I was told in the 60's that flames were dead......then in the 70's and 80's. Funny, they still look at home on 32 roadsters and 40 Ford coupes. Buicks? Ya gotta love flames on Buicks. Crap has never been in style, but a good flame job still looks good. Now, scallops, I think they died a slow and painful death........................
I agree that they are as timeless as glasspacks, Skylark wires, and tuck-n-roll. That beinng said, it is like anything else: Too many people tink they can do them and they show up on anything-even saw a Civic with them-EEEWW! But, like other "trends" they will go away and the cars that are meant to have them still will wear them with pride and look good doing it.
if they are not dead,they should be,solid color cars are whats happening,maybe some pin stripes,just my two cents.........richie.............
Yes, traditional flames on 40's and dueces are a classic look and will never die, the other stuff is trendy and will be gone soon. Now on the other hand, I feel the same way about scallops on a vintage midget or sprint, its like butter on bread ,I love them .
Rattle can flames to make patterns on paper for a carbon copy match on both sides. Rolled up like house plans just wating for the black suede to go on. Then the flames go back on for good. Yep. I've always liked flames. Did my first one 40 years ago on a black 58 Impala convertible in Florida........ Flame on!
When I pull up to a light, and all I see is flame stickers, stick on Buick portholes, and a tape on plastic '65-'67 GTO hood scoops on a pink and yellow lowered Neon...No flames are'nt dead, today's youth are making them a public joke. I spent 2 weeks applying House of Kolor Rainbow Flake flames under the clear of my black Harley tank & fender. Every f*'n idiot that saw it, had to rub their fingers, rings, and bracelets across them, assuming they were stickers, then rub some more trying to feel a tape / decal line.
Flames & hot rods , they go hand & hand . Nothing looks better on a 32 Coupe like a beautiful flame job ! As long as we have hotrods , there will always be flames !
Two cars on my street have flames. One early 90's Toyota Corolla (has stickers) and a new VW bug, I'm not saying flames are dead though. Nobody cares what I think anyway because my car is black primer with red wheels and www radials.
Bob's Merc WAS my inspiration when i flamed the truck.. I've seen a LOT of flame job's, but that Merc is perfection to me! And i have to agree, a nicely done flame job on the right ride will always be in 'style'..make's no difference what's "happening" now..it's never been about now..it's about then. to me anyway haha
To answer your question Doc, i'll steal the info direct from my copy of The Ultimate Hot Rod Dictionary- Ohio Flames- Unique graphic treatment characterized by a narrow, flowing and highly elongated adaptation of the traditional crab-claw flame. A single highly prolific team of Ohio rod builders and painters is credited with establishing and popularizing this distinct version of a classic theme. Beginnning in the late 1990s, the work of Wade Huges, Bill Roell, and Jim Farr was introduced to a broad audience through appearences on numerous magazine feature & cover cars. The term Ohio Flames was coined by noted automotive journalist Pat Ganahl. Not the best pic I could find, but you get the idea.
My cartoon flames from the late 80s on my 63 grand prix ( first ever flame job done on the grass in the back yard ) and my not frendly daily driver from 97 i would do them again when the right car comes up i have always loved flames Paul Jug
the quikest way to kill something is to worry whether or not someone else is doing it or likes it. if you like flames use 'em. simple. vaya con Dios
You know, I may get yelled at here but what do I care... to be completely honest I am more tired of flat black all the time than flames. It's used to much, on some things it shouldn't even be put on (not saying flames aren't the same way). I guess I just like being different....
Jeepers Creepers, I hope not as this is my 40' which been this way since 1994. Of course I've been retouching it up every few years as it never been on a trailer and has over 70,000+ miles.
Traditional flames are timeless. "real fire ,tribal, ghost,and other fad designs are just that ,a fad and will be like the pastel paint jobs in the '80's and '90's.
The Jalopy Journal
