Thread: Kit car rant--Cobra vs. 'glas streetrod

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First of all I will say that I have a large herd of friends who build, and I have not met the guy yet who does every part of the project himself. That would include machine work, chrome plating, upholstering, wiring ...and on and on in an endless list.

Most guys have some things they can do....some they can't, and some they don't want to do. Some can afford to hire more of it out, or don't have the time to do it all, and must hire some out. Others don't have the financial means to do anything but do it all, even if they really don't have the knowledge.

In the end, what I mean is that almost nobody can do it all. I don't pass judgement on their standing as a hot rod and custom enthusiast, because of the way they choose. I put more judgement into the finished combination they produced, and the standard to which they want it done. A low budget build can be done just as well, by adding some creativity, and unexpected but interesting modifications. There is no excuse for crappy engineering and execution.

Today you hear a lot of talk being generated by this new group of enthusiasts who want to use harsh criticism to justify their lack of enough skills, or assets, to build a really nice car. They typically make statements attacking "the establishment". (Generally speaking, that is us older guys, who were doing this before they were able to crap a diaper.) I don't care what their reason is, I just think they should be respectful of other people who have the right to have their own opinion too.

Comparing 'glass and metal, from a painters' perspective, nothing...nothing... is ever perfectly straight! They all will need work before paint, if you want to build something nice.

I have been involved in all kinds of projects....over 400 now. I've built 'glass molds and bodies, and had to repair rough old tin. I've restored very old 'glass bodies, and painted what are supposed to be mint metal bodies. if I had to choose a body for myself, I would definitely go 'glass! No old damage, no rust, no stretched metal, no trying to find missing pieces, easier to repair, etc. The main thing I look for is thickness, and lack of air bubbles. Anything else is minor.

I recognize that original metal bodies have a certain historic element, and that makes them more interesting, but for me it is the piece of "art"...the "rolling sculpture", that you are going to create that is most important. It's called "customizing". It means making it unique to you. I, for one, could care less what it's made of, as long as it's well-made.