{"id":32824,"date":"2020-01-09T15:17:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T20:17:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dodgegarage.com\/news-api\/?p=32824"},"modified":"2024-03-25T11:23:49","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T15:23:49","slug":"turning-something-new-into-something-old","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/showcase\/2020\/01\/turning-something-new-into-something-old.html","title":{"rendered":"Turning Something New Into Something Old?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By far, one of the most popular styles of restoration at any\ncar show is the resto-mod. The resto-mod describes the transformation of a\nvintage vehicle through the modernization of its drivetrain and technology.\nWhen executed properly, this restoration practice allows a vintage car to drive\nlike new and smooth down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Man<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While resto-mod restorations have been around for decades,\nmanufacturers have just recently caught up to supplying consumers with their\ndemands for high-quality resources and parts. Still, even with easier\naccessibility to purchase parts, down to the nuts and bolts, it can take years to\nrestore a classic car into a resto-mod. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"man<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

America\u2019s Greatest Hot Rod Show, also known as the Detroit\nAutorama, features custom hot rods of all makes and models from around the\nworld, including resto-mods. Earlier this year, we attended the show, with a special\ninterest in gawking at the newly restored Mopar\u00ae<\/sub> vehicles. While we would love\nto have spent extended time with every car in the expo center, time was not on\nour side. As we looked around, the shine of a black \u201969 Charger caught our eye.\nAlmost a year later, we realized that it was not a \u201969. It was actually 50 years\nnewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A father-and-son team, Louis and Danny D\u2019Erasmo, own Six Twelve Autoworx<\/a> in Nanuet, New York. Louis D\u2019Erasmo, a veteran in the custom automotive scene, has over 30 years in the autobody business. This family team builds SEMA quality show cars and, most importantly, transforms brand-new Dodge Challengers SRT\u00ae<\/sup> Hellcats into 1969 carbon-fiber Dodge Chargers, just like that shiny black Charger we stumbled across at the Detroit Autorama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"man<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After hearing about their shop, we felt compelled to visit Six Twleve Autoworx<\/a> in person. When we arrived, Danny and Louis were working on the final stages of the ultimate transformation: swapping the skin for the Challenger before it was shipped out to the next Mecum auction. The car was a spitting image of the one we saw in Detroit months earlier, except this time, the restoration provided a full carbon fiber body with a transparent purple paint job applied right over the carbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"car<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These carbon fiber creations made our jaw drop and symbolize\nthe extensive modifications needed to make such a transformation. But this type\nof build prioritizes an untouched structure. Danny and Louis do nothing to\ncompromise the structure by removing the steel skin and switch to carbon fiber\non the unibody, door skins, fenders, bumpers and more. The mirrors, grille and\nother small parts are either hand-made or 3D printed with CAD. Upgrading to\ncarbon fiber comes with an estimated 300 lbs in weight savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"rear<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We understand the purist perspective, those who can\u2019t wrap\ntheir head around why anyone would put a Charger onto a Challenger, especially\nwithout creating a vintage Challenger look. For Six Twelve, the answer came down\nto measurements. The classic Challenger\u2019s dimensions and design are too far off\nand the transformation would not be as successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"engine\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Currently, Six Twelve Autoworx maintains all factory options\nand safety features, which means that technically, these cars can rev into your\nlocal Dodge dealership and receive full service and maintenance like an OEM\ncar. Currently, all of the D\u2019Erasmos’ restorations use aftermarket wheels, and\nin one of their builds, they reupholstered the seats. Danny plans to make\nbody-builds to suit the performance modifications, roll cages, interior and\nsound system upgrades. He\u2019s patiently waiting for the right client who wants a\ncustom spec. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hood<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Danny and Louis D\u2019Erasmo have already transformed three 2019\nChallengers into 1969 Chargers, with an expected 10- to 12-week turnaround\nfor each build. At this rate, the father-and-son duo plan to produce a total of\n10 for 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"resto<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The transformation featured in this write-up will be available this Saturday at the Mecum auction, lot S38<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested in your own custom spec? Prices start at $90,000,\nplus the cost of the Challenger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re excited to follow Six Twelve Autoworx, not only to see\nwhat they come up with next, but also how they will keep improving not just\ntheir designs but also the auto industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n