Folks Of Interest Traditional Rodders and Custom builders stand up and be counted

OK let me simplify it are you about this:

The HAMB is dedicated to spreading the gospel of traditional hot rods and kustoms to hoodlums world wide.

or are you a street rodder?

This isn't so much about how much of your own work you did it is about where do you stand on the issue.

 

No sir Not a S/R.

 

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I don't get it. Why would the majority have to "stand up and be counted"? The build threads are proof that most of us are NOT Street Rodders. You are asking us to press one for English.

 

I like cars, all of them. Like the "traditional" ones a little more than others. I do as much work on cars as my space, time, ability allows. If I can't get to it and it needs to be done, I pay someone to do it. If I can't find an old part that will work, I put on a new one and plan to swap it out when I find the right one.

After seeing all the cars at the showdown, I just want to finish my project and drive it.
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CLASSACTION SETTLEMENTS

 

I think I understand where your going with this,.. and in that, I am a Traditional Hot Rodder, and always have been. But there are a number of "Street Rodders" that have been building traditional style cars for 30 or 40 years, that don't understand the difference,.. and could frankly care less.

I really think we are all to hung up on words and titles,.... You know a Traditional Hot Rod or Custom guy when you meet them,.... regardless of how you categorize them,... or how they categorize them self,....

Again,... this is just my opinion.

 

Just as long as I am not the exception to the rule.

 

Not to worry my friend,.... not to worry.

 

I'm a builder. I build my own and for clients. I'm a restoration specialist 1st which almost makes me over qualified for hotrods and kustoms. Then again, having a feel for vintage hardware, wiring, hoses, fittings, etc. makes it a good fit to do it all the old way. I tig vs O/A, mig once in while too for sheetmetal, don't do stick arc welding, I spray with a gravity HVLP gun, and hand-form more than 1/2 of the panels and sections that I get in to. I'm currently doing a modern 33 roadster with most of it being a new "Speed33". I've done a multitiude of sheet metal mods to this thing and I did them all the old way, by hand and by "eye". The latter means that I step back and see if it "feels" right. It's still measured in and accurate but the decisions are visual. No matter what, while I'm greatful for the work and the opportunity I can't get myself to be "in love" with the car overall. I could duplicate the car to the finest detail tomorrow if you had the $$$$$. Now one could make a discussion about the commonality of a black Deuce hiboy but that's counter-productive to this topic.

If the basis of the topic is what we mostly strive to accomplish, well I guess I'm all in. Every move on my 61 bubble is toward a period piece. I will run radials on it and it will have a 700R4. Today's fuel prices almost demand those 2 choices. Under the hood we'll find an Offy tri-power, ramshorn manifolds, OEM details with regard to finish and hardware, but there will also be a dual master and disc brakes. It's a usage thing with this one. Still, I've decided to either fab or adapt a dust shield that I can black in so th front discs don't jump out as too modern. I have gas shocks that came with it, but painting them one of the Delco colors would also make for a nice touch. I'm also doing a long term "iconic" project in my 54 AD pickup. That one will be more disciplined in approach with no parts newer than '66. That's an era I'm fond of where some cars and rucks were awful, but some were simply stunning. I won't share any of my details as to the body mods and such, too many folks already know. There will be a build thread one of these years of certain things but I have need to keep this one all mine. In fact I told a dear friend the other night that if he jocks any of my ideas I'll rip his fingernails out! I don't know if I would but you get the idea. Yeah, I'm all in. I like things the way they were and I do most everything except machine work and sewing. If you're going to upgrade certain areas (brakes, OD, etc) it doesn't hurt to show some respect to tradition and not be too blatent about it. Just my 20 cents on the topic...

 

All I can say to that is I'd rather be cruising than showing my car off. I'd rather have an old-timer tell me he likes my car than win any trophy. I'd rather have function over form. I'd rather create something imperfect with my hands, than buy something technologically superior.
I can only be what and who I am. If what and who I am fits a certain label, so be it. I'm not going to wear it as a badge of honor or a crown of thorns, that's not why I do this. I like old Hot Rods. I like old parts. I like old stuff. I like the old techniques. That's why I like the HAMB. What most people would refer to as a Hot Rod on this board, I like. What most people would refer to as a Street Rod on this board, I'm indifferent about. Different stokes, you know?

 

I believe that you are just opening another


It is great to be able to do all of one's own work but we all know that many of us don't have the knowledge or skills and that is proven every day by the questions that get asked here on the HAMB.
It's great to have a totally 100% period correct car with no part manufactured after a certain date on the car. And quite possible if you can spend the time and money to hunt down the parts and pieces. That is a challenge in it's self and quite an accomplishment.

I have one project that will be almost all early parts as that is the way I want it but my 48 will run a 68 292 dressed out in traditional trim. it will also run radials and seats that my 60+ butt and back can make hundreds of miles a day in and not feel beat up in the process. It will have a lot of newer pieces but when I roll into a rod trot it will have the appearance that it could have been built in the 50's and pass the 20 ft test.
If the nitpickers want to call that a street rod so be it but I'm not going to loose any sleep over their opinions.
One thing to remember, we wouldn't be emulating the work of Sam Barris, Valley Custom or other custom shops of the 50's along with the work of rod shops of the time if "everyone" did all of their own work then. They didn't so why should we be expected to.

 

Who really cares if people hire out some or all of the work, The die hards with the tools and garages might build most or all of their car while the guy who works 70hrs. a week and makes good money might not have the time or the space to build a car so he will hire someone to do it. Does that make someone not as much of a rodder as the next guy? It's all a matter of opinion's. If you really want to get into it then having cars built is traditional since people like Barris, Alexander Bros., and all the coach builders from way back have been building cars for people since the beginning.

 

Myself, I put him right at the top!!
His head/heart are in the right place for me....
Kudos to all that are physically handicapped but still have the love of it....
You are a good bunch of guys/gals.....and deserve credit right along with the pros, as well as the "So So talented guys" like me.
Cheers,
Bob

 

Like the OP said, it's not about doing the work. While it may help if you do from the viewpoint of desire and the finished product, it's not the basis of the question/topic.

I think the point is whether or not you build or have built a true period piece. In past similar topics the idea of "restoration" pops up. Sometimes it's like that's a bad thing and I won't go there. Ending up with a true traditional car is the idea if I'm getting it right. Like I said in my 1st reply, sometimes concessions are made for specific use/plans/etc. If the fact that I'll do the truck project paint in lacquer, in an effort to get the full on vibe of the finished product means I'm all in and care about tradition, well I guess I am. That one also gets belted tires and drum brakes, points, and all the other things us diehards want to see. In a way, weren't they all "streetrods" at one time? That's just a name that got used as time went on.

One could argue the merits of an altered WB "funny car" vs those of a "flopper" in the same vein. They were both "Fuel Coupes". Twin sons of different mothers. I think if you care enough to gather that which was cast off in favor of new and give it some new life, you're probably all in. You're probably a "hoodlum".

 

I have always done as much of the work as i can,if i didn't know how, i asked someone who did.I try and build using og parts and rebuild as nesessary,It takes a liitle more time,but the knowledge you gain is what enables most(IMO) of us to build as many cars in a lifetime.Whichever way you get it done...have fun and pass it on.You can't take it with you.

 

We can only gauge 'traditional' from what information is available or the people who were there doing it.
What about all the stuff that was never documented?
Me..my 'A' is all traditional until the 64 steering box because I'd rather steer around a corner than stand up and try and drag the steering wheel where I'm trying to point the car.
Labels are for the back of clothes,hobbies are for hobbyists.

 

OUr Plymouth is our first ever vintage tin build so this "hot rod" thing is kind of new to us but with that being said: we went into this project (a budget build) knowing that we wanted to keep the vintage and the history. So we kept as much as we could as vintage right down to the NOS oil filter. We're fortunate to have found such a solid car to work with. We are not metal shapers or extremely knowledgeable in the field of hot rods but we're in it to learn and i think thats key. I think "traditional" is more about how the car looks according to the time-period it is trying to replicate.

I think that traditional apearance leans more to the aspects on the outside of the car rather than every nut and bolt and peice used on the car. "traditional" represents everything from the paint, exhaust, chop, quality of build, wheels and tires (with some exceptions) and a traditional engine of the time period. While its neat to see a car built with everything of time period; for some; its difficult to do that and i can understand the economical reasons to do some things different. But with the exception of a vintage motor, for many, i think the words "traditional hot rod" reflect that of the outside/interior appearance of the vehicle (not necessarily the little parts and peices here and there)

Its a battle to see who can best replicate those by-gone days and build 'em like they used to be....

For me to be throwing around the street rod reference; to me street rods look like match-box cars. Thats what i think when i hear the term. I think some street rods could be hot rods if you took the modern day chrome wheels off of them. When i think street rod i think of something with a modern day engine, modern day components, and overall an old car with very modern day looks to it. The ones with the decals and modern day graphics down the side really get me. some hot rods could be considered stret rods and most definately some street rods could be hot rods.

 

Just so we can aim our arrows out instead of in.... Who and how was it pointed out?

My car started out as a street rod in 1996 (front and rear suspension kits, disk brakes, butted glass WS), "Janet" told me that was the only way somebody with no experience could build a safe, reliable car, the HAMB taught me different.

 

PROLETARIAN ROOTS!
I embrace "hot rod" and all that implies such as tradtional and home grown. It has a proletarian spirit. "Street Rod" has come to mean, for me, something frequently too shiny, too trick and too expensive. I'm guessing some are more collectable than drivable - more rolling sculpture and status symbol. But sometimes beautiful none the less (I'm thinking of Cadzilla, most any well crafted roadster, and etc.) and specimins I'd love to have in the garage out back!

I do as much work on my projects as I can but get plenty help along the way. Usually depends on the task and how much the budget will allow. Always amazed at all the talent I've met here in Okie land. And the priceless HAMB technical and inspirational support - thank you! I've been lucky enough to collect a few tools and experience along the way!

I like to develope an idea of style and work towards it. Depends on the specific car. New or old parts are OK. It's the final product that matters most.

And of course, "hot rod" is, now at least, something of a reaction against all that other stuff like the hype and conspicuous consumerism of the Barrett Jackasson auction thing.

So turn off the TV and head to the shop - we got work to do....

 

i'm ''all in'',36 ford stockcar restored to 1964 race spec's ,restored with vintage junkyard parts and childhood dreams,COST------under $250.oo TOTAL COST-----wheel cyl rubbers, brake hose and tubes,new 2 port master, 4 qt rustolem, braided ground-strap[gotta have bling]
i have won races with this against MUCH newer stockcars AND much better racers
my friend 'Tin Man' left me th '48 rude-stude. the only changes i made were new wireing and brake rubber parts.this car will ALWAYS carry tin mans name and dates on the dash 'cause it's his car
the flyin7 was restored to 60s race trim w/a 6cyl. it WAS nice,a nubbie punk run up the side the 1 lap of its 1st race.it was a clone kinda repop that driver had only a carpayment invested. i clip'd it and built a V8,now it is so fast and easy it's a whore that anybody can win with.I'll let any responsible person drive this car because thats the way traditional builders roll!

 

where did my pics go?

 

I guess that leaves me out. Probably our best bet anyway if I wanna know how fast my newest creation is I put someone else in it.

 

almost all of em but out of order and missin 1

 

I don't make my own tires, raw steel or engine oil. The heavy-duty machine work I farm out to my Dad. I have Unclemax do my carbs 'cause he's the best. If I'm feeling lazy I'll farm the paint out. I do the rest.

...so yeah, I'm a Streetrodder

 

I knew none of you guys from Salt Lake were about tradition. I mean hell its just across a big pond for you to see and be involved in the latest fad in racing. I figure that LSR stuff won't last.

 

Traditional here, and I really hope we're not the exception to the rule.

I agree with your opening post, though. There is a lot of crap that gets posted on the board. I don't want this place to be a super-traditional Nazi board, because there are a lot of compromises some people have to make, but if I were running this site I'd crack down on a lot of the blatantly OT builds and topics getting posted.

 

I've been building old cars in one way or another before there was a 1-800 number or people offering all the great parts you can buy now.

I do as much as I can myself but when I need help I can call on my fellow club members.

I also use a lot of old parts but won't shy away from a newer suspension part,I consider myself as a traditional builder. HRP

 

I am that I feel a traditional builder. I usually do everything what I can , mechanical, paint, upholstery, wiring, but none of it without friends! This is what this sport is all about. I know people who can do it all, but that doesn't make the good people! I have friends that can't do anything, but are the nicest people you would ever want to meet. So do what you can, help those that can't, and don't worry what anyone else thinks!

 

Yo 'beaner, I think you need to define it a bit more, your question or poll. I still kep seeing the "I build it" theme in the responses.

 

I built a hotrod,people can call it whatever floats their boat.

 

I did notice that some of the fellas seemed to think this was an affront to their ability to build and some of the other fellas that are shop owners and thought that I was trying to put them out of business so at one point I did simplify it a bit.

I personally don't care if anyone builds their own ride. I don't build because I am more talented or because it makes me more traditional. I build because that is what I enjoy doing.

Its not about how the ride came about it is all about what the ride represents. Sure Barris and Westergard built cars for people as well as Navarro and Mondelo and Pink. What they built, that became famous were high zoot rides for the time. Now those cars are considered to be traditional and for the most part passé to the modern high zoot crowd, or street rodders if you will allow me the latitude.

I think it is a simple question, but I am obviously wrong. Are you a trad rodder or are you not.