Thread: street rods 1949 and down why ?

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just wondering why does something have to be 1949 on down
at street rods shows you see nothing but 32 fords
dont get me wrong i love 32 fords but i would like to see some 1950s models myself i would consider some 1950s models street rods i have always wondered this

Many shows have street rods from 65 down. It all depends on what show it is. Some like the older models as you say 49 and older while others like the newer models also.

A lot of the older generation considers 1948 to be the cut off date. The last of the " Fat- Fendered " cars ( Fords) and the last year for closed drivelines on Ford's

That jus' wouldn't be right.............. We just always called 49 and older street rods.... 50 and newer street machines ........ It's the American way.

Actually it's pre 49 and it's HOT RODS not street rods. In 1949 Ford, General motors and Chrysler all changed to wider body styles that had rear quarter panels instead of removable fenders. Studebakers were a few years ahead of the big three on this design. Hot rodders didn't like this new style so they kept useing the older body styles from 48 back. It's kind of outdated now that there are so many nice 50s and 60s cars but it's still fun to go to a show where everything is pre 49.
So a hot rodded 55 Ford ranch wagon could be a street rod but not a hot rod by the original definition.
A friend has a Kenworth that he rebuilt himself. He calls it a hot rod. Why not. If there's hot rod boats and bikes then it's a KW hot rod. It's an ever changing definition.

Originally posted by The Al Show
Actually it's pre 49 and it's HOT RODS not street rods.

But then why when we usta' go to the N.S.R.A. Nationals, (National STREET ROD Association) they always called '49 and older Street Rods ?
Not that it makes alll that much difference to me, just curious ????
My only requirments are that it's a CHEVY .......HE HE HE .......and fast....

The main reason for the cutoff date was because it was easy to tell a new car from an old car in the 50s. By the time NSRA came along they were all old cars and the difference was not so clearly defined. Possibly some of the NSRA guys had 49s and didn't want to be excluded. Maybe because the first 49s were built in 48 they felt they were included. Maybe they based it on the decade and not the cars.The 50 and 51 Fords were the same car as the 49 and chevys were hardly changed til 53 so the pre1950 thing doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Hey Pro, NSRA limits attendance to Pre '49 cars (i.e. '48 and older). I think Goodguys events have been opened up to all cars.

Dan J

BTW, I pulled the NSRA's street rod definition from their web site....

By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.

BTW Pro Here's a picture of my sons 70 Camaro. We cut off the roof and welded on a later T-top roof. Then painted it Ford red

Here we go with the terminology thing again!! For those of you who haven't been around for previous threads on this subject be warned. We have some who try to adhere to the original intent of the terms, and others who say something like "call your car anything you want to, it's yours". Of course over time when you find some subject matter that's near and dear to them, or is related to their profession, all of a sudden they become converts to the proper use of terminology! I guess it comes down to whose ox is gored!

Cousin Al is correct. The term Street Rod didn't exist before the early '70's (my ever more faulty memory wants to think it's '71) when the NSRA was founded. They coined the term and therefore defined it. They made 1948 the cut off year. Not '49. The confusion probably comes from people saying PRE-49, and over time either sloppy usage, or sloppy hearing, leads to misuse. For those interested, NSRA felt that the term Hot Rod still had some negative "street-racer hoodlum" connotations at that time, and wanted to project a more "civilized" image, thus the change to Street Rod. They implemented the cut off at the gate, and over time other show promoters followed suit. As newer than '48 cars grew in popularity the cutoff date moved up, either to meet demand, or to increase the odds of filling the slots. Look at Goodguys (started by Gary Meadors who used to work for NSRA, thought they were doing some things wrong, and started his own deal to compete..........ah the entrpreneurial spirit!!). Different of their shows have varying cutoff dates for vehicle vintage. Most of them draw the line at '72, most often held as the year that Muscle Cars died. Our show here in Puyallup cuts off at '64. Why? Because that's the year the promoter picked!!! It's not a particular landmark. Try explaining to the guy with a '65 Malibu why he's appreciably different than the guy with a '64. Truth be known, they're a bit flexible at the gate, and the '65 guy will get in.

As with Al, I often prefer the term Hot Rod, for use in a more flexible manner. Primarily because NSRA has strictly defined the term Street Rod (though obviously lots of folks misuse it), and to not use it as intended can lead to confusion. We get enough of that thrust on us without creating it unnecessarily. Hot Rod can legitimately be used on just about any car that's modified for performance and appearance. Note that Brent wisely named this site Club HOT ROD, rather than Club Street Rod.

55ranch, I recognize you're using hyperbole for effect when you state that all the cars are '32 Fords but there's a reason that something (as in any other aspect of life) becomes extremely popular. For the guys interested in "square bodied" cars, the '32 Ford is the pinnacle. It was a one year design, and embodied that not often accomplished balance of form, and style, that produce a product that is uniquely appealing. Notice I didn't say universally appealing. There are detractors of the '32 as well. My observation is that half of them are envious, the other half just flat don't see the appeal. Hey, ugly women need dates too!! While I'm a '32 devotee, to me, the '39/40 Ford coupe is the best looking car ever produced. But that's another topic. As for not seeing enough '50's stuff, that must be a localized problem in your area. That's a very active segment of the hobby in most places. Witness the rising prices for those cars of that vintage (an earmark of growing demand), and the increasing number of vendors offering parts to upgrade suspension, steering, brakes, etc.

One last point (oh jeez, does he ever stop?). This on misuse of terminology in general. Personally I don't care if you don't want to learn how to communicate effectively. But the reality of interpersonal relationships is that people do judge you by the words you use. If you use terms incorrectly, those you are trying to communicate with will think you a boob to some degree or other. If they're a friend, or a family member, they may let it slide just thinking that they know what you really meant to say and don't want to embarass you, or make you feel inferior. Well, that's fine. But at the same time, when you go outside your circle of acquaintances, you are better served by using terms accurately. A central part of web sites like this is helping people learn more about their hobby. Think about the times we've seen someone come on here and throw out a question that's loaded with mis-statements. Some people might react by saying "That guy is so clueless I'm not even going to try to teach him anything". Others will jump in and answer what they think the guy's trying to ask, sometimes getting it wrong, sometimes right, afterall, they're guessing. In the end, the posts go back and forth several times before enough info comes out to determine what's really being asked. After that much frustration, our helpful member may think twice before subjecting himself to that again!

Originally posted by The Al Show
BTW Pro Here's a picture of my sons 70 Camaro. We cut off the roof and welded on a later T-top roof. Then painted it Ford red

Kewl Car.

Now that you mention.........

By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.

..........I seem to remember something like that in the registration form for the nats. Didn't they say something about a minimum number of mods. needed to qualify as a street rod?

Bob:
Thanks for the clarification. I built mine in the early 70's, so all I ever new was the NSRA definition. I guess "What a hot rod is" sorta' falls in the same catagory as "What a pro street is". I don't loose sleep over it but,....... it does get me stirred up a little...just a little....... when someone puts a set of gauges and wide tires on an otherwise stock vehicle and calls it a pro street.

Originally posted by Bob Parmenter

"street-racer hoodlum"

That's a phrase I haven't heard since pullin' up to the curb in my panel truck. Welll.... that's not entirely fair, cuz' 1 or 2 of the old gezzers actually liked my truck. One told me it would go faster with narrow tires on the back, cuz' those big tires cause too much drag. He didn't realize I had a 454 under the hood. HE HE

Most interesting read for sure! Just knew it a matter of time till this geezer came upon substantial clarification from many sources.
Nothing here to add, just thanks to all for views on subject matter.

Bob.. "does he ever stop?" this writer hopes not!
Al .. I call the 70 Camaro Kool to these eyes!
Pro70z..Only thing to call the 40 panel--Awesome!

Happy Easter to all.

I believe the term "Hot Rod" began in the 1920's when anything that was beyond the normal was "hot", such as "Hot Jazz"or a "Hot Chick" (which is short for chickadee). Since almost all cars were Roadsters then, one that was modified was a "hot roadster", which was probably shortened to "Hot Rod". That term became a symbol of lawlessness and bad behavior (like jazz). So as was stated above, the term "Street Rod "was born in an attempt to get away from the negative images of young crazy's tearing up the road for thrill's.
Also.. If your Hot Rod is street legal I guess it's a street Rod.

Uncle Bob: "... This on misuse of terminology in general..."
very nicely said!
regards
Jay