I know that billet laiden cars are not for this board but what if you machined it all your self without the aid of a CNC? Would that still be taboo? I'm not talking about wheels but what about alt brackets and dash knobs and such. Where's that line drawn?
No . . . using billet to make a one-off, cool hot rod part is just fine, I think. Billet for billet's sake, though, is wrong . . . when you go to the effort of making it LOOK like billet -- chunky shapes, square edges, brushed finish, all that . . . that's when it's bad. You got a mill, go for it! Just remember to go that extra step when the machine work is done and finish it -- smooth and polished is cool. later, Steve.
Brushed finish isn't bad. Its the square edges where they scream "look at my aluminum bar stock" that sucks. Brushed aluminum CAN say hot rod in the right place Quality machinework rules.
Will everyone stop acting like sheep. If billet is your thing and you like, put on your car, screw everyone eles. Do what you like and what you WANT. We all have likes and dislikes. I don't like billet but that does not mean it does not have its place. It has been around for a very long time. Just go and build
I have been thinking about that... Imagine if the only 2 Billet cars ever built were Buttera's '32 Coupe and Model A Roadster. Could it be that if that were the case these cars would be more than welcome here? But they are not the only ones, there are lots of them, and not all builders have an eye like lil John has. It has been tuned into a hideous fad. And this mass of Machined Aluminum-Shaved and Hidden everything-Tweed interior-Pastel colored cars is one of the things that drove me into building Trad cars...
I have quite a few "billet" pieces on Big Olds, all made by members on the HAMB and if someone doesn't like it, well they can just kiss my rosie a$$.
i got a sweet billet wheel and column in my truck i say if you like it and it works and its in your budget and skill level and you have fun go for it even if its done on a cnc if it works for you then thats what counts
[ QUOTE ] I know that billet laiden cars are not for this board but what if you machined it all your self without the aid of a CNC? Would that still be taboo? [/ QUOTE ] Here's a little history lesson. Little John Buttera basically started the Billet movement. He did it because he couldn't afford the high cost of stock or NOS parts. Yea the first Billet parts were built buy a guy on a budget trying to build a car. Is history repeating itself? Look how exspensive all the "traditional" parts have become. Price a used flathead manifold lately? Or stock 26-27 "T" windshield posts? It's crazy! Dean
just ask yourself a few questions., Whose car is it? Who is paying for it? Who drives it? and Do you care what Joe Blow says about it? When his dead ass is trying to get his retro chevy citation to pull that boat with no rear wheels. If it feels good do it, just to steal a Jackyll phrase
i HAVE to like billet. i work in a shop, designing and programming components, with 14 NC mills, 16 NC lathes, lastercutting and wirecutting... i make EVERYTHING billet. i'm better with my head than i am with my hands, so i use a computer to make things for me. i just don't post it on this board!
[ QUOTE ] I know that billet laiden cars are not for this board but what if you machined it all your self without the aid of a CNC? Would that still be taboo? I'm not talking about wheels but what about alt brackets and dash knobs and such. Where's that line drawn? [/ QUOTE ] Who give a f#*k what the Hambers think about your shit. Worry more about building cars than fitting in with some group on the internet. Hell, half the guys on here drive mini trucks, Volkswagens, and other assorted off brand late model shit for their daily driver duties. Seems like Rocky drives a Porsche and Ryans car has Wilwood brakes on it. How trad is that? I guarantee you they don't care what all the Hambers think about it. Damn, they ain't sweating their ases off to build your car for you. You're calling the shots.
Hillbilly Hotrodder.....my Porsche is painted Traditional John Deere Blitz black, has traditional striping by Grimlock and sports NO billet.... You're right. Ain't even close to traditional! Hahahahahaha! The above statement has absolutely no meaning at all..please disregard. Your mileage may vary....
barefoot hit the nail on the head: if you like it, go for it. you may receive some ribbing from folks, but variety is what makes life so interesting. if someone else doesn't like it, they'll walk away... and by all means, if you make something yourself, goddamn right you should use it! that kicks ass! and, i believe, that's what this board is all about: doin' it yourself. wish i had a milling machine... tred
Custom made (especially owner made) billet items are usually cool. Mass produced billet items are gold-chainer stuff.
[ QUOTE ] I have quite a few "billet" pieces on Big Olds, all made by members on the HAMB and if someone doesn't like it, well they can just kiss my rosie a$$. [/ QUOTE ] Denise, I DON'T LIKE IT!!!
We all want to go back to the 50's... That's why we use 110 volt migs & tigs & plasma cutters instead of buzz boxes and blue tip wrenches, HVLP Spray guns with base coat/clear coat polymers instead of hand rubbed laquer and computers instead of pickup trucks to find parts. We like traditional style, but this ain't the 50's. If you really want to emulate the 50's rodders, try putting a twin turbo Honda V-TEC with NOS in something like an 86 Cavalier or 78 Camaro. Or improve the looks of a 2003 Accord! They built the newest stuff into 10 to 30 year old cars. Customizers were improving the looks of the newer cars! In the 50's nostalgia would have been the term used for "shit that don't win anymore"! Build it the way you want it. Don't be afraid to try something new. If it sucks, we'll let you know...
I like it! But I am looking for some differnt rims to run with the skirts I picked up for it........I'm thinking of running a set of wheel vintiques 17-20 steel wheels with WW, maybe...................I'll get pics up when I do it. Until then............
Billet stuff, especially steel is very strong. I like traditional to some degree but when you talk going back to babbit bearings and all the other shit that time past by! Don't work for me. Shoe
i love making things on the lathe. i love making things for my car. when you put the two together, i have fun. if someone doesnt like a part i put on, i dont really care. i make the things i like, screw what everyone else thinks!! trey
Ok I'll go $50 for the column (LOL). LowDelivery, I have thought about something similar (painted big diameter wheels from Wheel Vintique) for my 53 wagon at one time.. They make a nice looking 50's dog dish cap
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