New to Hot Rods

Hello I am tin-man, I am an expat working in China and will retire this April to my home in Sun City West, Arizona, I previously hung on another car forum until this past January and have now become gob smacked by what's available in the hot rod world after visiting the Scottsdale AZ, Barrett-Jackson event in January and in a word, they are awesome. Not sure if its the raw power that permeates from these fine machines that have been sculptured, chopped, lowered and or otherwise evolved into someone's dream or if its a throwback to bygone times and memories of what was when we were teens, but I'm hooked, I want one. That said, are there any Hot Rod Clubs in Phoenix that I may open up communications with?

Cheers, John, AKA, tin-man
Zhuhai, P.R.C.

Welcome to the Club Tin Man, while I am on the opposite coast, I'm sure someone will be along to give you more direct info. In the mean time, try googling Hot Rods Phoenix... I'm sure you hit on something!

Hi John,
You're in about the same boat I was in a couple of years back, contemplating retiring and ready to build/buy that street rod I'd always wanted. I dove into the "build" side, probably at just the wrong time considering the economy :( because there are a ton of really well built cars out there today that can be bought for a lot less than it costs to build, but the building process is a ton of fun, too. A quick "google" brought this list, which has e-mail links for some groups in the sunny SW. Might be a starting place...Arizona Hot Rod, Street Rod and Classic Car Clubs Welcome to CHR, by the way!

Welcome aboard John.

Ironicly you'll be arriving in Phoenix at just the time their more active rod season will be winding down.....................snow birds will have parked their rides for "the season", or will have dragged them to their other home for "the season" there. The full time locals are less enthused about the heat.

I would recommend you take your time figuring out what you want, do lots of research on where the market is, what really kicks your tires. There are many facits to our hobby from very traditional stuff that emulates the immediate post WWII "golden age", through 50s and 60s style, then the fat part of the resale market, left over cars from the 80s and 90s. From what I see there are an awful lot of those cars from the 90s hitting the market. Infirmed or departed owners/relatives, financial crunch, who knows all the motives, but cars with graphic laden paint schemes and swoopy sculpted multi color interiors are pretty dated right now and have the shortest lines of buyers. Those in the know realize it can cost upwards of $20k to repaint and reupholster (depending on tastes and skills), so while the owners are trying to get top dollar, the potential buyers are walking away. That's just one example of what you'll be exposed to, there are more, and I'm not trying to discourage you, just warn you that misplaced enthusiasm can be costly. On the other hand, if you join up with some of the local rodders there you can learn a lot about what's available. The best time to buy a local car in that area will be next winter when more of them will be out and about. Dive in, it's a ball.

John, Welcome!

Don't know where you are from, but you will love Arizona! I grew up in the Midwest, then moved down here to Tucson. By comparison with "normal climates" we have 4 months of summer, and 8 months of Spring.

Summer doesn't slow us down much, as there are plenty of evening events, such as cruise-ins.... and of course there is no "real" winter". It's a great trade-off!

Phoenix is, of course, more than Large enough to have every kind of car event you could want. Rock on.

Tin-Man John

I followed your escapade on club cobra and really don't believe you belong in the hot rod crowd--you are obviously a check writer, complainer, who doesn't understand anything manual about anything mechanical--it would be nice if I was wrong on this but your actions over there toward those fine folks trying to help you and showing a total disregard toward them as they expressed feelings of confort for you and your wife---you were disgusting and I think you should go back over there and apolize to the Arizona Cobra Clubs----

Jerry Clayton

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Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Tin-Man John

I followed your escapade on club cobra and really don't believe you belong in the hot rod crowd--you are obviously a check writer, complainer, who doesn't understand anything manual about anything mechanical--it would be nice if I was wrong on this but your actions over there toward those fine folks trying to help you and showing a total disregard toward them as they expressed feelings of confort for you and your wife---you were disgusting and I think you should go back over there and apolize to the Arizona Cobra Clubs----

Jerry Clayton

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Hi Jerry, walk a mile in my wife shoes before you comment on things you do not have the slightest clue of what you are talking about, oh yeah, I forgot she can't walk since she almost got her feet severed in an accident, received multiple fractures in both of here feet, has torn and broken ligaments and is currently confined to a wheel chair here in China and then the fine folks of Arizona Cobras made fun of the event in the "Broken Foot" post. Get real pal, those are friends I don't need.

As far as being a check writer and complainer when I dropped all the cash I did for the Cobra and have it crap out after 78 miles after waiting for two years for delivery, yep I have a right to get pissed. BTW who rang your chimes, stay out of my face. I was under the impression the theme of this forum was one of respect, perhaps you should look up the meaning. I am sure you are a nice guy Jerry but you picked the wrong guy to dance with, so next time get your facts straight, OK pal?

Remember, its all about respect. tin-man

John

I have nothing but sympathy for you and your wife in that deal, but in the heat and high emotions of the moment , you left without giving a whole bunch of caring people any info on what happened that they had asked for nicely--its pretty much a given that there is a little bit of ego involved in the motorhead groups, and inprompto one liners do come out--

And I want you to know that if you do stick around here that I'll offer any assistance I can from my considerable background in the automotive world.
But if you want a hotrod in Arizona, you need to get straight with those guys because they will be the first people you meet at a rod show ---

Here's hoping April comes soon and you both get home and get started on your retirement---SUN City West is a nice place but don't spread the word that I was ever there!!

Jerry

Sounds like Uncle Bob has already given the road map for this process. Since you're looking to buy as opposed to build it's a matter of figuring out exactly what you want within the limits that you may have relative to room, comfort and accessibility; then once you've narrowed down the type, searching for the right car that fits those needs. The only caution I would offer is that since you're not a "wrench twister" you need to accept that you're buying a one-off, custom car and regardless how it looks it is not going to give you the reliability and factory support you get with a new OEM vehicle. You're going to be relying on a shop to keep the hot rod maintained and working, and shop time is not cheap, which may not be a problem for you. I guess what I'm saying is if you want/need a Beemer 7 Series type comfort, reliability and dealer support you'd be better off shopping for a new Beemer, or even working with one of the old line european OEM's for a custom, one-off ride and support if that's your bag. I'd hate to see you spend $200k for a classy street rod at Barret Jackson, find out it's not what you thought it was, and then find you can only get $80-100k for it when you try to sell six months later after it has some road miles on it.

Good luck on your quest.

Amen, and thanks for your support and counseling and Jerry, thank you for your concerns. I must admit I was surprised at the thrust of your initial post and it was totally unexpected, thus the push back, but anyway let us put that behind us and move on. RSPears, Uncle Bob, 34-40 and Hotrodpaint have certainly broadened my exposure to hot rods and I appreciate the heads up on the do's and don'ts. and decidedly what not to do. Regretfully, I have learned the hard way with the Cobra and given the circumstances concerning my wife's accident I cannot in all good conscious ever drive that car again so its on the block. Sad really since I waited over ten years to fulfill that dream and it was my retirement present, but it would be a constant reminder for both of us this was the cause of the accident. That said, since I have gear oil in my blood I need another outlet for my auto passion and the hot rods at the Barrett Jackson event in Scottsdale triggered that desire. You guys are right however, I am not going to build, I will purchase a turnkey or very good used rod or good looking rat rod, if there is such a thing, and fix it up. Also, its not that I cannot build, I have been building factories all my working life, but I have run out of time and want to enjoy my golden years just driving around in a car that gives me the same amount of adrenalin rush that I get when building factories in China plus of course meeting up with fellow enthusiasts, both young, old and in between.

I have to admit one thing however, as I keep digging into this forum and looking at rods on the web the lust just keeps building. Normal, maybe, the quest for possession...absolute, thus I look forward to further discussions, advice and counseling.

Cheers, John AKA, tin-man

Tin-Man, No need to thank me! I didn't do anthing! I am sorry to learn of your troubles! :( I hope things are better in time.
Most of us 'round here try to keep an open mind and appreciate what others have for a "vision" of what they like. But, like any family, we "forget" ourselves and hiccups occur... **) Don't hold it against us, sometimes "it" happens..:)

You and I have sort of similar backgrounds. You build'em but I make'em work! :LOL:

Keep searching, I'm sure the right car with the right deal will come along and when it does, don't forget that we LOVE pictures! :rolleyes::LOL:

Welcome John. I think you will find picking a style of rod that suits your taste will be the easy part.......picking of GOOD one in that style may take a bit more doing.

There are a lot of wonderful cars that go across the block at Barrett -Jackson, Russo-Steele, and being sold by individuals. There are also a lot perfumed pigs that go across the auction block, are sold thru Dealers and change hands privately. In many cases while the cars look beautiful and bring home a bucket load of trophies, reliability and drivability issues can relegate them to being more of an art form than a means of transportation.

Hand in hand with picking a style of car that suits your taste you will also need to look at how you plan on using the car. Something that that gets trailered to the car shows and makes an occasional trip to the Pavallions Saturday night gathering will have a lot less required of it than one you would want to take on the route 66 run or actually drive to Tombstone in July. The heat, altitude and poor gas in Arizona will definitely present challenges for both cooling and fuel systems.

Hot rods are cars that are generally one off from what everybody else drives and from one another. The amount of thought and workmanship put into the systems people don’t see will make the difference on whether the car lives up to expectations or not. If you don’t already have a competent mechanic chosen who can check these things out, I would strongly suggest that you find one prior to exchanging a lot of money.


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Originally Posted by 34_40

Tin-Man, No need to thank me! I didn't do anthing! I am sorry to learn of your troubles! :( I hope things are better in time.
Most of us 'round here try to keep an open mind and appreciate what others have for a "vision" of what they like. But, like any family, we "forget" ourselves and hiccups occur... **) Don't hold it against us, sometimes "it" happens..:)

You and I have sort of similar backgrounds. You build'em but I make'em work! :LOL:

Keep searching, I'm sure the right car with the right deal will come along and when it does, don't forget that we LOVE pictures! :rolleyes::LOL:

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Hello again 34_40, oh, I wouldn't say you didn't help, I took your advice and Googled Phoenix Hot Rods, but the Sphincter Police here in China blocked it as being too sexually explicit. Yep, these folks are draconian when it comes to internet access, they ban you tube, twitter, face book and all the other forms of social networks and absolutely all porn sites, ( somebody told me that), as a method of controlling access to the outside and eliminating the source of any potential unrest spreading by such methods. Yep, welcome to the free world and its is an absolute pleasure whenever I set foot back on American soil since I know I am free to do whatever I like with no push back from the state. Sorry, I digress, 34_40, I changed tactics and linked into hotrodhotline.com and found many offers on 1933 Ford 3 window coups since this is the type of hot rod that has my interest. So I do thank you for that original suggestion. Cheers, John, AKA, tin-man

I love the comment There are also a lot perfumed pigs that go across the auction block I almost fell of my chair laughing when I read this, thanks, and while they do look gorgeous they decidedly are not my cup of tea and are not what I am looking for. I am looking for something that I can rip along the freeways in (at the required speed limit, of course), go on trips and weekly runs, do donuts and otherwise act like a kid (sometimes), just having plain good old fun. Like I previously stated, I want something that can give me the adrenalin rush I need to replace all the action there is here in China building factories, i.e. enough to scare the pants off me but not kill me in the process, did that make any sense? There is also the opportunity of picking up a 1933 3 window rat rod and fixing it up, but I have yet to go down that road. In any event I will have all the time in the world to make a right decision when I retire and I am looking forward to getting help from the guys on this forum. Also, when I do pull the trigger I will ask Charlie and the folks at Hot Rods by Dean to give me an evaluation on the car before any money changes hands.

Where are you in SW Arizona, can you drop me a PM?

Cheers, John, AKA, tin-man

Peoples use of terminology can be confusing because we see misuse or perhaps misinterpretation all the time. When you say "rat rod" for most on here that have replied I would say you're describing a rolling piece of _______________(fill in with whatever derogatory term you wish), that's more intended to shock "the man" than to be a safe, reliable rod as your earlier comments would imply. Especially considering your experience with accidents.

Hot Rods by Dean has built some pretty nice cars for some high end folks so have earned some respect. Another fellow you might want to introduce yourself to is Steve at Industrial Chassis............a fabrication wizard.

I guess "it" has already been said, so all I'll do is to say welcome aboard.

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Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Peoples use of terminology can be confusing because we see misuse or perhaps misinterpretation all the time. When you say "rat rod" for most on here that have replied I would say you're describing a rolling piece of _______________(fill in with whatever derogatory term you wish), that's more intended to shock "the man" than to be a safe, reliable rod as your earlier comments would imply. Especially considering your experience with accidents.

Hot Rods by Dean has built some pretty nice cars for some high end folks so have earned some respect. Another fellow you might want to introduce yourself to is Steve at Industrial Chassis............a fabrication wizard.

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oops, boy, did I misspeak, thank you for setting me straight, my interpretation of a rat rod was something that was old but was being restored to its former glory, with the body either needing total restoration or extensive reworking, was primed or needed filling or needed the engine restored or changed out, or more work was required, and was essentially a work in progress.

I guess were I got this impression from was when I went to Hot Rods by Dean they had some really old clunkers in their shop and back yard and I assumed these were called rat rods, clearly my error, borne out of ignorance for the craft, thus I am grateful to you for the clarification.

Thanks, John, AKA, tin-man

John I live down in the Sierra Vista/Ft Huachuca area (about 25 miles from Tombstone). It's usually a bit cooler down here in the summer (but that also holds true in the winter :mad:)

The car scene in AZ is really pretty diversified and as Jay mentioned is something that is a year around thing with cruises, runs and racing and shows. There is a lot of beautiful country to drive thru all over the state.

Everybody has their own ideas on how they want to enjoy it, but if you’re going to drive a lot be prepared for some occasional extremes besides the summer heat. We get the occasional snow fall (yes even once in a great while in Phoenix), and some pretty good rain storms during the monsoon season.

I’m going to throw a couple things out just for consideration when you go looking for a rod. I know the roadster guys will throw stones at me, but personally I prefer my closed vehicles (sedans) for most driving.....I have a pretty bare bones Harley when I want to be out in the weather LOL.

First of course is AC. Summer time in Phoenix can be brutal, and with all the concrete and pavement in the area to hold in the heat even driving around at 1AM can feel like being in an oven. (as I mentioned earlier between the heat and the stop and go traffic the cooling and fuel systems definitely get put to the test).

The summer storms (with the occasional hail) can come up very quickly and in a lot of places there “ain’t nothin for miles and miles but miles and miles” . Having something with at least a canvas top is a good thing.

We also have some pretty long stretches interstate and secondary roads where gas stations are pretty spread out, so having a decent fuel capacity is a good thing (and cruise control on some of those stretches is also pretty nice).

All and all I think you enjoy it out here a lot.

Mike, Hi, thanks for the insight, I had not really given what you outlined any thought yet so its timely advice. Much appreciated. Cheers, John,