brakes
-17/18 inch rims with lower profile tires
-Undercoat they entire frame*
*Undercoating the frame would definitely help in the wet humid environment I live in, but is hard to reverse.
As you can see with the exception of the frame undercoating, the modifications I'm considering are all bolt on and can be easily reversed, nothing is permanent or irreversible. I would keep all the original components that I have. Even if I go all original (option 1) I may still undercoat the entire frame to help prevent rust.
I don't imagine the cost of the restoration would be much different between the two as most the car will go back to original either way. Since I do plan to drive it, I like the idea of mild modifications to increase performance, longevity, and possibly highway fuel mileage. But then the purist side of me screams 'NO!' and wants to take it back 100% original. What are your thoughts and ideas, and suggestions to help me get off the fence?
Thanks,
John
I have a 1969 that I'm getting started on that has a lot of sentimental value and would like some input on where to go with it. I'm not in the restoration for the dollar value as I have no intention of EVER selling it, I would have to be homeless first and then I would probably live in it! The car will be a driver.
A little history on the car:
I'm technically the 2nd owner, my Dad bought it brand new off a dealer in California in 1969. In the early 80's (1982 if memory serves, I was around 8 years old) the car got into an accident

I'm not exactly sure on the option packages yet (still have to do my research), but here is what I do know about it:
1969 Hard-top
Fathom Green
427 cu in / 390 HP
4 spd transmission
Factory A/C
4 wheel disc brakes
What I know is not original:
-Entire front body clip (from the doors forward)
-Searing column (a tilt wheel has been swapped in)
-Distributor (Has an HEI distributor)
-Wheels / Tires
I'm torn between going two ways with the restoration and would like everyone's thoughts. Keep in mind I do want to drive it and it will not be a trailer queen to be hauled everywhere. Another item to note is that I live in Houston, TX so humidity and corrosion are always a concern for me.
Option 1:
Take it back to 100% original, maybe even go for a topflight judging in the future. My major concern is this even worth trying since the whole front clip is not original. I did notice in the NCRS rules that I've read so far that replacement parts are OK as long as they restore the car's original factory condition. I figure this is the option most NCRS members would go for.
Option 2:
Keep the car fairly original and do what is commonly called a resto-mod. I would restore everything back to original condition (especially the body and interior) with the following exceptions:
-Keep all engine internals original
-Add modern fuel injection.
-5 or 6 spd trans with overdrive
-Upgraded springs and shocks
-Replace all rubber with Polyurethane
-Upgraded brakes
-17/18 inch rims with lower profile tires
-Undercoat they entire frame*
*Undercoating the frame would definitely help in the wet humid environment I live in, but is hard to reverse.
As you can see with the exception of the frame undercoating, the modifications I'm considering are all bolt on and can be easily reversed, nothing is permanent or irreversible. I would keep all the original components that I have. Even if I go all original (option 1) I may still undercoat the entire frame to help prevent rust.
I don't imagine the cost of the restoration would be much different between the two as most the car will go back to original either way. Since I do plan to drive it, I like the idea of mild modifications to increase performance, longevity, and possibly highway fuel mileage. But then the purist side of me screams 'NO!' and wants to take it back 100% original. What are your thoughts and ideas, and suggestions to help me get off the fence?
Thanks,
John
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