Billet Parts; Another View?

[sidevalveguru]

While i can understand the general view that billet parts are usually just used to add a bit of 'bling' (a term i find repugnant), with ZERO creativity involved. These guys are crows; just picking up shiny things.
How do you view 'billet' (me now being REALLY ANAL: billets are blanks for forging, the fully machined parts are made from barstock or rod) parts to fill a special niche? In my case, i'm using an unusual engine in an exceptionally short body.
Now, the question: If i design & machine a custom part, MYSELF, using a CNC machine, would this be considered crass?

[T.W.Dustin]

nothing wrong with custom made parts that you machine yourself in my book

[Zombo]

The movement away from "billet" goes back to the whole unrealistic concept of a average guy (read: young guy under 30) building a billet/Boyd themed rod. The traditional rod or anti-billet movement came in part by, guys who could not pay to build or have someone build a street rod for them and just wanted something cool to drive. It just so happened that the one day valuable parts that the street rodders were taking off to replace with billet found their way onto real hot rods, fueling the fire. I guess to answer your question, yes, if it is tasteful and necessary. Just don't turn it into a billetmobile.

[Greasy64]

No ofense at all to Zombo, but I don't think of myself as part of a movement. I just think of a 40 Ford with a buttload of billet accessories is not my thing. To me it's just looks wrong. That's why I'm here, among people who are of like interests.
To answer your question, if you make a part that "fits" the car's theme and serves a purpose, guess what? Hot rodders and custom builders have been making "billet" Parts for almost a century.
I say go for it! My advice would be to call it a "custom adapter" not a "billet adapter.":rolleyes:

[HotRod33]

When you have the craftsmanship to machine and make your own parts for your car do it ....This is what building a hotrod is about....making it a your car.....