Same S**t... Different Year

I came across this old book at a flea market once. It was mostly pictures that highlighted the book's title; “The American Jalopy”. Contained between the hard-covers were page after page of old black and white pictures of vintage Detroit tin that was originally built from the late teens through the 1930's. Those classic shots showed many a misspent youth either proudly sitting in, standing in front of, or goofing off in their jalopy. Most of the vehicles were modified in some ways, although not in the same vein that started in the late 40's. Many of them still had stock tires, quick-change rearend differentials, and factory

interiors. Since they were owned by younger individuals, these vintage rigs were far from mint. Many of them had writing on assorted banged-up body panels, missing windshields and/or roofs, hardly any exhaust, bald tires, and a few even had homemade fabricated engine parts. Needless to say, they were a nothing like today's hot rods or even rat rods. But history shows us, that jalopy's were of good use in the public's eye back in the good 'ol days. Ever wonder how towns or the government painted lines in the middle of roadways some 75-80 years ago? Thanks to a jalopy, the picture above right is your answer.

But then I got to thinking – what I was actually looking at were the grandfathers of hot rods in general, and rat rods in particular. For decades, the hot rod community received an unfair negative image or what was the sum that society added up when you had a youth plus an old jalopy. And be sure to lock up your daughters – because if she got involved with a young man with a jalopy, the picture to your left is what happened.

But that was then and this is now. Or is it? Have things really changed? It still amazes me that in our old car hobby that brand-bashing still exists along with disagreeing on what is or is not a hot rod... or bad ass... or whatever. I can remember a not-to-long-ago period when rat rods went mainstream in the hot rodding world. Some enthusiasts went all negative stating they weren't true hot rods; Just rusted, slapped together pieces of shit that just happened to have a powerful motor and cool wheels. While I feel the acceptance factor of rat rods has greatly increased over the past 10 years, that original negative attitude is still there with some folks. Why is that? I absolutely love rat rods! Is there some type of fear in accepting this genre into the hot rodding fold? A fear of what someone doesn't understand? A fear of losing some status with their own mega-buck street rod if one of these clapped out beauties parked next to you at a show? You tell me – what do you think?

The same type of non-accepting negative mindset could also be said in regards to NASCAR when corporate sponsorship basically took over starting in 1972 when the manufacturers like Chrysler, Ford and even GM to a slight extent, began to radically cut back on factory support. By that point, muscle cars and their powerful V-8 engines were no longer in fashion. Money got tighter as inflation and costs reared their ugly heads. Drivers had sponsors that ranged from STP to Coca-Cola. NASCAR even gained a title sponsor in the form of cigarette giant R.J. Reynolds. Since the company was banned from advertising on television, they saw a new avenue of promotion and advertising. Thus the birth of the Winston Cup Series in the very early 70's. I can remember racing fans saying, “It's the death of circle track racing as we know it.” Today, that remains to be seen as Nextel is officially ending its title sponsorship at the end of the 2016 racing season. NASCAR officials are looking for a new sponsor, but have put such stipulations on it stating they would like a 10-year, $1 billion dollar investment and commitment. Seriously? Or maybe I just need to come to grips with the fact that, there is no racing without money... very serious money

Drag racing, more than any other sport, in my humble opinion, has produced more innovations, but has also produced some of the craziest ideas; some worked, some didn't. Ironically, regardless of how nuts things got, the acceptance level was always high, especially with the fans. If there was even a chance of having a specific design banned, that gave even more credibility and motivation to build it. Forget factory backed A/FX altered wheelbase cars; some of the designs that came

down the pike ranged from a “convertible” 1966 Dodge Dart fiberglass bodies that were draped over a Top Fuel dragster chassis (the Dart was never available as a convertible). Or how 'bout a classic Jeep CJ, except the fiberglass body's wheelbase was stretched to almost 112 inches... and no roof... or doors! One of my favorite “dare to be different” funny car bodies came out in the early 1980's, when J&J Fiberglass sponsored a rig that had a bright yellow Lincoln Continental Mark III body – complete with Landau roof!

We don't always have to agree or even approve, but acceptance is the key. Until next time, keep swimming against the stream.

Peace out,

Dave