While it's OK to get ideas from others, the rod that's best for you will come from your own mind. That's my idea and I'm glad to see it promoted here. I'm diverse and into all things automotive. I'll still dig the events where you might even find poodle skirts (the Pharoahs didn't turn them away) But I've been into flaming rods for over 40 years, and though I have a taildragging C-kit custom, my main squeeze is a 55 Olds 2 door sedan. With just 34K on the speedo, I've gotten grief for not putting it stock. Back in the day, you didn't have to wait on a car to be a junker before making it better. Now I'm close to finishing the car I've built up to all along. It will have more of me into it than any of the other 60+ cars that I've had and be the baddest. So no matter what part of the journey you are on, stay the path. It's worth it in the end. Above all, share and enjoy. Sir Woosh.........
amen. I am in the midst of building my first rod, and I am loving every second of it. Best part is there will never be one the same as mine.
Agreed. It's all about making YOUR car YOURS and no one elses. It's about expressing yourself through what you do to your rod. I used to really like muscle cars, in fact my daily is a '66 El Camino that's a period correct "hot stock", however I feel as though I'm stuck, as though I've hit a dead end. I can't really do any major custom work to express myself through it. That's why I'm trying to get into older steel, something pre '60. Hopefully I'll be able to get rid of my camino for something else soon. Besides, what's the fun in being stock?
Unless it just doesn't grab you, that El C could still be wicked cool. I had a 57 Pontiac Safari wagon that had been cut into a pick-up due to rear roof tree damage. Made a convincing camino. It became a straight axle gasser before I got it. I returned it to the street. So most anything can be made cool. Don't give up the Camino unless it can be swapped for something that really turns your wrench. Thanks for the comments! Sir Woosh
Haha a Safarimino! Yeah, It's a fun car, fast as hell and looks pretty good, I'm about to do a kustom paint job on it so it'll be even cooler. I want to get rid of it to fund either a 30s hot rod or a 50s custom, thats really the reason I'm trying to unload it. Plus it does get kind of annoying when I can't get into car shows or post about it on here cus it's '66 and no pre '64, so we'll see.
I keep forgetting about the rules and line on years. Custom paint huh? Possibly flames? I've had to deal with the Street Rod Association with the 48 cut off. I've been in and out depending on the year car I have at the time. But the year of the car hasn't kept me from enjoying what I have when I have it. The rules deprive and restrict others that set them from enjoying all that there is. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I'll not let it restrict what turns me on. Build what you want, and you'll never be alone. Someone else will always dig it too. But I know too what you are wanting a 30's or 50's. I've been through all the decades except the teens and twenties, but the 50's have been my favorite for a number of reasons. Greatest decade of change. Still great metal to work with. (OK, 59's got thinner) But bigger engine bays with more adaptability. Good luck in your hunt! Sir Woosh..........
Thanks for the inspiration man, as far as the custom paint goes, me and some buddies are shooting it a satin black with a flake red roof and this deep deep metallic purple pinstripe that runs along the roof down the rear pillar, to the tail light and then goes a little lower and runs to the front, kinda hard to explain but i'll post some pics. I was thinking something along the lines of a '30-39 ford coupe or truck. No fenders, no hood, something like, I hate to say it but Millner's coupe from American Graffiti, not piss yellow though hahah. Or a '53,'54,'58,'59,'60 Bel Air...... We'll see how this all turns out. I'm only 17 so i've got quite a good deal of time on my hands
Gotcha by 40 years there hot rod, but don't let that scare you. Age is just a state of mind, convincing the body is the tricky part. lol But seriously, I'm taken for much younger and the only real advice I can give is to avoid the smoke and drink if you can. I'm living proof that it works for the better. Tried it at your age and gave it up when I became legal and it wasn't as much fun. Toss it before it hooks you if you can. Many of my friends who look more like my Dad wish they had now. Don't mean to preach, it's all about caring and helping. The paint scheme sounds cool and unusual which will make it a winner. Glad to hear you are as interested in the 50's as you are. As I said, I've had many on both sides of the 50's, but have gotten the most from that decade. Like you, I'm getting my latest finished. Always feel free to ask any questions I may be of help with. I'll give you the best of my knowlege and experiance. Good luck and happy cruising............. Sir Woosh P.S. Check the latest albums added for a taste of the 50's the way I see it...............................
sir wooosh ... you by any chance got pics of that pontiac wagon turned camino??? would love to see umm.
I'm a newbie so forgive the question...how do you know when you have finished building a Rod or do you ever?
Finished? It all depends on your imagination. When I smoked, I used to quit several times a day. Was that quitting? Not till I put them aside for good over 20 years ago. Build a car, be happy with it and don't do anything more to it for 20 years? Yep, it was finished. It was much easier for me to quit smoking than to finish a rod. And I'm glad................ Sir Woosh
The Jalopy Journal
