From Garage Dream to Reality: What My First Reddit Post Taught Me About Launching a Classic Car Restoration and EV Conversion Business In NJ
I’ve always believed that if you want to know the unvarnished truth about something, you take it to the internet. So, after years of planning, countless hours of market research, and finally launching my NJ Based classic car restoration and EV conversion company, that’s exactly what I did. I posted on r/classiccars.
I braced for impact. I was prepared for the purists to tell me I was committing sacrilege, for the skeptics to question the market, and for the trolls to do their thing. And yes, some of that showed up. But what I learned from that first post was far more valuable than any marketing report I could have bought.
Here’s what the Reddit hivemind taught me.
1. The Community is Far More Diverse Than You Think.
The classic car world is often painted with a broad brush: older generations, grease under the fingernails, and a strict adherence to originality. My post proved that stereotype is outdated. The responses came from everyone, from young enthusiasts who see EVs as the ultimate form of mechanical empowerment to seasoned collectors who, while they’d never convert their own ’57 Chevy, completely understood the appeal for someone else. I heard from owners of vintage BMWs tired of electrical gremlins and Fox Body Mustang fans looking for a new twist. The community isn't a monolith; it's a spectrum of passions, and there’s a place for innovation within it.
2. “The Point” of a Classic Car is Deeply Personal.
This was the biggest debate in the comments. For some, “the point” is the original engine, the smell of gasoline, and the authentic experience of driving a piece of history. For others, “the point” is the design, the silhouette, and the joy of turning heads on a Sunday drive—regardless of what’s under the hood. I learned that my business isn’t about convincing one side to join the other. It’s about honoring both perspectives. That’s why we offer full original restorations alongside EV conversions. The common ground isn't the powertrain; it's the love for the car itself.
3. The Most Powerful Tool is Education, Not Persuasion.
I spent a lot of time in the comments explaining the how and the why. How we record the original engine sound for the cabin. Why a big, silent ’60s Lincoln Continental is a perfect candidate. That it’s not about erasing history but about preserving the body and making the car usable for future generations. The moment I shifted from selling a service to explaining a process, the resistance melted into curiosity. People weren’t just saying “cool idea”; they were asking intelligent, nuanced questions about range, handling, and cost. The lesson? Meet skepticism with transparency, not a sales pitch.
4. Your Best Ideas Will Come From Your Customers.
I went into this thinking I had the business model figured out. Reddit immediately proved me wrong in the best way possible. A commenter suggested offering to turn the pulled combustion engines into display pieces like a coffee table or a dressed exhibit. We had already been kicking around that exact idea internally! Seeing it come from a potential customer validated it instantly. Another user brilliantly pointed out that late-70s malaise-era luxury cars are the ideal candidates for conversion which is a segment I hadn’t emphasized enough. The crowd is wise. Listen to them.
5. Passion is Contagious, and It’s Your Greatest Asset.
The post wasn’t just a debate; it was a brainstorming session of dreams. I asked people what they’d convert if money were no object, and the answers were incredible: a Studebaker Avanti to fulfill its original futuristic vision, a Jaguar XJS to solve its reliability woes, a ‘65 Lincoln Continental convertible for the ultimate silent cruiser. That excitement is fuel…or electric, depending on what type of conversion you’re looking to do. It reminded me why I started this in the first place. It’s not just about a business; it’s about enabling dreams and keeping these beautiful machines on the road, no matter how they’re powered.
In the end, my first Reddit post was more than just a launch announcement. It was a focus group, a strategy session, a reality check, and a rally cry all rolled into one. It taught me that respect for the past and excitement for the future can coexist. It showed me that my potential customers are thoughtful, passionate, and full of great ideas.
And most importantly, it confirmed that I’m not just building a company…I’m joining a conversation. And I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go tell my web team we need to create new landing pages for about two dozen cars I just learned people are passionate about.
Interested in Learning More? Just want to tell me which car you would restore or convert if money was no object? Visit our contact page!
You’re still here? As a bonus here’s a list of all the cars mentioned within the reddit.
Fox body Mustang
BMW E30
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Volkswagen Super Beetle
1970 GMC truck
Chevrolet Corvair
Triumph Herald
Lotus Europa
Chevrolet K-10 truck
Chevrolet Corvette
El Camino
Buick Riviera
Porsche 911
Volkswagen T25 (Vanagon) pickup
Meyers Manx
Triumph TR-6
1965 Lincoln Continental convertible
1970s Lincoln Continental
AC Ace
Lotus Elite
DeLorean
Triumph Renown
Jaguar XJS
Rolls-Royce
1980 Chevrolet C20
Studebaker Avanti
1987 Ford F-150
Seriously, this was a blast. Such a fun community.
