Classic car retrofits - what shouldn't you do?

Anyone who buys a classic car will sooner or later be faced with the question: gear up or im original state leave? Many vehicle owners decide in principle against tuning and also against the installation of one Navigation system or a Power Steering. But some do exactly the opposite. But does upgrading a classic car affect its value? And it may have an impact on the preservation of the H mark? We clarify these questions in the following.

the H mark

The H-plates was introduced in 1997 to be referred to as automobiles cultural to protect. The vehicle owners contribute with the vehicles § 23 StVZO contribute to the preservation of the cultural property and to that extent maintain it Tax relief. Before the vehicle gets the H license plate, a particularly precise one is required Examination necessary and compliance more precisely defined Criteria. To what extent and whether the upgraded classic car as treasured cultural asset is at the discretion of the respective appraiser. Basically the vehicle should in good condition are located. The focus is often on one proper restorationthat but no need is. If the assessment causes difficulties for the reviewer or you raise an objection to a rejection yourself, the case can also be judicially decided .

In principle it is Overall appearance of the car most importantly. However, every modification is considered safe that during the series of the vehicle was possible, even if the change was only installed later. So there is a lot of emphasis on authenticity. The extent to which this is assessed in turn depends on the examiner.

The main thing is authentic - the look

Generally speaking, the vehicle in terms of Colors and style should be painted as it should contemporary then was. Modern elements like one glittering foiling, golden or luminous Rims are therefore rather out of place on cars from the 50s and 60s. The same applies to spoilers, if they were not already on the vehicle as standard (for example with an Opel Manta, BMW M3, Mercedes 190 EVO etc..) or in the corresponding decade not uncommon were.

Retrofitting power steering in a classic car?

An Power Steering is a matter of course for us today, but a few decades ago it was in most cars unüblich. So switching from power steering to none is a big change for most. Upgrading the classic car with this useful gadget is therefore very tempting. However, installing power steering on historical models is more likely not toleratedif the feature was not available in the original version at the time. The only exception is one medical need. If the vehicle owner is physically unable to operate a car without power steering, an H license plate is required despite modification to the original model possible. Everyone else has to get used to the lack of power steering for better or worse.

Retrofitting belts and headrests in classic cars?

Headrests and seat belts apply to all classic cars before the 60s as Accessoriesbecause they were still at that time not mandatory were. However, they make a high Security aspect New headrests should definitely match the design of the interior, but there are seat belts no optical regulations, as safety comes first in this case. Special belts like the three-point belt to be built in. However, here is one professional installation to pay attention.

Retrofitting new tires and rims on classic cars?

For tires and rims is often the problem that the original models are no longer available - partly for simple security reasons. Basically you can orientate yourself on the fact that Size and width should match the original tire models. However, the compatibility between car and tire must be confirmed by the tire or car manufacturer with a document, otherwise problems can arise here too. The crux of the matter is that the mileage shown on the speedometer may not be correct. When the size of the tires changes, the rolling circumference always increases. If larger tires are fitted, the speedometer shows a lower mileage than you actually drove.

Engine tuning on the classic car?

The following applies to engine tuning: Modifications to the engine must correspond to the condition or capabilities of the decade corresponding to the car. If a modification takes place within the appropriate time is also possible or üblich was, this can even today be made. But if it is a technique that exceeded the possibilities of the time, such as a Turbo kit, then this cannot be reconciled with the H mark. An engine swap can also be feasible if it corresponded to the series at that time. With a BMW 316i of the E30 series, a 1,6-liter from the E2 model 30i can definitely be installed instead of the 320 engine. And also Tuning is allowed on it. For example with one Headers. There was that back then, namely quite often on the 3 Series BMW. And if you only make the changes now, that's no problem. Because at that time the engines were modified like that. But contemporary components that were also approved by the factory must be used.

"Original components" from that time are not necessarily required, they can also be modern replicas. Certificates that prove the authenticity and safety of the corresponding parts are worth a lot at this point, so be sure to keep them!

Retrofitting a sunroof or e-seats in a classic car?

For Sunroofs or Electric seats The rule of thumb also applies: if it is common or possible in the relevant decade, then JA. Since these changes leave a striking visual impression, there are no compromises here. For Seat heaters however: if not visible, then yes. However, the installation of seat heating in vintage cars is rather unusual, as most models are only driven in summer and then there is no need.

Retrofitting navigation and co. In classic cars?

The interior of a classic car can appear very simple compared to the modern interiors of today's vehicles. So the need to bring modern technology into the old boxes is often all the greater. Under certain circumstances, however, this can lead to the H-plates verliert or not even receive it. Therefore, one should know exactly which changes are allowed and which are not.

In the interior it mainly comes down to that Overall appearance at. When installing Navigation devices and Radios care must be taken to ensure that they Overall look of Dashboard correspond. Commercially available devices are therefore a no-go. But there are many manufacturers who offer models in the Retro look produce. This is an example PCCM from Porschethat was developed in two variants and precisely fitted with the original built-in devices 1-DIN or 2-DIN Dimensions replaced. When installing it should be ensured that the features exactly there installed where the radio was actually located in the original. If you stick to this rule, you shouldn't have any problems.

Retrofitting a parking aid on a classic car?

Parking aid go against it in no case. The sensors on the vehicle change its appearance and are therefore out of place on the classic car. The good thing, however, is that many classic cars are not as big and confusing as current vehicles. That’s the same with A- and Park out fewer problems and therefore less need for one Parking aid.

Retrofitting an alarm system in a classic car?

Alarm systemsthat are not visibly attached or other electronic or analogue arrangements for the Burglar put against it no barrier as long as they are not visible while driving. This is of course true, especially for small ones NFC chips and similar ways to protect the classic.

to retrofit a classic car?

couplings are available as accessories in most models and were often available as retrofitting common. Here again you just have to make sure that they are suitable for the corresponding model and that they correspond to the optical standards of the time.

Stickers, labels, imprints on Antique car?

Stickers, inscriptions, imprints and Magnetic images have been popular at almost all times Advertising Materials. There is a pleasant compromise here by the reviewers: on the one hand, there are of course advertisements for contemporary products Generally allowed, but companies from today can also be advertised if their logo and the style of the message correspond to the respective trends of the classic car era. Not only must the font style, colors and shape correspond to those of the year of construction, but also modern information such as links to Instagram pages, Facebook or e-mail addresses not permitted.

Of course that had not been the case.

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