We all snicker at 'em -- Pepto Bismol paint jobs, Mustang II front clips, splash graphics, tubbing, tweed, tunnel rams, 'Heartbeat of America' valve covers -- but how many of us have done the Lord's work and helped a street rod from the demon 80s find its way to traditional salvation? Let's see some before & after pics of your "down-dating" reform projects. Born Agin, Glory Hallelujah!
you know what, this has nothing to do with 80's hot rods, but there should be a friggin "pic" board. everytime i see a post about a real car question or statement it gets god damn shuffled under 85 stupid "pic" or "photoshop or photochop" requests! that stuff is pointless to me, sorry, i just couldn't hold it in anymore buddy.
I'm not so sure they frequently get saved. Largely, the guys who built them or had them built back then still have them. They're either haunting local shows with crusty paint and tacky interiors, or they've been partially remodeled to meet a current trend, be that "rat rod" or "bling wheelz." Remodling, Rat Rod: Spray over pink paint with flat black, mount whitewalls to chrome truck wheels, 14" chrome smoothies or red rallye wheels with police caps. Hope nobody notices your Dolphin digital guages and billet aircleaner. Remodling, Bling Wheelz: Save every dime for a set of 20+ inch wheels, chameleon paint and whatever other fad the 1-800 crowd is following.
When I walk car shows there is one thing I need and that's a big roll of little stickers with a "?" on it so I can stick them on all the things that make me think "Why?" Unfortunately come cars would be plastered with them. The other thing I do is the "Mmm, it's fixable" thought. Can't ever say out too loud - could risk getting the "everyone's an individual etc" lecture. With some cars it's as simple as a wheel/tyre swap and stance adjustment. I know I shouldn't get frustrated, but I hate near misses. And yes, I can pick on my own too.
Sorry no story of saving one but there are plenty here that need saving. Trouble is that people still think that they are cool. The trend has gone.....hasn't it.
The Jalopy Journal
