What is a HOTROD

gearheadeh · July 16, 2010, 09:55:42 PM

I thought I would post a question about something I have been wondering about:

What do the words HOTROD and RACECAR mean to us?

I would like to start a post hoping to define a term that started from the
L.S.R. community and like everything has changed over the last 70 years.
I will provide the WIKI link to the Word ( HOTROD ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_rod
That gives a good overview of the history of the Hotrod and the word,
But I would like to talk about what I feel a Hotrod is and the difference between
it and a ( RACECAR ).
Just like in music, Taste in cars has changed over the years with each successive generation,
and just like it has in the past there will continue to be those who are annoyed with the choices
of vehicles that the next generation has chosen for the HOTROD treatment.

I think a HOTROD is something that:

Has been modified from how it was produced to enhance performance.

Is usually outfitted for and licensed for use on public streets.

Which means it has a muffler, lights, starter, ignition lock,etc.

I think a RACECAR is something that:

Has been modified or built to make it the ultimate in performance.

Is built to meet the stringent Safety regulations of some racing organization.

Which means often that it has a Rollcage and special seatbelts which make entry and
exit more difficult and not practical for street use.

Also usually there is the absence of lights, muffler, ignition lock and even a starter.

Will have some unusual paint scheme, a number, and presence of performance parts suppliers stickers.

If a production based car is used as the basis for the car it will be preferably a 2 Door version
because it is stiffer and lighter than the 4 door version would be.

Okay, I hope not to start a war of words, but to bring lots of examples of and reasons for what should or should not be included in the lists of definitions.

racefanwfo · July 17, 2010, 04:00:52 AM

racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

racer x · July 17, 2010, 07:04:54 AM

I want to get a set of "MOON EYES" Tattooed on my left upper arm. That way what ever I drive. If I roll up my sleeve and hang my arm out the window . I am in a hot rod .

Cajun Kid · July 19, 2010, 07:40:28 AM

Quote from: racer x on July 17, 2010, 07:04:54 AM
I want to get a set of "MOON EYES" Tattooed on my left upper arm. That way what ever I drive. If I roll up my sleeve and hang my arm out the window . I am in a hot rod .

OUCH !!!! I hate needles.... go ahead Eric get the Moon Tat !!!

Not me....

Charles

Seldom Seen Slim · July 19, 2010, 08:06:17 AM

That's a good idea -- the Mooneyes tattoo, that is. I've got an idea of where it'd be great fun -- although a little bit delicate and tender. Still -- mmmm, maybe I'll do it.

thundersalt · July 19, 2010, 08:22:54 AM

Quote from: Seldom Seen Slim on July 19, 2010, 08:06:17 AM
That's a good idea -- the Mooneyes tattoo, that is. I've got an idea of where it'd be great fun -- although a little bit delicate and tender. Still -- mmmm, maybe I'll do it.

How ya going to hang that out the window?

racer x · July 19, 2010, 10:37:53 AM

Hey Jon You first . You do the back window and I will do the side

116ciHemi · July 19, 2010, 01:42:57 PM

So, aside from really slow, what is my Escort? For the record, I don't really consider it either, though on occasion I call it "the racecar", simply to differentiate it from other cars I drive. Some folks have argued that it is a hotrod, since I took a light body and put a (marginally) bigger and more powerful engine in it. By some argument, it could be a racecar. It has a roll bar, racing seat, and 5 point harness that do make it a little bit of a pain on the street. Most of the interior has been removed, and there are none of the creature comforts of "normal" streetcar. I drive it every day, racing seat, numbers and all.

jdincau · July 19, 2010, 01:46:00 PM

sounds like a hot rod to me

wobblywalrus · July 19, 2010, 10:45:31 PM

Can you take your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband etc. out in it to get burgers and a root beer? It's a hot rod. Is it too radical for that? It's a race car.

gearheadeh · July 20, 2010, 06:49:08 AM

Quote from: wobblywalrus on July 19, 2010, 10:45:31 PM
Can you take your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband etc. out in it to get burgers and a root beer? It's a hot rod. Is it too radical for that? It's a race car.

Good one Wobbly

4-barrel Mike · July 20, 2010, 06:58:48 AM

The Chevy Volt is probably NOT a hot rod!

GM wanted Jay Leno to endorse the new Chevy Volt. Leno, a well-known car guy, declined.

"It's not like when you pull into Bob's Big Boy parking lot with the Volt, you're going to open the hood," Leno said, referring to a landmark classic car hotspot in Burbank, Calif.

Auto analyst Erich Merkle of Autoconomy.com in Grand Rapids responds, in part: "The typical Volt driver might be a vegan. They may be opposed to a Big Boy altogether."

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100719/AUTO01/7190366/1148/rss25#ixzz0uAIFH8OX

Mike

johnbeck · July 20, 2010, 07:55:55 PM

A Hot Rod is somthing that you build that will be somewhat faster and cooler than the other people on the road with you.

floydjer · July 21, 2010, 10:53:49 AM

HOTROD Yes, I know there are a few parts missing.

gearheadeh · August 23, 2010, 02:23:26 PM

bvillercr
Hero Member

Online

Age: 43
Location: fresno, ca
Posts: 1614

Re: Speedweek 2010
« Reply #848 on: Today at 03:53:59 PM » Quote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In my opinion streamliners and lakesters are not cars, nor are some comp coups(fields). Roadsters, and doorslammers are. Don't get me wrong here, I like the other classes but they are aero enhanced.

I thought your post would look interesting quoted in this thread!