Need a Definition of 'Period Correct"

[James K]

I have looked around and no one seems to know the true definition of "Period Correct. I realize "period correct" does not mean original, but how far does the term allow you to go?

I came across this, but still..." ...in most respects, much of the car is factory correct. Only the handful of aftermarket parts would be different. A strict period correct resto would use date correct parts... One reason that some collectors prefer a "period correct" restoration is that it gives them the flexibility to make improvements to the car that might make it more enjoyable to drive. In essence, a period correct resto is the precursor to today's "resto-mod" approach. And many owners of period-correct cars point out, "We didn't like them stock when they were new, why would we want them that way now?"

Finding a numbers matching is hard and usually expensive. What does a "period correct" 440 mean? I have a 69 Charger R/T that is not numbers matching. Does it mean that only 440s with a date stamp of 1969 is "period correct?" Or, will any 440 block and set up as the original be "period correct". Does "period correct" mean you can only use parts that were available for that year of car? My car has drum brakes. Does putting on OEM or equal parts keep the car in the "period correct" area?

Any clarity would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[4cruzin]

I feel that it means that the parts are from the same time period as the original parts but not numbers matching . . . so example . . . a 1968 would use parts with a date code of late 1967 to late 1968.  If the parts used have a date code that falls within those times, they would be period correct.   

[Ghoste]

Period correct is more of a term related to modifications.  For example if you add aftermarket wheels but of a type you could have purchased in 1969, that is considered period correct.  Whereas adding 17 whatevers would not be.
I think a lot of what you may be asking about are date code correct parts?

[James K]

So, anything that could have come on the car from the factory and I add to my car would be "period correct" (e.g., wood grain dash, 6 pack set up, tic-tack clock)? Is a 1970 440 or newer considered "period correct?" My car came with air conditioning which has long since been removed (dash vents are still there, but no compressor  or other parts). If I put in a new system is that "period correct?"

Now I realize if I ever sell my baby I will disclose everything. But when I am at shows I want to just sum everything up and say, "It's period correct" without really stretching the truth.

[RECHRGD]

What ghost said...  Period correct does not really mean something that was available from the factory.  Crager mag wheels and even Hooker headers could be considered as period correct.

[ODZKing]

Yes, for example here is how I would interpret the term.
I have Magnum 500 Road Wheels on my 67(w/trim rings). They are factory Chrysler wheels but NOT period correct for the 67.
My 73 on the other hand has the same wheels and they ARE period correct for that vehicle.

[RECHRGD]

Come to think of it, I am period correct.....

[ODZKing]

Come to think of it, I am period correct.....

  me too

[polywideblock]

I always interpreted it to mean aftermarket parts that were available when car was new/maybe 1-2years old used    (day two).
    guy buys a new car and stops at tyre place that weekend and bought a set of cragar's  ,maybe an intake and Holley, set of gauges /sun tacho etc. from the local speed shop

              basically the speed mods that a new owner would do "back in the day"  with parts that were made back then being period correct

not NOS ,DUBS, DVD , new intakes/carbs(from now) etc   

[tan top]

So, anything that could have come on the car from the factory and I add to my car would be "period correct" (e.g., wood grain dash, 6 pack set up, tic-tack clock)? Is a 1970 440 or newer considered "period correct?" My car came with air conditioning which has long since been removed (dash vents are still there, but no compressor  or other parts). If I put in a new system is that "period correct?"

Now I realize if I ever sell my baby I will disclose everything. But when I am at shows I want to just sum everything up and say, "It's period correct" without really stretching the truth.

IMO would need to use, put back  all the OEM  AC parts  ,

What ghost said...  Period correct does not really mean something that was available from the factory.  Crager mag wheels and even Hooker headers could be considered as period correct.

Yes, for example here is how I would interpret the term.
I have Magnum 500 Road Wheels on my 67(w/trim rings). They are factory Chrysler wheels but NOT period correct for the 67.
My 73 on the other hand has the same wheels and they ARE period correct for that vehicle.

that's still ok !! a car couple of years old  , & the owner deciding to put new wheels   , from the latest model  !! back in the day 

I always interpreted it to mean aftermarket parts that were available when car was new/maybe 1-2years old used    (day two).
    guy buys a new car and stops at tyre place that weekend and bought a set of cragar's  ,maybe an intake and Holley, set of gauges /sun tacho etc. from the local speed shop

              basically the speed mods that a new owner would do "back in the day"  with parts that were made back then being period correct

not NOS ,DUBS, DVD , new intakes/carbs(from now) etc   

 

[Mike DC]

    
What period are we referring to?  These cars are 45+ years old.  There's more than one period in there.  


A mostly stock car with Cragars & aftermarket shifter might be correct for the 60s.

A DMCL or General Lee replica is correct to the 70s.

A Fast & Furious (first movie) replica looks more like the 80s.  

A CD player in the dash and painted bumpers is starting to look period-correct for the 90s.

Eventually 20" wheels or an Ididit steering column may look period-correct for the 2000s, as things move on.

[RECHRGD]

   
What period are we referring to?  These cars are 45+ years old.  There's more than one period in there. 


A mostly stock car with Cragars & aftermarket shifter might be correct for the 60s.

A DMCL or General Lee replica is correct to the 70s.

A Fast & Furious (first movie) replica looks more like the 80s. 

A CD player in the dash and painted bumpers is starting to look period-correct for the 90s.

Eventually 20" wheels or an Ididit steering column may look period-correct for the 2000s, as things eventually move on.

I would have to assume that the correct period would be around the time the car was originally manufactured. 

[RiverRaider]

Hello,
Bias ply tires! 
I have heard the term used so many different ways.
Most common I hear are the first couple years and the high school versions late 70's early-mid 80's
My Charger fits the latter high school type except for the radiator.  Bias Mickey Thompsons, American Racing 200's,
air shocks, ZZ Top keychain mud flaps and fur in on the package tray. 
RiverRaider

[James K]

What I am hearing from all the comments so far is, the definition varies and there is no cut and dry answer. I can fudge here but not there, but then again that all depends. Now you see why I am so confused about the term.

[RECHRGD]

I'm always right!!  Don't listen to anyone else....

[HeavyFuel]

What I am hearing from all the comments so far is, the definition varies and there is no cut and dry answer. I can fudge here but not there, but then again that all depends. Now you see why I am so confused about the term.

Not all that confusing.

Original parts (or reproductions of originals) and aftermarket / speed parts that were available / popular for a car during a certain period of it's past.

Pick your period and go for it.



 

[1974dodgecharger]

Come to think of it, I am period correct.....

but are you period correct to the car?  I think thats what he is asking....

[Old Moparz]

"Period Correct" is when the seller knows that saying the car is "fully restored" or "all original" is just too full of shit to say......Especially when all the internet & car show know-it-alls like to point it out & bitch about it.  

[odcics2]

What ghost said...  Period correct does not really mean something that was available from the factory.  Crager mag wheels and even Hooker headers could be considered as period correct.

If they are NOS or from that time period, not new ones...     The new stuff is not the same.