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If you want to add a modern part onto your classic car as part of the restoration project – but retain the essence of your historic vehicle – then you need to be subtle with any modifications that you make.

Aesthetically, a resto-mod vehicle will still look the same as it originally did – however, on closer inspection, it will be fitted with modern parts.

A classic car owner might decide to go down the resto-mod route for any number of reasons – perhaps to ensure their vehicle complies with more modern emissions standards, to improve the safety of the car or simply to just make the driving experience more pleasurable.

When weighing up what modifications to make to your classic, remember alterations can affect your classic car insurance premiums, especially when it comes to big changes like engine swaps or full resprays.

So, not only does it pay to be subtle for reasons of retaining the spirit of your classic, it might save you a few pennies along the way, too.

Here are some subtle, sympathetic modifications to consider which won’t break the bank nor dismantle what it is that makes your car a classic.

1. Bring things to a halt with a modern braking system

If you’ve only ever driven modern cars, jumping into a classic and hitting the brakes can be a somewhat scary experience. While they might work perfectly well, they won’t be as responsive or immediate as their modern counterparts. Safety should always be paramount whether you’re driving a modern or a classic car. So, if you want to do some decent miles in your classic, in all conditions, you might want to consider fitting it with a modern braking system. Especially if it’s going to be your daily driver. There are plenty of options out there that can improve your classic’s stopping power.

You could opt for a complete braking system with performance callipers, discs and pads or simply fit the brakes from a more modern car. If that’s a bit too much for your needs, you could always just upgrade the discs and pads – whatever your vehicle, you should be able to find parts which elevate your stopping power.

2. Play it cool with an electric fan

We’ve all had that sinking feeling. The queue coming out of the classic car show doesn’t seem to be moving and your temperature gauge is slowly rising into the red. Classic cars aren’t designed to be sat in modern traffic – they were built during a time when the roads were much quieter, which can cause problems with overheating. Even the slightly more modern viscous fans can struggle to cope with the demands placed on it from being stuck in a tailback.

The outcome? Eventually steam starts to show through the bonnet. Is there any worse sight as a classic car owner?

The remedy is fairly simple and extremely subtle with the modification being hidden under the hood. A new electric fan is attached to the radiator, which is then wired into power alongside either a manual or thermostatic switch. If you do break down, it won’t be due to overheating. Just make sure your classic car insurance includes a breakdown option.

3. Get the car running with an electric ignition

Everybody knows that as a car gets older, they can become a bit of a pain to start. Even reliable starters need regular maintenance in order to stay that way, which can prove time consuming for little gain.

Save yourself the time by fitting an electronic ignition system – not only does it make plenty of sense, as far as modifications go, it’s about as subtle as you can get. 

You can either opt for a system whereby you just replace the arm and points, or you can replace the entire distributor unit. The former can prove a bit fiddly, so it might be worth your time just doing a complete replacement. Once the work is completed, you won’t have to wince every time your turn the ignition for fear it won’t fire. It’s well worth it for that kind of peace of mind, especially if you only do limited mileage. Remember, Lancaster can offer classic car insurance discounts for limited mileage.

4. Keep on the straight and narrow with some radial tyres

If you’ve hung on to your classic car’s original cross-ply tyres, we’re guessing that you don’t take it out too often? We say that because they are near-lethal in wet conditions and have a tendency to tramline in any ruts in the road. Let’s just say you might not be flying around the corners…

You can, of course, buy new cross-ply tyres which are much better than they used to be, but are still pretty dangerous for anything with a bit of grunt. To make driving your classic a little less hair-raising, you should opt for some period-look radials instead. Retaining the original aesthetic, they bring added reliability, safety and stability, helping you to keep your classic on the straight and narrow.

5. Lighten the load with power steering

The first time you drive a classic car you can’t fail to notice how heavy the steering is. It’s a bit of a novelty at first – but it can take its toll over time and even put you off driving it. While a bit of effort might be expected to steer your classic, it shouldn’t feel like a chore every time you’ve got to navigate a roundabout or a tight parking space.

If you’re finding that your classic car just isn’t practical or enjoyable to drive, you might want to modify it with an electronic power steering system. Put simply, power steering works thanks to a motor that bolts to the steering column, amplifying the input by the driver. It’s unobtrusive and can easily be removed if you decide that you prefer the heavier feel.

Classic car insurance for every type of vehicle

If you’re making changes to a classic car, remember to keep proof of the work carried out. This will not only help to prove the history to future buyers, it may also help your classic car insurer value the vehicle more accurately.

Here at Lancaster, we can organise a two-year agreed valuation for just £18 a year. Talk to the team today to find out more about this and other benefits including cover for static shows, 90 days EU cover and up to 25% discount for car club members.

We also offer discounts for limited mileage if your classic only comes out of the garage on special occasions.

With a UK call centre and 24-hour claims helpline, let the specialists at Lancaster protect your investment today.

Get a quick quote for classic car insurance.