What is a Hot-Rod
Senior Member
Joined: 06-16-2006
Posts: 830
From: Bakersfield, CA
Right on, Fritz! That is a hot/street rod.
Markie, to answer your questions, look at my definition. Street rods are hot rods because of the added cosmetics. But hot rods that are just built lean for speed are not necessarily street rods.
As far as the NHRA dragsters... Also look at my definition. The original hot rods were built for racing. The name stuck with the racing even though the cars changed. The cars in the pictures are definitely not hot rods and I think the owners of them would be insulted if they were called hot rods. Look at any of the publications about hot rods (Hot Rod, Popular Hotrodding, etc) and TV shows about hot rodding. You won't see any dragsters. You'll see production cars built for speed... and looks when you get into street rods. But it is too late for NHRA to change their name because they have been around too long, back from when people were dragging their hot rods.
Also for Markie, here is NSRA's definition of a street rod.
What is a Street Rod?
At no time in history have Americans been as interested in specialty automobiles as they are today. Be it a rebuilt old car or a newly constructed, limited production, special interest vehicle, this is the era of the unique to anyone interested in automobiles.
One of the fastest growing groups of enthusiasts interested in the older cars are street rodders; the owners and builders of street rods. A street rod is the most practical type of old car. By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.
In addition, a street rod is a means of self expression for the creator. The builder of a street rod is not confined to guidelines set down by someone else...he can be his own man, and the street rod can be whatever he wants it to be, as long as the basic vehicle was manufactured prior to 1949. The street rod builder has the option of adding a late model engine and drive train from any make of car, he can modify the suspension to give better ride and handling characteristics, and he can incorporate whatever creature comforts he wants. Air conditioning, cruise control, AM-FM stereo radios and CD players, power steering and brakes, and automatic transmissions are common. The end result is an automobile tailored to the owner’s wants, and yet it is a car that has the looks and charm of a vehicle 50, 60 or even 70 years old. And, as the builder has options when it comes to adding the type of equipment he wants, he can also use as mild or as wild a paint theme as he cares to, or he can modify the lines of the body to suit his own design. The sky is the limit, and he can do whatever he wants without worrying about standards set down by someone else.
One of the best parts of owning a street rod, however, is not in the creating of a unique vehicle, but in its enjoyment after it is completed. With the modernization comes the ability to enjoy the vehicle in ways other resurrected old cars can not be. The vehicle can be driven for long distances in comfort, with safety to the passengers and others on the highway. In addition to making the car more comfortable, improvements in steering, lighting and brakes are nearly always included in the building of a street rod.
A street rod is a nostalgia trip, and while it retains most of the appeal of an old car, it still permits self expression by allowing the creator to incorporate his own ideas in paint, body work and the mechanics that make it go. In this era of special interest automobiles, the street rod is one of the truest forms of personalized vehicles.
Markie, to answer your questions, look at my definition. Street rods are hot rods because of the added cosmetics. But hot rods that are just built lean for speed are not necessarily street rods.
As far as the NHRA dragsters... Also look at my definition. The original hot rods were built for racing. The name stuck with the racing even though the cars changed. The cars in the pictures are definitely not hot rods and I think the owners of them would be insulted if they were called hot rods. Look at any of the publications about hot rods (Hot Rod, Popular Hotrodding, etc) and TV shows about hot rodding. You won't see any dragsters. You'll see production cars built for speed... and looks when you get into street rods. But it is too late for NHRA to change their name because they have been around too long, back from when people were dragging their hot rods.
Also for Markie, here is NSRA's definition of a street rod.
What is a Street Rod?
At no time in history have Americans been as interested in specialty automobiles as they are today. Be it a rebuilt old car or a newly constructed, limited production, special interest vehicle, this is the era of the unique to anyone interested in automobiles.
One of the fastest growing groups of enthusiasts interested in the older cars are street rodders; the owners and builders of street rods. A street rod is the most practical type of old car. By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.
In addition, a street rod is a means of self expression for the creator. The builder of a street rod is not confined to guidelines set down by someone else...he can be his own man, and the street rod can be whatever he wants it to be, as long as the basic vehicle was manufactured prior to 1949. The street rod builder has the option of adding a late model engine and drive train from any make of car, he can modify the suspension to give better ride and handling characteristics, and he can incorporate whatever creature comforts he wants. Air conditioning, cruise control, AM-FM stereo radios and CD players, power steering and brakes, and automatic transmissions are common. The end result is an automobile tailored to the owner’s wants, and yet it is a car that has the looks and charm of a vehicle 50, 60 or even 70 years old. And, as the builder has options when it comes to adding the type of equipment he wants, he can also use as mild or as wild a paint theme as he cares to, or he can modify the lines of the body to suit his own design. The sky is the limit, and he can do whatever he wants without worrying about standards set down by someone else.
One of the best parts of owning a street rod, however, is not in the creating of a unique vehicle, but in its enjoyment after it is completed. With the modernization comes the ability to enjoy the vehicle in ways other resurrected old cars can not be. The vehicle can be driven for long distances in comfort, with safety to the passengers and others on the highway. In addition to making the car more comfortable, improvements in steering, lighting and brakes are nearly always included in the building of a street rod.
A street rod is a nostalgia trip, and while it retains most of the appeal of an old car, it still permits self expression by allowing the creator to incorporate his own ideas in paint, body work and the mechanics that make it go. In this era of special interest automobiles, the street rod is one of the truest forms of personalized vehicles.
Senior Member
Joined: 10-24-2005
Posts: 426
From: Atlanta
WHoa Dude, that's a lot of jargon, I did not need that much anwer, I was looking for Street Rods are 1948 or older vehicles, customized!!
And basically Hot Rods are customized car, sooped up, etc... which most likely all the other posts have hit on, on some form or fashion!!!!
So what is this????
LAter,
Mark
And basically Hot Rods are customized car, sooped up, etc... which most likely all the other posts have hit on, on some form or fashion!!!!
So what is this????
LAter,
Mark
Originally Posted by Songman
Right on, Fritz! That is a hot/street rod.
Markie, to answer your questions, look at my definition. Street rods are hot rods because of the added cosmetics. But hot rods that are just built lean for speed are not necessarily street rods.
As far as the NHRA dragsters... Also look at my definition. The original hot rods were built for racing. The name stuck with the racing even though the cars changed. The cars in the pictures are definitely not hot rods and I think the owners of them would be insulted if they were called hot rods. Look at any of the publications about hot rods (Hot Rod, Popular Hotrodding, etc) and TV shows about hot rodding. You won't see any dragsters. You'll see production cars built for speed... and looks when you get into street rods. But it is too late for NHRA to change their name because they have been around too long, back from when people were dragging their hot rods.
Also for Markie, here is NSRA's definition of a street rod.
What is a Street Rod?
At no time in history have Americans been as interested in specialty automobiles as they are today. Be it a rebuilt old car or a newly constructed, limited production, special interest vehicle, this is the era of the unique to anyone interested in automobiles.
One of the fastest growing groups of enthusiasts interested in the older cars are street rodders; the owners and builders of street rods. A street rod is the most practical type of old car. By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.
In addition, a street rod is a means of self expression for the creator. The builder of a street rod is not confined to guidelines set down by someone else...he can be his own man, and the street rod can be whatever he wants it to be, as long as the basic vehicle was manufactured prior to 1949. The street rod builder has the option of adding a late model engine and drive train from any make of car, he can modify the suspension to give better ride and handling characteristics, and he can incorporate whatever creature comforts he wants. Air conditioning, cruise control, AM-FM stereo radios and CD players, power steering and brakes, and automatic transmissions are common. The end result is an automobile tailored to the owner’s wants, and yet it is a car that has the looks and charm of a vehicle 50, 60 or even 70 years old. And, as the builder has options when it comes to adding the type of equipment he wants, he can also use as mild or as wild a paint theme as he cares to, or he can modify the lines of the body to suit his own design. The sky is the limit, and he can do whatever he wants without worrying about standards set down by someone else.
One of the best parts of owning a street rod, however, is not in the creating of a unique vehicle, but in its enjoyment after it is completed. With the modernization comes the ability to enjoy the vehicle in ways other resurrected old cars can not be. The vehicle can be driven for long distances in comfort, with safety to the passengers and others on the highway. In addition to making the car more comfortable, improvements in steering, lighting and brakes are nearly always included in the building of a street rod.
A street rod is a nostalgia trip, and while it retains most of the appeal of an old car, it still permits self expression by allowing the creator to incorporate his own ideas in paint, body work and the mechanics that make it go. In this era of special interest automobiles, the street rod is one of the truest forms of personalized vehicles.
Markie, to answer your questions, look at my definition. Street rods are hot rods because of the added cosmetics. But hot rods that are just built lean for speed are not necessarily street rods.
As far as the NHRA dragsters... Also look at my definition. The original hot rods were built for racing. The name stuck with the racing even though the cars changed. The cars in the pictures are definitely not hot rods and I think the owners of them would be insulted if they were called hot rods. Look at any of the publications about hot rods (Hot Rod, Popular Hotrodding, etc) and TV shows about hot rodding. You won't see any dragsters. You'll see production cars built for speed... and looks when you get into street rods. But it is too late for NHRA to change their name because they have been around too long, back from when people were dragging their hot rods.
Also for Markie, here is NSRA's definition of a street rod.
What is a Street Rod?
At no time in history have Americans been as interested in specialty automobiles as they are today. Be it a rebuilt old car or a newly constructed, limited production, special interest vehicle, this is the era of the unique to anyone interested in automobiles.
One of the fastest growing groups of enthusiasts interested in the older cars are street rodders; the owners and builders of street rods. A street rod is the most practical type of old car. By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.
In addition, a street rod is a means of self expression for the creator. The builder of a street rod is not confined to guidelines set down by someone else...he can be his own man, and the street rod can be whatever he wants it to be, as long as the basic vehicle was manufactured prior to 1949. The street rod builder has the option of adding a late model engine and drive train from any make of car, he can modify the suspension to give better ride and handling characteristics, and he can incorporate whatever creature comforts he wants. Air conditioning, cruise control, AM-FM stereo radios and CD players, power steering and brakes, and automatic transmissions are common. The end result is an automobile tailored to the owner’s wants, and yet it is a car that has the looks and charm of a vehicle 50, 60 or even 70 years old. And, as the builder has options when it comes to adding the type of equipment he wants, he can also use as mild or as wild a paint theme as he cares to, or he can modify the lines of the body to suit his own design. The sky is the limit, and he can do whatever he wants without worrying about standards set down by someone else.
One of the best parts of owning a street rod, however, is not in the creating of a unique vehicle, but in its enjoyment after it is completed. With the modernization comes the ability to enjoy the vehicle in ways other resurrected old cars can not be. The vehicle can be driven for long distances in comfort, with safety to the passengers and others on the highway. In addition to making the car more comfortable, improvements in steering, lighting and brakes are nearly always included in the building of a street rod.
A street rod is a nostalgia trip, and while it retains most of the appeal of an old car, it still permits self expression by allowing the creator to incorporate his own ideas in paint, body work and the mechanics that make it go. In this era of special interest automobiles, the street rod is one of the truest forms of personalized vehicles.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-16-2006
Posts: 830
From: Bakersfield, CA
Sorry, I had already sorta said that in my last post so I thought you wanted more. I like to be thorough... 
The HHR... is a cool ride. It was styled after a truck that has been a good street rod candidate but it is never going to be a rod. It could be made into a helluva show car though with lots of retro rod looks.
The HHR... is a cool ride. It was styled after a truck that has been a good street rod candidate but it is never going to be a rod. It could be made into a helluva show car though with lots of retro rod looks.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-03-2006
Posts: 1,747
From: Peoria. Illinois
Okay I have been a car guy from birth, and you can take time calling them what you want, Hot Rod, Street Rod, Kustom, Tuner... whatever as long as I get to work on them, drive them, look at them, dream about my next one, then I am happy...I am going this weekend to see a 2 door '51 Chevy, the guy said that the door posts have broken loose at the floor..what there is left of it...hhhhmmmm, sounds like the perfect starting point for a...Hot Rod !!!
Senior Member
Joined: 06-16-2006
Posts: 830
From: Bakersfield, CA
I know how you feel. My very first ever car was a 57 Ford Fairlane. Of course, I had already rebuilt it and sold it before I was old enough to ever legally drive it. But to me it was a hot rod... I am only going on the 'official' definitions. That is totally different than daily use. The VP of SEMA goes along with the pre-49 train of thought and about 50s... He just says they are 'custom vehicles'. It doesn't seem fair since all other eras have cool names. So, we'll just lump them in with hot rods. Unfortunately you still can't get them into most shows because they cut off at 49.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 02-13-2006
Posts: 98
From: las vegas
The meaning of hot-Rod is about a vauge as the meaning of Rock&Roll. 40/50 years ago they both were intrepitated to be something way diiferentt then what they are now.... just my 2 cents
New Member
Joined: 02-02-2006
Posts: 20
From: Alabama
Webster.com says, "an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and fast acceleration"
That's official and about covers it all. In other words, install a cold air induction on the H and you then have a "hot rod".:twothumbs
That's official and about covers it all. In other words, install a cold air induction on the H and you then have a "hot rod".:twothumbs
Senior Member
Joined: 06-16-2006
Posts: 830
From: Bakersfield, CA
I always use Websters as the source for all of my hot rodding needs. Much better source than SEMA or NSRA...
Kidding! I'm just kidding. Nothing wrong with a little joking sarcasm, is there?
Cars are what you make them. Call them whatever you want to.
Kidding! I'm just kidding. Nothing wrong with a little joking sarcasm, is there?
Cars are what you make them. Call them whatever you want to.
