To mod or not to mod?.....

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su bullock

To mod or not to mod?.....

Post by su bullock »

I have had my 1.6 silver Laser for 10 months now and I'm really unsure whether to keep it original or modify, slightly. I don't mean go the whole hog and destroy it, but little changes, such as I've already made my own handbrake and gear lever gaiters in bright red, which looks really striking against the shark grey interior. I also want a red leather mountney steering wheel and I want the 4 spokes of my laser alloys painted red (otherwise it's just all silver). I want a club front spoiler and a rear infill panel. I want to de-badge it and put a red stripe down it instead of the laser stips. Can anyone tell me whether I should do this, or should I keep it as original as poss. I want it to look something and be noticed. Help before I start doing anything to her!........
Marco

To be straight with you...

Post by Marco »

...I wouldn£t do any of this to the car.

The Capri alowly but surely gets more and more seldom, in my eyes every good example should be protected as originally as possible.

I would prefer trying to make it an eyecatcher by keeping it in the best possible nick.

...only my opinion, of course.

What do the others think?

Cheerio from Germany
Marco
xxx
Mike Rudge

Mods....

Post by Mike Rudge »

I too have a capri laser; when I bought it some months ago I planned simply to return it to its original condition.
Since then my views on this have changed - it now has a stainless performance exhaust and K&N air filter. in addition to these I plan to tastefully modify the styling of the car, and further alter the mechanics to enhance the performance.
I assume that you are not sure about modifying your capri because of its semi classic status.
I think that handling and performance mods are usually accepted on classic cars - as long as they are not too silly, and inkeeping with the original style of the car.
The other thing is that the laser is a relatively common variant, so its not like you will be "corrupting" anything rare.
I personally am trying to keep any cosmetic mods as reversible as possible. You mention painting your wheels - they can always be repainted if required, or replaced as they are widely available.
An after market steering wheel can always be replaced with the original (providing you keep it) if necessary.
I don't see anything wrong with modifying your Capri - go for it.
Matt

original capri

Post by Matt »

I have to agree on Marco on this.These cars are becoming rare and they are getting more noticed by being original than modified.
At the end of the day it comes down personal preference but if you modify keep all the original parts and avoid anything that involves major bodywork changes.

All the best
Matt
guitarswet
Posts: 334
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:23 pm

Go for it but bear in mind that..

Post by guitarswet »

individuality might make the car hard to sell in the future so have a good think about how serious you are about keeping her for the forseeable future. Highly modified Capris are worth considerably less than originals.
Noel

all sounds good, but leave the wheels as they are!

Post by Noel »

That all sounds quite mild and tasteful compared with what some people do, but please don't paint the wheel spokes red because that will look really really toss!
su bullock

is that why.......?

Post by su bullock »

...there's a 2.8i for sale in a garage near me and although it's in excellent condition (apart from an untidy sill weld) it has been heavily modified obviously to what the previous owner wanted and it doesn't appeal to everyone (it's a bit OTT). Is that why it's £595?
Dan collins

To mod or not to mod?

Post by Dan collins »

V8 it!!!!
ciaranf

front spoilers

Post by ciaranf »

What ever mods you do dont put a body kit on a capri especially that snow plough of a front spoiler, I damaged my front panel and I had been tempted to fit one, but after looking at many a photo of capris with the I think they look awful. In fact steer clear of most body kits, 80s kits were truly awful.

If you want to modify I suggest colour coding the bumpers and side rubbers and overiders too one of my mates capris had it done and it looks really well. Or try fitting mark 2 Escort quarter bumpers to be different.

As for your alloys dont bother spraying the just fit a wider set of wheels to fill those arches 2.8 7 spokes a cheaper than a spray job.

Be warned Ive had two lasers and removed the side strips from both and on each car some lovely person had sprayed the car with them on leaving an edge right down the side of the car where the paint and stickers had met. It also a long painfull job the removing the glue is the hardest part but none the less worthwhile.

Look at plenty of photos to get ideas on what to do and not to do.
paul scourfield

go for it !

Post by paul scourfield »

I reckon u should go the full hog and mod your capri to the max! keeping it standard and "clean" is pants. I'd do the wheels like u said. I know someone with a pale blue mk2 escort and theyve done the 4 spoke wheels in the same colour and it looks good! I have a dark yellow capri with black viper stripes and the amount of looks it gets is great. You wont get that from standard crap! It shouldnt matter what anyone else thinks, if u want to do it, then just do it. Its a lot of fun doing something to your car and being satisfied with it afterwards.
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