I am learning more about the WP blog site I’m using and made a few mistakes last week. It seems that I needed to include some page entries as post but lacked the knowledge to do so. This old dog learned some new tricks and we are back in business today. Keeping up with technology is an important part of building a Hot Rod. While traditional styled Hot Rods will continue to be built, the technology used to build them has far advanced from the Junk Yard scrounging days of old. Cutting torches and Lincoln Buzz Boxes have been replaced with Plasma cutters and TIG welders. Special parts made to look old are made from designs created on the computer and carved out on CNC machines rather than flame cutters. The learning curve for these new processes is somewhat difficult for those of us who prefer the old methods of rod building based on backyard ingenuity and fatherly help. My father taught me how to used a lathe, drill press, cutting torch and welder when I was in my teens. If we couldn’t fix it in our driveway it would remain broken until we figured out a solution. I am still somewhat in that mode today, especially when it comes to paint and body shop problems. I will learn the process while in the DIY class in any future endeavors with paint repair.
Crude fabricated parts were common in the early years with traditional builds. Poor designs and welding techniques led to some accidents. Today’s professional and home builders have come a long way with the advanced machinery and tools available for the building process. Using old Ford parts to build old Ford Hot Rods is a trend that continues and some builders sacrifice safety for sake of “Tradition” which is a mistake in my mind. Most old Ford parts are worn, and while may be repairable, can be purchased in a reproduction part that is far superior and safer. I am sure there are arguments on both sides of the fence but for me, I will not sacrifice safety for traditional. As Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods states, ” Respect Tradition” but use modern technology to obtain a better results and in some cases — design. He has built his business on the statement and has built some high end Hot Rods over the years.
In summary, keeping up with technology will keep you in touch with what resources are available to you when you build your next Hot Rod. Keep it traditional and keep it safe as I want to keep you around for the future.
Stay Tooned!
Lynn
Perhaps one of the nicest little Folkstone Gray coupes to come out of the Bedford/Clouse garages is this gem. I really like the standard model in this configuration. Bob and Tim are both professionals when it comes to building traditional style Hot Rods.
Gary included a 29 roadster that he built for a customer which was built using his skills as a professional. Cornhuskers has built many award winning cars over the years.
In my youth, this is how we built our Hot Rods. Money was tight so we did what we could with what we had. Each friend had a skill that helped the build. A six pack often was all that was required.
Here is a photo of my current build using some new and old Ford parts. Rear torque arms were reinforced on the inside to take the strain of modern day engines.
I added a third torque arm to keep the rear axle housing from twisting upon accelerating or braking.
The end result of building a Hot Rod in the early days was three smiling faces ready for a cruise through the Stake & Shake on Main Street.
The stance on this 36 delivery is right on the money. I believe Thom and Pete put one of these together a few years ago.
The 1940 Ford sedan delivery is my favorite and looks good in this style with painted steelies and whitewall tires.
Pepe had this look prior to Terry buying it and having it upholstered. Note the rear door access panel which was added in 1941.
A simple way to build a Hot Rod is to buy one — add skirts and some lowering blocks and you’re done.
My favorite 40 rag photo is Tom’s. Simple resto-rod makes a long distance cruiser a pleasure to drive.
Rich and Val joined the Woody crowd with purchase of this wonderful 1940 Ford with all the amenities to make Val a happy Woody lady. He is a DIY also so expect some changes.
 
Dale and Dave are showing their Deuces in MN this weekend. Hands on Deuce guys.
 
A real clean Deuce pickup was done in the resto-rod style also.
Tom captured this Black beauty parked on the street.
Phil had a new Sid’s interior installed which is exquisite.
Note the pocket door panels.
Phil had his roadster redone and Sid added a phone pocket which provided music to your headphones while driving. A no-no in CA — one ear only.
Sid has some unique upholstery ideas for the Deuce roadsters his does.
A classic Sid’s upholstery job will stand out above all the rest. He is the master of design.
A nice 33 Phaeton done in the resto-rod style was real popular in the 80’s. Note the Zenith’s.