As the guy who brought "mutilated" into the thread, I
guess I should respond...
It was not my intention to rip customs as an art form
or as a generic class. I agree that many are beautiful
and the level of work that goes into them is
phenomenal. And I like to think I appreciate them as
well as the next person.
Where I have a problem is when the car being modified
is a nice original, as opposed to something rougher
that would require the work being done anyway, whether
to original specs or to one individual's artistic
vision.
I have a good example, and maybe since it's non-MoPar
passions might not run as high. I was at the Oakland
Roadster Show, drooling over a beautiful '40 Ford
convertible sedan, a model that isn't seen as a custom
very often. I was totally blown away until I saw the
"before" picture, which showed that the builder
started with what looked to me with my limited Ford
knowledge like a show quality original. My bubble was
burst, my euphoria was shattered, I had to walk away
in sadness.
The level of work involved could just as easily have
been spent on a basket case, indeed, converting a 4dr
sedan would not have been that much of a reach beyond
the level of modification the builder went to (and
even with the extra steps needed would certainly have
cost less). Had this been the starting point, I would
have agreed, no harm, no foul.
What it comes down to is that they aren't making these
any more and that isn't going to change. Let your
imagination run wild, but please respect nice
originals. You can make a custom (or a full resto, for
that matter) out of just about anything if you have
the time and $ to do so, but originality can't be
replaced at any cost.
Just one man's opinion.
Mike Sealey, San Francisco CA
'57 Plymouth Sport Suburban (in need of resto)
--- Brandie Hannon <HannonsVT@AOL.COM> wrote:
> Ok Guys,
> Now I'm steamed...No, I'm downright pissed off. I
> "mutilated" my Belvedere for me, and if I never win
> a trophy with it even though I've spent a ton of
> time on the car it's really no big deal. Maybe you
> all look at a car that isn't stock and see it as a
> shame, but you do really have to appreciate the
> work, time, thought, and energy that those "rodders"
> you hate so much have put into these rolling works
> of art. I mean no disrespect to any of you who
> choose to restore your cars to showroom condition-I
> appreciate the time and energy that goes into the
> restorations, but your time and energy isn't worth
> more than my time and energy just because your car
> is shiny and mine is primer.
>
> Just venting...
> Brandie in California
> "mutilated" 58 Belvedere KUSTOM!!
>
> P.S. BTW Mark- I think Mr.Finzzz kicks A**!!!
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