Most journalist have added the phrase “Period Correct” to their vocabulary. The past 10 years has seen a strong movement for locating and purchasing old hot rods as well as building them to look old (patina). I particular like the pre-war period where flatheads, dropped axles, banjo rear ends, steel wheels with bias tires and drum brakes are being utilized to recreate this “Period Correct” hot rod. This trend has driven the price of all those components up in value. While most of us remember discarding the parts for pennies, today’s market is completely different. Locating the parts is not difficult but can be time consuming to locate the good stuff. Reproduction parts are available but many die hards only want to use original Ford parts and will pay for the correct part. The LARS is a good example of what the market price is on some of these items. For example, 1941 Lincoln brakes front and rear can bring a $1,000 or more depending on condition. Halibrand QC’s are priced all over the place but $2500 will get you a good center section. Probably the hardest item to locate is a nice original 32-34 Ford chassis. I have seen them as cheap as $2500 to a high as $10-12K at shows. I guess it is a matter of supply and demand that keeps the market high on these old Ford parts. SO-CAL took a big chance and created a market for their Traditionalist line of reproduction parts and has coined the phrase “Contemporary Traditionalist”. I love their products and feel they offer the traditional hot rodder an alternative to scrounging swap meets and garages for the original parts.
If you are truly building an early hot rod then I fully understand the need for Henry’s best parts. In my youth (middle 50’s), we did have some reproduction parts but mostly we improvised by taking parts off junk cars that would work. They were cheap, readily available and the envy of everyone at the drive-in on Saturday night. Technology has progressed to where companies like Bob Drake and Dennis Carpenter can supply you with excellent reproduction parts but there is nothing like the real deal no matter how bad it may be. “Period Correct” may be only a short lived trend but I will always enjoy the build style of the early hot rods. If there is one in your future, start collecting parts now as they are growing more difficult to locate as the trend continues.
The Hot Rod Reunion will be full of hot rods and some of them will be “Period Correct”. If you are in town take a short trip to Bakersfield and see some great racing and hot rods.
Have a wonderful weekend driving your Hot Rod, “Period Correct” or not.
Stay Tooned!
Lynn
This photo shows the look of the early hot rods at the strip. Racing was everything as it is with some today. I call this one “Period Correct.”
The Mayflower of Frank’s is also “Period Correct”(sort of) but has a SBC added for today’s driving chores from NM to LA. Frank has lots of history in the LA area on this oldie.
Non dropped axle Deuce sans fenders was another style that was popular early on.
Not all Hot Rods have to be roadsters. This is a “Period Correct” 5 window with all the right stuff to qualify the Deuce (except for the tires).
The 3 window has the early look with period components. Hot Rods don’t have fenders…do they?
This one is probably the most “Period Correct” of the bunch. Mechanical brakes can be made to work but they are challenging.
Many of today’s builders are choosing to retain the stock K-member and pedals. Pricey parts in today’s market. Would this be fun to drive…you bet it would.
Vern can build you the roadster that qualifies as “Period Correct”. He turns them out regularly at his Flathead Ranch. Honk if you love flatheads and quick changes.
Has the early look but is all brand new from SO-CAL. Non dropped axle puts the car in the early 40’s era. I believe I could live with this one.
The Bop Top kills the deal for “Period Correct” but has a nice profile. Sids sells these like popcorn.
One of the most famous real deals has not been copied and I wonder why. Pat’s is close but has a Cad motor and Auburn dash. Hidden hinges are not new as this photo shows. Joe was ahead of his time.
In high school, in Decatur, IL, I can remember an older kid building one that was very similar to this one. I will always relate to this style of Hot Rod as this was how they looked to me.
“Period Correct” and original this one belongs in my garage. See The Rodder’s Journal for details. I love it.
Modern day “Period Correct” and cool. This may be Bakersfield I am not sure but the car is a looker for sure.
 Friday’s “Period Correct” Rolling Bones Style!
The Rolling Bones Hot Rod shop has been creating this look for several years and many customers have stepped up to the plate $$$ for this unique looking Hot Rod.