[Clint Cummins]

old thread.. but like old hotrods that never die...

A big thanks for all who have shared their insight.

A "hotrod" in the truest sense of the word is probably a pre 1940 vehicle.. that was very factory limited in speed and power.

Most of the younger generation of that era [1930-1939 great depression]could probably only afford what was tired, worn-out, and or discarded in the way of vehicles.

To have a sense of pride in their ride they would do whatever they could to fix these vehicles up. And maybe even make them go faster than what was currently selling on the new car lots.

Since most aftermarket companies were either in their infancy or maybe not even started yet.. these guys had to be very crafty with their modifications.

Fast forward today 60+ years later. There is not a multitude of pre 1940 junkers to fix up or modify. But there is a multitude of 10, 20, 30, and 40 year old cars and trucks to hotrod and modify.

There is also an aftermarket industry now well on its feet.. with online catalogs with miles of parts and pieces to swamp even the most knowledgeable hotrodder to death. [modifications out the window.. just bolt prefit parts on..]

So in the case of changing times.. loosely defined the modern hotrodder with his latest hotrod is taking pride in his ride.. and hotrodding what is currently available to them.. only limited by budget and imagination.

If I see a modern day guy or gal with the hood up doing anything to modify speed, power, and fuel efficiency they are "hotrodding their hotrod!" [not all can rebuild their engines from a million little bitty pieces.. but they are learning and doing.. and that's what counts!]

I'm confident the hotrodders of the days of old.. who have now crossed over.. would not be aiming their middle fingers at us.. but instead giving us the huge thumbs up!

Que up the instrumental song "Green onions"...

If you don't get the gist.. Buy and watch the movie "American Graffiti" from 1973.