Rodder Ramblings

Not just pretty dimples

Hot rods have been an important part of American car culture for over a century. These cars are typically modified to improve performance and style, and one popular modification that has been used for both purposes is the addition of louvers to the bodywork. Louvers are essentially slits or vents cut into the metal of the car, allowing air to flow through and improving both aerodynamics and engine cooling. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the history of louvers on hot rods and how they became such an iconic feature of these vehicles.

The origins of louvers can be traced back to the early days of aviation. Airplanes needed to be streamlined and aerodynamic to fly efficiently, and early aircraft designers discovered that adding small slits or vents to the skin of the plane could help improve airflow and reduce drag. This design feature was known as "surface cooling" and was widely adopted by aircraft manufacturers in the early 20th century.

In the 1930s and 1940s, hot rodders began to experiment with louvers on their cars. These early hot rods were often built from old Model T or Model A Fords, which were easy to modify and customize. Louvers were added to the hoods, fenders, and other body panels to help cool the engine and improve aerodynamics. The trend caught on quickly, and soon louvers were a common feature on many hot rods.

The use of louvers in hot rodding reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, hot rods were becoming increasingly popular, and the customization options available were expanding rapidly. Louvers were used not just for function but also for style, and many hot rods featured elaborate louver patterns on their hoods, roofs, and fenders. The louvers were often arranged in geometric patterns or sweeping curves, creating a unique visual effect that was both functional and eye-catching.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the popularity of hot rodding began to decline, and the use of louvers on cars became less common. However, in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in hot rods and custom cars, and louvers are once again being used to improve both the function and style of these vehicles. Modern hot rodders are using computer-aided design and advanced manufacturing techniques to create intricate louver patterns that were not possible in the past.

Louvers have a long and rich history in hot rodding. What started as a functional design feature on airplanes has become an iconic element of the hot rod aesthetic. Louvers are not just a way to improve airflow and cooling; they are also a way for hot rodders to express their creativity and individuality. Whether you prefer the classic look of a 1930s hot rod or the sleek modern style of a custom-built street rod, louvers will always be an important part of hot rod culture.

Rat rods are a type of hot rod that have gained popularity in recent years for their unique style and raw, stripped-down appearance. These cars are typically built using salvaged parts from other vehicles and are meant to look rough around the edges, with rust, dents, and other imperfections adding to their character. In this blog, we'll explore the history and defining features of rat rods, as well as the reasons why they've become such a beloved part of American car culture.

The origins of rat rods can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s, when young hot rodders began to experiment with creating cars that were intentionally rough and unfinished-looking. These cars were often built using whatever parts were available, and they were meant to be driven hard and fast, without worrying too much about appearances. Over time, the style evolved, and the term "rat rod" came to be used to describe these cars that had a raw, rat-like appearance.

One of the defining features of rat rods is their rough, unfinished appearance. Unlike traditional hot rods, which are typically painted and polished to a high shine, rat rods are often left in a state of partial disrepair. Rust, primer, and other imperfections are embraced as part of the car's character, giving it a gritty, industrial look. In some cases, rat rods are deliberately "aged" to make them look even more weathered and worn.



Another key feature of rat rods is the use of salvaged or recycled parts. Rat rod builders often scour junkyards and salvage yards for old cars and trucks, looking for parts that can be repurposed to build their cars. This gives rat rods a unique look and feel, with mismatched parts and a hodgepodge of components that reflect the car's DIY origins.

Rat rods have become increasingly popular in recent years, with car enthusiasts around the world embracing their unique style and DIY ethos. While they're not for everyone, rat rods offer a refreshing alternative to the highly polished and heavily modified cars that dominate many car shows and events. They celebrate the spirit of hot rodding as it was originally intended - as a way for young people to experiment with car customization and express their creativity without worrying about conforming to traditional standards of beauty or style.



In conclusion, rat rods are a fascinating and uniquely American form of car customization that have captured the imagination of car enthusiasts around the world. With their rough, unfinished appearance and DIY origins, they offer a refreshing alternative to the highly polished and heavily modified cars that dominate many car shows and events. Whether you love them or hate them, there's no denying the impact that rat rods have had on American car culture, and their legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.

Not just a subculture, but a way of life.

Kustom Kulture is a subculture that emerged in the United States in the 1950s and has since spread around the world. It is a cultural movement that celebrates cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, as well as the creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality that goes into customizing them. Kustom Kulture is not just about modifying vehicles; it's about expressing oneself through the art of customization.

The term "Kustom Kulture" was coined by the famous custom car builder George Barris in the 1960s. Barris was a pioneer of the Kustom Kulture movement, and his work helped to establish the aesthetic and ethos of the subculture. He built many iconic custom cars, including the Batmobile, the Munster Koach, and the Beverly Hillbillies truck. Barris believed that customizing cars was a way to express oneself and to stand out from the crowd.

Kustom Kulture is not just about cars, however. It encompasses a wide range of creative pursuits, from painting and sculpture to fashion and music. Kustom Kulture is about taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary, and it is this philosophy that has made it so popular around the world.

Kustom Kulture has its roots in the hot rod and custom car scene of the 1950s. Back then, young people would buy old cars and modify them to make them faster and more stylish. They would also customize their cars with unique paint jobs, chrome accessories, and other features that set them apart from the factory models. Over time, this subculture grew and evolved, and it began to encompass other vehicles, such as motorcycles and trucks.

One of the defining features of Kustom Kulture is its focus on individuality. People who are part of this subculture do not want to look like everyone else; they want to stand out and express their own unique style. This is why customizing vehicles is such an important part of Kustom Kulture. By customizing their cars, motorcycles, or other vehicles, people are able to create something that reflects their own personality and tastes.

Another key aspect of Kustom Kulture is the emphasis on craftsmanship. People who are part of this subculture take pride in their work and strive to create something that is not only beautiful but also functional. This is why custom car builders, motorcycle mechanics, and other artisans are so highly respected in the Kustom Kulture community.

Kustom Kulture is not just a subculture; it is a way of life for many people. It is a way to express oneself, to create something unique and beautiful, and to connect with others who share the same passion. Kustom Kulture is about pushing boundaries, breaking rules, and creating something that is truly one-of-a-kind.

In conclusion, Kustom Kulture is a vibrant and creative subculture that celebrates individuality, craftsmanship, and the art of customization. Whether you are a car enthusiast, a motorcycle rider, a painter, or a musician, Kustom Kulture offers a unique and exciting way to express yourself and connect with others who share your passion. So, if you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and create something truly extraordinary, why not explore the world of Kustom Kulture?

 

April 13th-16th, 2017
at The Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas NV. 

  www.vivalasvegas.net

2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the biggest Rockabilly extravaganza you will see in the USA!

Kool Cars, Pin up contests, killer bands, pool parties, and general greaser mayhem, all in Las Vegas...  Really, you better already plan on being there.

 

The highlight show of the summer this year, was the DEUCE Days Show 'n Shine in July, held in front of the historical Empress Hotel of Victoria BC.

 

There was an unconfirmed estimate of 1200 cars in attendance with some plates from as far away as Utah, California, Nevada and Texas. If any of you get the chance to attend,  definitely add it to your must see list for 2019. Yes, 2019, it only happens every 3 years. A great experience coming across to Canada on the Black Ball (50's vintage) ferry from Port Angeles, WA to the inner harbor of Victoria, BC Canada.  Imagine a hundred of these beauties in the ferry car decks at a time, and the parade as they drive off.. COOL!

 

 

 

Sunday, I figured I would take an opportunity get in an hour or two working on the project truck, replacing the back glass....