Hot Rods 2 different times 1950’s 2000’s

So here is the problem..
When I was first introduced to this site I thought damn man that is what I want to do. I wanted one of those cool ass hot rods my grandpa always talked about (Apparently he was part of the crowd back then) I got bit by the culture and the whole movement. The swing dancing era of the 90’s and all that came with it. So fast forward to the 2000s and I found the Hamb. And I have learned so much from this site.
So here is my problem.
I built this car back then with the intention of always making it something that a kid would have built in the 50’s and have gathered all the parts I thought would have would made a cool hot rod from that era.

Watching the shifters deal on YouTube and all the old shows about the choppers kinda brings me back to the shit we were doing when we were younger.

However when I drive it or sit in it I don’t think I should change a thing. It’s kinda part of me as it is.
I’ve always envisioned this car as being a done period 50’s car but maybe it’s actually done.

shit is this my mid life crisis

 

You got it right, just leave it alone and enjoy! If you're itching to work on something, how about a period bike?

 

If you’ve got all the trick parts build a coupe to go with it.

 

Bitchin'

 

It's damned hard to improve on perfect. The only reason I see for changing anything on that car is if it simply isn't up to what you want to do with it including long road trips to far flung places.
Wheel/tire combos with the same bolt pattern that can be swapped on is a different story. I know a number of guys who own two or even several sets of wheels and tires for their rod. Sometimes one set is just to go to Traditonal events and are similar to what is on the car but the set that it gets driven on the most is more highway speed fun driving friendly. Then the car fits in with a different crowd for the weekend. I've seen cars with billet wheels and low profiles at Goodguys one weekend and the Bias and steelies at Billetproof the next an one even had a valve cover change mid week to look the part. The car wasn't altered, just what it was wearing to the dance was.

I'm one who would have to build another car to put my collection of parts on. There are a lot of cars belonging to Hambers who started bulding something because they had a batch of pieces sitting around waiting for a project to go on.

 

Yeah, if that thing is something you can hop into and boogie on down the road in with no fuss, and you love it, man, don't mess with it!

 

Done as is. Enjoy it.

 

"A Hot Rod is never done" may apply here.
Your car looks great, but can appreciate the need for a change.
I agree with others add a project car to your garage, and satisfy those urges.

 

That is a good looking hot rod just the way it is.

 

As somebody would say "I'd drive it" That thing is perfect!

 

You got 2 different windshields on that thing?

 

I think you nailed it man, if you’ve got the itch for something else might be time to see if you can squeeze one more in the garage and start a new one

 

Only you can decide if it’s finished or not.
I’m with Mr48Chev, if you want to change it a bit, different wheels and tires will make it different. A set of Ansen style 5 slot polished wheels and some wide tires will move it into the mid 60’s to late 70’s time frame, billet Boyd wheels and rubber band tires ( yuk, feels dirty to even type that) will move it into the 80’s and newer era. It’s all up to you and what YOU want, what others want doesn’t mean a damn thing…..

 

I don't get it. You had a vision, love the defining characteristics and the people that surround this niche. You have built something and now have a great personification of this vision and group.
What is the problem? Where is the mid life crisis? You had a long term goal and achieved it. Kudos!

If you don't know where to go from here, you could ponder what else you require/desire in your life and build to another goal. If it is another HAMB friendly pursuit, do you need a period correct shop truck to haul stuff around? Do you have the desire to round out the rod with a custom? Would a period bike make sense for you? How about a camp trailer as shown in a few threads? Maybe a suitable garage or office space? Dance lessons, period clothing, vintage photo or sound equipment? Just try not to get caught up in crybaby dolls or anything that doesn't resonate deeply in you.
Remember that possessions are not nearly as valuable as relationships. Perhaps mentor a local up and comer, get a local club's history documented before it disappears, or start a new one.

 

That thing is tits. Build another one if you have all of those parts laying around.

 

I agree change nothing. Although being a "2 sets of wheels" guy, maybe do this; a set of Cragar SS takes mine to looking like 1960s Painted steelies and we're looking late 50s with an OHV. The fastest and most dramatic change can be accomplished with wheels and tires.
I see a lot of the younger set (gen x,y,z ) enamored with the aspects of an earlier era which we feel nostalgic towards. Their interest declines as they mature, I think in part because of not having experienced it as everyday life. The ring of a rotary dial phone, driving over the signal hose at a filling station, cranking the reset to zero on a gas pump, the milk delivery truck, bottles clanking.... Also life, at young adulthood changes more, as do interests in terms of marriage, kids career, etc. I've watched this local group (30 ish, gold chain,) start out digging customs and rods, rockabilly tunes, dressing like greasers. Next flavor was custom bikes, then donk 20"wheeled rides, booming hip hop. The true passions remain in your life always.

 

just put miles on it and make it your own as you drive it.

 

That is a pretty killer roadster!

 

I do. Can’t ever decide which one I like better.

 

Anthony Myrick to the courtesy phone!

 

Now, I don't have a nickel invested in your car, but as much as I like Duval's on some roadsters, I really like it with the flat windshield. It just looks right!

 

Whats the problem?

 

What does it look like under the hood and how about a photo of the front end.
That car rocks!

 

This is a good time for me to say that I very much enjoy seeing pictures of your roadster. You made a lot of good decisions in putting it together. I want to add that your photographs of your car are composed very well. I’d enjoy seeing more pictures and hearing more of your thoughts about whether it is finished or not. Thanks.

 

If it were mine, I wouldn't change anything on it. That car is bad-ass!!!

 

Car has only one problem.... not enough miles on the clock. Fix that and you'll know the answer to your problem.

Chris

 

I think the reason so many people are confused is the same reason you think about changing it to “50’s style”

you know what’s under the hood and they don’t.

from the outside you couldn’t get any better 50’s hot rod style.

I could be mistaken but I believe that roadster is powered by a “pickup” motor. Maybe you just need to back date how it’s dressed because a real nice mid 50’s roadster certainly had a high chance of being chevy powered

 

Ok fellas, the biggest problem I’m facing is when I drive it I feel like me only 20 years younger. Back when we got it together we were raising hell and having fun ripping around. All those memories come flooding back when I fire it up.
However I think it’s finally time to finish the car the way it was always meant to be in my mind. So God willing I live long enough to get it done. (These things take time) I’ve tore it down a couple times only to reassemble it. Maybe this times the charm.
Special thanks to @Nimrod and @metalshapes for this obsession.

 

Its actually our 2007 NASCAR track championship engine. 100% legal of coarse.