Across The 49th Barrier:

It was going to be brought up sooner or later, so I figured I would be the one to do it. What is anyone's take on the whole 1948 and older barrier that has defined Street Rods for years? There are alot of die hards out there that are set in their ways and will not budge on the issue. Street Rodder magazine has started to feature cars from the 50's, and alot of national events are open to cars all the way up to 1972. Should there be a dividing line? I am building a fiberglass '27 Ford "T" that will be allowed in any national Street Rod event because it looks like a 1927 Ford , but my buddy with a real 1949 Ford would not be allowed at the Street Rod Nationals for sure. What do you think?

The NSRA has recognized that the post '48 cars are becomming more commonplace and has opened several of its' events to allow "newer" cars. I drive my '54 to Goodguys shows just because they are more receptive to the '50's cars. Those of us with late '40's or early '50's cars seem to have fallen into a crack. I don't have a ratrod, nor do I have a custom or classic, just an orphan that my generation likes to look at!

Lee

Round here, in MN, anything pre muscle car era is considered a "street rod" or a "hot rod", if it has been customized/modified. Anything post 1965 is considered a "street machine", if customized.

The Back To The Fifties (largest "Hot Rod"/"Street Rod" car show in the world) allows all cars or "street rods" from 1964 and earlier.

I have a custom or "hot rodded" '65 Ranchero. I've had numerous shows that I've been stuck in "street rod" classes because of my custom paint and modified motor.

Most important, IMO, for this forum is that your car is pre 1965 (pre muscle car era) be ford boddied with ford mechanicals.

Just my $.02

Originally Posted by JS

Most important, IMO, for this forum is that your car is pre 1965 (pre muscle car era) be ford boddied with ford mechanicals.

Just my $.02

Amen to that!!

JS, where you from in MN?

I think we can all agree that there are milestone years where the car world changes. For Ford cars, 1948 saw the departure of I-beam axles and rear fenders that are separate from the rest of the body. 1955 is when the hugely popular 55-57 Chev's came about, as well as T-birds. 1965 is the year generally accepted as when Mustangs arrived on the scene. These are easy years for promoters of car shows to choose to limit the size and flavor of the event. I have a hard time understanding the 1962 and 1972 cutoffs I have seen, as I can't think of the significant automotive events of 1963 or 1973.

To me, all cars are cool, but I typically enjoy the old stuff more. The Arlington, WA, Dragstrip Reunion this last weekend was awesome. Mainly old school stuff, gassers, front engine dragsters, etc. But there were also brand new cars, a couple of Ferrari's, and an Ariel Atom on hand. As a "reunion", the promoters would have been well within their rights to exclude anything that didn't run at the track back when it was open. As this gig grows in popularity, they may need to impose some limitations.

Here in the state of New Hampshire, the last time I looked at their law on Street Rods (you can get a Street Rod Plate that gives you leeway on inspections), They classify a Street Rod as a vehicle manufactured before 1949 or a reproduction vehicle (kit car) that represents a pre 49 vehicle.

To Me based on Ford and Chevy, 1949 was the beginning of the modern era with front independent suspension on the passeger cars.

I would probably irritate folks if it was up to me.

If I had to draw a line in the asphalt it would be World War II. Anything pre WWII would be a Street Rod, post WWII to would be a Custom.

If I mentioned a 'Pre-War Coupe' to someone my age they would know I was talking about WWII. I've never heard a '46 + Ford referred to as a 'Post-War Coupe' or Sedan. I also can't seem to think of any Post-War Roadsters (from Ford) that I've seen, with the exception of '55 - '57 'Birds or Lincoln Mark II. If you hotrodded one of those early 'Birds would you still call it a Street Rod?

If I put my '68 Falcon into street legal trim I sure as hell wouldn't call it a Street Rod.

Told you I'd probably irritate people with my opinion.

I have a 64 Comet Caliente "hotrod" and am building a 29 Model A "hotrod".
I don't care where the line is drawn. If I show up and they don't allow me in
I park on the steet and enjoy the cars they did allow in. BUT! I won't be back. I understand most of the classifications, but the people who own these different cars are all the same.
We all try to be different when we build a car, but then try to fit in at a show.
The best times I've had are leaned up against a fender BSn with people I've beat or been beat by in a half lit parking lot.
Fred

I think the difference is logical, reasonable and justified.

A 20's - 30's hot rod has a totally different look 'n feel than the 40's - 50's.

I have seen more than a few shows that allow or are built on recognition of "Fat Fender" hot rods. I think that's a fair way of handling it. As far as Hot rods are concerned, I think they already move the line a bunch when they let in fat fender cars, those from the mid to late 30's up to 48/49. that was a real big change. Personally, I hope they don't go any further. Just like I, personally don't see the reasoning behind bad mouthing "finished" rods, wanting to keep some kind of separation between them and the current "authentic" rod movement. Different purpose, should be in different clubs - I see nothing wrong with it.

What is comes down to is what are we trying to do? If I start a car club that is based on Galaxies, Mustangs, Corvettes or Pintos, that's what identifies our membership.

Just because someone has a nice Ambulance or Fire Truck, doesn't mean he should expect to come to our shows. Sure he can join, he can be another fan of the clubs cars, sooner or later he may get his own car as he learns more about how to build, maintain one.

I've noticed that biker clubs don't seem to have this problem. Harley riders may have a Kawaski or dirt bike at home, but you don't hear them complaining about it not being eligalble to be in Hog shows. They repect that fact that the club is about Harleys, and is based on appreciation for that particular band only. Waht you build, ride on your own is a totally different thing.

So, in my way of thinking - full participation or membership with another model or brand of car, outside of the selected years is not an option. Nor should it be. If you want to start your own club, then have at it. If you want to be in the show and they won't let you in, then start your own show circuit.

So what you call this neat little home built rod I looked at in Biloxi, Ms. last year?