Restomods – Modern Technology, Classic Design

Be it the change from drum to disc brakes or the conversion of the ignition distributor from under-cup contact to electronic contactless: what has long been taking place on a small scale in garages at home has become a growing industry in the USA with the Restomod movement. The term is made up of Resto – for restoration and Mod – for modification. Classic vehicles are restored and brought up to modern standards through technical modifications. The end product is a vehicle that is very close to its original condition on the outside and conceals modern, safe and reliable technology under the sheet metal.

Classic car enthusiasts agree that the most beautiful cars rolled off the production line in times when body builders did not have to comply with hundreds of standards on passive safety, CW value or reversing sensors. Restomodders want a vehicle in the old design that is nevertheless uncompromisingly usable in everyday life. To achieve this, as little as possible is changed on the body. Often, only the gap dimensions are improved or the wheel arches are adapted for larger wheels. When it comes to the drivetrain, electrics and chassis, there is usually nothing left of the original. The state of the art at the time is usually outdated today. For example, the rigid axle with leaf spring has to make way for independent suspension with spring strut, the old carburettor engine is replaced by an efficient injection engine and electronic power steering now helps with parking. The modernisation not only improves road handling and performance. Safety features such as ABS or ESP can now also be retrofitted.

In the interior, the seat bench without headrest and with lap belt is changed to a 3-point belt and sports seat. To preserve the original look of the cockpit, the new electrics are cleverly hidden behind the old dashboard. For better monitoring of vital signs, there is already a conversion kit for many US models, from analogue displays to a digital instrument cluster in a matching retro look.

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More and more companies are jumping on the bandwagon and designing parts specifically for the modernisation of classic cars. For example, “Holley Performance” has developed the “Stealth EFI” product range, a throttle valve with integrated injection in the original carburettor design, so that the original look is retained when looking into the engine compartment.
At “Roadstershop” you can order a finished frame complete with new chassis and engine and screw it under your oldie. The trick is that components from modern production vehicles are used. In the future, wear parts can be purchased cheaply from the dealer around the corner. In order to combine a classic body with a modern chassis, custom-made individual parts are often necessary. In order to keep development time and costs low, a wide variety of 3D printing processes are increasingly being used. You can find out more about this in our articles on rapid prototyping.

In the land of unlimited possibilities, it is made extremely easy for mechanics from a legal point of view. In most countries, headlights and number plates are enough to be considered “street legal”. In Germany, as is well known, there are much greater hurdles to overcome with a conversion of this scope. Costs for individual approvals and exhaust emission certificates can quickly break any budget. Of course, you can forget about an H-licence plate. Nevertheless, there are already some workshops that have taken up the challenge and offer, for example, completely overhauled first-generation Ford Mustangs with MOT.

True purists are of course a thorn in the side of such conversions. For them, the old technology is precisely what makes a classic car so charming. Unfortunately, this also means that the classics then see the outdoors less often. With their increased safety and modern drive, restomods can embellish the otherwise monotonous street scene with a clear conscience and can also be used in everyday life.

Whether restoration or modification, if you get stuck when screwing on your oldie, we will help you in no time with spare parts and custom-made products of the highest quality! Visit us at oldtimerparts.de for a non-binding offer.