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Introduction
by Frank Colgoni
Planning, Planning, Planning
Building a "rod" from scratch, renovating an older project
or converting an unaltered vehicle can be a complex project involving
hundreds of parts and many interconnected activities. In addition, large
projects demand, and deserve, a significant amount of planning to ensure
success. Given the relative cost of professional labour and parts, planning,
and a thoughtful approach to a project, are wise even for smaller projects
and renovations.
Back When
In the early years of hot rodding, donor cars were plentiful and technology
was primarily directed to war and post war manufacturing. Innovation
and imagination were the foundations of the hobby. Fabrication skills
were learned or borrowed, parts were cobbled together and a "cool
ride" was quite often simply a function of minor modifications
to the cosmetics or powertrains of the daily driver.
And Now
Unlike yesteryear, today's automotive aftermarket is crammed full of
parts and accessories dedicated to this hobby - a scenario that the
early pioneers could not have dreamt of. Materials, finishes and variations
range from the basic to the elaborate, from totally functional to radically
extreme. However, one constant is still in place. That is, there is
room for individual statement.
Our "Mission"
as Rodders
Fields of vintage tin and the overall simplicity of the early years
are gone but certainly not forgotten. We have justifiable safety and
environmental considerations today and an image of the hobby to protect
and continue to preserve. That's not to say that a simple approach
will not yield a tremendous result even today. If it makes you happy,
go for it. Having fun was what it was all about then. It should be what
it's all about now.
Did We Mention Planning?
Like yesteryear, money can often be as scarce as it was then. Because
of this, and because of the multitude of choices we have, it's important,
if not critical, to do your homework, spend wisely, do it once and do
it right.
Contributors
and Supporters
As we move ahead, we will let you know about the people who will make
this thing happen. For now, let's say that the major components and
services will be provided Canadian suppliers and craftsmen. As mentioned
in the background piece, this is Canadian Rodder after all.
About Rodding
/ This Project
What is a "rod"? Here's where things get tough. This has been
the topic of many heated debates. Webster's dictionary offers the following
(note the date of origin):
hot rod n
(1945): an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and
fast acceleration.
Obviously, there
have been many heated debates and there are many schools of thought
about what constitues a hot rod. Some say that hot rods can be only
certain types, years, models, from countries of origin, etc., etc.,
etc. (or is that blah, blah, blah). Then there are the old chestnuts
about street rods versus hot rods, customs versus kustoms, trailer queens,
steel versus fibreglass, high buck versus low, home built versus pro
built. You could go on all day! It can get tiresome and this is not
what this process is all about.
What this process
is all about is, as mentioned earleir, putting something together,
having fun, fulfilling a specific ambition, expressing yourself, being
involved in a hobby, participating and enjoying the company of others
(rodders/other interested parties) in a way that respects the past,
recognizes the current and cares for the future. A lofty statement perhaps
but one that I know is shared by many. Let the "grumps" of
this world have their say but let's not waste time moaning and groaning.
Oh Yeah - The Car
You'll have to wait and see. However, we do have the plate. Honest.
Gee, what a surprise.
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