I like to think of my stuff as 'buffed crust'. I've always liked my stuff ultra clean, as in I'll chase every last bit of dirt or grease out, even stuff that won't be seen or noticed by anyone, then buff up what's left. I'll compound an original paint frame and chrome, then give it new tires, tubes, etc. I prefer to keep as many original parts on a bike as I can.
Some day I would like to do a bike completely untouched (other than greasing bearings, etc or replacing a tube if I have to). I've always wanted to find a dirty barn find bike with ancient tires that would still roll without blowing out!