What Is a Traditional Hot Rod

[@mattmoilanen3813]

At the risk of joining the get off my yard group, the statement that "I built my rat rot just like they did in the old days" can cause me too uncontrollably twitch. Cars built in the fifties DID NOT have chains used as bumpers and saw blades as hubcaps. Oh crap the caps button got used. Rough paint on an traditional rod was typically present because lacquer paint jobs (the only commonly used paint at that time) was very expensive. Virtually everyone "wanted" a nice paint job but for some it was just not financially possible. The other incorrect statement is that fifties rods traditionally had SB Chevies. As SB Chevs did not come out until 55 they were very expensive to use at that time. Engine options at this time were just starting to open up but by far the overwhelming choice for an engine was a flathead. As anyone that read this probably has figured out is ya I'm kinda old and was there in the sixties to see allot of these rods. It's okay though because unless your an asshole your invited to come and hang in my yard any time. Oh and for u young bucks, please don't get hurt feelings if I go to bed cause I am kinda old but pick up your beer cans in the morning okay.

[@drewpierce2273]

A+ . Yeah, old fart here too.

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

trust me, us young folks are tired of crosscut saws being used as roof shades, and rat traps being put all over cars.

[@snoopu2601]

I don't like when people have a nice car truck and make it look like an old crappy paint job like it's been sitting and getting rusty? I don't get it I grew up wanting a decent paint job. If I bought a car with a faded away paint I would buy some car was and shine it up.

[@builder327]

this is my favorite you tube channel. I think I'm actually watching you guys more than regular TV.

[@jlloyd2004mcs]

I just told my 76 year old Dad about this channel and he's into it. We've been wrenching on a '51 Styleline for years. When we first started in on it, I mentioned putting a small block in it. His reply was, "I want this to be like my high school buddy's cars. Nobody had the money to do all that when we were kids". Long story short, we rebuilt a 235 straight-six with dual rochesters going out to a split manifold and Smithy's. Like he says, "wide whites and rappin' pipes".

[@oldskoolonly]

Nailed it bro, thank you. Best way to insult a hot Rodder is tell them you love their "rat rod" 😤 I get it all the time.. drives me nuts

[@tedhewitt4299]

It's good of you to try to educate people to the terms used on cars people build. Wish you healing on the arm.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

I'm here because this isn't a rat rod channel....

[@pmr413]

Great advise for anyone young and old who are new to the hobby. Thanks Matt!!!

[@jackhaller5189]

Matt great video! I really think any discussion regarding hot rods history, trends and future helps establish who we are. I don’t have a rat rod but love the dedication those guys have. Regarding a sport coupe, your discussion about them kind of kick me in the ass to give them a consideration for my next project. I know a lot of guys passing by, and that kind of cranks me up, and I will certainly look in that direction. Again just your input and discussion may have changed my look for a new project, and that’s what I really love about your videos. The one thing we all seem to forget, this is our art.

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

I drive a 64 chevelle 4 door 300 sedan, all stock but is very patina with rust in all the normal places plus a few places a guy wishes it wasn't. This is my daily driver, I don't consider it a hot rod or rat rod more of a rot rod but it gets me to point a and back and is easy to find in the parking lot with all the cookie cutter vehicles. Great video Matt, much-needed....Thanks

[@PALM311]

You just saved a lot of people from embarrassing themselves!

[@christopherdixon6781]

I always learn something new when I watch iron trap , including now ...Vern Tardals " Let me help you" how to series. just ordered the Stromberg 97 book. Thank you !

[@jonathonhanssen5638]

Loved the video. Good point about it being about finding parts and making connections and not just about having a finished car. I spent almost a year finding my 56 olds post and had to drive 11 hours to get it but i already have great memories of the car and it doesn't even run yet!

[@toddjones6490]

Hey. Man Love ur. Channel have been into old fords 12. My first car 1935 straight back 2 dr sedan ford I was 12 years old then a 1940 deluxe coupe at 14. With a364 Buick 3 2s. Have. Had many 40s over the years just Love those years now 55 years old building 40 pu dropped axle sm chey 350 auto 8 rear chopped 2. In the works new floors cows rockers quarters all done doing body work now want to a nother have everything but a cab if u run in to a Destin cab and doors hit me at [e-mail]

[@toddjones6490]

Have Had many 40 sedans with caddy motors LOVE the 39 forgotten hot rod

[@toddjones6490]

When i was coming up. Late 70 early 80s 40 parts where every where cheap. Look now l can't think what 32 parts cost now they where to much. Then!!!!!

[@Ecosse57]

Well done, Matt. I'd only add that the magazines (especially as the hobby grew) featured the shiniest, and often cutting edge, and not so much what the average working Joe might be running in period.

[@ronnyinwaxhaw]

Nicely done, lots of good tips. I'm glad to see that you're still healing. 👍

[@aviatom1]

Been watching you stuff for awhile now, including your eastwood stuff. Much respect, new sub. Thank you. Have to sort of dissagree to a degree on the "rat rod" thing. I've been in this biz a long time and from what I recall when the phase "rat rod" was coined, those guys were building cars thar were darn close to the traditional hot rods. It then morphed into the rediculus "saw blade sterring wheel" kind of thing. I personally don't care for it, but this is a car culture and if thats what someone likes, I say go for it and have fun. Sorry for the long winded response Matt. Thanks again

[@davelowell3008]

Thank you sir, much learned here. Even for an old Rodder like me.

[@JunkMikesWorld]

Thank You for doing this. I hated it when my T roadster got called a rat rod.

[@blairberg1081]

Yea I can imagine that. Try building a certain period hotrod only to have some one call it rat rod

[@19reedCharles44]

I am in agreement with your definitions.

[@snoopu2601]

I've been collecting car magazine since the late 80's I have a huge collection of them of old time builder's that have past on.

[@chaslittle6521]

Always great and educational videos, keep up the amazing work!!

[@ericargo9157]

Great video Matt. I'm gonna keep an eye out for a sport coupe model A. The 1st pic of one you showed is my style in spades. Funky, rusty paint...no problem. Dig it. As for Hotrod, Ratrod, Restomod, Streetrod, Ratresto, Hotmess Restorat...Yikes...RUTROW! I think people miss an important point. If someone miss identifies your ride AFTER COMPLIMENTING you about it don't get all bent. Just say..."Thanks man" and move on. If they want to continue the conversation and know more about it then that is the time to inform them of it's true origin or style. As I've gotten older it's so much better to be nice to the unknowing and inform them of their mistake than to bark and lose a potential friend. As for me, I want to now build a cool Model A Sport Coupe...RUSTROD. Thanks Matt.

[@georgedean5734]

Thank you very much ! You reinforced my beliefs, and motivated me to rip into it !!!

[@dalemac7355]

Ha Matt really liked the way you put it , more people need to understand the word HOTROD , I have a 29 5 window chopped and channeled all original drive train and in the Original Hotrod class I get beat out by a 1972 Dodge Charger, so I don't go to too many shows here in vegas I get more thumbs up and pic taken just driving around town . Keep up the videos I really enjoy seeing them and wished there where more guys in the hood that where like you and Mike 👍

[@snoopu2601]

Mon I ran across a 1951 Chevy coupe in primer with shaved door handles. It was converted to 12 volt. The bad thing's no bumbers, it had bucket seats, no engine, no head liner. For $ 3.500. I was tempted to buy it and make a Kustom out of it since it was already started and missing a lot of parts. Chop top would look good on it and if I messed up on the top make it a covertable with a Carson top. Oh yeah it's in Wayward California it's still for sale. A lot of work is already done if you wanted it's already set up for a V8 l-350 tranny the rear end has been changed out 5-lug in all 4 corners. The only reason I'm putting it out there because I have way to many classics I would have to sale one to bring one home.

[@richardwelcher4836]

Good video. Finding parts are half the fun!

[@garycamara9955]

I spent a few years at Vern Tardels, my daughter built her car there. I built my car there. Vern has his own wrecking yard, of sorts, at his house. He actually bought a couple of old wrecking yards and squirled away parts. He also bought out the parts department of a couple of dead Ford dealers. Haven't talked to him for a couple of years though.

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

Great episode Matt, I liked the format and you should definitely do more of these from time to time. Your right on about T stuff being a cost effective way to start a Hot Rodding projects. The non Brass Ts in really nice condition are considerably cheaper then Model A, 32s and late 40 fords. I'm glad your feeling better and thanks for the great video

[@kjartanp4428]

I saw an awesome 57 Volvo Duett pickup rat rod with a 1950's Volvo B36 v8 truck engine with exhaust stacks. I have seen a lot of immaculate hot rods of all typical American types but that ratty Volvo... (if I could find one of those custom pickups and that engine that would be gold) 😁

[@slowshop]

Your channel is so good and spot on what i like so l always watch every commercial. 😁 I especially like your humbleness. Me and my wife is building a traditional Tudor with a hopped up 4-banger. Keeping the original paint.

[@mrtws63]

did u title the free T ? if so....how did u do it ?

[@RyanDeanBlu]

Great vid! You did it perfect, at the end of the day, it's what make you happy! Speaking of is it out there? Yes! I just found a RaJo overhead conversion for Modle T 4 cylinder !and a huge pile of model t frames and body parts! Keep on lookin!😊

[@jasonkocinski2387]

I enjoyed the video . Something I would like to point out is that some times going to a scrap yard can be beneficial to collecting parts sometimes for cheap. . They usually charge by the weight Not by the rarity

[@morgansword]

I went to a lot of car shows when I was a kid too poor to get into it. I finally got a 36 tudor and cut the top then made everything I could before sourcing parts. I stopped on the way home in the homesteads an abandoned places where I knew if I found it I was doing the world a favor for rescuing/cleaning their yard up thing. I am referring to property that was being cleared with a dozer and anything on the ground was going into a trash pile to be either hauled or buried. Another great place that I really dug into the ground for stuff wasa very old landfill. I found whole cars ... well the whole thing is not quite true, mother nature had picked some of the goody's that just hurt to see lost to the tin worms. I made my car close to finished abd when someone offered me a good amount for it, I let them have it cause it was way more than invested and it gave me a chance at a 56 ford glass top vicky. I got it pained for way less than I could of built it for but they were board with it and wanted to start something else

[@johnapel2856]

Great video. Perfect for newbies. Thanks.

[@samuelbacon1596]

And Matt great little shoptalk like all your input your right old magazines for the ideas never thought of that made me think thank you hey take care of that arm.......Love the old school idea about building old hot rods and I love the name of the dog name MOON ,,,,,,,,,, I got a black lab named Maggie Mae was born in May but it’s the rod Stewart song that I love to take care Matt get healthy JUNKMANDO

[@niz416]

dude you say you study cars that resemble the car you want, ive rearranged by whole 29 tudor build around your sweetheart roadster build, the frame rails pinched with the "X" member? wide five running gear 35-36. you reset my "bar". thank you. ive seen other vids of you working with Gene, assuming youve met matchstick if you close to gene. he s a friend, met him in the Van scene in alberta. i spent some time in burbank in early 2000's and met Gene while i was working with George Barris (RIP) and spent time working with Jesse James at west coast. my old lady says your videos are a bit dry (her only reference is roadkill so yeah) but im glued, you've (along with my gear headd toddler) inspired me to go above and beyond keep it up and remember we will by the Gene's and George"s to our grand kids. #youngguyshadbigshoestofill

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks man glad the videos are helpful! I’m just trying to keep the torch lit from the legends like Gene and keep this hobby alive! I know Matchstick well! We crashed on his floor on our way to Turlock this past winter! Sounds like you got some great experiences working with some greats! Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@joeschlotthauer840]

At 7:12, the upholstery reminds me of moon eyes, I know it isn't but the angle is perfect...

[@billmaulding4042]

Thanks Matt that was very informative

[@kimkiriniki9433]

Very educational, many thanks.

[@Dave_Boyer]

Excellent explanation, the Rat Rod term seems to be the fall back description for most people these days. Myself, I’m more of a 70’s street rodder. But I like them all.

[@johnmiller4852]

Great job!

[@thommyknockershoptime6877]

Well Done! The general public will not really understand, so don't get to uptight. LOL Hell everyone I speak to likes my Merc', even if it's a 50 Chevy hehehehe. Just smile and spread the knowledge!

[@williamwareham2263]

Mat, The big quenTION for me is how do you get the car througth t he DMV registration?

[@grosseileracingteam]

Here in Michigan, if you've got a title, you can get insurance and then get your plates. Easy peasy.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Dont forget the nailhead one of my favorite motors

[@richardolson5880]

Great video Matt! It's always funny at shows when someone from the general public calls something a ratrod. I usually cringe hearing it. I enjoyed the craze at first, lots of creativity and guys were rescuing cars from fields and whatnot. Then it just got silly and cartoonish. Streetrods usually equal money and lots of it. Traditional type builds are the most interesting to me, especially the period correct cars. Unless you grew up decades ago, you really gotta do your homework. It takes time and patience finding parts. I agree early Ts and As are a good starting point, cheap and plentiful yet. Subbed after watching this, great channel!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching and the Sub!

[@paulnardelli6008]

Right on Matt!!

[@photohum]

Love your channel, ty

[@rudolphrybak3942]

I used to read rod and custom magazine all the time when growing up , and that was to me the definition of what a custom or a hot rod was . I was 15 and drove my first what you guys now call a rat rod . It was a 29 rodster pickup . Was in bad shape . Doors welded shut because of the rust , and bondoed over . Old 59 ford third seat from a wagon wedged into body ,an olds 88 motor and vice grips for the shifter and hydro trans and olds rear C clamped to the frame . Angle iron frame for the radiator .This car was the rattiest thing you ever saw . no floor boards just a piece of ply wood under the seat . Basicly a big go cart .Had much fun with it in the sand pits in Port Washington .I guess you can call it a rat rod . We used the term raty for cars that were just that , A ratty piece of crap .

[@richardt2k1]

Well put. Thank you for the Videos. 👍

[@franklinbrown8417]

Good explanation.

[@BuildNStuff86]

Hopefully people stop referring to your cars as rat rods, they have no idea what they are talking about.

[@crchuckh6852]

Matt I remember buying Hot Rod primer in a rattle can either Gray or Red (1950s) I don't remember the brand but it said Hot Rod primer. So yes flat primer is hot rod not necessarily Rat Rod. Great video and content.

[@Johnsmith-jd7xd]

Scuff the suede.

[@bradbalster2015]

Amen brother!

[@Lanni_747]

👍🏼👍🏼. Matt will you be heading to any other shows in mass or Connecticut this year. The hotrod fallout in Ct seems to be pretty cool looking or the gathering in mass.

[@kipphawley4514]

How do you keep the Traditional Hot Rod look if you want put in a Racket Pition steering system in..? Or would that be not be considered as well. Due to that fact I know the old Traditional steering system aren't very easy to use. So how would you do something like that as where keeping the Traditional looks.? If you do install something like that in a old Model As and Ts Fords. Also the same thing as well for the Shoebox Fords.?

[@jdmrok20]

Thanks brother 👊

[@WrightBrosRC]

The number one rule of hot rodding is there are no rules. What one guy likes, the next guy doesn't. Telling someone how to be a hot rodder is like telling someone what music to enjoy. There's no shortage of folks ready to tell you what to do and how to do it. If you're a hot rodder, you tell them all to pack sand and do it the way you want.

[@jamesluther3473]

Is it OK to put safety equipment in a traditional 50s Hot Rod?

[@robewalk2]

I started watching some of your old episodes Matt since I have time on my hands. How did you get your interest in restoring old treasures or not so treasured cars? And is all the knowledge you have working on them was learn by doing, self taught or were you working as a mechanic? Great content as always Matt, you, yours and all the Iron Trappers stay healthy and safe. Cheers from an old coot retired in Tennessee.❤️👍😷🍻✌️

[@IronTrapGarage]

All self taught from doing. My dad was a mechanic his entire life but didn’t mess with cars this old so I’m learning everyday!

[@bladerunner6282]

this sort of thing is only of concern to those deeply involved in just about any hobby or sport. street motorcycles vs. cruiser motorcycles, mountain bicycles vs road bicycles vs downhill bicycles. quarter horses, vs thoroughbred horses, fiberglass sailboats vs wooden sailboats vs motorboats. people like to use different terminology in order to set themselves apart within the larger group. unfortunately, many then take offense when non-participants use the 'wrong' word in their compliments. pretty silly really. accept compliments in the spirit in which they are given.

[@ericargo9157]

Well said.

[@jimandlinsnow7002]

Great video Matt. I too can’t stand my car referenced as a rat rod. Hope you are recovering quickly. Snowman

[@MrJeep75]

My dad's first car was a 46 ford sadan with built flathead, Linkin taillights Oldsmobile flipper hub caps, 39 LaSalle trany

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

Nice picture at the pagoda. I wouldn't mind meeting up someday and hanging out. Maybe wrench on something with ya. I'm always ready to learn something new about cars. And if you can teach me how to fix one that old. That would really be cool. if I ever can find that junkyard you featured awhile back. I might just have to resurrect one from their rusty slumber. ✊🏻 b.t.w. I'm 30 now and even though I am from Reading. I am a stand up guy. Of you ever do mind teaching me a little something.

[@bradcarlson9564]

Awesome

[@byechout]

This is a question, being a young newbie. They say true hot rods have three pedals, but I want to build a traditional with a powerglide. Is this something so heavily frowned upon that I should avoid it entirely?

[@IronTrapGarage]

It only matters if you care what others think! I’m on the 3 pedal side but I wouldn’t talk down on someone for going with an auto because they liked it more!

[@flatjan8030]

yeah for being able to distinguish you gotta know the difference and details. thats why most people call trad hot rods a rat rod.

[@theeecandlemaker2197]

In the future I bet the term "traditional ricer" will gain interest.

[@krusher74]

there are many styles of car builds from the 80/90's that would already be a "retro" style of various names if you now build one.

[@robbieautrey3158]

COOL RAT ROD BRO!! That just makes me want to EXPLODE when people don't know what they are looking at. I know they mean well and you have to just bite your lip but I sure wish the RAT RODs would just do away. I liked this Video a lot Matt, I can see you doing this from time to time to help people.. When are we going to see you cruising in the "FREE T".??

[@jameswalker3416]

I see its simply a hot rod is built to drive and has nothing on it besides stuff to go faster or stop and a rat rod is a car built basically just for attention with all kinds of knickknacks and things that are made to look dangerous.

[@bigunone]

I hate to mention them but there are also pick ups. (More people start buying them makes them cost more for me LOL) The biggest problem I find is getting them licensed so many belonged to grandpa and nobody knows what happened to the title paperwork.

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Yippee, First comment! Now to watch this Wonderful Video!

[@CardinalSpeed]

Couldnt have said it better myself.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Also when trying to make contacts on finding parts cruise the one hotrod you got done or close to done around your area like minded people will find you

[@ericheine2414]

A hot rod has to have three pedals and a stick shift. That's a rule. Not a guideline. I'm not saying other cars aren't cool. "Three pedals and a stick shift." If the windows are in the door it's a Cabriolet, A Roadster has side curtains. "Iron American Dream" on KZbin. Take a ride across the Promised Land. 3rd gear scratch.

[@markgriffin4888]

Your old custonised that is under the cover , needs some AIR in its tyres

[@rosscampbell6644]

hi from nz

[@theabyssgarage]

What part of NZ?!

[@rosscampbell6644]

@@theabyssgarage h jason im in twzel .. how about you

[@theabyssgarage]

Ross Campbell I’m in New Jersey. Been wanting to go to NZ for a few years now

[@JVLV8]

If you build car look ugly to be cool it's same as make a food taste bad on purpose... Just saying. Good chanel Bay the way! Keep it comming.

[@WACRE44]

I like period correct cars

[@IronTrapGarage]

We do to!!!

[@PALM311]

I found parts using "Google Earth" and scanning local farms.

[@leoprior3437]

Why are they called rods?

[@tubedude1077]

In hot rodding there are no rules

[@WACRE44]

35 slant for me

[@MrLrry1266]

Not this guy! Look, An original Hot Rod will never be built again. It happened, it's over, and sadly, it's gone. But it is mostly undoing what it took a whole team of engineers to do. Built at home, B&D grinder, Lincoln tombstone red buzz box, 6011 welding rod. Countless trips to the junk yard or whoever was in your network. It all comes down to personal taste and when almost every teenage boy in America was building a hot rod it ended there. That was right around the time some guy went to a guy recommended by a guy that would build that guy a hot rod for money.

[@pkerit308]

It seems that you having difficulties with the nomenclature. Anything can be raced included leaves in a stream or bicycles but street driven traditional hotrods were almost always Fords made from Model Ts up until 1949 when manufacturers began making modern cars. Modern being defined as overhead valve, automatics, independent suspension, and air conditioning. Cars made after 1948 that were hotrodded were considered 'Street Machines'. This included other brands than Ford, specially smallblock chevy cars. The next era that started about 1963 was 'muscle cars'. Traditional hotrods were Fords made before 1949.

[@IowaMercMan]

My A has fresh shiny paint, no spiderwebs, skulls, chains, fake rodents, fake patina... none of that, and people still call it a rat rod.

[@ericargo9157]

Yeah, I know what ya mean. And people call our orange haired fearless leader a Jenious...go figure.

[@TheDamnGarage]

I think modern engines sound terrible. I like all the sounds of those mechanical parts like the valve train clatter and the exhaust notes that just aren't present in a modern engine.

[@tom7601]

I hear a guy call a Camaro a "Hot Rod", and I want to punch him in the nose.

[@deltabloo]

So , traditional hot rodding in essence is this, take an old car go to the junkyard and scavenge the most up to date parts you can find or afford, like replacing a clapped out flat head or four banger with an OHV V8 or adding better brakes differential etc and put it together to make a faster better car. Paint and body have to wait til the money comes along , if ever. So even if a guy has put a LS motor into a 32 ford and mated it to an auto transmission, he has still built a hot rod, just not one that is true to a particular period in the history of hot rodding. He has built it in the traditional manner, buying junkyard parts and fabricating as needed, but it is not a period correct hot rod. The whole rat rod thing is stupid. People misunderstood that the unfinished look of hot rods had more to do with form following function and cosmetics are always last and turned that into lets weld rust to rust and it’ll be the same thing. My brothers first car was a ‘65 ‘Cuda formula S blue with a white trunk lid that never got painted before he sold it(jerk he was supposed to park it in a barn and save it for me) I guess some bozo might think it looked better that way or was some kind of “rat rod” but it it was just too expensive to paint! My point ,long winded as it may be, is that when we say I am building a traditional hot rod, we should define the period we are emulating, because in a sense even a Honda Civic with an Acura engine jammed into it is really a traditional Hot Rod.

[@rudolphbondefangerer5513]

An extra tip, If you are one of those people who not only has strong opinions about how others should build their car, but it also annoys you that they don't build the car YOU wanted to build, tell them. As often and loudly as possible. And make sure everyone else knows how annoyed you are with that idiot who doesn't do things the way you would have done them. That way, we all know who you are and can more easily avoid you.

[@geraldbellows2977]

As usual on the money. People think cause it's not shiny it's a rat to much misinformation. Hate cartoon cars!!

[@billjohnson7041]

I have some early Hot Rod and little books for sale.

[@patrickbaitman8336]

SBC! Just don't pop the hood for the purists! The purists drive trad rods, yet date chicks with tattoos! Trad chicks don't text!

[@Kevin_747]

If you think you have a traditional hot rod just post a picture on the Hoky board and you will either be praised or get your nuts kicked. I hate the term rat rod. I associate that term with fools that have no workmanship skills, re-bar and other re-purposed metal junk.

[@MrJeep75]

I hat rat rods

[@jdheath5054]

so much junk go on i just stop what watching.

[@Johnsmith-jd7xd]

Rat rods suck.

[@SladeM.]

Rat Rawds are junk!