Hot Rod Communities and Forums

Individuality is an essential part of building a hot rod: The car is unique and something entirely your own. Despite the individualistic aspect of hot-rodding, community also has its place. When you get stuck trying to do a repair on your own or can't find a part locally, the greater hot rod community really comes in handy. There are general hot rod organizations, and then there are the groups dedicated to specific makes. Gathered here are some links to general hot rod communities and to some that are more specifically oriented.

General Hot Rod Communities

  • Hotrodders: This is the largest online forum for just about anything hot rod-related. It is free to join, and you will find access to more than 90,000 hot rod enthusiasts. Search through the different discussions threads, and there is a good chance you will find the topic you are looking for.
  • The H.A.M.B: The "Hokey Ass Message Board" at the Jalopy Journal. As you may have guessed, they have a sense of humor over at the Jalopy Journal. At the HAMB you will find a focus on the do-it-yourself ethic and more traditional hot rods. This is the place to sign up if you are looking for a community that sustains the self-reliant attitude of traditional hot-rodders.
  • Hot Rod Drag Racing: This is a forum group at Club Hot Rod. Those who build to race can gather here and exchange racing tips, memories, times, and photos.

Rat Rod Communities

  • KillBillet: If you built your hot rod with next to no money and hours of scavenging junk yards, then this is the place for you. KillBillet is a major Rat Rod network where anyone can sign up and find local rat rod groups, share pictures, search for events, and talk shop with other rat-rodders.
  • RatRodRules: A forum started out of frustration with arguments between hot-rodders and rat-rodders. This is a sanctuary for rat rod enthusiasts. Here you can post about anything ratty, be it a car, truck, or motorcycle. It's also a good place to look for parts and cars for sale. 

Specific Makes and Models

  • 55-56-57 Chevy Forum: If you have a Chevy built between 1955 and 1957, check out this forum.
  • Muscles Cars: Muscle car forum hosted by North American Muscle Cars.
  • FlatheadV8: Fans of the 1932 to 1953 Ford Flathead V8 engine gather here to preserve the legacy of the quintessential hot rod engine.
  • V8 Buick: If you are running the Buick V8 nailhead or the later small head, you might find this forum, or "online toolbox," very helpful.
  • The Hemi: While this forum is dedicated to all years of the Hemi engine, you will find threads such as "nostalgia hemi racing" and whole forums dedicated to the 1st- and 2nd-generation Hemi. 
  • Buying A Deuce Coupe: This thread on the Hot Rodders Bulletin board has some excellent information on buying a '32 Ford coupe. You will also find links to other threads on this classic.

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