30 RESTO MODS FOR UNDER £500
WHAT IS RESTO MOD?
Resto Mod is a term that you’ll probably have heard from US auto shows and the odd standout, internet-melting project (Singer 911s and Eagle E-Types being two obvious ones), but not one that’s been especially popular in the UK — until relatively recently. At the high end, it’s dedicated specialists creating exquisitely-engineered, utterly bespoke cars, but Resto Mod can be applied to more down-to-earth projects like ours, too. In essence, a Resto Mod consists of two distinct components: restoration and modification. The vehicle’s body is usually restored so it appears to be in a standard state. Looking at it solely from an exterior standpoint, it shouldn’t be obvious that the car didn’t just roll off the assembly line a few moments before. The second part of the Resto Mod concept is where the vehicle is modified. This centres on improvements made in the name of handling, braking, performance, and other elements. Since the vehicle has been both restored and modified, it’s now a Resto Mod. Simple!
1 UPRATED DISTRIBUTOR
Once you start tuning an engine, the standard distributor’s ignition advance curve is no longer correct and you risk throwing away power and drivability. A distributor with a matched curve is the answer — available off-the-shelf with typical tuned profiles, or you can have a custom one created to match your engine spec, and they can include electronic ignition too so you don’t have to run a separate module (see 16).
How much: £173.50 (new, Fast Road-spec Pinto, Burton Power)
2 MODERN TYRES
Increased grip and braking — what’s not to like?
Difficulty:
Time to fit: 1 hours
We take tyres for granted, yet they’re probably the most important aspect of a classic Ford’s suspension and braking ability. Modern tyre patterns and formations are a world away from the crossplies originally found on most classic Fords up until the 1970s, and they’re available in the most popular sizes. Even better, a lot of the classic performance radial designs of the 1970s and 1980s are now being reproduced by the likes of Longstone and Blockley, but with better materials and tolerances to match the modern designs — so don’t scrimp on tyre choice if you want your Ford to handle to the best of its capabilities.
How much: £269.47 (new, set four 185/60R13, Midland Wheels)
3 DIGITAL/ANALOGUE GAUGES
Stay informed — and classic
Difficulty:
Time to fit: 1 hour
Modern, digital gauges are great, but the problem is, they rarely look the part in a classic Ford’s
