Suspension Upgrades
When it comes to upgrading the suspension on your vintage car, one of the best places to start is by replacing old, worn bushings with high-quality aftermarket bushings. As Aldan American points out, bushings and rubber body mounts are often the first components to wear out over time. Replacing these can significantly improve your car’s ride quality and handling.
Next, consider updating your shocks and springs. Installing lowered springs, adjustable shocks, or coilover shocks that combine a shock and performance spring can greatly enhance your car’s handling and provide a more modern, adjustable setup. According to Aldan American, these upgrades can help you achieve a ride quality that rivals modern vehicles.
To further improve your car’s cornering ability and reduce body roll, replace your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sway bars with high-quality, adjustable tubular sway bars. As noted by Aldan American, this upgrade will help keep your suspension and tires planted during hard cornering. Additionally, replacing your original control arms with tubular control arms can provide improved geometry and larger wall thickness, which is especially beneficial when upgrading other suspension components like ball joints, bushings, shocks, or springs.
Braking Upgrades
When it comes to braking upgrades, one of the most significant improvements you can make is converting from drum brakes to disc brakes, especially on the front wheels. As PRO-SPEED AUTOWORKS explains, disc brakes provide better stopping power, self-adjustment, and resistance to brake fade compared to drum brakes. Many classic cars had disc brakes available as an option or on higher-end performance models, and there are often complete stock-style disc brake kits available for those vehicles.
For cars that never came with disc brakes, there are various aftermarket disc brake conversion kits available from companies like Wilwood, SSBC, CPP, and Baer. PRO-SPEED AUTOWORKS also recommends upgrading the master cylinder and adding a power brake booster when converting to disc brakes. This will accommodate the change in brake bias and provide additional brake assist, especially for engines with low vacuum output or large camshafts.
While a full four-wheel disc brake conversion can provide maximum braking capability, it may not be necessary for all vintage cars. As discussed on Reddit, focusing on upgrading the front brakes to disc brakes will provide the most significant improvement in braking performance, as around 70% of the braking is done by the front brakes. Upgrading the rear brakes to disc brakes may not be worth the additional cost, especially for cruiser-style classic cars that are not used for high-performance driving.
Powertrain Upgrades
When it comes to upgrading the powertrain of your vintage car, one of the most effective ways to improve performance is by swapping the engine for a more modern, high-performance unit. As mentioned in the article “7 Best Modern Upgrades for Your Classic Car | Refined Marques,” an engine swap can make your car run more efficiently, provide added power, and reduce worries about limited part availability.
In addition to an engine swap, upgrading your transmission can also significantly improve your car’s performance and drivability. According to “Upgrading your transmission on a classic. – Matt’s Transmission | Murfreesboro, TN,” upgrading to an overdrive transmission, such as a 700R4, C6, or AOD, can provide an extra gear and improve fuel efficiency. These transmissions allow the engine to run at lower RPMs at highway speeds, leading to better gas mileage and reduced engine wear. Another popular option is the 4L60E transmission, which requires a transmission controller for installation.
To further enhance your car’s performance and reliability, consider installing electronic fuel injection and ignition systems. As noted in “5 Essential Classic Car Aftermarket Upgrades | Ideal Classic Cars LLC,” upgrading from a points ignition system to an electronic ignition system can improve reliability and address performance and starting issues caused by the deterioration of the points system.
Electrical System Upgrades
When it comes to electrical system upgrades, one of the most significant improvements you can make is converting from a 6-volt to a 12-volt electrical system. As explained in “Upgrading Your Vintage Car to a 12-Volt Electrical System,” most cars built prior to 1955 had 6-volt electrical systems, which could not provide enough power for modern V-8 engines and accessories. Upgrading to a 12-volt system can improve the performance of electrical components like starting power and headlights, and make it easier to find compatible parts and accessories.
Another benefit of converting to a 12-volt system is improved repairs and maintenance. As noted in the aforementioned article, 12-volt batteries and alternators are more affordable, higher quality, and easier to find compared to 6-volt parts. Additionally, if the electrical system degrades in the future, replacing 6-volt components with 12-volt parts will be simpler.
Finally, upgrading to a modern alternator and wiring harness can help support the additional electrical loads that come with modern accessories. As mentioned in “Upgrading Your Vintage Car to a 12-Volt Electrical System,” many aftermarket accessories, such as radios, amplifiers, and LED lights, are designed for 12-volt systems, so upgrading is necessary to install these modern features.
Interior Enhancements
When it comes to upgrading the interior of your vintage car, there are several ways to improve comfort and create a more modern driving experience. As suggested in the article “Best Modern Upgrades For Classic Cars – Interiors, AC, Engine Mods & More for Old Cars | JEGS,” replacing worn-out seats with new upholstery or adding heated/cooled seats can significantly improve comfort. Additionally, upgrading the sound system to include modern features like Bluetooth and CD players can enhance the overall driving experience.
Another way to improve comfort is by adding features like remote start, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. As discussed on Reddit, these upgrades can make driving your vintage car more enjoyable, especially in colder weather conditions.
If your classic car lacks air conditioning or has a non-functioning A/C system, consider installing a modern A/C unit. According to “The 4 Best Modern Upgrades You Can Make to Your Classic Car | Ideal Classic Cars LLC,” upgrading to a modern A/C unit can make driving more comfortable in various weather conditions, although it can be an expensive upgrade.
Exterior and Detailing
Maintaining the exterior and interior of your vintage car through regular cleaning, polishing, and detailing is essential for preserving its appearance and value. As mentioned on Reddit, staying on top of these maintenance tasks can help keep your older car looking its best and improve the overall quality of life experience.
If you want to give your vintage car a more modern and personalized look, consider installing custom body kits or paint schemes. As noted in the article “Restomod 101: Upgrading Vintage Cars for Today’s Roads,” restomod cars aim to balance vintage aesthetics with modern performance, technology, and convenience, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy classic cars on today’s roads. Custom body kits and paint schemes can be a part of this restomod process, helping to create a unique and modern appearance while still preserving the classic charm of the original vehicle.
By implementing these interior enhancements, exterior upgrades, and regular maintenance practices, you can create a more comfortable, personalized, and enjoyable driving experience in your vintage car. These upgrades, combined with the suspension, braking, powertrain, and electrical improvements discussed earlier, can help transform your classic vehicle into a modern, high-performance machine that still retains its original character and charm.
