some of the crap I've cobbled together makes me question my skill everytime I look at it, but I had fun doing it. and learning something in the process is a bonus.
to me, utility is the primary function of any car. does it go and stop reliably?
then performance is the next priority, followed by ergonomics and interior refinement. no need ignoring available technology to improve life.
lastly when all this stuff is in order any paint so long as it stops the rust.
I love looking at nice paintjobs but not owning them

only one of these must be met for me to consider it a hotrod.performance.
add too much of the other things and it kinda loses its appeal to me.
starts looking too much like something that belongs in a museum and less like something I could have fun floggin around.

to each his own I guess