Thread: New to Hot Rods

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I guess "it" has already been said, so all I'll do is to say welcome aboard.

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Peoples use of terminology can be confusing because we see misuse or perhaps misinterpretation all the time. When you say "rat rod" for most on here that have replied I would say you're describing a rolling piece of _______________(fill in with whatever derogatory term you wish), that's more intended to shock "the man" than to be a safe, reliable rod as your earlier comments would imply. Especially considering your experience with accidents.

Hot Rods by Dean has built some pretty nice cars for some high end folks so have earned some respect. Another fellow you might want to introduce yourself to is Steve at Industrial Chassis............a fabrication wizard.

oops, boy, did I misspeak, thank you for setting me straight, my interpretation of a rat rod was something that was old but was being restored to its former glory, with the body either needing total restoration or extensive reworking, was primed or needed filling or needed the engine restored or changed out, or more work was required, and was essentially a work in progress.

I guess were I got this impression from was when I went to Hot Rods by Dean they had some really old clunkers in their shop and back yard and I assumed these were called rat rods, clearly my error, borne out of ignorance for the craft, thus I am grateful to you for the clarification.

Thanks, John, AKA, tin-man

John I live down in the Sierra Vista/Ft Huachuca area (about 25 miles from Tombstone). It's usually a bit cooler down here in the summer (but that also holds true in the winter )

The car scene in AZ is really pretty diversified and as Jay mentioned is something that is a year around thing with cruises, runs and racing and shows. There is a lot of beautiful country to drive thru all over the state.

Everybody has their own ideas on how they want to enjoy it, but if you’re going to drive a lot be prepared for some occasional extremes besides the summer heat. We get the occasional snow fall (yes even once in a great while in Phoenix), and some pretty good rain storms during the monsoon season.

I’m going to throw a couple things out just for consideration when you go looking for a rod. I know the roadster guys will throw stones at me, but personally I prefer my closed vehicles (sedans) for most driving.....I have a pretty bare bones Harley when I want to be out in the weather LOL.

First of course is AC. Summer time in Phoenix can be brutal, and with all the concrete and pavement in the area to hold in the heat even driving around at 1AM can feel like being in an oven. (as I mentioned earlier between the heat and the stop and go traffic the cooling and fuel systems definitely get put to the test).

The summer storms (with the occasional hail) can come up very quickly and in a lot of places there “ain’t nothin for miles and miles but miles and miles” . Having something with at least a canvas top is a good thing.

We also have some pretty long stretches interstate and secondary roads where gas stations are pretty spread out, so having a decent fuel capacity is a good thing (and cruise control on some of those stretches is also pretty nice).

All and all I think you enjoy it out here a lot.

Mike, Hi, thanks for the insight, I had not really given what you outlined any thought yet so its timely advice. Much appreciated. Cheers, John,