Auto rebuilding 101 – Restoration vs. customization

Eugene Bernshtam has had a significant number of car rebuilding projects under his supervision. In general, car restoration experts use very different approaches towards rebuilding. One of the biggest points of contention on this matter is whether to pursue restoration or customization.

Classic car rebuilding has always been polarized by these two practices.

On the one hand, there is restoration, which is concerned with matters such as authenticity and historical accuracy in the finished product. Restoration requires a lot of time, money, and skill. Most especially, it requires a lot of attention to detail. Every trace of each replacement part must match the original exactly, and fit together like they were built for each other to begin with, shares Eugene Bernshtam.

On the other hand, there is customization, which is constantly concerned with novelty and uniqueness in both function and form. Customization typically costs less than restoration, but it takes more skill to do well. At least, it takes a greater sense of creativity and self-expression. Customizers are not as concerned with historical accuracy as they are with making something that is visually interesting and unique.

The line between restoration and customization can sometimes be blurry, and the two practices overlap often enough. It can be hard to say where one ends and the other begins.

Mostly, any rebuild follows the personality of the one who owns the project. Both practices are accepted, and the successful project is ultimately determined by the quality of the result.

<i><a href="https://www.behance.net/bernshtame43c0">Eugene Bernshtam</a> is a constant presence in the classic car restoration scene. He has been recognized in many car competitions all over the country, and has been featured many times for his collection of rare cars. For more about his work, visit this <a href="http://eugenebernshtam.deviantart.com">page</a>.</i>