Can You Drive A Restomod Daily?


illustrate daily driver of restomod

Classic never goes out of style. That’s why driving a classic, American car gives you such a special feeling. It’s tough to put into words because it represents so much more than just a car. It represents freedom and doing things your way – it shows that you’re ready for anything. 

So, can you drive a classic muscle car daily? Yes. The restomod concept of a classic muscle car, which includes improvements in the areas of safety, performance, engineering, economy, and drivability; allows for a classic muscle car to be a daily driver 

The aforementioned improvements are why a restomod is the vehicle of choice for the modern enthusiast with classic tastes. A restomod definitely answers yes to the questions of can you drive a classic muscle car daily. A restomod is a classic automobile that’s been restored using modern parts and technology. Restored vehicles are traditionally recreated with the original parts. Restomods give you the best of both worlds, a classic aesthetic with modern amenities. 

Restored vs Restomod

The difference is in the restoration techniques. Traditionally restored vehicles are refurbished through a process called number matching. This involves the meticulous process of matching the serial number of each new part to the original to ensure that the finished product is as close to the original as humanly possible. 

Restomods are created through a process called rotisserie restoration. During rotisserie restoration, the body of the vehicle is suspended on a rack and reassembled using all new hardware. It’s known as rotisserie restoration because the vehicle is positioned like a rotisserie chicken over an open flame. Doing so gives the restorer easier access to the inner workings of the machine. 

Numbers Matching vs Restomod

illustrate numbers matching in classic cars

Numbers matching restoration is an honorable hobby but can create difficulties on the road. If the original vehicle is over fifty years old, there is no telling how long the parts will hold up. Most need to be special ordered and are not widely available in auto parts stores or at your local mechanic. Meaning if you break down, it may cost a significant amount of time and money to get back on the road. 

These types of vehicles are best for auto enthusiasts who enjoy the refurbishing process but are less likely to take it out of the garage for more than a casual spin. 

Looking for a classic car built for the open road? If so, restomods are the choice. Due to their modern performance capabilities, these vehicles are smoother, sleeker and easier to drive than those with all original parts. Restomods are designed for flexibility and comfort along with the nostalgic feel of a hot rod. 

A Car Is More Than The Sum Of Its Parts

Any auto-enthusiast knows that a car is more than just a car. It’s a trophy – a symbol of how far you’ve come in the world and how far you’re looking to go. 

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the restoration auto game or a casual observer, looking to explore this world for the first time, you’ll love driving a restomod. Durable, yet stylish, these modern classics give you the best of both worlds. Restomods were designed to revisit the past while embracing the future.

Why choose comfort over style when you could have both? With modern amenities like air conditioning and power steering, you don’t have to sacrifice practicality to drive with class. Available in all different makes and models, there are no limits to how far you’ll go in a Restomod. 

Restomods 101 – Safer and More Reliable For Daily Driving

The following list are some of the major advancements in classic car restomodding that specifically

  • Safety – Improved seatbelts, stronger frames, suspension, braking, reliable engines, electronics.
  • Performance – High-performance engine and transmission, wheels and tires, modern suspension.
  • Engineering – Modernized electronics, engine, transmission; enhanced frame and chassis to reinforce the original design of Mustang.
  • Economy – Modern V8 with fuel injection, overdrive transmission, unleaded gas, better wheels, and tires; all contribute to better fuel economy.
  • Drivability – Structural enhancements to frame, rack and pinion steering, performance tires and wheels, air conditioning.

Ultimately Brakes Lead The Way To Daily Driving

Can You Drive A Classic Muscle Car Daily with good brakes

What advantages do modern disc brakes have over the older drum brakes found in classic cars?

  • Simply put, they stop the vehicle better and faster.
  • Dissipate heat and water better
  • Better fade resistance
  • Lighter and more compact
  • Easier to service and repair
  • Incorporate lining wear alerts

Suspensions Help Smooth Things

Restomod muscle car builders have more chassis options than ever before. Choices include square-tube chassis (with powder-coated finish for long-lasting good looks), coil-over-shock kits, high-tech coil springs, many exotic styles of two- or four-wheel disc brake systems, custom control arms, four-link rear suspensions, sway bars, stabilizer links, dropped spindles for a lower riding height and ultra-tough nylon or poly-graphite control arm bushings. Combined, these improve comfort and safety contributing to more daily driver ability for restomods.

Do You Have To Drive It Everyday?

You don’t have to drive the car every day. A best practice for driving a restomod would be using it at least once a month. The number one issue with old cars is they’re not used regularly. Drive it, put the car through its paces. Turn the wheels and the gears and engage the tires. What damages cars is sitting still: all of those seals and rubber components dry up if they’re not used. Then leaks develop.

You can slow down the aging process of a car by just using it at least once a month, ideally twice. Get it up and hot for at least a half-hour. That will blow out any dampness and condensation and will be the single best thing you can do other than have oil and water in it.

Related Questions:

Can a Corvette be a daily driver?

Yes, a Corvette can be a daily driver. Corvettes are tested for daily driving and intend for them to be used as both a daily driver and a track car. Read “all corvettes are red” for more information.

How long can a car sit without being driven?

Do not allow any more than four weeks, or one month, to pass without driving your car if you expect it to start again. If you plan on letting your car sit for long periods of time, take the measures needed to protect it like a battery tender.

What happens if you don’t drive a car for a long time?

Any time the car sits idle, the tires develop flat spots. …Driving a restomod every month ensures the flat spots will round out. If the car sits for too long they can become permanent.

Can I drive a classic car daily?

Yes, you can drive a classic car daily if its been built for that. Pro touring and restomod vehicles allow for daily driving with modern safety and performance improvements.

Brook Walsh

For nearly 30 years, I've had a fascination with restomods. I've learned from real-world experience what restomod gear works and what doesn't. This is the site where I share everything I've learned.

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