What exactly does Hot Rod Mean

[splatered cat]

I was asked the other day, and embarrassingly (is that a real word) could not remember 'where does the rod bit come from, What does rodding mean' ??

[Adam]

Hot Rod was an early reference to the guys that drove the cars not the cars / gow jobs themselves. It became to mean the cars after that.

[Gavin]

My understanding is that the rod in "hot rod" was just a shortened version of roadster. ie "hot roadster". Early (late 30s early 40s) hot rods were almost always roadsters as there were no classes for coupes or sedans at lakes or the salt flat events. Thats not to say there weren't a few around though on the streets. They just weren't considered hot rods by many. With the idea being outright speed guys didn't understand why people would choose to hop up a heavy coupe or sedan over a lghtweight and more aerodynamic roadster. The term, over time and as other body styles became accepted, began to be used to describe any stripped down and hopped up car. (roadster, coupe or sedan).
I could be wrong of course! It has been known.

[29ChoppedSedan]

The 'hot roadster' version was my take on it too.

Alternatively it just means

'not a Ford Pop'
'not a splitscreen camper'
or
'not parked in a campsite while sat drinking alcohol next to it'

haha

I dont care

[crusty]

The 'hot roadster' version was my take on it too.

Alternatively it just means

'not a Ford Pop'
'not a splitscreen camper'
or
'not parked in a campsite while sat drinking alcohol next to it'

haha

I dont care


PMSL....nice

[Volkenstein]

Taken from the cambridge dictionary:

Definition
hotrod Hide phonetics
noun [C] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a car which is specially built or changed so that it will go very fast

And another online dictionary:

hot-rod Audio Help Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hot-rod] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -rod·ded, -rod·ding. Slang.
–verb (used without object) 1. to drive a hot rod.
2. to drive very fast.
–verb (used with object) 3. to drive (a vehicle) very fast.
4. to adapt (a vehicle or its engine) for increased speed.
[Origin: 1945–50]


So a tuned mini counts, and a turbo'd mx5, even those corsas with an induction kit. Easy question for a wednesday. Now, where's my anderson shelter at?

I'm sure there was a history of hotrodding post in the archive section for this question as well, I'll try dig it up.

Ry

[crusty]

Taken from the cambridge dictionary:

Definition
hotrod Hide phonetics
noun [C] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a car which is specially built or changed so that it will go very fast

And another online dictionary:

hot-rod Audio Help Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hot-rod] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -rod·ded, -rod·ding. Slang.
–verb (used without object) 1. to drive a hot rod.
2. to drive very fast.
–verb (used with object) 3. to drive (a vehicle) very fast.
4. to adapt (a vehicle or its engine) for increased speed.
[Origin: 1945–50]


So a tuned mini counts, and a turbo'd mx5, even those corsas with an induction kit. Easy question for a wednesday. Now, where's my anderson shelter at?

I'm sure there was a history of hotrodding post in the archive section for this question as well, I'll try dig it up.

Ry




See even people who you'd think knew what they were talking about get it wrong! lol




.

[Little Terry]

http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?t=2202

This should help!

[32chris]

never mind what does hotrod mean,
what the hell does PMSL mean ??????????????? :confused:

[weemark]

never mind what does hotrod mean,
what the hell does PMSL mean ??????????????? :confused:

PeeMySelfLaughing

[32chris]

PeeMySelfLaughing

ahh - all becomes clear, thanks Mark :)

[weemark]

Taken from the cambridge dictionary:

Definition
hotrod Hide phonetics
noun [C] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a car which is specially built or changed so that it will go very fast

And another online dictionary:

hot-rod Audio Help Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hot-rod] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -rod·ded, -rod·ding. Slang.
–verb (used without object) 1. to drive a hot rod.
2. to drive very fast.
–verb (used with object) 3. to drive (a vehicle) very fast.
4. to adapt (a vehicle or its engine) for increased speed.
[Origin: 1945–50]


So a tuned mini counts, and a turbo'd mx5, even those corsas with an induction kit. Easy question for a wednesday. Now, where's my anderson shelter at?

I'm sure there was a history of hotrodding post in the archive section for this question as well, I'll try dig it up.

Ry

agree with crusty ry, guess it shows those who dont know what their on about talk s***e

never ever heard it being used as a term for driving fast - maybe someone should email them pointing their errors out?

[Captain Scarlet]

My understanding is that the rod in "hot rod" was just a shortened version of roadster. ie "hot roadster". Early (late 30s early 40s) hot rods were almost always roadsters as there were no classes for coupes at lakes events. Thats not to say there weren't a few around though. The term, over time, began to be used to mean any stripped down and hopped up car. (roadster or coupe).
I could be wrong of course! It has been known.


The 'hot roadster' version was my take on it too.

Alternatively it just means

'not a Ford Pop'
'not a splitscreen camper'
or
'not parked in a campsite while sat drinking alcohol next to it'

haha

I dont care

This theory also seems to exclude 1929 model sedans ;)

[morris]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_rod

[Volkenstein]

dictionary:
a car which is specially built or changed so that it will go very fast.

dictionary +2 words:
a pre 1949 car which is specially built or changed so that it will go very fast.

makes all the difference or not?

I would like to clear up my definition differs wildly from the dictionary ones!

Ry

[Gavin]

This theory also seems to exclude 1929 model sedans ;)

Very true. Edited my original post.;)

[Captain Scarlet]

Very true. Edited my original post.;)

No probs Gavin
I will also take the opportunity to remind any newbies that the Ford Popular/Anglia body shell originates from 1937,just to put the record straight.
Ian:)

[Gavin]

Hope this isn't turning into the old what is a hot rod? whats the definition of a hot rod? type of thread. We all know how that ends :D
The original post only asked where the 'rod' in hot rod originated from.
Gavin

[kapri]

Please NO , let's stop now eh ? :)

[john64]

Who mentioned plastic :)

[BillyboyG]

I thought the "hot" came from a souped up camshaft, or rather the "rod" bit does..."Hot Rod"...lumpier, faster cam type thing? Eeeh, I dont know.......:o

[plumpcars]

Gary Mc posted on here a while back that hot rod as a term came from the 'hot con rods' that early souped up engines suffered from. Can't remember if he said that referred to bangers or flatheads, think it was early bangers, but I loved the explanation whatever. I had always thought it was the 'hot roadster' abbreviation.

[Klunk]

Gary Mc posted on here a while back ..................



I am completely absorbed in early automotive history; not just early lakes and hot rods which are my main interests but board track and brooklands, dirt track, early stock car -Mines field and Pikes Peak. Early drag racing and of course Bonneville LSR. Also more recently pre war British trials and endurance rallies.

And I know I've said it on here before and been shot down but the term "Hot Rod" goes back further than is commonly thought. Back in the early T days you had a "Hot Rod " or "Hot Iron" IN your engine because the oiling system couldn't cope with the extra modifications and the rods used to "blue".

If you have any interest in this pre thirties (USA) era ( the sheer size and scale of the racing was astounding) get a copy of Board Track - Guts Gold and Glory by Dick Wallen. Probably the best source of information on this early racing.

If anyone knows of a better one let me know!

Taken from Here (http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?t=7962&highlight=term)

[plumpcars]

That's it! Thanks Tony. :)

[Gavin]

From the book 'Flat Out' by Albert Drake.
http://usera.imagecave.com/gavinmeanley/img055600x489.jpg

From the book 'Hot Rod Memories' by Don Montgomery.
http://usera.imagecave.com/gavinmeanley/img056600x824.jpg

I'm not saying this is the definitive answer as a few explanations appear to hold water. Like most things it would seem it is open to interpretation, especially if the 'experts' have different opinions.
It's always interesting to look into the history of the sport though. One of my passions too.
Gavin

[lancelot link]

Who mentioned plastic :)

So..... here we have a fibreglass replica of a '32 Ford built with I-beam front axle and crossply tyres and the rear end and engine originates from a car designed and built pre-WWII ......

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/lancelotlink/billing.jpg

Is this a HOT ROD ? !!!!!!

( Having lit the touch paper , Gary retreated to a safe distance ......... )

[Fatguyz]

In "Hot Rod Roots, A tribute to the Pioneers" chapter 1 is about WWII and Hot Rodding.......a lot of this section is about how the returning soldiers were now even more skilled etc etc....you know the way the story goes.

Theres a photo insert from a magazine article from 1941 entitled "Gow Jobs"....below is what i can see..............

Three years ago in Los Angeles (so thats 1938), quiet residential districts were being invaded by wild eyed kids in hopped-up jalopies. Up and down the streets, stripped cars raced at dizzy breakneck speeds.
Citizens complained. Life and limb were in constant peril. The arrival of the police only added to the hazards. At the first sound of a siren, cars darted into side streets in all directions, whipping around blind corners on two wheels. The resulting traffic accidents made the public, the press and the law profoundly vocal in condemning the menace.
This attitude, whilst justified, failed to recognise the vital fact: All over the United States, in cities, villages and hamlets, grimy, greasy youngsters like these were and are producing mechanical masterpieces. Their ages range from fifteen to twenty five, with a few veterans. Average is twenty one.
Jalopy is a misnomer. Nothing that roars over the ground at 120, 130, 140 mph is a jalopy. It probably was patiently built up from the most remarkable collection of cast off automobile parts ever assembled under a hood.
The jalopy is an accurate indicator that mechanical genius has been bred into American youth. He was born into an age of speed. He has accepted is as his national heritage.
These boys were not to be denied. The trouble arose in a lack of space, proper courses ideally suited to speed tests where, under safety regulations and understanding supervision, gifted young mechanics could prove the practicability of their jalopy creations. City streets and highways are no place for speeds in excess of 100mph.
In sharp contrast to three years ago, the jalopy driver has come into his own............................................... .................................................. .................................................. ................The jalopy builders can be seen going to work at Douglas or Lockheed or North American or Vultee in the daytime. At night they labour diligently over their jalopies although this is a term they despise and never use, preferring, “Hot Iron” or “Gow Job”.
The typed header above the picture of this article takes an extract from the article and inserts in brackets in the text (the hot rod builder). No mention in the article about hot rods although "Hot Iron" appears.
As as been said, even some of the books that talk about the history seem a little vague.
"Hot Iron" was the vehicle and "Hot Rod" was the driver ??????;):rolleyes::p
whatever........there is some good stuff out there to read and draw your own conclusions.
FG

[Gavin]

whatever........there is some good stuff out there to read and draw your own conclusions.
FG

Could not agree with this statement more.
There is a wealth of excellent literature out there to study and draw your own conclusions from.
Just bear in mind that just because something appears in print does not make it fact. Many of these books are written with the assistance of guys who were there and doing it at the time but does not mean their recollections are 100% accurate . They could well be a bit hazy! It was over 50 years ago. Hell I struggle to remember events and details from last week!

[Fatguyz]

Hell I struggle to remember events and details from last week!

PMSL...know that feeling.

Another way to look at the term "Hot Rod" is by comparing it to the word "Hoover".....obviously hoover being a brand name that everyone came to use to describe a "sucky up dusty device" and a "Hot Rod" used to describe any vehicle that has been modified from standard :p :eek: ;)

FG

[rootesix66]

old car, big engine,worn paint,race!!........jobs a goodun'!

[49anglia]

The 'hot roadster' version was my take on it too.

Alternatively it just means

'not a Ford Pop'
'not a splitscreen camper'
or
'not parked in a campsite while sat drinking alcohol next to it'

haha

I dont care

well, my pops (anglia) was made in the 40's, its steel and has period hop ups, that makes it more of a rod than most 'rods' in england if you ask me:)

[Captain Scarlet]

Right with ya Graeme ;)

[Gary Mc]

Taken from Here (http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?t=7962&highlight=term)

Yeah that's my take on it, can't for the life of me remember where I got that from but I sure didn't imagine it. The Hot RODster theory makes sense also but maybe that is more widely believed due to recent articles in places like TRJ which have said that, I dunno. When a guy who was a kid around that time (40's) says thats how he remembered it can that be taken as gospel? What about 20-25 years before that? Would he know? Maybe it's an "according to living memory" thing.

By the early thirties a whole generation of "hot rodders" had come and gone, when you think that the golden era of board tracks was just about over then so why couldn't the term have been coined earlier?

More importantly does it matter?

[Mart]

I don't know about cars being modified to go very fast. I'm just happy to get where I'm going in one piece without breaking down.

[splatered cat]

So this is the rodding discussion forum, and no one knows where that term originated :-)


So is It ,
A, Generic name of Rod used as the driver
B, The Con rods of older tuned engines getting hot
C, Shortened from Roadster

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????

[29ChoppedSedan]

This theory also seems to exclude 1929 model sedans ;)

Yup!:)

My mofo has the banger engine still anyway so its nowt more than being in the 'customised' pigeon hole in my view.

My 27T is a bunch of spares bolted together from a Pilot, Cortina, Transit, Nissan, Minor etc with a plastic body - so again it's just a 'Bitsa' ... bitsa this n bitsa that. I just happens to appear to look like a hotrod from a distance.

I know what I got and I know what I havent got,,, but Im happy that I've got 'em :cool:

[Gavin]

So this is the rodding discussion forum, and no one knows where that term originated :-)


So is It ,
A, Generic name of Rod used as the driver
B, The Con rods of older tuned engines getting hot
C, Shortened from Roadster

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????


I think it's fair to say it could be any one of the explanations above depending on who is asked. As mentioned, can the recollections of the guys who were there doing it all those years ago be taken as gospel?
It's also possible that the phrase was coined from different origins ie. 'hot con rods' or 'hot roadster' at different times during the evolution of the sport or even at the same time but in different parts of the country.

I don't think there will ever be a definitive answer but it is interesting to try and find it.
Gavin

[import-racer]

Yup!:)My 27T is a bunch of spares bolted together from a Pilot, Cortina, Transit, Nissan, Minor etc with a plastic body - so again it's just a 'Bitsa' ... bitsa this n bitsa that. I just happens to appear to look like a hotrod from a distance.

I know what I got and I know what I havent got,,, but Im happy that I've got 'em :cool:

im with vince (29ChoppedSedan) on this one...ive got a glass 31A pick up replica...rv8 , scimitar chassis , its a replica body on a modern (sic) sports car chassis...but its a hot rod to me...and its better than the one you dont have... :rolleyes:

im sure the early rodders, had they got the chance, would have used glass bodies if they had been available...lightweight was a means of going quicker...
i always wanted a "hot rod" and thats what i set out to build...my interpretation of a hot rod for ME...its only when i came on the forum that i found out that "kit cars" aint hot rods...suppose i should have checked first...
and now we're getting told that pops aint rods...
( does the UK not have history )
oh it does...but our history aint as cool...aye right!!! :rolleyes:

some pics of NOT british hot rodsfrom www.oldstox.com
http://www.oldstox.com/images/BT's/BTOldsPopMpsycho2.jpg
http://www.oldstox.com/images/jagrod8.jpg
http://www.oldstox.com/images/john.jpg
http://www.oldstox.com/images/wrightcad.jpg
http://www.oldstox.com/images/richard.jpg
http://www.oldstox.com/images/jago.jpg
http://www.oldstox.com/images/jago2.jpg
and a real british rod...
how cool is this...a '33 Ford 40, with a '32 grille UK built and driven in the 60s
http://www.oldstox.com/images/cooper.jpg
and what do the yanks like to build...
http://www.oldstox.com/images/thames.jpg

i love those old pics...that inspires me...but i need to work with whats available to me...
im off to work on my hot rod...

big al

[Brizey]

103E type Ford Pops/Anglias etc..
Pre `49 design
Flat windshield
Unboltable fenders
Separate chassis/body units
Conventional water cooled front mounted motor.

Sounds like Hot Rod material to me...

[Gavin]

Deja vu ;)



Hope this isn't turning into the old what is a hot rod? whats the definition of a hot rod? type of thread. We all know how that ends :D
The original post only asked where the 'rod' in hot rod originated from.
Gavin

[33coupe]

Deja vu ;)


If you.re happy with what yer driving and you believe its a Hot Rod, then it is;)
And who are they to say that it ain,t:p

I,ve also got a splitty aswell as my coupe and thats me other rod cause its modified to **** :D

[splatered cat]

Just to reiterate, i and hopefully everyone else here knows what the Hot bit comes from. Its just the rod or rodding bit that i was not to sure of, but now i know ( or do i ?)

[foolonthehill]

I thought the "hot" came from a souped up camshaft, or rather the "rod" bit does..."Hot Rod"...lumpier, faster cam type thing? Eeeh, I dont know.......:o

I agree with Billy (because this was recently explained on another board).Camshafts were called rods way back when. So if someones car made an exhibition of power it would usually provoke a comment that he had a hot rod. So as things frequently go one thing led to another and now we are all
confused. Just my opinion ,but then I am confused.

[296moon]

very nice thread and it hasent gone wonky yet, am I on the right site?

[crusty]

I agree with Billy (because this was recently explained on another board).Camshafts were called rods way back when. So if someones car made an exhibition of power it would usually provoke a comment that he had a hot rod. So as things frequently go one thing led to another and now we are all
confused. Just my opinion ,but then I am confused.



So on that context, if you dont run a 'Hot Cam' (one over stock) in your *** *** you havernt got a hot rod, you've got a car with an engine swap!.....LOL




As usual this could go on forever!





.

[English Impala]

If that is the case, lets keep it quiet, otherwise the Chav round the corner from me has a hotrod. Its a 2004 Astra convertible...........

[weemark]

i dont think there is any right or wrong answer, im sure different people across the states back then were using the term in different ways

[chaley]

I don't know for sure where the term came from,( Gary Mc's answer rings a bell with me ), but I sure as hell know one when I see one !
Chaley

[Captain Scarlet]

i dont think there is any right or wrong answer, im sure different people across the states back then were using the term in different ways
I think you hit the nail on the head there Mark,we are all trying to make sense of terminology that originated in a different country years ago that they themselves kept changing ,and still they use the term "Hot Rod" quite loosely over there,if they cannot agree where does that leave us :confused:
Ian:)

[rem]

Where does the the word 'chav' come from?

[40Stude]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chav

[Gary Mc]

Where does the the word 'chav' come from?

Billing, nr Northampton!