I have a 67 'lane that is a plain low option car. I am restmodding it to make it more safe and comfortable. If the car was highly optioned or big block and four speed car, I would go back original.  My general question to yall is this: in your opinion, what are the main deciding factors on going factory or restmod?
I like adding today's safety and comfort items(disc brakes,A/C, suspension, etc.) It makes the car or truck more enjoyable.....in my humble opinion. Some of these above mentioned items are factory options, but not all. Any other thoughts.  

IMHO, the main deciding factors are you - the owner.  If you want to add things to the car, do it.  Make it the way you like.  If it was a historically significant issue, maybe then factory.  If it was something that you thought was rare and you are concerned about it's investment value, then for sure factory.  If it's for you and you intend to drive it and enjoy it, fix it up however you like.  We do lately tend to want to attach some value to these things, but when you boil it down it's still a car.  If it gets tore up it's a sad deal, especially if you get attached to it.  But it's not the end of the world - plenty more out there somewhere.  For me, if I resto-mod one and somebody were to say "man, you messed up a good car" then my come back would be "you can save it from my evil hands for $25,000 I'll take cash" or some such number.  I can be kinda put up or shut up on those things.  

I agree. I think almost all of these old cars can be made better with today's technology. Occaisionally, though I have seen some cars that are worth making factory original. I just finished resto on a cfo's 71 corvette stingray-454, 4speed, fully optioned/numbers matching car. It was "worth" putiing it back factory. But it is more the exception than the rule.  

I think Falcon67 hit the nail on the head. It really is about personal preference. If the car is very original or super rare, then probably the best thing to do is keep it relatively stock. If you are going to drive it, then mild upgrades like better tires, maybe a front disc brake conversion, new suspension bushings etc, can make it that much more enjoyable. My philosophy is, if the car is complete and solid with all or most of its trim intact and you're able to get a Marti report or something to verify its production numbers and options and it turns out to have some  special features, it's best to keep it that way, with minor mods to improve driving, handling, stopping and safety. If its a 'parts' car that's still salvageable or in
pieces, then I think anything is fair game.  Either way,  whether it's original, restored to stock, or modified I think the car needs to be driven - don't understand these guys who have trailer queens.