[dscott]

mopar, we got maybe 2" of snow. You guys got the good hit this time!

Most of the time the upgrades are to replace discontinued parts or to enhance the building process. When the 427 Roadster was designed it was built around Mustang II components using a complete donor car. Since they are almost impossible to find anymore we needed to upgrade many of the parts to ones that are readily available. We changed the motor mounts to the newer style Mustang since Ford no longer makes the Mustang II units. We upgraded to an aluminum radiator with a Spal fan. We have changed the wire harness because Packard Bell no longer makes the ones we used. Many of the things are not noticed like adjustable hood hinge, a stop pin on the trunk hinge, adjustable latch plates, etc. We need to change things like adjustable door plates, upgrade to newer type suspension if the customer wants it. There are still many options for Mustang II suspension because it is used so much in the street rod industry. But, I know there are customers that would like the fox body Mustang type suspension.

We have changed to a new style muffler in the sidepipes so they don't rob so much horsepower. We have added a new style gas tank vent that is splash proof with a one way valve. All of our headers with a couple of exceptions will all have mandrel bent tubes. All frames are being powder coated instead of painted.

Sometimes an upgrade is needed, a few years ago the doors didn't fit well so the door jigs had to be redone. It should have been normal maintenance but Classic of old didn't do anything until enough people complained. We are trying to take a proactive approach and catch things before they become a problem. I think this is what most companies do. Factory Five is a good example of constant and consistant upgrades. They have made so many improvements over the original car and all for the better. That isn't to say the first cars were bad they just found improvements to enhance the product and to make the car safer.

I sure wouldn't take upgrades as a negative factor with any company. To me it says they are staying on top of their product, using new products available to them and enhancing the build process for the customer.
Don