Frame off restoration...so is it a 1979 or a 2013?

Wow. That's a tough one. I wonder what the rules are for classic cars? Especially those where parts aren't easily available? I think they still consider it a restoration?

Anyway, in my humble opinion, if you can't restore most if it's original parts/furnishings/skin than I can see where it could be considered a rebuild therefore lose its claim to being vintage. My trailer so far is probably a 60/40. 60% restore/40% rebuild. But, nothing is coming off the frame. I'm hoping the further I go, the percentage will change to at least a 70/30.


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Here's a question Shastajeff, was the VIN visible or was it missing or removed? If the VIN has been tampered with, that could have been the reason right there!


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I hear this a lot since I rebuilt mine from the frame up, my argument is and will remain, how do people who resore cars get away with it? They replace floor pans, fenders, 1/4 panels, rebuild the motor, reupholster the interior, new paint and it's still a '57 chevy.

My personal feeling is that it's a reconstructed trailer on an old frame. Technically in my state, if you reconstruct a trailer, it should be inspected and a new title assigned. Not that anyone will go to that trouble, but here is what our DMV has to say about it:

Definitions

Reconstructed Vehicle
Any vehicle that has been materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of new or used essential parts. (VA Code § 46.2-100)

Specially Constructed Vehicle
Any vehicle that was not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles and which would not be otherwise defined as a reconstructed vehicle. (VA Code § 46.2-100) For example, a vehicle constructed using a Mercury frame and a Chevrolet body.

Replica Vehicle
Any vehicle not fully constructed by a licensed manufacturer, but either constructed or assembled from components. Such components may be from a single vehicle, multiple vehicles, a kit, parts, or fabricated components. The kit may be made up of major components, a full body, or a full chassis, or a combination of these parts. The vehicle must resemble a vehicle of distinctive name, line-make, model, or type as produced by a licensed manufacturer or manufacturer no longer in business and is not a reconstructed or specially constructed vehicle. (VA Code § 46.2-100)


NOTE: Vehicles such as reconstructed or specially constructed motor vehicles may have existing vehicle identification numbers (VINs) that are no longer appropriate because the vehicle has been fundamentally altered to be an entirely different vehicle for titling purposes. In order to title these types of vehicles, DMV will assign vehicle identification numbers.

Interesting. Hamlet is more than 50% new, but to us he's still an original Compact. We may even be mistaken on the age, but it doesn't really matter to us. I figure that if I went out and spent a pile of money to "upgrade" myself, I'd still be an early 50s model!

I suppose if you go by the VIN then it is still a 79. Maybe I'm a purist and I've tried to keep my 65 Compact as original as possible. I won't replace the icebox with a refrigerator, update the toilet or add a/c as I don't want to destroy the originality of the camper. My Compact is very nice but it is far from a brand new looking camper. Maybe my concern is somehow related to a gripe I have with the Edsel club that I belong. I drive my car to the meets and yet I compete against cars that have been trailered. How can I compete against a trailered car with a spotless engine compartment, undercarriage, etc. when I pick up dust and dirt driving the car, not to mention the chance of getting a stone chip? Unfortunatly, the club has not been responsive to a "trailer class only" category. I was able to pick up a national first place one year but only because there weren't any trailered cars in my class that year. I'm a purist when it comes to cars, too. I just hate seeing vintage cars hot rot rodded up and not kept original. I'll just consider the restore/rebuild/modify a matter of everyones personal preference.

I like your style Shastajeff! I too am a bit of a purist. I come from a classic car restoration upbringing so I guess it's in my blood. I have a total appreciation for the others but, restoration is where my heart is. And, I don't mind any imperfections that cannot be "polished" out, my trailer earned it! With that being said though, I will be making one change to my trailer that the manufacturer, IMO, made a mistake with to start with. The original color of the vinyl seats is a horrible piss yellow color, that is going to be change to a different period correct color! It's the most disgusting color ever and one I cannot live with!


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