Customs Define "Custom" for me/us

Hey, @Sky Six ... Is your a custom you ask... difficult to tell from one photo but hopefully the discussion has helped a little. For me...as long as you enjoy your car the way you like it... then that is all that matters. It looks like a great car and in magnificent condition. Something unique and to be proud of.

@OzMerc39

 

Custom car
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"Modified car" redirects here. For the American oval track automobile racing series, see modified racing.

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Arguably the most famous custom car in the classic style, the Hirohata Merc[1]
A custom car is a passenger vehicle that has been either substantially altered to improve its performance, often by altering or replacing the engine and transmission; made into a personal "styling" statement, using paint work and aftermarket accessories to make the car look unlike any car as delivered from the factory; or some combination of both. A desire among some automotive enthusiasts in the United States is to push "styling and performance a step beyond the showroom floor - to truly craft an automobile of one's own."[2] A custom car in British according to Collins English Dictionary is built to the buyer's own specifications.[3]

Although the two are related, custom cars are distinct from hot rods. The extent of this difference has been the subject of debate among customizers and rodders for decades. Additionally, a street rod can be considered a custom.[citation needed]

Custom cars are not to be confused with coachbuilt automobiles, historically rolling chassis fitted with luxury bodywork by specialty body builders................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ We have the HAMB definition, There's Wikipedia, and here's Mine, Any car/truck that has been modified in appearance for better or worse being mild changes to radical from factory design/delivery, Also IMO total builds fiberglass or steel that don't have any factory design base are Custom. This can go on and on, this is the HAMB site so I try to play by their rules/guidelines in my posts

 

@OzMerc39, yours is indeed a custom! Styled after the classic Johnny Zarro and Al Andril Mercs, finished in 1948. This pair, done by Sam Barris created the template for these late 30's coupes. A style that has been repeated over the years because it is a classic and a style that never goes out of style.

 

I don't know who wrote this, but I disagree with it on several levels. That's the problem with Wikipedia, anyone can contribute information and it does not have to be true or accurate.

Notice that the definition above does not even mention body work! The one thing that a custom must have! It only nominates driveline changes and add-on accessories. Neither of which make a car a 'custom.'

edit: it also says paint, but again, paint alone does not make a car a custom.

 

@porknbeaner come to Blackwater next weekend I will show you some customs.

 

Hey SS,

Of course, your new hot rod is a custom. Look at the details, the stance, cool pinstriping, Appletons, and the nice looking “Frenched” headlights. Add in whatever accessories there are and it is a “modified” stock car, like all customs are. It is the degree of modification that changes how one looks at a “custom.” We can’t all own, make or drive the Hirohata Mercury. But, who would want to, anyway?

Most full customs that are show cars are not daily drivers. They are toys that come out when a big display is in the making. And long distance cruising in a chopped coupe or sedan is not always conducive to driving comfort. Although, some are driven to local car shows and gatherings. That is nice.

So, those that have a distinct outlook toward custom cars as being only one way… think again. We all grew up thinking of modifying anything on wheels. When it was time to start driving, we seemed to want to change the look of what we owned. Even if it meant just chromed wheels or for us guys with limited budgets, a silver spray paint. Or, just a nice tuck and roll upholstery to contrast the nice paint.

Modifications like Buick Skylark Wire Spokes, modified to fit a 58 Impala running gear is a custom installation and took lots of machining work. It may not seem as radical as chopping a top or modifying a lowered hood line. But, it is a modification of something not normally on a stock looking sedan. It is an example of a custom installation if you will…

As small of a group who like and follow custom cars, there are plenty of ways to customize a car. There is no one way to see a custom and say it is not a custom because it does or does not have… etc. It is a modified car and modifications are the basis for a custom car.

Jnaki

So, @Sky Six your 48 Chevy is very cool and is a custom. Even if it has a big block modern Chevy motor and auto transmission with an added A/C for those somewhat hot Arizona nights and definitely days… more power to you and your custom car. It is the right stuff for being called a custom. It may not fall into someone’s definition, but as our world turns in this pandemic infused country, “to each his own…”

Stay safe… and drive the daylights out of your nice custom car…/ modified, hot rod.

One final example: to some, according to the so-called custom car definition: Mox Miller’s 58 Impala is not a custom due to the fact that no body work was part of the extensive modifications. That is very wrong and confusing. So, like it was said above… “to each his own” and accept other ways of describing a custom car.

 

Jnaki,
As always, you make excellent points that pretty much answer the question. Thank you for the kind comments.