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What is your definition for restored vs. refurbished?

G

greenbeanman in Kansas

Well-known Member
I guess I'm a bit of a purist in that I'm of the opinion a "restored" car, truck, tractor or whatever should look like it did when it came from the factory, or as close to it as possible because of wear and parts availability.

Refurbished to me means that some enhancements can be made while still retaining the general overall look. Something like a 12 volt conversion would be an example.

Using trucks as an example so as not to hurt anyones feelings here--a 1949 Chevy truck with a key/switch/starter would be refurbished rather than restored. Having it with modern rims and tires rather than with a true classic look would be refurbished rather than restored. Modern paint with hardener rather than the classic look would be another example of refurbished vs. restored.

How do you all feel about the use of the term restored when something obviously appears differently than original?

As for me I always say that I refurbish rather than restore.
 
I like your definitions. While i like to see things restored, I fall more into the catagory of refurbishing. If my improvements retain the classic look, so much the better. Guess I am a refurbisher.
 
There is also the custom classification even with old tractors. My WD has flat top fenders with lights and a custom 3-point. It has also been converted to a 12 volt system with a GM alternator.
 
i would say your correct also. just cant stand paint slopped on a tractor and they call it restored. the paint job in itself would make you p-ke. i believe if you cant make a factory job dont touch. or tell the truth "i painted it" or tryed.
 
To enhance your old pickup analogy-when I delivered for FedEx Home Delivery, I had 5 of the old style WIDE whitewall tires. Delivered them to a tire shop in Avoca Iowa. Asked him about it, they were going on an old pickup, and the spare was visible, therefore he needed 5! The tire shop owner could not match the price, so the truck owner ordered them himself, had the shop put them on. By your definition, I suspect this was a restoration! LOL Greg
 
I like to use the term "spruced up" because I can't spell refurbished.

Most of our tractors and implements are sometimes dismantled, cleaned, painted, parts replaced, and used for their intended purpose.

Some of our tractors and implements get "spruced up" more than others.

As of lately, only mechanical, electrical, hydraulic repairs/improvements are being made; no "cosmetic" work.

Most folks comment on how they enjoy seeing the "old" tractors/implements in use on our farm.
 
Your definition of restored vs. refurbished is right on. I “refurbished” mine a few years ago with new paint, new wiring (modern), new bolts (#8) and non-OEM fenders. It looks great, but definitely not factory original. But that’s OK because it’s used for work rather than hauling to shows and being subjected to a refurbished vs. restored debate by the correctness police.
 
"Restored" means Brought Back from The Dead. If it was sitting rusted and now it runs, it's "restored" To who's standards may be debatable but it is restored. Nobody restores them to the way they came from the factory, wires and hoses and steering wheels painted and decals slapped on crooked. You would have a cow. Now on the other hand if you take a tractor that is already in use and fix a few little things and paint it, did you really "restore" anything?
 
yup, i like your definition. re-furbished can be n most people budget. "restored" gets to be stratospheric (is that a word?) as far as costs go. it has to be completely rebuilt, ground up, using the right parts. costs can easily go in the 5 figure range. my super m "refurbish" is probably going to be in the 10-12k range when done, nothing special, just a good solid rebuilt tractor.
 
Nope Greg, gotta good-naturedly disagree with ya here- those tires were probably going on a "refurbishation". Most of the old-time pictures I've ever seen of old pickups and trucks(mid-50's and earlier), they had blackwalls. Wide whites were usually just on the "classier" vehicles, at least when new. Back in those days, a new truck was 99.9% of the time purchased for work, period. Never crossed anyone's mind to make 'em fancy... :)
 
I'm pretty lenient I guess. See some codger sprucing up his old rig with a little paint and some decent tires. If he beams with pride when he opens the shed doors to show it to you I'll certainly let him call it restored.
One place I will draw the line though is if the radiator hoses, fan belt and distributer cap and wires were painted right along with the rest of the tractor. Or if there's a lot of overspray on the tires. roll...
 
In my book restored means returned to the way it was inside and out when it rolled off the assembly line.

Refurbished means made to run reliably for awhile. Jim
 
People can have restored faith in other people and things. I never heard of people having refurbished faith though. Dave
 
Well, I guess you got your answer to that? Anything the user of the term wants it to mean!

What should it mean? Now that is a different question.
 
I checked two dictionaries and a thesaurus for the proper meaning of the word ""restore"".
There are five proper applications for the use of the word "restore" and,, from my view,, everyone who has replied to this forum is correct,, according to at least one of the five applications of the word ""restore""....

My thought is the word "restore", along with the word "rebuild", are two generic slang words that often carry very little meaning.. Two much overused words..
 
The women will love this[ tongue in cheek]
when they put the powder on. that's refurbish.
A face lift, trying to bring it back to what it was. restore. a forlorn hope.
 
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