Building a hotrod (and pleasing nobody)

The cops tell me I shouldn't have machine guns on my car, but after reading this I'm ready to say SCREW IT!, I'm buildin' it MY way!!!!

Seriously though, I'm with the rest of the H.A.M.B. Do it your way. I think alot of the "contraversy" on this board comes from people not keeping in mind this is a "traditional" hotrod & custom forum. I know they didn't have LS1's in the 60"s, but if they did they wouldn't have thought twice 'bout using them!!!

I'm with everyone else, PIC's!!!!!

Later- John

 

Build exactly what you want. And hurry up and finish it and post pics of it so we can all tell you how we dont like it

J/K

Build it, drive it, for you.

 

I have been heavily involved in the car hobby for almost 50 years, and working on them, for customers, for 35 years. Now that I am strictly a "hired gun", and I do this 7-days-a-week, I work for people from every part of the car and motor cycle hobby, and have made some interesting observations:

The car hobby is becoming more fragmented than it's ever been. Groups that were heavily bonded together in the past are now dealing with several divisive issues. The emergence of several broadly popular styles of building, are due to many factors. Part of the problem is the boredom of some enthusists with doing things the way they have been done for so long....some are trying to recreate past eras....and some younger groups are building specifically to make a rebelious "statement against the establishment". There are also financial considerations, availability of popular models, the limited skills of a builder, and so on. Mixed amongst these people are a few rugged individuals who are not concerned with trends, people's opinions, a support group, or having anybody else's definition of the most desireable "fashion" style of building. BTW, I work for them all!

I am fortunate that I love all of the types and styles of rods & customs, and I like the variety and challenge of working in many genres. I have my own favorite things, but when I am planning work for a customer, I have two considerations. Will it satisfy the "vision" he has for the project, and if some elements of the job are "flexible", can I make choices that make the job attractive to more people.

Lastly, I will say that not everyone has the same philosophy, regarding their paint and graphics.

I have had a few customers tell me exactly, and I mean EXACTLY, what colors and design to use, what the color codes and dimensions will be, and pay me to do advance drawings to make sure I get it exactly as they've planned it.

I have also had a few tell me they don't give a damn if anyone else likes it, while at the other end of the spectrum, I have had people tell me they don't care what I do as long as everyone else likes it!

The point of this post is to say, don't waste your time trying to find an ideal universally accepted choice of color, style, era, accessories, or artwork, because the things people like will always be as numerous as the number of people involved. In a nutshell...you will find criticism, no matter what you choose to do, so don't let that stop you from creating a car you will enjoy building and driving.

 

Thanks for all the input guys.
I am limited by two major factors and one minor factor.

1: Money. This is a budget project plain and simple. My goal is to have a complete car minus chrome for under 5 grand.

2: Talent. Onviously, if I had any real talent, I would have gotten the 331 running but, I am limited in my automotive knowlege. I am VERY determined to do this car by myself and the only thing I have farmed out so far is the starter rebuild (which I am selling anyway). Also, my gearhead uncle will be doing the new motor mounts welding however, I will be right there learning from him.

3: (to a lesser extent) The wife. While her input is minimal at best, she can still shoot down ideas.

 

Why do people post "I'm going to build it my way" posts? Who gives a rat's ass?

 

Although the best reaction is from non car people who really get a kick out of seeing it, and not trying to pick it apart but just digging on an old car.

Ditto...happens to me all the time. The usual reaction is "WOW, cool car, what year is it?" ...and sometimes they'll guess pretty close surprisingly. Do what you want your way, fuck everybody else.

 

1: Money. This is a budget project plain and simple. My goal is to have a complete car minus chrome for under 5 grand.

Score another free LS1 take out with a 6 speed for me and I'll make up half of your budget for you.

Bob

 

They're looking for tacit approval...

 

I agree, do it your way, screw all the nay sayers, oppinions are a dime a dozen....

I have an 81 Ford F-100 that was given to me from my brother, the truck was an empty cab on a frame when I received it....As I was rebuilding the truck my buddy asked what engine I was gonna run, hmmmm I dunno yet was the answer....He mentioned since I am a Mopar nut and have built several big block Mopars anyways why not run a 440??? I stood there and looked at the frame, thought about it and said, yup thats what is going in it...I found a 440 in the paper, built it right and dropped it in the truck....When I roll into a local cruise in everyone is looking to see what all the ground pounding noise is coming from...when they see the truck and the engine I get all kinds of crude remarks like "why not a Ford engine, why did you put a Mopar in a Ford?? bla bla bla....."Because it's mine and I wanted to!!".......Same thing with my 40 chevy 2 dr sedan, I've been asked why I didnt get a coupe, well for one, I like the sedan, two: my Dad had one years ago, three: it was cheaper at the time than a coupe and four: the sedans are not as common as a coupe.....

Build the car your way with all your personal touches and be proud of it when you are finished....

 

Yep, Opinions are like a**holes....... everybodys got one! Build it like the hot rod you dreamt about when you were 15, while you were marking Xs on the calender for the day when you would get your license.

 

I am building a '51 GMC "rat rod" with a Ford 390 (from an old high school car) and i a hearing the same thing. I say if you are having fun and learning as you go, build what YOU want.

 

There's three ways to do anything,...the right way, the wrong way, and my way,...but that's why I joined the HAMB, I'm not too bullheaded to learn something new!

 

I'm curious why, at 8:37 AM you'd even start something like this if you've already made up your mind to "do what you want." Why even bother to start a thread to listen to everyone's else's opinion on "do it the way you want." Are you just looking for pats on the back cuz you've decided to do it "your way"???

When I build a car (and I have been for over two years now)...I ask nobody's opinion cuz I know I'll get a different opinion from anyone and everyone out there. When MY car is done, then and only then, will everyone see it and "I woulda done it this way"...or "I wouldn't have done that at all." My car, my ideas...if you don't like it, buy it and change it or....walk away...

My rant....

R-

 

That is why it is called a "rant".
A rant is simply a polite way of saying "bitch session".
Nothing more
Nothing less.