Thread: Take the poll: Red hairpins? Or chrome hairpins?

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The last guy who owned Hiboy decided to paint the hairpins red. I don't mind it, but I think it is clashing with the marroon/burgendy interior color. I think I would like to revert back to chromed hairpins. But wanted to take a poll first. I have had mixed responses at car meets, many people seemed to really love the red hairpins, while some others felt that it clashed with the burgundy.

I know I have red wheels and grill shell anyways LOL, and that is not about to change ever. Come to think about it I also have red accents on my front axle and my backing plates, spindles and steering arms are also red. I like that as well... So one might wonder why the hairpins is not OK red, while everything else seems to be.... Maybe because One mainly sees the burgundy color while looking at the car from the side, you can see the top of back seat, tucked over the back of car body. You can also really notice the hairpins from that same angle.

Anyways, let me know what you guys think.



PS: Initially I had wanted a black car with red grill and red interior. Beggers can't be choosers, this one came with burgundy interior. Subsequently, I received a lot of compliments about that color, cause it is less "common" than red, so it sets my car apart from other red/black roadsters. It has grown on me and now I am thinking that I might keep it this way (at least for a while). Just thought I'd mention.

Well, I like red ones too, but an interior that doesn't quite match can throw too many colors into the mix. When we picked the last interior for my '27 my then-Girlfriend and I ran all over town looking for the right "red" vinyl. Some just didn't go with the red wheels, hairpins, etc. Finally found one that did.

Really a tough call on yours, because you certainly don't want to replace the entire interior, and yet your car sports so many other red parts. I guess your thinking is that the hairpins are right there on the side and can be compared to the interior. In that case, maybe chrome would take some of that side by side comparison away.

Ok, I vote for chrome, but as you can see from the picture of mine below, I really like red.

Don

They do seem to stand out a little bit as the red color seems brighter then the rims because they are right there while the rims have less light shining on them. Definitely a tough call, it would be nice to see it with chrome ones to see how it would look.

The only concern I would have with the chrome ones is they would be so shiney compared to the flat black paint, I think I would keep them the way they are. Everything flows so good on the car you do not want to get something that would stand out to much. In the end it is pretty much a personal choice on what kind of "look" you are going for.

if the wheels don't match the interior i don't see no reason to change it.

Originally Posted by DennyW

I don't know, but that Pink is a little loud Don.

i agree. must have been his "then girlfriend" car. just joking don

I think chrome hairpins would accent the chrome hub caps...

Just My 2¢...

Dave Brisco

Originally Posted by DennyW

I don't know, but that Pink is a little loud Don.

It's PURPLE I tell you, PURPLE. It just photographs pink.


Geesh.........no wonder the car is getting painted black next time.


Don

Originally Posted by dangeroustoy

I think chrome hairpins would accent the chrome hub caps...

Just My 2¢...

Dave Brisco

I'm with Dave.

It doesn't matter what we think......do what you like. If your not sure what to do pick something and go with it. If you change your mind , change it back. I'm totally cool with it.

p.s. I'd leave them red. They match the grill, axle, and rims.

I'm thinking you've got a particular look going on with your car; mostly painted...either black or red, even your grill insert is painted red.
I've always thought that the red hairpins were kind of unique.
I know others have said chrome hairpins will match the chrome wheel covers, but my opinion is that if you go to chrome you're going to lose some of that character the car currently has...seems like everybody has chrome hairpins...my vote is go with something different than the rest of us...stick with the red ones.

Chrome don't moan.....
I'm for Chrome.
Bling....
41

Hmmmm..... Always the racer and in favor of good handling vs. a bound up hairpin front. My vote would go for a four bar set up on the front.

Well if your worried about clashing colors why not leave them painted but painted black like the car.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Hmmmm..... Always the racer and in favor of good handling vs. a bound up hairpin front. My vote would go for a four bar set up on the front.

Have to disagree with the "bound up" thing. No question 4 bars may move a litle more freely , but I have never run anything BUT hairpins or split bones and have a zillion miles on both. Never have experienced any bind or problems.

Also, when I look at an otherwise traditional car and see four bars, something is just out of place. Just like seeing disc brakes on a traditional car.


Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Have to disagree with the "bound up" thing. No question 4 bars may move a litle more freely , but I have never run anything BUT hairpins or split bones and have a zillion miles on both. Never have experienced any bind or problems.

Also, when I look at an otherwise traditional car and see four bars, something is just out of place. Just like seeing disc brakes on a traditional car.


Don

Don, just plot out the arc on the wishbone cars.... They are twisting the axle every time one tire hits a bump, or whenever the car is stuffed into a corner...... I agree hairpins have the look for traditional cars, but they are a comprimise on what would be better handling, and yes the 4 bar is a comprimise of the even better handling of an IFS. I guess I'm just always more concerned about the performance rather then just looking correct in the parking lot...... Same thing on the disc vs. drum brake debate. Put me down as in favor of what works better. Another major area of concern on the handling is sprung vs. unsprung weight. Granted, not an area of concern on traditional looking cars, but definitely and area of concern in performance and handling.

I just think all options should be looked at, then the builder has to decide on how many comprimises the want to make to have the traditional look vs. better handling.......

Here's a very traditional looking coupe with full IFS and IRS....