Genuine or Modified

[Brae]

I asked this question on a Celica thread but I suppose it is a question that could be asked of all cars.( Not to mention know one expressed an opinion on the Celica thread.)

"While we are on the subject of genuine or not. I myself have a ra28st, but I almost have every part to make it look like a GT. I would never try to fool anyone into thinking my car was a genuine GT from the factory, but I like the GT look better than the ST. I'm quite sure when these cars were new people would try to make them look like the top of the range model just as people do today (i,e golf 1.4 to look like a GTI or 1.1 saxo to look like a VTS). I know within the club are those who stand for originality, to use something that the car didn't originally come with is sacrilege. Then there are those who like modified and customized cars to the point that the car is almost unrecognizable. I'd like to think of myself as somewhere in between (leaning more to originality). I would however like to hear your opinions on this matter.
Should it be done or not "

[aland]

as long as the mods can be considered period and as long as they look right my mate's TE71 has been subject to a few mods, celica 1.6 engine and 5 speed box, supra alloys, bigger arches to cover the tyres and a few other bits and TBH it looks good (paint could be better ) and drives well. The car could never be made totally original anyway so why not modify it, it certainly annoys the neds down at the Falkirk cruise when we go down

[alfazer]

I grew up on a diet of Street Machine magazine, now its Sky: American Hot Rod, Overhauled and so on, but I never had the guts to start modifying a Celica (TA22,23 etc.) beyond paint and wheels. I think they are beautiful cars as they are. I would be tempted with smoothed in, body coloured bumpers and less chrome like they do to Camaros and Mustangs at the moment.

At the end of the day though it's each to his own and that's what makes the world an interesting place to be. My wee RA28 is just the way I like it, apart from the boring 18R engine, and it's all reversible if I feel like going totally standard again.

AL

[twincamgti]

It's your car ...

...Do what style YOU like and enjoy

[alfazer]

I'll give the green one a miss!

[71ta22]

Brae,

Its entirely up to yourself.

I think that the main aim of TEC is to help and encourage people to keep old(er) Toyotas on the road. For bodywork and particularly trim you may have to use non standard parts to keep your vehicles "looks" and for that matter going.

I dont think anyone will look down on you for putting some smart "GT" trim on an "ST". There may be some envy that you have "GT" parts though.