Thread: Contemplating

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I have a question I am just curious about. It has bothered me for a while. Now, I know why people build rat rods, since I could see why they are a blast to drive. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that what I have pondered is good or bad...But, everyone who builds a true 50s or 60s Kustom or hotrod tries to stick with that era. Now, from what I understand they were always looking for new innovations. So would it not be alright to make it look from the era but add modern amenities? Because if I built those cool cars I would always be upgrading it over the years. Although I also sit on the side of the fence that there is nothing like driving a 58 Chevy with manual steering and classic suspension. . But if I had a shop back then I would have my customers come back in for new innovations. What are your thoughts?

Depends on if you want it to be "traditional". for me, I'm partial to the modern convieniences and what I can afford. I give lots of props to the guys that hot rod with correct parts, that is knowledge I don't have. my car is basically a gm in a ford body. I'm ok with that cause I understand how my car's systems work. I'm not a a huge fan or rat rods but I do enjoy a safe low buck build. That is why I prefer this forum cause whether you are traditional, ratter, dragger, anyone is welcomed some other places can make you feel out of place if your car isn't just so.

I for one like almost every thing when I go to a show or just watching a car come behind me in rear view mirror I envy them for driving a nice rod or rat rod or muscle car.
Not really into one thing like them all as far as your question yes if I owned a garage back in the day I would be selling or trying to do the newest automotive up grades I could that's what hot roddings about tho I can still relate to what I call old school love that the most.

All this crap about "traditional" and "the way it was" IMO is just that---crap!!!!! Why were Hot Rods built in that manner back in the 50's and 60's??? Cuz that's all the parts that were available either factory of aftermarket!!!! If EFI, 4 wheel disc brakes, electronic ignition, etc. had been available to the average rodder in '55, guess what??? He would have used it!!!!

Innovation has always been and will always be one of the best reasons I could think of to build a Hot Rod! One thing I'll always go with, the parts and pieces you choose to go on your car is what makes it your car!!! Those who tell you you can't use this or that on a certain style of car are doing nothing more then expressing their opinion!!! The best built Hot Rods are planned, designed, and built around one central theme that is complimented by all aspects of the build....

The one charachteristic I've noticed in a lot of folks who are hung up on this "traditional" crap is that they seem to build their car to meet the standards and utilize the parts that the majority seem to think are correct....whether it suits their own style or taste becomes irrelavant, follow the leader seems to be the main criteria for the build!!!!

there are no rules...............................

There was just an interesting thread on another forum about small block Chevy engines. These motors get a lot of ink about not being traditional or overdone, but the thread starter posted lots of pictures of "traditional" rods being built in the 50's with a sbc in it. In fact, they posted one where the guy installed what they believe was the first sbc swap into a rod in 1954. The guy worked at a Chevrolet dealership and got a fresh crate 265 just as the new models were hitting the showroom floors.

Tradition was that we were always looking for that latest trick or part to make our rods faster and cooler than the other guy. I think the word traditional has been morphed into meaning "having the appearance of being built in the 40's, 50's, or early 60's." My cars are traditionally styled to some degree but I am not a slave to every nut and bolt being correct for that time period.

All this stuff about having to have mechanical fans, generators, etc is just BS as far as I'm concerned, and most of the guys who are spouting this stuff weren't even born yet when these cars were being built.

Don

as much as i bleed ford blue my dream car has always been a 55 chevy belair hardtop pearl white with no bumpers and a Z06 vette running gear ..i probably have never upgraded a car iv`e owned .. i take power steering and brakes off any hot rod `im making ..

Hey, the response is great so far. I agree that when I go t a show I check out everything (even some new models I hate to say ...) I am always interested in what the next guy is building. Kudos to those who can spend the money to find old skool parts. And kudos to anyone willing to modify a car to the vision they have. I guess I am a fan of most things with wheels. Still like my old skool rides but I tell you I like modified vehicles in general. I even would like to own a Mitsubishi 3000GT or Nissan Skyline for the hell of it one day. But nothing will ever take the place of a good ol classic. I love almost every style of rod out there. Rat Rods, Lead Sleds, traditional...I love the design. I also love the innovation people have whether like me when I built my Dad's 59 Bel Air 4 door on a 6000 Dollar budget or (and if anybody has not got this issue yet I highly recommend it) #46 Rodders Journal (the new issue) the 6 figure "First Love" 36 Ford built by Rad Rods by Troy. That car inspired me to do some more rethinking on my "Prodigy" 42 Chevy Design. But, keep bringing in the responses. I am enjoying this.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

All this crap about "traditional" and "the way it was" IMO is just that---crap!!!!! Why were Hot Rods built in that manner back in the 50's and 60's??? Cuz that's all the parts that were available either factory of aftermarket!!!! If EFI, 4 wheel disc brakes, electronic ignition, etc. had been available to the average rodder in '55, guess what??? He would have used it!!!!

Innovation has always been and will always be one of the best reasons I could think of to build a Hot Rod! One thing I'll always go with, the parts and pieces you choose to go on your car is what makes it your car!!! Those who tell you you can't use this or that on a certain style of car are doing nothing more then expressing their opinion!!! The best built Hot Rods are planned, designed, and built around one central theme that is complimented by all aspects of the build....

The one charachteristic I've noticed in a lot of folks who are hung up on this "traditional" crap is that they seem to build their car to meet the standards and utilize the parts that the majority seem to think are correct....whether it suits their own style or taste becomes irrelavant, follow the leader seems to be the main criteria for the build!!!!

Well said! I couldn't agree more. I can still remember trying to stop some of the cars I've had with drum brakes(traditional), took 2 men and a boy plus an underwear change a few times. Plan your car and go from there.....CR

I like all styles also but I am keeping my re-do mostly "Old School" or Traditional mainly because thats the way I built it the first time 46 yrs ago. At that time I suppose to be Old School I would have to have put a flat head and 39 box in it but I went with a Pontiac 389 and muncie because thats what I had. It still has that 389 in it but I have a 461 built to replace it and will be going in soon. I do have some upgrades going in this time however, Unisteer R/P cross steer, electronic gauges and Ididit steering column which weren't available back in the day, because I want the improved safety.

For anyone interested I have some pics of the re-do in progress in the "Hot Rod Talk" section in this forum titled "34 3 Window Re-Build."

Jack.