What exactly counts as an original part

[stang98kjg]

What exactly does an original part mean. If I have bad bucket seat covers, if I get some that match from a parts warehouse, is that considered keeping the car original? If I have a door that had been replaced before I bought the car, and they put a salvaged door on the hinges, is that still considered original? If something has been upgraded, but was available on the original car is that considered a restoration or a restomod, say putting in a 429 CJ into a 351C. I am new at this and want to do it right.

[Steven Harris]

Depends who is judging. Untouched original would be everything on that car came with it from the factory.

"I put the car back to original" would mean that the parts are new old stock replacement but that the came came just like this from the factory.

There are some options that were dealer installed options and therefore would not show up on the invoice and could be considered "factory correct".

Motors cannot be changed out and be considered "numbers matching" because the motor carries a partial vin for the specific car. A complete motor swap (from 351C to 429) is an obvious departure from original.

So, it all depends on who is going to judge your final effort. If you want to go concourse it would be best to get the rule book and attend several events. For big dollars at an auction you need to start with a highly sought after car such as the BOSS 351. Otherwise most quality cars cross the block for the same money regardless of numbers matching.

Take all of this with a grain of salt. It's your car. How do you want it?