Reid...... you're being too anal.
Agreed, "Restored" is used much too loosely. But no H-body can ever be corrrectly restored. Same as with my old VWs. We use the terms Restocustom, restomod, and restorified all the time. Completely stock appearance, but lurking beneath is a 2275 cc engine that will run 9's .......
My "plan" is this:
Restore the body to it's original configuration.
Restore the interior to original configuration.
Restore exterior trim to original configuration.
Modify the drivetrain to a "better"(subjective, at best) configuration.
1. The body will never be original. Too much rust. Contemplating replacing the trunk/hatch floor area with sheetmetal because a good donor area can't be found........
2. Interior is coming from various places. Woodgrain trim, door panels, instruments, seats, plastic, steering wheel, etc all from different cars('71-'73). But the interior will look original(except for that 5 speed shifter-but who'd know?).
3. Exterior trim? Hopefully, I can include the trim from the '73 parts car. My '72 had all the trim removed as well as the little studs that hold them on. But it will look original(hopefully) but definitely not "restored".
4. The drivetrain mods(aluminum v8, 5 speed, 7.5" rear, torque arm, bigger swaybars, etc....) will have an effect on each area of the above mentioned points. The rad support opening has been "enlarged" to accept the 3 core rad. The tranny tunnel has been "modified" to accept the 5 speed shifter. The HVAC is from a '75 Monza so the "V" configured engine will fit.
So, my car will definitely NOT be "restored"....... but in the hobby, the term "restored" is generally used as a catchall, as you've plainly pointed out. I've used it in reference to my '72 and will probably continue to use it.
"
Restored Appearance" may be a better term but who's got the time????