Msg: 1702 *Conference*

02-26-92 09:52:52

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : STEPHEN MELCHER

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #1699 (REPLY TO MSG# 7052 (TAPES))

That place between where you drop something and the ground has no name but is a
definate reality; and no it not just you.  Auto engineers are an interesting
bunch.  After a short time they all fall into a sameness.  They are also very
much influenced by the accounting department, except for the Germans. 
 
The ride height of an auto or truck is initially set by engineering and
performance requirements, then by the law, then altered by the individual based
on desire, trend and budget.  The concept of lowering the auto started back in
the late 30's and refined after WWII in the 40's for a veriety of reasons, all
listed above, including the need for speed.  Auto ride and performance trends
developed as interest in racing and speed grew in popularity.  Also, given the
boxie look of the older cars, youth developed styling trends to "improve" the
"look" of their ride, i.e., to make it look more modern; sleaker, etc.  There a
series of books that lay out the trends and changes.  I call your attention to
the following: 
 
Hot Rod History by Tom Medley, ISBN 0-87938-477-8
 
Street was fun in 51 by Albert Drake, ISBN 0-936892-11-0
 
Hot Rods In The Forties by Don Montgomery (*)
 
Hot Rods As They Were by Don Montgomery (*)
 
Hot Rod Memories Reelived Again by Don Montgomery (*)
 
(*) Don Montgomery, 636 Morro Hills Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
 
There are plenty of publications and books on the subject, along with how to
chop tops, how to alter suspensions, rebuild motors, how to paint flames, etc.,
etc., etc. 
 
To your final point, the words "tricked out" goes beyond just altering
suspension (lowering).  It's a general term for doing "things" to your ride
that alter its looks, its ride, its functionality, etc.  There are no rules to
altering.  There are, however, physical, social, and legal constraints, i.e.,
you can't lower an auto past the upper surface of the ground, or backwards
pointing flames look stupid, or licensing is a must, and other mundane stuff. 
 
If you would like to see my Toyota Slam Wagon, call Portable 100 Magazine, 603
924 9455, tell them you're a new Club 100 member and "just learned of their
magazine" from us, and ask for April 1991, Vol 8 No 2.  It, myself, and some of
the local members made the cover.  They will send it to you.  Make sure you say
we sent you so they will jump.  Also, ask for a definate receipt date so they
get the idea that they need to jump. 
 
Last point: I enjoy altering my rides and building cars.  It's my hobby.  My 23
T Bucket, aka "Fad T" or "Altered" (circa 1940's terminology) is going to have
a Model 100 in there, somewhere, monitoring and reporting, etc.  In other
words, an old timie car with an old timie motor, monitored by a modern
computer.  Or, a Model T monitoring a Model T.  -Rick-
 
FYI: The term "Model T" as applied to computers is the current "slang" for the
Model 100, or Model Tandy (sic), publisized in Portable 100 Magazine and coined
(I think) by Michael Daigle, a writer for P100 mag.