Rodder Ramblings

Origins of the Hotrod Chopped Roof

When did chopping a roof on a hot rod gain popularity? Chopping the roof on hot rods gained popularity in the early days of hot rodding, primarily in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Blower vs. Turbo: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to boosting a car's performance, two terms that often come up are “blower” and “turbo.”

The History of the Muscle Car

When it comes to American car culture, few automotive categories inspire as much passion and nostalgia as the muscle car.

Hot Rod vs. Street Rod: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to classic car culture, two terms often pop up that can be confusing to newcomers: "hot rod" and "street rod."

If you've ever heard someone called a "gearhead," you might wonder what exactly that term means. In its simplest form, a gearhead is someone with an intense passion for mechanics, particularly anything that has an engine; cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. But being a gearhead is more than just a hobby; it's a lifestyle.

Kustom Kulture - not just a subculture, it is a way of life.

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.

Origins of the Rat Rod

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...

Hot Rod Louvers.. not just pretty dimples

The origins of louvers can be traced back to the early days of aviation. In the 1930s and 1940s, hot rodders began to experiment with louvers on their cars. 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...

Lessons learned and an appreciation for keeping it simple

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

Dirty Monkey Kustoms GearHead Apparel

Here are some of the kool kids I like to play with.