What constitutes "restoration"?, Looks like the PCR's will put me in resto class next year Options

[Pat Garvey]

I would hardly call my '72 914 "restored".

Yes, most of the exterior panels were repainted - in 1979!

But, the PCR gurus tell me it's "restored". One says if it was repainted anywhere, it's restored. Another says "if 30% of the panels were repainted, it's restored". I just love this degree of decisiveness!

So, here's what was repainted - all exterior panels, except the engine lid (which was used to match the degree of orange peel). No, the engine bay was not painted, nor the undersides of the lids, nor any of the belly parts or trunks. Nor were the door jambs. The repaint was to original specs by a Mercedes shop in Cincinnati. In '79 they wanted no part of the car, but owed a favor to a buddy of mine. Did a wonderful job!

Beyond that, I've maintained the rest of the finishes of the car. Yep, I've replaced a bunch of parts through the years that needed it - I still call this maintenance. I've always used factory parts to maintain the car. I have a stockpile of factory parts to use as the years go buy, but they are maintenance parts.

So, instead of a black and white poll - tell me your thoughts on whether this car is resored or preserved. It'll help me make a decision in January.

All questions are considered fair, and will be answered. All comments are considered fair - I will accept all (except tire questions/comments).

Let's hear it!
Pat

ps: If you want pics, fine.

[dw914er]

at the classic car dealership, we usually thought that unless it was major amounts of work, the car was original.

i mean, paint jobs lasting over 35 years is pretty ridiculous.
i know my car, in the silver metallic, would never had lasted that long (silver fades way too fast to last that long) so the car has been painted 3 times now.

but other than an engine rebuild, and new tyres (i do have the original spare tyre though, but i think thats probably more bad than good), etc, it has never had a full overhaul, never been repainted except for the exterior, original interior, so i would not call it restored


i think there is a fine line between restored and unrestored. if a paint job makes your car restored, then you will be competing with cars that have been completely redone, every bolt cleaned, and in your state of originalness, it is hard to compete

(i know my cant, and it is still pretty 'clean' but not as clean as a good restoration)

i think paint job, or an engine rebuild, is just something called maintainence.


but if it 'restored' then it just means that you kept your car clean, and still used it.

a car is supposed to be driven after all



(but i have never competed in that, so idk how i would do, and my monza set up would probably not go over well, or the 80's radio)