well this 51 f1 is the first build I've been involved with. and before that I was of the opinion that guys that bought the whole thing weren't the same as guys that build them..

here's my current sentiments:

KIT= buy it all and put it together, that's it, no custom fab, no difficult stuff, easy peasy japanesy. I want to do a motorcycle this way. personally I don't have a problem with it either, still a hell of a lot of work but involves a lot less shop equipment and knowledge.

everything else varies, my friend's dad has a real steal body 32 coupe that he spent probably 10+ years building. did everything but paint and interior himself in that time. I don't think it being steal matters so much as the fact that he has had it for 40 years and raced it for a long time before making it a street rod.

glass- who the heck cares?! if it looks good that's what matters.

the truck I'm building with my uncle, we bought it with the front disc brakes and the engine already in, so I don't know that much about the engine. does that lessen the other stuff we're doing? we rebuilt (not quite done) the bed (steel rather than wood floor) made the custom brackets for the power steering pump and steering box, made the power brakes fit etc. and there's tons more to do. when I take it out later if guys try to give me s*#t because I didn't build the engine I won't care. as my dad said if they don't pay your bills why do you care what they think?

some guys don't have the time, the space, tools, knowledge, but they have the love. they can afford to drop 100k on a custom. more power to them. if the attitude behind it is good that is all that matters. I think you find a##holes everywhere, in every hobby/sport/passtime. I disregard them for what they are and focus on the people that are like me. out to have a good time and share something they love.

good on you for getting in their faces by the way. I would have given them a rash over 350's in their "ford" kits too. talk about taking every shortcut huh?!

and willys rock! I need a willys gasser!

Red