Zero it or not zero it ?

[sithot]

Adding another question to the authenticity of a car isn't a good idea. Don't do it.

[stevesc_us]

I still think my solution makes the most sense. By removing your original guage and keeping it intact, you have preserved what was original to the car. Remember that the original speedo is also date stamped as well. Then by installing a rebuilt guage that is reset to zero, you now have reset mileage going forward that is tied to when your engine was completely rebuilt with everything else done when restored.

[RSTarga]

How about just annotating when the rebuild was done? Maybe this is how we end up with all these 40 year old cars with 35K on them. I don't see 1 logical, honest reason for resetting the odometer.

[Silverbullit]

I still think my solution makes the most sense. By removing your original guage and keeping it intact, you have preserved what was original to the car. Remember that the original speedo is also date stamped as well. Then by installing a rebuilt guage that is reset to zero, you now have reset mileage going forward that is tied to when your engine was completely rebuilt with everything else done when restored.

I disagree. The OP stated that he was going for a "concourse restoration". In your scenario you have removed a date-stamped original piece, which may accurately reflect the correct mileage (lack of documentation notwithstanding) and the minute you put miles on the car with another speedo installed you have 'ruined' the original speedo. There are many, many ways to visually, and legally, document a restoration, and an engine rebuild, etc without breaking the law.

What, you think it's a good idea to 'zero' your speedo following an engine overhaul?

They have room for you guys at the booty house!

[LV911]

Thank you Guys ! Few different opinions but I think ill stay with whatever is in the speedo just to keep the originality of the car !

[LV911]

I disagree. The OP stated that he was going for a "concourse restoration". In your scenario you have removed a date-stamped original piece, which may accurately reflect the correct mileage (lack of documentation notwithstanding) and the minute you put miles on the car with another speedo installed you have 'ruined' the original speedo. There are many, many ways to visually, and legally, document a restoration, and an engine rebuild, etc without breaking the law.

What, you think it's a good idea to 'zero' your speedo following an engine overhaul?

They have room for you guys at the booty house!

Your opinion is a little strong on this issues ! This is why they have forums like this so you can talk to guys about these kind of question !! & not zero out your speedo after a engine rebuilt but if you fully restore the car back to original that's a little bit of a difference a engine overhaul !!

[POS]

No, go ahead and roll it back to zero. Commit a felony. Say, while you're at it, you can change the vin to that of some uber rare, 1-of-1 911. Oh, and be sure not disclose any of that when you sell it.

C'mon.....seriously?

You're not being very helpful, Brian. The original question was fair and honest and he just wanted opinions on the two points of view.

For a concours resto, I'd put a new odo in and save the old one. Lighten up on the felony talk - this is a common practice for a full blown resto. Many want to know how many miles are on a new chassis after a redo, especially if the car will be for sale afterwards.

On the other hand, he can leave the odo as it is. Since my resto is in stages, I'll be leaving the odo just as it is. The car isn't for sale and never will be, so for me it's just a furthering of the car's history.

To the original poster, do whichever you'd like - I see no harm in either solution.

[kentf14]

How about just annotating when the rebuild was done? Maybe this is how we end up with all these 40 year old cars with 35K on them. I don't see 1 logical, honest reason for resetting the odometer.

+1 to the above. Despite the complete resto, the car still legitimately has the mileage indicated on the odo.
No reason to zero it. Even with good intentions this seems dishonest whether lying for a resale or lying to a concourse judge.

[Silverbullit]

Your opinion is a little strong on this issues ! This is why they have forums like this so you can talk to guys about these kind of question !! & not zero out your speedo after a engine rebuilt but if you fully restore the car back to original that's a little bit of a difference a engine overhaul !!

Your right, I'm sorry. Forums like this are the perfect place to come and ask "what would be the right thing to do" with respect to the mileage on a collector vehicle, regardless of the legal and/or ethical consequences. I've been restoring cars for 39 years, and very, very seldom have I encountered this "common practice". BTW, you can restore a car back to 'as original' condition, but that doesn't mean that 40 or so years didn't happen.

[John Fusco]

My speedo broke halfway through a long drive last summer.
I didn't want to waste driving time (the season being short here) and wait till it was fixed or I found a replacement so I used gps or rode the routes taken, even down the street for gas or a coffee and had the milage added when the driving season was over and I sent it out to be repaired.