Is it original if its made up of parts from 10 different vehicles??? Some would say yes, some no.
Is it a restored original if it has some repro parts on it?
What if I have to cut out some old sheet metal and weld in a patch with newly made 2011 Taiwanese steel???
Unfortunately today, the only mvs left in existance for restorers are the left over scrappers. It is a pleasure to see the enthusiasm some guys still have to ressurect such items, albeit with repro parts, salvage, scrap or what-have-you.
I often thought about this very question on my first truck; 1941 15cwt Ford 12cab. I rebuilt it from the ground up and almost made myself crazy trying to justify using new steel to rebuild the rusted out box (tray). The choice would have been real simple; either I rescued the truck and restored it for future generations to appreciate or let it go off to become a new Honda...