Hot Rods Aircraft Inspired Hot Rods

Once WWII started many hot rodders fought over seas and after victory, brought the new technology back home with them. The surplus of military parts made them readily available. Bomber seats in cars were common, and combinations like Allison aircraft engines in 34 fords came along. Belly tanks became popular on the salt and many aircraft styling features rubbed of on hot rods. Post some pictures of Aircraft inspired hot rods!

 

I most confess I like the one chip foose build, except the nose. Please don't hit me, I go and stand in the corner now.

But that is cool airplane inspired, but not something all HAMBers like, but I do like it.

The dash is killer and the shifter and steering wheel is great.


But you are correct, there is a lot those guy brought home with them, like the tanks and seats that was must have pieces, but also skill, attitude and good ideas. They had a lot of time to think and plan, but also things like heli arc, fixing stuff with a few things and a need for speed!

That is still alive and well!

 

Backseat Betty. There's pics available in a Google search.

Roger

 

This thread has taken a turn for the worse already, although not unexpected.

 

Fixed

 

2nd on Backseat Betty!

 

This has the potential to be an outstanding thread...let's keep it focused on traditional hot rods using components, tech, and/or materials gleaned from period aircraft/aviation.

This is not the place to discuss cars masquerading as airplanes. When in doubt, consult the forum guidelines.

 

WWII aircraft cockpit pieces in my old 3w...

F-6 Hellcat polished stainless steel seats with Aircraft blue anodized seat belts
P-51 Mustang pistol grip shifter...pull trigger is start button...bomb switch is horn
P-51 Tail wheel lock quadrant for door locks
B-25 Mitchel Bomber fuel tank selector switch is battery cut-off switch
No fuse box...used real aircraft circuit breakers and red guarded toggle switches

 

That is one nice 3 window!

 

Truly one of the most eye catching 3 windows to be built here on the Hamb. HRP

 

Ex-airman? Or just creative?

 

Taken a step further than just some aircraft seats or gauges. I love the shifter, not many now days get to pull the trigger on a P-51.

 

I used to collect WWII cockpit stuff...decided to incorporate some of my collection into my build...and I was in the Air Force

 

3wLarry.....you got some purty butt-cups.
How many hours did you put into those seats?
Roger

 

Love the details in your car. Absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing


Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

I liked the look(for a while) but some of the cars began to look like their owners were just trying too hard.
Now, I always liked Larry's 3W, probably one of my all time faves but what "stuck out" was the fact that it didn't stick out,it didn't have that overdone look about it.
Some people know when to stop with all the gingerbread.

 

The polisher charged me 10 hours for the pair

 

Larry's 3WC = traditional hot rod porn!

10 hours for the pair? I would have had them done in 9 1/2

 

Beautiful coupe, very well done! Couple of P-51 parts that aren't... but I'm just picking the nits there...

 

Nice ride Larry.Thanks for your service.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

I spy some little doohicky safety wired to Larry's door lock lever hmmm?

 

3W Larry, I have one of those B-25 Mitchel Bomber fuel tank selector switches, up until now I didn't know what it was from or really for. Picked it up at a swap meet out of a bucket of stuff for only a buck.

 

Anyone else? This thread has been sitting a while.

 

RIP Miss you Bro

 

...My acquired Hotrod was built with an aviation inspiration...the Story was a Aviation Mechanic came back after the War (WW11) bought an Old Car and made a Hotrod...

The top is of similar gauge aluminum and laid and riveted much like Vintage Aircraft of the time...there are a number of other related Aviation type pieces incorporated into the build as well... Hamber @HomemadeHardtop57 (Jerry) very thoughtfully kept it real and not overdone...knowing when to stop is an Art...

The Top was created by Hamber @Koz...I made the Glovebox using Aircraft techniques as well...the header panel cover and inner door panels also are riveted aviation inspired...









​

 

...well it's a Belly Tank with Hotrod entangled in its DNA...

Credit to Photographer, Owner
​

 

...aviation inspiration and parts adorned much of the Dry Lakes Racers...Wartime Skills applied on Hotrods was quite common...the steering wheel on this racer and the holes punched everywhere to lighten and allow air are also aircraft inspired.

Credit to Photographer, Owner
​

 

Stogy, Great to see the "A" is being well cared for and developed on the theme. That one was always a great runner and fun ride in general. Lots of Wildwood laps in it some years back. Keep the flame alive!

 

Thank You Koz, I have been very slow to make any changes...and really You fellas didn't leave much reason to change but it ran the E & J's originally and I have given some thought to Chrome Guides in place of the Caddy Headlights currently residing on the Posts...and your right this is and continues to be a Great Running Fun Machine indeed...

The Rear Fenders I believe were added by second owner Voodoo Twin again following the keep it simple theme...








The Glovebox...

I am an semi Retired Aviation Worker and have worked on Vintage Riveted Wartime Aircraft so with the Hotrod already Inspired in Aviation I thought an Aluminum Glovebox was a Natural so I made it Proudly even though a Re-pop Box-Board 36 Ford one was around $20 bucks...but I chose the more exciting route...

I was really happy with the results...


















​

 

...This is a great Short Video showcasing Aviation and its relation to Hotrod/Race and quite well done... @onekoolkat1950's Tank is in here...

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...enized-hotrods.1002926/page-126#post-13299229

Credit to Videographer, Owner
​