Where Does It End?

I know this is a traditional hot rod board, but I have a few questions. I read lot of the threads on this board and I have made some observations. I see alot of threads and responses about safety. Alot of the safety questions and answers are about brakes, tires, suspension, steering etc.

Here are some of the topics I see alot:

-Going from drums to disc brakes.
-Going from a single to a dual master cylinder.
- Converting from a beam axle to independent suspension.
- Switching from bias ply to radial tires.
-Installing rack & pinion steering in place of a conventional steering box.
-Boxing, strengthening, gussetting or just replacing a frame altogether.

I understand the reasoning for all of these types of upgrades, but my question is, are the "traditional hot rods" that we are building really that safe after all the "upgrades"?

Why not go further and install:

-Antilock brakes.
- Safety air bags.
- Crash beams in the doors.
- Collapseable steering columns.
- Crush zones on the frames.
- and on and on and on..........

At what point do we stop and still call it a traditional hot rod? I see the same type of reasoning being used on things like carburetors, points ignition systems and non overdrive trannsmissions. What separates a traditional hot rod from a street rod when the " traditional hot rod " has all the " upgrades"?

 

Probably because we like to drive Old cars not New ones..
brakes , drums to Disc.. how fast are you going to go? in order to stop..
Master Cyl. a Single pot sucks.. you have one chance thats it.. so a duel is better..
Suspension.. I guess thats a personal thing for Ride..
Tires.. Not all cars like radials.. width of wheel will be your flavor of tire..
Rack units.. Not Sure..
Going for a fast , quick ride.. Frames should be able to stand the abuse..

anything listed below means why not just buy a new car.. I know I wont.. Not for me..

 

Mine do not have too many of the upgrades,disc brakes,12 volts and electronic ignition and maybe a o/d trans are about as far as I go on the upgrades. I do not even add seat belts if it did not originally come equipped and definately not going to add air bags or a non original steering column,the only reason I go with disc brakes is parts availability on the road.

 

I don't know what you've been reading, but I don't remember any of those "upgrade" threads. In fact, it's usually the reverse.

If this is trying to be a "What's a traditional hotrod?" thread, good luck.

 

disc brake thread is the only one i see often...

 

Do what you want and call it what you like,,over analyzing what is and is not Traditional is not going to change anything and just turn into a Drama Fest. HRP

 

I say it ends where you- the owner, are happy with your car. Obviously, different people have different needs/ goals which help dictate what they can or should do.

I'm back on this board to get some info/ reference because I bought a shell of a '55 chevy and I would like to make a low buck gasser out of it, and I live in LA and I wish to drive it here so it will need some safety considerations ("collapsable steering column") to make it usable here in day-to-day LA traffic as well as disc brakes. There are too many cars on the road with idiot drivers and panic stops not to have this. My commute to work involves 22 miles each way on the 405 (I believe is still rated the worst highway in the US)- But that's OK as the car I'm using to inspire my build to (2LBT '55) had disc brakes and seat belts in the movie (which was filmed in 1971, btw).

 

I'd say 2% of HAMBers have or intend to build cars that would be be TRULY undistinguishable from an original 50's built car.

In other words...98% of us are just kidding ourselves anyway.

 

Hmm

 

Great point. Location and individual circumstances will often dictate the modifications needed to safely enjoy your ride.

 

In the 50's and 60's guys were using what was the latest, hot set-up. Sometimes it made you go faster, sometimes it made you stop better. I see nothing wrong with utilizing what is current wrapped in a traditional package. If it makes you faster and/or safer why would you not use it?

 

I'm working on the official rule book to settle this and all the other disagreements on the internet.......Sorry I'm gonna need a little more time..........