I have been collecting parts for a 1929 roadster pickup for almost a year now. I have a frame, cowl, rear panel, quarter panels, all fenders and running boards and most of the bed. I also have a Flathead v8 , rear diff. from a 48, stock front axle and a t5 transmission. and new reproduction wire wheels with new ww tires. Still looking for doors and and a windshield and of course various miscellaneous parts. I feel I have a good start on this project, but I still lack direction on just how I want to build this. My father owned and operated a Texaco station for over 40 years, its where I grew up. I used to joke and say I was born behind a Texaco station with a Snap On Wrench in my mouth and was raised by grease monkeys LOL. But that's not true, I really was born in a hospital. Anyway my father passed a while ago and I have been considering building a wrecker as a tribute truck to his legacy. During one of my part searches I stumbled upon a 1930ish Weaver Auto Crane, the price was right so I grabbed it. Which leads into my question, can a wrecker be considered a traditional hot rod? It will have a Flathead v8, hopefully the one I have is rebuildable, a rear diff. from a 48, probably a 2 inch chopped soft top. Still unsure if I want to lower the front end and run a quick change. If I go this route the truck will be painted in Texaco colors with his business name on the doors with a four number telephone number. I might attache the Weaver Auto Crane on quick release pins so it can be removed somewhat easily. So what do you guys think?
To answer your question, it will be a novelty vehicle, Never a hotrod. You can do hotrod stuff to it and make it cool but in the truest sense of the definition I think it falls short. Just my dumb opinion since you asked. I know nothing. Well maybe a little.
Traditional 70's hot rod maybe, as that's about the time we started seeing the weirder stuff being used. Personally I think it would be a wrecker that has been hot rodded. While I am pretty strict with what I build. I try and not look down on others creations, unless it's a safety issue. Build what you feels honors your dad. As long as you like it, I'm onto it. It may not be my taste. But if it's done well, I'll find something to appreciate. Also I think it would be welcome on the Antiquited part of the site.
I see your point, cant argue with it. But hot rods are kind of novelty vehicles in and of themselves, so maybe it would be a niche vehicle inside a niche segment of automobile stuff. LOL
It’s whatever you call it. for here, it’s up to the bosses But it will probably be moved to the antiquated site
Here’s a link to mine. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-legrange-produce-tribute-truck-build.936696/
For me a traditional hot rod is what they were building bitd. Were they hot rodding tow trucks then? Not really. But it can still be an awesome old truck, i say let er happen cappen....
Thanks Hitchhiker, I like hearing what others have to say, that doesn't mean others opinions will alter my build decision, but at this point I am still undecided on what that will be, so everyone's input is helpful.
Mike, you don't indicate your general area but, are you familiar with the International Tow Truck Museum in Chattanooga, TN? Might be able to get some ideas. Here's a link: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...ernational%20tow%20truck%20museum&form=SWAUA2
Getting towed home was a "rite of passage" especially when testing a "Lincoln Locker" on a Saturday night An old Hemp Tow Rope soaked in diesel smells like an old barn.[puts a new twist on "barn find"] Nowadays I'm more "off topic high tech" ,I use a "Brummel Spliced" Dyneema rope.
From my perspective if they can be considered Tools & Equipment from that time era, they fit right in. No, it might not be a hotrod, but if you don't want to allow the Tools from that era, you have quite a few Tool threads to delete too. my 2 cents
Butt cheeks to the naysayers! Every kool service joint had a kool hot rodded or kustom wrecker in the mix. All those no-never-debbie-downers need not apply. Now an A V8 rdstr pickup might not be the living end but for the occasional decorative trinket an old boom is kool. You did say quick pins rather than full time, right? Winner...
Just a thought, make the wrecker boom section a "slide out" attachment so you can remove it when you want to drive/display it as a hot rod & slide it back in the bed when you want to show it as a wrecker?
Technically I think a tow truck ,wrecker, would fall more into a "custom" category. The wrecker beds are a custom built unit, being traditional?, I have trouble with that term...more of a period correct view on that subject....and if you go as far as the definition of a "Hot Rod" that's even opening a can of worms and that's going by the book. So that's leaves the option of f`:";`it ....which is the best way in my opinion....and do it how you want it and call it what ever you want to call it . Having fun with your hobby is more enjoyable. Here's some shots for entertainment purposes only.
Well until someone posts up a better picture of one, I am going to have to say nay. These are just silly show trucks with a boom on the back. They couldn't tow a thong out of a lady volleyballers crack. That requires torque and traction. Torque and traction!
Is this going to be another one of those self identifying things? Sadly, the world is full of it these days. It won't end well.
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