Choosing a Platform for Your Hot Rod Project
Choosing your hot rod platform is the most important step in the entire process. There are many factors to take into account when you begin shopping around for a car. While budget is an important factor in choosing a vehicle, there are other important questions to ask yourself before tackling a custom hot rod project: the condition of the car you are looking at, what you can and can’t do yourself, and what kind of resources are out there for you to access. This last point is really important. If you decide to hot rod an obscure car, you might find yourself searching hopelessly for parts or how-to information on performing repairs.
Essentially, you can hot rod any vehicle, but some models have become mainstays of the custom scene, and large communities have grown up around them. In these cases, finding information and parts for your project will come much easier than the more unusual choices
Below are some of the most popular makes to turn into a hot rod.
1932-34 Ford Coupe
This is one of the original hot rods and still one of the most popular hot rod platforms ever. It was the choice hot rod of the 1940s, and many are still seen today. It was the first mass-produced car to come stock with a powerful V-8 engine.
Although the original coupes are rare and expensive to purchase, fiberglass replica kits are available for anyone who wants to recreate this classic car without paying top dollar.
Ford Mustang
One of the most popular muscle cars of the 1960s may not be considered old enough for some hot rod enthusiasts, but there will be no shortage of Mustangs at many hot rod shows. It was the combination of stylish body and powerful V-8 that made this car an instant classic and a popular street rod and racing car today. The most classic Mustang is the first generation, in production from 1964-73.
Tri-Five Chevy’s
Tri-five, or shoebox Chevys, are the iconic Chevrolet cars manufactured in the years 1955-57. These were the cars and trucks that made famous the enormously popular Chevy small-block V-8. Compared to the ford coupe there are a great many more of these cars to be found and often for a good deal. Tri-five Chevy’s came as two-door and four-door sedans, a Nomad station wagon, a two-door convertible, the Bel-Air, and trucks.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro is the great rival to the Ford Mustang. Also produced in great numbers and varying body styles through the years, this car is not too difficult to find, and many resources are available to help you in your build. The Camaro hit the streets in 1967 as the RS, SS, and Z/28. It is the first generation of these cars that lasted until 1969 that are some of the most popular street rods today, though you will find enthusiasts for all the generations.
Article Sources:
- Tri-Five Chevy's: Very informative guide to purchasing Tri-Five Chevys posted at Rod and Custom Magazine online.
- Mustang & Fords Magazine: Detailed article on customizing mid-century Fords.
- World's Baddest Camaro: A Hot Rod Magazine feature article about hot rodding this classic muscle car.
- Deuce Coupe: Extensive history and photos of the hot rod that started it all.