im 19 and ive got a rusty old '57 ford i call my hot rod... even though its stock. its an ongoing project i started before id even turned 16... has it really been that long?
Hello, Ever since our son was born, he had an automotive influence as well as a reading environment, a cool play then surrounded by custom skateboard scooters I made for him. His sand box activities and playground fun gatherings went along with a future coastal hot rod influence. When we saw an old car, we went to the source if it was parked and walked around. He saw me fix our own cars, draw flames on our “Art work” quiet time in the afternoons and he had his own custom car steering wheels we purchased at the neighborhood garage sales for pennies… They were attached to a lower garage cabinet door(s) so, he could be in the garage doing "car" stuff while I was actually doing some "car" stuff. We hoped he would grow up as an individual and be influenced by what his likes and dislikes were. So, we gave him plenty of different options including going to the beach and trying surfing. We went to the L.B. Vets Stadium Swap Meet in those old days to pick up some steering wheels. Back in those days, most of the vendors were people who cleared out their garages and not the get rich, quick, commercial vendors. So, my wife and I decided to use a wooden storage cabinet for part of his play toys, while dad worked on cars or built skateboard scooters on his workbench. The steering wheels were mounted and the acceleration or sound of motors was “kid” provided. A small 8 inch deep dish wheel was mounted on each right side door. A normal 10 inch wheel on the left side. They were in good condition from the swap meet and cost so much less than at Pep Boys. Being safety conscious, the wheels were not going to pinch little fingers while spinning. They also did not hinder passage in front of the cabinet walkway. So if he had friends over to play, they could each have a steering wheel. My work counter was just steps away. Jnaki But, for some reason, his art skills grew to unheard of style and quality. His reading skills increased ten fold and he talked a mile a minute anytime someone was “trapped” in a conversation with him. And, he became the “King of The Sidewalks” with his different skateboard scooters as our technology changed for the better safety aspect necessary. When my brother came for a visit with his family and others, our son was clearly out in front of the park “drag races.” His skills improved going from an all wooden original skateboard scooter to a lightweight plywood board, cold rolled steel “T” handle bar and German Speed ball bearings in all wheels. Plus, his powerful toddler leg power that was used to hours of skating around our yard and everywhere we took him for a visit or two in So Cal. His contribution to his automotive inspirations: A full size pool table customized to all black with the standard green felt top. But the legs and base were painted black with red flames. The flames had yellow pinstriping and blue flame tips, causing everyone to look at the pool table when arriving in his apartment he shared with his friends. Note: Many years later, his daughter grew up with my wife and me during her formative years. The young married couple had new jobs, a new condo and tons of a busy life, so we stepped in to help. It turned out to be the all day and night “in loco parentis” job we were surprised as anyone. That little girl turned out to be one of the most prolific portions of our grandparents lives and to this day, we are still amazed. She saw tons of books, creative artwork, the beginnings of computer skills and a love of reading, too. She grew up taking walks with us at the beach, playing all day with us. Her recent memory at Father’s Day gathering was a thanks to both my wife and me. She just finished her first year of college and is looking forward to her future. Surprise one: a great Father’s Day card and remembering the old guy who showed her how to draw flames as a little toddler with art skills… ha! But, what surprised us, was a conversation that led to her wanting me to put on some flames or outline flames on her modern day small car. Girls will be girls, but this was a first mention about the flames she saw almost every day we did “art” in our house or her house. My wife and granddaughter always laughed when I drew flames on provided restaurant table top art work coverings and when we did art to include in her fantasy stories she provided to us as a narrative per page. Ever see flames on a knight’s saddlebags during a fairly tale story art? If was funny. YRMV I provided several pro artists who are local hot rod painters with unbelievable skills. She laughed and said thanks… Flames for an almost 19 year old college student… what is this world coming to??? Ha! Instead of painting or outlining flames on the whole front end, I decided that I could still do a small version over her driver’s door handle, so she sees it every time she enters the door. Black outlined flames with red inserts and yellow inner pinstriping…perhaps… it is just an idea, since she mentioned it on our recent, Father’s Day gathering. Something clicked from those toddler days for her and it was an amazing request for me. Yikes…
30s and 40s real cars are hard to find 50s and 60s cars are a lot easer to find ..just the sign of the times
This has been my high school project built the whole car from scratch, from the motor to the frame, all the patch work, etc First photo is from February of 2020 The finished product is from this years Scrap Daddies Car Club rod run this past weekend
I'm fortunate that my 20yo son what's a hotrod. We are in the planning process of building him a 31 coupe. We were in the garage working on my 32 and he said he can't wait to start building his car. I also can't wait. Looking forward to building a car with him.
Its funny, my original goal was to have my car done in time to qualify for the young guns Rod and Custom section at 20 or so... Here I am at 39 working like hell to get it driving in the next few years! My 29 on sectioned deuce rails, SBC, T5, 9" Ford... IMG_2398 by Cali4niaCruiser posted Feb 21, 2024 at 1:12 PM IMG_2372 by Cali4niaCruiser posted Feb 5, 2024 at 9:20 AM IMG_2416 by Cali4niaCruiser posted Feb 24, 2024 at 11:33 AM
I'm 40 but every hamber I meet in person acts like I'm a young gun. I guess I talk like an older rodder lol
Im 39, and for the last 4ish years have been building this 1936 Ford sedan, it has a 47 59a flathead, evans speed equipment, 39 trans, old chrome drop axle and reverse eye springs front and rear. currently working on the interior.
I barely fall into the age group at 39 but have been around hot rods my whole life. I don't have any build threads either. I’ve owned a 46 Ford Tudor sedan (more of a street rod). I’m currently building a 33 Ford with a 265ci power pack, 39 trans, pedals, 40 brakes, and 56 F100 steering box. I have 40 steel wheels for it that still need painted and mounted.
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