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Which do you like modded or stock?

  • Heavy modded:

    Votes: 18 21%
  • Mildly modded:

    Votes: 28 33%
  • Lightly modded stock:

    Votes: 29 34%
  • Showroom stock:

    Votes: 10 12%

Modded or stock? What do you like?

4.2K views 45 replies 34 participants last post by  Mtrain  
#1 · (Edited)
So which one is it?

Which would you prefer if you had the money?

I'm trying to figure this out for resale on some of my cars in the future.

My cars are highly modded, so if people tend to want a more factory car, then I might take off the $$$ parts, and sell them separately.

Since I can't post everything in the poll options here is kinda how it goes. Also, consider everything modded tastefully done, as in no 19" wheels on 65-66 Mustangs, or outlandish body, or paint mods like the Ring Bro's.

Heavy modded: Engine making 500hp or more, fuel inj, or carb, power adders, bigger brakes, coilover or better suspension, rack/pinion steering, aftermarket gauges, aftermarket 5 or 6 speed tranny, mild body changes like cowl, or Shelby hood, bigger wheels 16"-18".

Mildly modded: Engine 400hp, and under, bigger wheels, factory 5 speed, or od auto, 4 wheel disc brakes, custom seats, new sound system.

Lightly modded stock: Just basic add on's, like aftermarket mag wheels 14", or 15", newer AC system, engine dress up kit.

Showroom stock: exactly the way it came from Ford.
 
#2 ·
I can't stand them stock, personally. But there's a whole other
part of the hobby that thinks anything but factory original is
a crime against nature.
So it's one of those kinda questions.......
 
#22 · (Edited)
I can't stand them modded, personally. But there's a whole other
part of the hobby that thinks anything but custom is
a crime against nature.
So it's one of those kinda questions.......
Kutzoh...very funny, LOL.

But, I still prefer modded. Stock is cute as a button, but modded freak'n rocks.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Well, you know what they say about opinions, but here goes.

I don't mind functional bolt-on mods, especially period stuff, especially in moderation.

What I don't like is sloppy craftsmanship, poor taste, and lack of imagination.
"Creative" paint schemes and interiors, extra badges, extraneous fiberglass work, 19" rims, etc., etc. are kryptonite as far as I'm concerned. I like cars that are faster than they look, not the other way 'round.
 
#5 ·
The thing is, your ideal resto-mod might be a totally different vision from person you are trying to sell to. If you're building a car for yourself then live your dream and go for it.

Lord knows how we all laugh at pics of really strange mods and paint schemes that are posted.

If you're rebuilding to sell the car, I honestly think staying close to 'stock' will reach a much larger market. Then, the buyer can do his own mods to realize HIS dream.
 
#6 ·
I voted for showroom stock, which is how my car is. However I think mods and
non stock is really neat,as it shows how talented some people are at doing this work!
If ALL there were was one style,stock or mods, who would go to car shows and
cruises? The object is to see the wide variety of cars in our hobby! I have had many guys with mild to wild customs come over to my car and say how nice it is, and I
always tell the resto guys how great their work is!
 
#7 ·
I voted for lightly modded but I really just like period correct type mods. I do like the idea of modern transmissions and brakes but I like carbed motors and 15" wheels. There are a few exceptions and I don't mean to offend anyone but I just don't like 18's, 19's, or even 17's in these old cars. I don't like them stock either. Interiors, I could go either way as long as its not too over the top but my car is going to stay mostly stock inside. Now that I have been wrenching on my car, I've learned to appreciate the work someone puts into their car whether I like it or not.
 
#9 · (Edited)
My 68 vert is heavily modded! Rocker moldings, quarter panel fake scoops removed, fender scripts and ponys removed and no M U S T A N G on trunk lid. Radical under hood mod is worm drive radiator hose clamps.


Slim

By the way I was kidding about heavy modded. My vote was light mod!
 
#10 · (Edited)
mild mod for me

engine
trans
rims bullit
hyd clutch
stereo
shelby drop

anything that make a sweet soft drive


no fiber gone in 60 sec crap please
 
#11 ·
It's not what I like you're polling, it's what I'd be looking for when car shopping. Right? Exactly what you are polling isn't that clear. That would be stock or close to it. I like to DO stuff to cars, not buy something someone else has done. I like to own modified to heavily modified but I have zero interest in buying them that way.
Going by the used car dealers I know, later model stuff sells better if it's very close to stock. A busy dealer will often have a pile of add-on spoilers, fart cans, boom speakers and whatnot somewhere. No one (with any money) wants to buy a car that looks like a teenager has had his way with it. Even though they might be intending to do the same stuff themselves. Underhood mods suggest to about everyone that a car has been raced or at least been beat on fairly heavily. Used car dealer also have piles of "cold air kits" around.
The major exception seems to be custom rims. As long as they aren't extreme, nice shiny rims are almost as attractive to the average custom as shiny paint.
I don't actually trade around cars but maybe you can tell I've been hanging around used car dealers for many years. My perspective on things has probably been warped by them and may not apply so much to the average guy. I have noticed that high end very modified stuff can bring very good money. I don't know that that type of market is there for more moderately priced modified cars though.
Hopefully more people will chip in on this.
 
#14 ·
I agree. When I bought my 68 vert it was 100% stock except for maintenance.

Slim
 
#13 ·
Gypsy R. "It's not what I like you're polling, it's what I'd be looking for when car shopping. Right? Exactly what you are polling isn't that clear".

I thought it was pretty simple to MOST people, what do you prefer, its as simple as that.

If you didn't like the poll you certainly weren't forced to have to post a reply.
 
#18 ·
Based on the vast differences between each hobbyist's personal tastes, I think you already know that there will never be a consensus on the topic being polled. If you are thinking about selling a car, advertise it as is, and then see what the public has to say when they come out to look at the car. Since there are several free sites on which to advertise your car, you can certainly put up a detailed advertisement. No concours fans are going to come by to look at a "pro-touring" car. You are selling what seems to be a complete and drivable car, so I doubt you're going to get anyone looking for a project, or anyone who wants to tear apart your already modified car. The people who come out to see it are most likely going to be those who share your personal tastes.

I think I'm somewhere between lightly and mildly modified, depending on what the car was originally.
 
#19 ·
I'm between light and moderate. I like strong motors and updated wheels/tires. A/C and power options are nice but I like to keep the original look of the interior. I'm not excited about all the plastics, in dash GPS and readouts all over the dash on the new cars. I like a bouncy speedo needle so to speak. If it's a super rare car, don't change nothing!

Mike
 
#20 · (Edited)
I like cars that look stock. They can be stock, or mildly modded. I just don't care for overly custom looking stuff. I like a sleeper better.

I would think the average buyer would want stock or lightly modded. I bet most don't want extreme modifications. Thats not to say you wouldn't be able to find a buyer for a heavily modded car though.
 
#21 ·
I love a 100% stock restored, as long as its someone else's. nice to look at and appreciate. When I was buying, I wanted a project, didn't care if it was stock, but wasn't paying for someone else's expensive mods.
My idea on my project, modern AC system, upgraded suspension, mildly built and balanced motor, T-5, 4W disc, combination of Shelby mods and GT parts, Cobra accessories, modern wheels that are a throwback to originals.
Kind of a tribute to the heritage of the Mustang, Shelby and the Cobra all wrapped into one.
 
#23 ·
I like them all. Hell, a 6 banger coupe on the side of the road will stop me in my tracks almost every time. I don't like heavily modded cars that make drastic changes to the body lines. These cars are automotive art, don't mess too much with them asthetically! You can see by my sig what I prefer for myself.
 
#31 ·
Depends on the question. Run of the mill ordinary Mustang? Mildly Modded. Something special like a KR or BOSS? STOCK!

Couldn't agree more. Considering my bank account will never allow something rare... I have to vote mildly modded.
 
#28 ·
I like both. I like making my own modifications though.... I have bought a few cars that haven't been modified properly. That's frustrating. I think it really depends on the car as well. I sold an all original 68 fastback (in the photo) and wouldn't think of mod'g it. It was a plain jane car but it made it 44 years without being touched. I think the car should be preserved. I guess to answer your question... Heavy mod underneath and tasteful light mods on the exterior. Didn't really answer it....
 
#29 ·
If I'm just looking, like at a car show or something, I don't really care. I like to see a stock car and I like to see the kind of mods people do to their cars. Sometimes it gives me ideas of what I'd like to do with mine.

If I'm looking to buy, I want as close to stock as possible. I don't mind if someone has put an aftermarket 4 barrel on or different wheels, but I tend not to trust mods that others have made just because I don't know how they were done or sometimes how to fix them when something goes wrong.

That being said, I like to mod my car a little. What I call hidden mods anyway. Mods like better than stock suspension, electronic ignition, AOD, etc. Things that upgrade the car to more modern standards but don't change the general appearance inside, outside, or under the hood.

Just my .02
 
#30 ·
Very rare, leave them alone, (maby minor bolt ons) I went heavy, bought a rust bucket shell so I did not "cut up" a solid car. Every one has a place in the hobby, that is what it is about. Would you buy a new 2013 Mustang and leave it stock? I wouldn't, and I don't have a problem improving the performance of a classic Mustang. Would I buy a finished classic Mustang, probably not, I like to build them and enjoy the hands on aspect of the hobby.
 
#32 ·
Geez, touchy today? I just wanted to know the intention behind the poll so I could give a better answer. Are you asking what other people like just for the hell of it or asking because you have in mind selling some cars and are interested in what would be the most likely sellers to maximize profits? Either way is fine and dandy with me. But as I posted I would answer differently as to what kind of car I LIKE as opposed to what kind of car I would look to buy. And what I think other folks are most likely to buy. Polling for such info is quite sensible. Polling for what other people just like is fine too, just seems kind of random.
 
#38 ·
Totally agree with Gypsy. The poll question is very vague. It would be like asking "200 or 289?" We would need to know the background on why you are asking. We could have ten pages of posts then find out you want a daily driver for your teen age daughter- one that will get good gas mileage. OR, You've found two cars just alike- one with a six cylinder and one with a V-8 and you want to know which way to go for a quick flip.

So, knowing your intentions helps us form our replies. No need to jump on a fellow member when he asks for some clarification.