Page 79 - Issue 41

GE GE
WITH
WITH
WITH
WITH GEOFF JOHNSONOFF JOHNSONOFF JOHNSON
WITH
WITH
The actions of the previous generation Today, our work is not done to preserve for
(and the one before that) made all this the future. Vintage iron isn’t as common as it
possible. Going all the way back were shade used to be. Thirty years ago, any trip through
tree mechanics guesstimating what it took to the country, and many short cuts through
wring more power out of an engine. Darker smaller towns, would yield several potential
times during the hobby found builders stuck vehicles for sale. I had my eye on more than
with smog emission power plants you couldn’t one through the years. And, yes, you would
legally modify if you hoped to ever pass the get a lot of the same reasons from owners for
inspection needed to buy new tabs for your why they wouldn’t sell (“Someday I will work on
plates. Yet, the love old school motorheads had it…”). Keeping your eyes open will yield results
for internal combustion never faded and came since the more reluctant sellers do not post
in all shapes and sizes, from cars to trucks to online. Eventually, the car sitting under a lean-to
motorcycles to farm tractors and everything in might pop up at the end of the driveway with
between. There were enough vibrant times to a faded sign under the wiper blade. Stashing
keep the hobby alive. what you can, to save what can be saved, to
The current ensure someone will have something to build is
a depressing necessity. I am doing my part to
generation of hot rescue what I can. If storage space is an issue
an understanding spouse can go a long way
rodding should especially if they still have a spot to park under
cover when the snow starts to blow.
thank their luck out for them. Making modifi cations to stock
The next generation will have their work cut
starters vehicles in the future will continue to be diffi cult

based on current rules and regulations. Building
anything old will be tougher with dwindling
The current generation of hot rodding should source material. Even maintaining a newer daily
thank their lucky starters. With the cheap fuel driver is going to be more challenging when
and a rekindled horsepower/torque war raging doing simple things like checking the air in your
across the Big Three (Dodge-Ford-Chevy), tires (TPMS make me cry!) and the fl uid in your
factory and aftermarket support for building transmission (what dipstick?) are a supreme
performance in our cars and trucks has never hassle. As alternative fuels go mainstream, the
been higher. The process of swapping modern future could be wide open in what will actually
performance engines into ancient iron has never power rats in the future, but if what aftermarket
been easier. The ability to replace worn older companies have done for E-85 is a guide, I am
parts with reproduced improved ones is an excited about what the future holds in this area.
expanding market. We need to keep in mind Finally, I don’t mind making sacrifi ces to
all of this did not happen on its own. Today’s ensure a rat rodding future for our children.
community is as diverse as ever with everyone Even if it means I have to drive a hybrid to work
getting along online and in-real-life (mostly). Monday morning, I am willing to do it if I can
This is why I love shows without such strict class drive the gas guzzling rat to the show Monday
divisions. I can appreciate almost anything night. Harley-Davidson, yes even HARLEY,
someone has poured their own blood, sweat, announced they will be making an electric model
and motor oil into. The current generation has in the next fi ve years: Project Livewire. The
made positive steps forward but still has work future will have more options than anyone at the
to do. We need to build on the framework our dawn of our hobby dreamed of, and I think that’s
rodding forefathers have fabricated. pretty hopeful.

RATRODMAGAZINE.COM RAT ROD MAGAZINE 79

78x79 Downshifting.indd 79 12/12/16 10:18 AM