My son is not a member of the hamb, so as a proud daddy, I'm posting this for him. He was 14 when he decided he wanted a hot rod. I gave him all the help I could on mechanicals, safety issues and busted knuckles, but he picked the project, made all the design decisions, did all the welding and all the painting. I guess mostly I scoured for parts, did a lot of menial work to make his shop time more productive, and wrote checks. He is now 16, has his license, and we put it on the street this week. Long ways to go for body work, finish paint, gl***, interior etc. but I think you'll get the idea. It may take a couple of posts to show the story.
got one out of order there. I thought some of his ideas were great, others.........Kind of Beverly Hillbillies meets Pimp My Ride. Lots of planning to make sure it will take an AC. The "back seat" will be an Amp and Subwoofers big enough to drownout the big exhaust sound. Anyway, He's thrilled, so I'm thrilled.
Nice. Way to go dad. My boy is just 14months but he has a duece roadster pedal car he absolutely loves. Can't wait till he is driving, just hope I have the means to provide him with a decent rod like you did for your son. Looking forward on seeing the progress.
He's around the curve and down the road, yeah your a proud papa. But one question, is that the battery next to the gas tank? I wish I had that kind of talent at 14. Best of luck!
Yes, the battery and gas tank are close. No other place to put it. Fumes cant build up in there cause its open under the car (just a skid pan under the tank) and the filler pipe, vent and gauge are on the opposite side from the battery. I guess there is a potential problem in a wreck, but that's why we put the tank in front of the rear end, not hanging out the back. Any speicific comments on this as a safety issue?
Two big thumbs up! If this is where the future of hot rod styling is heading, I don't mind it a bit. In fact, I rather like it. "The future's so bright, that I gotta wear shades."
Yes, I have a comment. Maybe the likelihood of something happening is remote but you've got two rather volatile items right next to each other. Sparks and gas are a bad mix as is a shorted battery on a gas tank. I'd play it a little safer and find somewhere else to mount that battery. Even if it stays put in a rollover or bad wreck (god forbid) and doesn't short out against the tank it's still gonna throw acid all over the cabin of the car and its occupants.
I hope he realizes how LUCKY he is, to have a father like you, just having a father around is not the norm. it seems like these days, can't wait for mine to follow in my footsteps!!!...Ken
Wow, Dad you did good. Another hotrodder on his way. You should be proud. Now.... show him some tradition wheels. Did you consider installing the battery under the cab?
Cool car, you're doing a great thing with your son. And he has a lot of talent! It won't be long and he's gonna look back at these pictures and ask himself "what was I thinking" when he sees the wheels. Kind of reminds me of my haircut in junior high. But hey, he's having fun now, no harm no foul. I can even handle the tunes and air (this is TX) but those wheels on a fenderless Tudor... YEESH.
The car looks like you may be able to mount the battery forward and under the p***enger seat. It may vie for space with the exhaust, but at least it would be out of harm's way. ( you can use a side mount or make a trap door in the floor to gain access) If the tank is vented out and away from the exhaust...I ran a small tube down to a location just above the center section of the rear differential, and the tank is well secured, you should be OK. No chance of fumes in the cab is a good rule to follow.
Any time I see a kid who DOESN'T drive a Hondayoki with a 6" tailpipe and aluminum wing, I smile. The overhead console was clever, A/C is a almost a must in a black closed car here in Texas! He will probably grow out of the truly tragic choice of wheels and tires. Maybe they will get "stolen" and Santa will bring some nice Cokers and more appropriate wheels. Possibly borrow a set from a friend just so he can see how great they would look? P.S. My battery will be right next to my 34" long spun aluminum fuel tank(but the filler will be at the opposite end from the battery). I never considered a fire hazard. More input, guys?
I mounted my battery in a modified ammo box, right next to the aluminum gas tank. Oh and I'm using the lid with the rubber seal around the ammo box. I think that and the fact that I'm using a gel bettery should be ok. Comments? r
Battery/Gas tank. Should have been more specific. The gas tank and battery are under the cab. The rear floor is raised to accomplish this. neither gas nor acid will be able to get in the cab when we finish./
dropped the pic on that last one. Battery below the access panel - gas tank below the access to the sending unit hole, cubby hole/ storage compartment that will get a lid eventually.
Another point of view indeed! I find it interesting how a young teenager blended the stereo, pimp wheels and tires together with his semi 'old style' hot rod. After all from his position and perspective this is the best of all worlds. I say go on with your bad self kid.
HECK YES! That photoshopped pic is a lot better. Check out http://wheelvintiques.com/ for steelies. They've got your bolt pattern.
Cool car for a kid. Nice job dad. We should all be so lucky. About the wheels, cut him some slack. My first car had mags on it too, different style, but its a different time. My son is 25 and the 39 Plymouth rod he is building will probably have modern wheels also, at least hes not building a ricer. My next thought about the wheels; How is it so hard to find the plain steel wheels for the 4 3/4" bolt pattern? Didn't GM produce a huge amount of intermidete cars that came equiped with hub caps and 78 series tires for a whole lot of years? They all gone these days? Maybe I should run out to my local yard and buy up a bunch of them? Gene
When all your 16 year old "ricer"pals run wheels like that...what kind are you going to put on your first hot rod??? It takes time to understand that there are different, traditional styles in the world...at least he knows there were hot rods waaaaaaaaaaay before ricers...!!! WTG Dad...you should be proud of your son and what he's accomplished...with your money...!!! R-
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