I think "restoration" is maintenance, and "upgrading" is commissioning (or creating) a work of art. Neither are acts for which one must apologize. I am speaking, of course, of fine metal and wood work, not alterations such as the post facto addition of Nazi stampings and such to merchandise that is for sale.

One of my pending projects is an LC Smith FW, a 6.5 lb. 12 guage field gun. It is tight and has much of the original case color, and I think it is at least worthy of a stock redo, fresh barrel blacking, and a new bead. Will it get an upgrade? At $2000+ for a restock and more for engraving, probably not, but who knows? It would be a lot cheaper than the '59 T-Bird I looked at last weekend.