Resto-Cal's or Vintage - Which is best? There's only one way to find out...





Actually, I don't want an argument over which is best. But I've spent some time over at the restowagen forum reading some stuff today, and it seems to me that they have a lot of the same issues as here. They're really strict about keeping things on-topic, which means no cal-lookers or customs (although they don't seem to mind the odd vintage pic tunring up), and they quickly jump on posters who are off-topic. Kab55 getting his *** kicked for wanting to put an IRS on his car is a great example.

I happen to think that in most cases the resto-cal people are much more fanatical about originality, there are very few people into stockers who restore cars as original as the resto-cal guys (obviously apart from the suspension mods), which is probably why shows like the Volksworld show have such few stockers. The majority of stockers are a little tatty with a few mods done over the years and their owners don't mind.

So I was thinking maybe pre67vw should be a bit more tolerant to the resto-cal's? Or if it was - would there then be little point in both existing?

discuss... :wink: :beer:

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Don't believe i'm reading this.
If it's possible Rob, you should BAN yourself.

Most of the Restowagen lot are fanatical about originality and it really does matter to them that they have the correct parts on their cars. A few of them pop onto this forum from time to time. Nice bunch.

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If you start giving in to Resto-Calism, will there be another forum and website dedicated to strictly stock cars? I thought it was the very point of this place.
Is there a need to reconsider? It seemed to me that there is plenty of happy people here not looking for expansion into wider subjects.:wink:

We're already here, snooping around for rare cars to slam Mwahaaahaaaaa!
Just kidding, I love a nice stocker. That's why I like coming on here. That and the vintage speed forum.
For what it's worth, I don't think there's owt wrong with being specialist.
Although a bit of tolerance is always nice, especially if it means you can post the odd pic to help someone out without being attacked like a ginger paedophile.

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Each to their own. I like stock cars and customised cars. I own both so no problem.

I'm on Restowagen too, and I've bought stuff from there (including a narrowed beam and my '58 Standard).

I've also sold stuff to Restowagen members as well as members of this forum.

I've also got a trophy for best engine in the resto-cal class at VW action 93! :wink:

I had a '65 resto-cal bug back in '86. Lowered two splines by GCC in Southend.

It make me laugh when people post comments like "I'm going to do xxxx because it will really pi** off the stockers"

How sad!


Why not loose both...

Then we all chat happily on Volkszone!

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You've coined a new phrase Nicolas. :lol: Sounds almost like a government régime though.

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I drive also a 1969 Westy with South African sprintstars and a 1900 engine, I'll never will show pictures here promised! :lol:
I think there are enough web-sites for resto-cal.....
I only know of one good vintage pré 67 site.:wink: :beer:

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I think the balance here is about right Rob, don't change a thing, well that is apart from adding some long overdue additions like a photo section! :wink:

I like and appreciate stock cars and so for the this pre67 fits the bill. I think that realistically most enthusiasts that regularly post on here also like and appreciate Resto-Cal so both can co-exist as they are without any problems. :beer:

It is nice to have a place to come where you know there wont be a butchered car around! :wink:

I would however be lying if I said that I dont like resto cals as some are absolutely georgous! Some in my opinion dont suit it but a select few look brilliant!



I quite agree! When I joined on Restowagen I posted in the new members area to introduce myself, and mentioned the 55 and 63 but said that I wouldnt post pictures of them as it is, to be fair, a resto site! A few members posted back saying that they dont mind seeing stock cars and that I should post them! I have a feeling that that would not happen on here?:?: :wink:



So I think we should maybe be a bit more tolerant and not simply say "read the rules" and use a wagging finger smiley if someone posts a picture of a lowered car!:wink:

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Restowagen has always been welcoming of stockers, there's such a thin line between stock & resto-cal and both 'styles' have ALOT to contribute to each other in the sharing of knowledge and information on originality, parts and accessories. This place is great as it's content is so 'concentrated' sometimes the heavy handed approach has to be taken to nip things in the bud, but on the whole the moderators have an easy time of it on restowagen and in a way the site self moderate's off topic posts. In many way's, Stock and Resto-Cal also share the less popular corners of the VW world, looking around the shows, Cal-Look, R*t Look & general custom dominates most show and shines and visitor car parks. The general consensus on restowagen is we are happy with that, we are'nt out to dominate the world and make everyone follow a trend, we take pride in our hobby, our cars and most of all the friendships we build at shows and online. If the line-ups inspire people to restore originality to their cars that's a bonus, wether they be lowered or not. Have a read through the readers rides threads on restowagen and you'll see just how many 'messed with' cars are being restored to original body spec's, there's alot of dedication to originality over there.

Like I say, I have always found this site informative and there are some inspirational projects around, I've had my fair share of slatings and digs on threads here when just offering other people advice and help because my car happens to be lowered, I'm learning all the time, I just like to help people out, it's what the hobby should be about.

This is your website and resource, it's for you to do with and pursue the direction that you want, personally I would say that being a little more tolerant would probably attract people and projects here to follow the 'stock' direction. Encouragement and helpful direction is what being 'into' VW's should be all about, it's a hobby after all and without support and help it won't grow stronger.

I often think back to this thread:

https://forums.pre67vw.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=3165 

Kinda shows how maybe people view this site and the attitudes of both sides?????

Alex.

Rob ,The first thing i thought of when i saw this was maybe you wanted more traffic on this site .I have only used this site for a few months and have noticed there are a small number (dozen maybe)who regularly post keeping it all ticking over nicely .What i like about this site is that i do feel (not having even met anyone in person) ,that there is a real sense of community which was lost for me on other sites.I like many others started in the modified scene grew to like the original cars more and more.
I have seen some people change overnight from modified to stock just because they saw an original car they really liked and this site is a good place for that to happen.I have no problem with restocal and dont think this site could ever be dominated(that was my concern) by it as that scene is well catered for else where.
Bring them on and let them post pictures .One day they might become the purists this site was intended.:beer:

Here, here Alex, very well said. :beer:

I'd be lying if I said I did not like 'Reso cals' I turned my first 6 volt into one, 2 splined at the back and so god dam low at the front the track rods rubbed the underside of the fuel tank:shock: :lol: I had to raise it back up a bit.
Stock is by far my preferance nowdays, but if I had a bigger garage and more money.........:evil:.......I'd buy a stock split:lol:

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Thanks for the answers, I don't have any problem whatsoever of keeping it stock if thats what people want.

What kind of sparked it off to me was chatting to Julian Robinson at Volksworld about his Irish '53 that he's been working on. The car was rusty, scrap it for parts kind of rusty - but he's done a fantastic job of getting it back on the road, the floors are all done, heater channels made to look original etc. But it's a resto cal, so he didn't feel that he could post his build up pictures over here. Talking to him as well, I got the impression that he thought I was going to be disaproving of him lowering it and was emphasising that regardless of it's lack of height he had indeed saved the car. Kind of suprised me a little that trying to keep a forum on topic has spilled over into real life opinions of me? And I was wondering what else we may have missed out on with owners worrying about how their car would be received over here.

I've personally gone through liking cal-lookers, customs, resto-cals and have finally settled on stockers as being my 'thing' - but you have to admire the quality of some of the resto-cal restorations. I do have a bit of a problem with people lowering rare stuff just for the shock value, but thats a minority.

I'm not interested in loads of posts from people asking how to lower their VW, where to buy this narrowed beam etc. or endless 'slam it on earlies' comments - but it would be great to see some of the work these guys do to their cars above the suspension line wouldn't it?

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Yes

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It's your fault, Mr Vintage wanting a souped up split, I always looked up to you but now I just don't know whats going on...

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This site is unusual in that it simply bans pictures of anything other than stock.I would say the pre57 forums on the samba have a similar following to this and most modified posts are either ignored or recieve negative comments,But they dont ban them. they let the forum users take the moral high ground and it seems to work well.I am not surprised he didnt post it here.He posted on the samba an i followed it the thread that recieved a good response. I think this is the car:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=293988 

It's the way the old strictly vintage (kabriolett.com) forum was run and I really liked how hardcore it was. Having said that, I think maybe the whole reason this site exists is because of how strict that site was in that it meant I couldn't take part in anything :lol:

Descision is made, business as usual. Stockers/Vintage only. :beer:

pre '67s policy on resto-cals is this: respect to the quality and dedication, you are more than welcome to hang here and help others, photos - happy to see anything above the suspension line.

I am now imposing a 2 hour ban on myself 😳 goodnight

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That's better.
Think you must have swallowed a bad tab or something.Nice to see you've come down off it, and it's business as usual:d
Yes,we all have our crazy moments.