I think hotrodding is a personality or as some have said an attitude. When I was younger I had my dad buy me this cheap big wheel trike and a soon as we got it home I had the spray paint and electrical tape out. It wasn't long before in my eyes it looked just like my dads 75 shovel head. It had a motor and everything...of course it didn't run I was only 8. Next was the family computer. To me its not the way I like it until I change it. As soon as I learned to read I discovered a news clipping stapled out in my old garage (barn I call it) about the previous boy who lived there was 14 when he raced his 68 camaro in the local drags. Built it from doing the paper route...Now i'm 14 too and still workin on old bowtie rust out there trying to match it to that one on the wall....

This is my first post here aside from the welcoming thread.
I believe a hot rodder is anybody who loves motor vehicles that were altered or restored in some way by themselves or even made by someone else, for speed or "The Look" and would actually drive it the way that vehicle was intended to be driven.
Parking stall Show Queens do not make a person a hot rodder if it is all they possess or had possessed and care about.

I have read this entire post today because I asked that same question my whole life, well since I was 10 and was able to work on cars anyway. I found my answer and want to add to this philosophical discussion. Hotrodding is defined by the asker. Meaning changes from person to person. And I would like to add that a hotrodder is someone who is acceptant of those that do not accept him/her. A lot of people do not understand/like us because we think outside the box. But I would advise to be careful if you meet someone who is confrontational, someone else may be listening who is watching your attitude. And if you become someone's hero(knowingly or not), you need to be a good example. I don't believe this has happened to me, but I have seen it at meets and car shows where a 12 yr old is listening intently to two guys talking about this same subject. He gets that gleam in his eyes. What if that kid will never be able to use one of his arms properly, wouldn't be able to build it himself. You just crushed him, and you didn't have to. I believe that to be a hotrodder, you should be as much involved as you can, if you don't know then learn, if you can't do then at least understand. I also believe that we are a very passionate bunch,hence all the different answers, but most of all I agree it is more in the soul that it comes out.

When the only people that really get what drives you are hottrodders, then you are.

Amen to that. We sure don't want to kill the spirit of any up and coming young rodders as they are getting harder to come by in my area. All most of the youth today wants to do is play video games. JMO.

There isn't much I can add that hasn't already been said. I feel hotrodders have deferent degrees within the world of Hotrodding. None is wrong or better or worse just different. For Me, I live hotrodding everyday and night and on weekends. IT IS MY LIFE... I build,paint etc. all my own stuff. I constantly talk about ,eat ,sleep cars. I always have a new project hatching before I get done with the one before it (somebody once told me i had a sickness). It is a life style that had put food on my table for many many years. It has always been that way will always be that way. Does that make me better than a guy who pays to build a rod? NO, just different versions of hot rodders.We all make up the wonderful and fun world of Hotrodders. We all do our part to keep this wonderful world of hotrodding alive. I guess what I am trying to say is there is room for every one. Tim

VIVA the HOTRODDER!!!!!

From the Shade Trees to the Trailer Queens







R

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"SlowRide66"

"Illegitimis non carborundum"
Don't let the bastards grind you down!

life has been good to me and allowed me to go out and buy a fully restored mustang, but my background includes breaking down and rebuilding motors etc, replacing clutches and or gear boxes and even a bit of lite panel work and painting cars.But i freely admit to guys i bought my ride fully restored, i would never take credit for someone elses work.
BUT, i consider myself a hotrodder
as someone else said,grow older, but, dont grow up lol

ps im looking at starting to build a t bucket next summer!
russ

I think my signature line just about says it all.

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Hotrodding is much more than just owning a hotrod...It is a state of mind!

I agree. Why did you not say this before Mr. Highrise? You could have saved all these folks 4000 posts...