To restore or not to restore

[ckissick]

Not my car; I met someone yesterday with a 1957 357 coupe. The car is all original, with the original seats, carpets, etc. Everything is as it was when driven out of the dealer. Problem is, it looks 48 years old. The seats, although original, are ripped. The bumpers are rusty. The paint is badly oxidised from silver to flat gray. There are tell-tail bubbles on the paint, indicating rust, but no holes.

Anyway, the owner is inclined to keep it as is. He likes the "patina" of age, and to restore it would be to destroy the historical aspects of its look. Like restoring the coliseum in Rome.

What do you think? Are some cars better left unrestored? I wish I had a picture, but you'll just have to use your imagination.

[Harlan Chinn]

Proper restorations done correctly are very expensive. Rust and the extent of rust damage isn't really completely revealed until the body is completely stripped of paint and any previous repairs. A good restoration shop should be able to work with the owner to achieve the appropriate level of finish for the car whether it is a show quality restoratation or a respectable driver. Beware of shoddy repair and preparation of rust areas as the rust will inevidably resurface.
Rillo's Restorations near Seattle does great 356 restorations and work on 911's.
I have posted some photographs of his on the 356 section of the forums.
I had my SC repainted there.

[Hetmann]

Ripped and rusty is not patina. It's neglect and will only get worse. The dude sounds like a cheapskate or he really isn't into the car that much.

[boxster03]

I believe "ripped and rusty" after 50 yrs in some peoples mind is patina, too bad most of the old P metal has rusted away or was abused by their previous owners, part Porsche fault part owners fault, I guess most 50 yrs ago thought about buying new every yr and old was old, not collectable.

[Deschodt]

Ditto, rust on a 356 is not patina... Thing is thoguh, a nice restoration inside and out on a coupé is likely (make that "certain") to exceed the resale value of the car. So it is something you do for love, not profit !

[Hugh R]

I don't know. I have a completely unrestored 1929 motorcycle and it has a patina to it, but is complete. I've been told its worth way more as is than "restored"

[RickM]

Hugh, Can you post a pic? I'd love to see the bike along with some details.

[boxster03]

its like that PBS show Antiques Road Show where the people bring in some kind of Louis the 13th table and they say "it would be worth 100grand if you didn't refinish it but now only $2K

[Dantilla]

Originally posted by ckissick
Not my car;


Anyway, the owner is inclined to keep it as is.

There's your answer.

[brittbolen]

I totally understand his perspective. I've been so conflicted over what to do with my 911 that I just bought a 928 to avoid making up my mind. If I restored my 911 it wouldn't be the same car that my dad bought 14 years ago...

on the other hand the bondo and rust bothers me...

but I don't want it to look show car freak new when it's done...

and i like the thread bare carpet, and edge stained headliner (it's as taut as the day it was installed)

etc etc etc etc...

so yeah, i bought a 928 to avoid making a decision for now...

B

[Waz356]

Any 356 showing "tell-tale bubbles on the paint" needs to be seriously looked at. These cars are notoriously bad for rust and replacing the entire floor, battery pan, center tunnel and door bottoms is probably not going to be optional. Bondo and rust on these cars is not a safe fix.

[Hugh R]

\\



Its late and I gotta go to bed, here's a pic

[Bobboloo]

Well if he likes it the way it is then who are we to say. One thing is for sure though. Rust left unattended will finish that car.

[LakeCleElum]

Great bike Hugh....I have 19 m/c's and agreed that an orginial is worth more than something restored.......Many restorations are done to hide problems.

[M.D. Holloway]

There is something to be said for someone who lets a fine piece of work like that just go the way of all flesh. It is almost like having a living will, somethings should be left to have a certain life span and when it is time...it is time...

[Harlan Chinn]

Here is a coupe in the booth ready for paint.

[Harlan Chinn]

Some cars are worth while restoring correctly retaining its value. Here is my buddies Speedster just painted.

[Harlan Chinn]

My SC after getting a fresh new paint finish

[Mysterytrain]

Patina..is bull. Rust never sleeps, the car will be totally worthless if it is left to 'patina'. My feeling is to strip and fix and repaint with a level of restore that reflects ones pockets.

[brittbolen]

Ron, would you think that restoring a car so that it looks like it has some age is more expensive or less than making it look like new? I would think keeping patina, or character, would require more skilll, hence more money.