Return of the hot rod?
Discussion
Rodding is still going strong up here. A friend of mine even builds them, this was his first try -
34 Ford body, custom chassis, Rover V8 and the rest is literally made up of random bits of scrap. It's a well built machine and drives very well despite it's appearance.
His next effort will be a lot nicer, it's another '34 Ford, but a chopped/channelled pick up body, Mopar V8, manual box, even has a full roll cage. Completely bare metal not a single bit of paint on it, all the money goes on power not paint, chrome and billet!
A PT Cruiser is not, and never will be, anything other than the butt of jokes in the Hot Rod world. Awful things.
34 Ford body, custom chassis, Rover V8 and the rest is literally made up of random bits of scrap. It's a well built machine and drives very well despite it's appearance.
His next effort will be a lot nicer, it's another '34 Ford, but a chopped/channelled pick up body, Mopar V8, manual box, even has a full roll cage. Completely bare metal not a single bit of paint on it, all the money goes on power not paint, chrome and billet!
A PT Cruiser is not, and never will be, anything other than the butt of jokes in the Hot Rod world. Awful things.
300bhp/ton said:
Why? What is so different about them from all the other mundane and normal cars which are then hot rodded? Answer - sweet FA.
A PT Cruiser just looks crap, granted looks are subjective, but I've been to enough Rod shows/meets/cruises in my time to know that they are laughing at the owners of said PT Cruisers, not laughing with them!Question for you then, what makes 'rodding' a PT Cruiser acceptable over doing the same modifications to a Vauxhall Corsa?
LiamM45 said:
A PT Cruiser just looks crap, granted looks are subjective, but I've been to enough Rod shows/meets/cruises in my time to know that they are laughing at the owners of said PT Cruisers, not laughing with them!
Question for you then, what makes 'rodding' a PT Cruiser acceptable over doing the same modifications to a Vauxhall Corsa?
Because a PT Cruiser is only the size of a Corsa yet can hold 8' planks of wood. Question for you then, what makes 'rodding' a PT Cruiser acceptable over doing the same modifications to a Vauxhall Corsa?
The killer: with the tailgate closed.
tinmyhandsandclap Store?LiamM45 said:
A PT Cruiser just looks crap
And a 5 year old 34 Ford or ford Pop didn't back in the day? Also that's just your opinion. Search on Google for "PT Cruiser hotrod" and it would appear that there's a large market of people that wouldn't agree with you.LiamM45 said:
granted looks are subjective, but I've been to enough Rod shows/meets/cruises in my time to know that they are laughing at the owners of said PT Cruisers, not laughing with them!
Then more the fool them. They are also the kind of people who in the 50's would also have laughed at the original hot rodders too. It really does sound like double standards and total hypocritical behaviour.LiamM45 said:
Question for you then, what makes 'rodding' a PT Cruiser acceptable over doing the same modifications to a Vauxhall Corsa?
What doesn't?I'm not saying I like moddern modded hatches, hell I've not even own a hatchback really, certainly not of the modern type.
But in the ethos of what hot rodding is, how is it really any different?
Here's a definition of hot rod
web said:
Hot rods are typically American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. The origin of the term "hot rod" is unclear. One explanation is that the term is a contraction of "hot roadster," meaning a roadster that was modified for speed. Another possible origin includes modifications to or replacement of the camshaft(s), sometimes known as a "stick" or "rod". A camshaft designed to produce more power is sometimes called a "hot stick" or a "hot rod". Roadsters were the cars of choice because they were light. The term became commonplace in the 1930s or 1940s as the name of a car that had been "hopped up" by modifying the engine in various ways to achieve higher performance.
You may not like it, you in fact want to scream and throw your toys out of the pram over it. But taking a large engine light weight hatchback and hotting it up by making it faster, lighter and maybe adding a few personal styling touches is doing exactly the same thing as the guys were doing back in the 1930/40s.Here's more from the history of hot rodding:
web said:
1930-40s
The first hot rods were old cars, modified to reduce weight.I think a 1990s corsa or Saxo would qualify as old car. Removal of weight such as taking rear seats out, carbon bonnets and things would seem to tally in conceptual idea and purpose
Typical modifications were removal of convertible tops, hoods, bumpers, windshields, and/or fenders; channeling the body; ok so this isn't done today so much, but that's more down to it likely being illegal or needing an IVA/SVA if you did and the fact cars are physically built differently today. That said changing bumpers, mirrors, aero aids and spoilers would still seem a common ground here
and modifying the engine by tuning and/or replacing with a more powerful type.This still seems the case, ok most are mild exhaust/induction setups. But plenty of properly modded ones too and engine swaps
Wheels and tires were changed for improved traction and handling.Again this would seem to be the case today, bigger, wider more grippy tyres used
Hot rodders' modifications were considered to improve the appearance as well, leading to show cars in the 1960s replicating these same modifications along with a distinctive paint job.appearance is evidently a person bias on what you consider good or bad, but that's it "considered" to improve appearance. Body styling, custom paint and rims would all be 100% behind the hot rod ethos
As I say, you might not like the fact that this is the case. But the facts are there for all to see as plane as day.The first hot rods were old cars, modified to reduce weight.I think a 1990s corsa or Saxo would qualify as old car. Removal of weight such as taking rear seats out, carbon bonnets and things would seem to tally in conceptual idea and purpose
Typical modifications were removal of convertible tops, hoods, bumpers, windshields, and/or fenders; channeling the body; ok so this isn't done today so much, but that's more down to it likely being illegal or needing an IVA/SVA if you did and the fact cars are physically built differently today. That said changing bumpers, mirrors, aero aids and spoilers would still seem a common ground here
and modifying the engine by tuning and/or replacing with a more powerful type.This still seems the case, ok most are mild exhaust/induction setups. But plenty of properly modded ones too and engine swaps
Wheels and tires were changed for improved traction and handling.Again this would seem to be the case today, bigger, wider more grippy tyres used
Hot rodders' modifications were considered to improve the appearance as well, leading to show cars in the 1960s replicating these same modifications along with a distinctive paint job.appearance is evidently a person bias on what you consider good or bad, but that's it "considered" to improve appearance. Body styling, custom paint and rims would all be 100% behind the hot rod ethos
The labelled scene might well be 30's cars and rat rods. But that doesn't mean other forms of hot rodding, even under different names isn't still going on.
[i]So back to you really, how would taking say an old Corsa, making it lighter, making it look better, swapping in a 2.0 litre lump and hotting the engine up not be hot rodding?[i]
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Friday 10th August 23:49
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Friday 10th August 23:52
I agree with you 300.
There is no difference in putting a Flathead V8 in a 32 Ford than there is putting a 2 litre into a Corsa. They are just using what is readily available to them at the time to make their cars go faster or look different.
The thing is whether they are to our personal taste, Rods are to mine, Corsa's are not but it does not mean I don't appreciate the work that has been put into it any less.
I have Saxo and Corsa owners look at mine and laugh, well until the lights go green, but so what. It gives me immense pleasure and that is all I care about.
There is no difference in putting a Flathead V8 in a 32 Ford than there is putting a 2 litre into a Corsa. They are just using what is readily available to them at the time to make their cars go faster or look different.
The thing is whether they are to our personal taste, Rods are to mine, Corsa's are not but it does not mean I don't appreciate the work that has been put into it any less.
I have Saxo and Corsa owners look at mine and laugh, well until the lights go green, but so what. It gives me immense pleasure and that is all I care about.
Edited by Dilligaf10 on Saturday 11th August 07:47
Wow this thread went from 'hot rod' to 'not rod' pdq!
For my 10p's worth, a PT crusier is NOT a hot rod, it's a modern day 'daily' small MPV with styling that harks back to the 40's, some owners do choose to 'customise' them but that doesn't make them a hot rod or a hot rodder....
The pic of the PT Bruiser that you put up in arguement isn't a hot rod its a race car, an I'm pretty sure Paul Marston the owner of it would say the same.
Hot rods and the hot rod scene in the UK has been going strong for years although maybe not in the 'mainstream' view for all to see.
Each to their own really, I've owned a couple of PT's over the years as 'daily's for my wife/parts chasers and they were fine for that, would I park them in a showfield, hell no.
I've also owned/own various cars and trucks that fall into the true definition of a 'hot rod' and until you've owned something that looks like a 'cartoon car' as my 5 year old calls them then you can't appreciate the 'smile a mile' they give..
For my 10p's worth, a PT crusier is NOT a hot rod, it's a modern day 'daily' small MPV with styling that harks back to the 40's, some owners do choose to 'customise' them but that doesn't make them a hot rod or a hot rodder....
The pic of the PT Bruiser that you put up in arguement isn't a hot rod its a race car, an I'm pretty sure Paul Marston the owner of it would say the same.
Hot rods and the hot rod scene in the UK has been going strong for years although maybe not in the 'mainstream' view for all to see.
Each to their own really, I've owned a couple of PT's over the years as 'daily's for my wife/parts chasers and they were fine for that, would I park them in a showfield, hell no.
I've also owned/own various cars and trucks that fall into the true definition of a 'hot rod' and until you've owned something that looks like a 'cartoon car' as my 5 year old calls them then you can't appreciate the 'smile a mile' they give..
Dont think the HotRod is making a comeback, it never went away really, always been a minority scene but thought it is a niche people do seem to respond to them.
I started my interest in cars via Street Machine and Custom Car, was reading a Hot Rod Magazine only yesterday on the plane back from the states, saw a couple over there, the trends change and at he moment there seems to be a trend to more usable rods with LS Chev engines and nice interiors, air con and modern brakes.
Would love one one day, for me, I like subtlety, Resto Rods and also a nicely done Rat Rod is very appealing.
I personally dont have any urge for a PT Cruiser but am glad it got made, stroke of genius by Chrysler, they created a Retro car without having something in the back catalog like BMW did with the Mini and sold a lot of them, they have a bad rep on PH and I have myself suggested I would rather be bummed by an Angry Shirehorse than own the cabrio version (slightly Grumpy Pony for the hardtop) , possibly a bit harsh but they arent aimed at Petrolhead snobs, its just a bit of a funky smallish MPV with a dash of hotrod style rather than just being another bland mini mpv, plus it has been around a while and familiarity breeds contempt. Think I would take one over a Touran or Scenic. I have a bit of hatred for a lot of the modding that goes on as there is one round here driven by an utter knob, it has every bit of chrome fitted, complete with fake exhaust pipes from the side of the bonnet, would rather walk, through a field of sexually deprived horses.
I started my interest in cars via Street Machine and Custom Car, was reading a Hot Rod Magazine only yesterday on the plane back from the states, saw a couple over there, the trends change and at he moment there seems to be a trend to more usable rods with LS Chev engines and nice interiors, air con and modern brakes.
Would love one one day, for me, I like subtlety, Resto Rods and also a nicely done Rat Rod is very appealing.
I personally dont have any urge for a PT Cruiser but am glad it got made, stroke of genius by Chrysler, they created a Retro car without having something in the back catalog like BMW did with the Mini and sold a lot of them, they have a bad rep on PH and I have myself suggested I would rather be bummed by an Angry Shirehorse than own the cabrio version (slightly Grumpy Pony for the hardtop) , possibly a bit harsh but they arent aimed at Petrolhead snobs, its just a bit of a funky smallish MPV with a dash of hotrod style rather than just being another bland mini mpv, plus it has been around a while and familiarity breeds contempt. Think I would take one over a Touran or Scenic. I have a bit of hatred for a lot of the modding that goes on as there is one round here driven by an utter knob, it has every bit of chrome fitted, complete with fake exhaust pipes from the side of the bonnet, would rather walk, through a field of sexually deprived horses.
Ari said:
LighthouseTrait said:
My suggestion would be to head to the infamous Ace Cafe. On a Wednesday, mid month they have a hot rod night. I'll post a few photos up later... The carpark fills up and there's plenty more cars on the street too.....with the occasional burn out!
I'd like to see the pics, thank you. 
What disappointting thread. Could have been so good but ended being dragged off course. Isn't it wierd how to be a hot hatch a car has to fit one persons very specific set of rules, But anything can be a hot rod.
Anyway, Hotrods. I love 'em.
Anyway, Hotrods. I love 'em.
Edited by Cledus Snow on Saturday 11th August 09:01
J4CKO said:
Whats the score with exposed wheels over here ?
When I've asked before I've been lead to believe it's a no no in the UK. Although I think many still do it. They are probably ok unless something happens. Although not sure how MoT testers don't say anything. Would be good to get more info on this however.I have a theory that along with there being more shows this time of year so more cars being taken out, the weather has also had an impact.
It has been so bad this year that the moment we get a good spell everyone who has a fun car has raced to open te garage door and get out for a drive.
I've noticed more of every type of 'second' car in the last few weeks.
Love seeing the hot rods out and about. Theyre are just that type of car that put a smile on your face.
It has been so bad this year that the moment we get a good spell everyone who has a fun car has raced to open te garage door and get out for a drive.
I've noticed more of every type of 'second' car in the last few weeks.
Love seeing the hot rods out and about. Theyre are just that type of car that put a smile on your face.
Cledus Snow said:
Isn't it wierd how to be a hot hatch a car has to fit one persons very specific set of rules, But anything can be a hot rod.
The joy of Piston Heads were you words are taken, altered in their meaning and then given back as fact.1. The hot hatch thing was very open the only people moaning where 2 or 3 other posters. My aim was to allow as many as possible... provided they were actually a hatchback model. So wind your neck in on that please.
2. What I've tried to discuss here is the reason and what actually gets done to a vehicle. As a definition it fits multiple "scenes" not just the traditional hot rod one. I'm not saying anything can be a hot rod, but the how and why are certainly in full agreement with hot rodding started.
Dilligaf10 said:
I agree with you 300.
There is no difference in putting a Flathead V8 in a 32 Ford than there is putting a 2 litre into a Corsa. They are just using what is readily available to them at the time to make their cars go faster or look different.
The thing is whether they are to our personal taste, Rods are to mine, Corsa's are not but it does not mean I don't appreciate the work that has been put into it any less.
I have Saxo and Corsa owners look at mine and laugh, well until the lights go green, but so what. It gives me immense pleasure and that is all I care about.
Thank you There is no difference in putting a Flathead V8 in a 32 Ford than there is putting a 2 litre into a Corsa. They are just using what is readily available to them at the time to make their cars go faster or look different.
The thing is whether they are to our personal taste, Rods are to mine, Corsa's are not but it does not mean I don't appreciate the work that has been put into it any less.
I have Saxo and Corsa owners look at mine and laugh, well until the lights go green, but so what. It gives me immense pleasure and that is all I care about.
Edited by Dilligaf10 on Saturday 11th August 07:47
________
JakesterUK said:
For my 10p's worth, a PT crusier is NOT a hot rod
Nobody actually claimed it was. It all stemmed from one poster saying all modern cars are samey. I simply tried to illustrate that wasn't the case and that when a car is non-samey it generally gets slated because it looks different. The irony if you will.JakesterUK said:
The pic of the PT Bruiser that you put up in arguement isn't a hot rod its a race car, an I'm pretty sure Paul Marston the owner of it would say the same.
You are correct, but it was posted in direct reply to Swoll saying to be a hot rod it needs a different engine. I was merely demonstrating this has been done. The other PT I posted at the same time however isn't a race car and I think on any level would count as some form of modern day hot rod (the pickup rwd one)._________
J4CKO said:
I personally dont have any urge for a PT Cruiser but am glad it got made, stroke of genius by Chrysler.
i love hot rods, custom cars, yanks and the unusual cars, I get yearly subscription to Custom Car each christmas from the kids
ask me to describe a Hot Rod
well I cant, but to me a full on Willys Coupe or the pick on this months CC but also Ford Pops, I am not a fan of the 32A and such like but I can appreciate the work that has gone in to them
I loved watching the PT Brusier at the Pod, I loved Steve Green's Mk1 cortina before i was blue, I like the red victor series, but loved red Victor 1
ask me to describe a Hot Rod
well I cant, but to me a full on Willys Coupe or the pick on this months CC but also Ford Pops, I am not a fan of the 32A and such like but I can appreciate the work that has gone in to them
I loved watching the PT Brusier at the Pod, I loved Steve Green's Mk1 cortina before i was blue, I like the red victor series, but loved red Victor 1
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