Planning - Style Considerations
by Frank Colgoni


This could be the topic of an entire series of articles let alone the preface of our project. How so? There is, in some hobbies (both serious and not so serious), a school of thought that holds that there is but "one way". Examples would be that art can't be introduced into quilting, or closer to home in the automotive hobby, that a restoration of a collectible car is infinitely more desireable and proper than a modified version. Certainly, a badly modifed car is nothing more than a badly modified car. And, some vehicles still look best when outfitted with factory options or, at least, period-correct accessories (e.g. nothing "fancier" than an original American grey-centered Torq D).

Having said that, we are talking about hot rodding here, and styling considerations, or should we say re-styling considerations, are very important (if not mandatory). After all, hot rodding has always been about modification - initially done for speed then for looks. Even the most traditional of hot rodding "looks" rely on some modification however slight. This summer, I saw a 50's era '32 Ford 5-window in perfect 50's condition that was only modified by the addition of red steelies (basic Ford black body) and whites (taller in the back). It was very subtle but you knew immediately that it was a hot rod.

Of course, when we talk hot rodding, there is no right look per se. That is, what works for you, is probably right. It is interesting though, that in recent months, some of the automotive mags have dedicated articles and, in some cases, entire magazines, to explaining how you can go about achieving a nostalgic look. While hot rodding is about making an individual statement, there are styling clues that generally give away your preferences. Some people just have to have a nostalgic car - either because they had one in their "ute" or simply because they believe that that is the only way to go. Others like a smooth look with a traditional wheel, others a traditional look with a modern wheel. The list goes on almost forever.

As mentioned above, a badly modified car is still a badly modified car. In hot rodding, some looks and combinations simply don't work but I'm not going to discuss them here because 1) you may have one and 2) it would only be my opinion anyway! We all have opinions about what works and what doesn't. This is what, in some part, makes hot rodding fun.

For our project car, you'll likely find that we're going to go with some traditional elements blended with some modern mechanicals and accented by some updated old favourite looks. How's that for a melange?

The Great Debate - Steel vs. Fiberglass
Talk about another can of worms - big time. Maybe the title of this section should have read "real versus fiberglass". Some people simply feel that strongly about this consideration or approach. This is, as discussed many times before, not a simple issue however. If it were, it wouldn't be the topic of thousands of heated debates. Statements like "it's not real" or "it's plastic, you know" or "it's a kit car" (eek) are, in my opinion, narrow, not healthy and not in the spirit of hot rodding. I'm not going to use this article to elaborate any further other to say that, if "replicas" of the classics (steel or fiberglass) were not available, consider how fewer cars would out there now and in the future.

By the way, we will be using a fiberglass body.

Wheel and Tire Options
This is another huge area of discussion. It's also a very important area for a number of reasons:
1) wheels and tires are the cornerstone of achieving a look
2) wheels and tires set the stance of the car - very important in hot rodding
3) depending on the vehicle, size limitations will be a reality, despite personal preferences.
4) ride and handling will be affected by your choice of aspect ratio, width and tire construction.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of combinations out there. You've likely seen most of them. Some work, some don't. Some are safe, some are scary. Some are legal, some are not. Some go well in a straight line only, some don't even do that. Do the homework here and save a lot of grief.

We'll be using a modern radial (big and little) on an updated version of a traditional wheel style.

Engine and Transmission Options
Again, another area that you could write a book about - and this isn't meant to be a book. Some of the more popular considerations:
- reliability
- availability
- parts
- size (you know, "gotta be a big block")
- vintage (you know, "gotta be a flathead")
- cultish (you know, "gotta be a hemi")
- different (Caddie, Olds)
- brand (Ford, Chevy - not necessarily in that order)
- carb vs. fuel injection
- multiple carbs
- blown (love that blower whine)
- two pedals versus three (you get the picture)
- the venerable 3-speed auto versus 4

The list goes on and on. Certainly, you've got to think about what the car will be used for, whether you want more show than straightforward go, a fussy setup versus set-it-and-leave-it and just pure "I've got to have a ....." Once again, go for it. That's hot rodding.

We'll be using something comtemporary.

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