At Innovative Restorations, we love the timeless appeal of classic cars. The design, the nostalgia, the craftsmanship—there’s a reason we do what we do. But when it comes to restoring these vehicles, one of the biggest decisions our customers face is the choice between originality and modernization.
We understand the desire to keep a car “all original.” It sounds great in theory. But the reality is quite different. Many of the so-called “original” components on the market today are either reproduction parts made overseas—often in China—or are already worn and unreliable, and most usually, the quality just doesn’t hold up.
Why Modernizing Makes Sense
Customers who are open to modernization often walk away with a much better long-term experience, and we wanted to set the record straight and put to paper some of the reasons why this isn’t a bad idea at all!
Here’s why:
- Reliability:
Modern drivetrains, wiring systems, and cooling components dramatically reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. You won’t have to wonder if your classic will start—or finish—the next drive. - Safety:
Modern suspension, brakes, and lighting can vastly improve your vehicle’s safety without ruining its vintage look. We regularly install high-performance brake systems, modern seat belts, and updated steering components to give our clients peace of mind. - Serviceability:
Let’s be honest—tracking down rare OEM parts can take weeks or months. Modernized systems not only perform better, but they’re also easier to maintain and repair, with readily available components and support.
Vendors We Trust
Unlike many mass-produced offshore parts, we work with a select group of American manufacturers that consistently deliver on quality, performance, and durability. These companies have invested in research and development to engineer parts specifically for classic car upgrades. Some of our go-to partners include:
- Dakota Digital
- Wilwood
- American Auto Wire
- Lokar
- Holley
- Inline Tube
- Vintage Air
- Moser
- Strange Engineering
- QA1
- Hotchkis Sport Suspension
- Powermaster Performance
- Master Power Brakes
Our Philosophy
We’ll be honest—it can be challenging to try sometimes to convince a customer who insists on an all-original build to fully understand what that entails. It’s not just the cost—it’s the time, the hunt, and the risk of using subpar components. That’s why we prefer to guide our customers toward modernization. It’s a smarter, more reliable way to enjoy your classic car every day, not just on special occasions.
Ready to bring your classic into the modern era? Let’s talk.
