From the 1930 Dodge Pickup to the 1946 Lincoln Zephyr, here are some of the best cars to build your first hot rod.
For most people, cars are considered the main form of transportation. But to petrolheads, they are much more than mere vehicles to go from point A to point B. For diehard car enthusiasts, cars are objects of desire, synonymous with freedom, a way to express creativity—almost like an extension of themselves.
As individuals, we tend to have our own personal views of almost everything. That is why there are so many different car manufacturers out there. Some like sedans, while others prefer SUVs. But for some of us, a stock car and blending in is simply not an option. Some just need a little personal flair and want to customize that metal friend to their liking.
This is when hot rods come in!
What Exactly is a Hot Rod?
It could be an easy or not-so-easy answer. Essentially every modification to a car that can make it faster, lower, “prettier,” or if you want, that makes it hotter is a hot rod. For some, that’s wider wheels and tires; for others, loud noise coming out of straight pipes under the front fenders or out of the bonnet. That crazy low suspension that produces sparks while dragging the bottom on the tarmac can act as a trigger, too. Maybe that rear wing that makes more smiles than downforce warms your heart?
In the end, it’s the emotion. And in the end, whatever car modification that sparks those emotions is a hot rod!
However, as a general rule, when someone refers to a “hot rod,” they usually mean old-school classic American cars, wider wheels, flames shooting out the exhaust—you get the picture. Although the term means a wide range of vehicle styles, from All-Show-No-Go to over-the-top wheelie-busting drag machines, the hot rod community has its own culture, clichés, and faux-pas. If you intend to build your first hot rod, you should probably familiarize yourself with the standards beforehand. Look it up!
What Makes a Good Hot Rod Project Car?
You can’t climb a mountain without first climbing a hill. To start, choose a platform that can be easily worked on. That means a chassis adaptable to a lot of different engines and transmissions. Another important thing is to check the structural integrity of the chassis. If damaged, it has to be repaired professionally. Next, reinforce the structure to keep up with added forces produced by higher speed and better overall performance. !930-50s cars were simply not built to withstand that Chevy Big Block.
Sure, you can start welding your own chassis from scratch, but be ready for a lot of sleepless nights. And remember, safety is a top priority!
The suspension has to be adequate to the power as well. Not every hot rod needs to be a speed record-breaking machine, but the right suspension setup will ensure a smooth and safe ride.
Throw in there some new tires and beef up those brakes.
Engine and transmission come last. The same rule applies to the engine choice. Pick an engine that is reliable and affordable. A V8 is a must, but there are also many excellent engines out there with fewer cylinders and not necessarily in a V shape.
Best 5 Hot Rod Project Cars
Here we dare to choose a top 5 cars for your next hot rod project. These are the models that you can find relatively easily. It’s worth mentioning that we are going with a conservative approach here. There is a ton of good hot rod project cars, and given that they will be modified/customized anyway, anything can be a good project car.
But since this is a “first” hot rod project, let’s keep it simple. Nothing crazy yet.
1. 1930 Dodge Pickup
It’s not a coupe and certainly not a sports car, but this Dodge pickup just yells “slammed”!!! Just keep it as low as possible without front and rear fenders. If you can afford it, install an air suspension. You’ll be thankful later while crossing those speedbumps.
With wide wheels and tires, you’ll miss the point entirely. It’s all about high-profile narrow whitewall tires with this bad boy.
If it’s rusty, don’t bother with sanding. Of course, if it’s rotten, change those body panels but keep that rugged and rusty look. That patina makes this hot rod a piece of art. You can clear-coat it if you like; just don’t ruin it by making it clean and sharp.
You can’t go cheap on the engine as the looks on this thing are backed by nice engine headers and carburetors. Shiny pipes are essential for the whole package as well.
Ultimately, make it loud as it looks!
2. 1932 Ford Model B Coupe
This could be it! The Model B is a prevalent theme amongst hot rodders. Just say, “Hot Rod!” and this design pops up in front of your eyes. The fact that it’s so popular means that it’s readily available.
And why is the Deuce (because of the 2 in the model year) famous? Well, for starters, it used to be the first affordable V8 coupe. And not just any V8! A famous flathead! It can be a roadster too! It also has a steel-reinforced body that was by far more rigid and more reliable than the old wood-structured cars. More so, you can basically throw any kind of engine in there.
Not to mention that it looks totally badass without fenders and with that classical vertical front grill.
It’s challenging to find an actual Ford as the original body and engine prices are skyrocketing high, but no worries. There are a lot of shops that are reproducing body panels from steel or even plexiglass. Your pocket is the only limit here.
Depending on your budget, you can also install a Chevy small-block 350 V8, an LS, or even a big-block 455 Olds V8. The original 4-cylinder engine is a rare “beast” reserved for diehards.
3. 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe
If the ‘32 Ford Model B Coupe is the affordable one, this baby is on the other side of the ledger. However, Chevy sold over 302,000 units of the Master, meaning that a lot of them survived.
Here we have a slightly different style. Another pre-second war car, but this one came in a variety of body styles: a nice 2-door coupe/convertible, a 4-door sedan, and a pickup truck. The pickup is maybe more interesting as it’s not that common to see a hot rod with more than 2 doors. The rear doors on this beauty are also suicide, making it even more unique. The long hood accommodated a 6-cylinder engine, and there is a nice trunk as well.
The split windshield was a common sight at that time and ads that vintage look.
All these specifics make the ’38 Chevy Master a perfect hot rod project.
Hot rod versions are usually slammed quite low using air suspension and have wider fenders to cover shiny new wheels and wider tires.
The roof is often chopped and lowered as well.
The engine is often covered under that long hood, but shiny polished headers on display are always welcomed if executed tastefully.
The choice of engines is unlimited here, with a 350 V8 being the most common one.
4. 1939 Lincoln Zephyr
We had inline 4 and 6-cylinder engines, and of course, the V8’s, but the next car engine is something completely different. This ’39 Lincoln was powered by nothing more than a V12 engine! Talking about brave and pioneering times!
However, all of these engines are swapped by almighty V8 these days anyway.
Zephyr’s most distinguishing features are the low-raked windscreen and slick body curves that make it very attractive for hot rodders. The obvious difference compared to the earlier models is integrated fenders and headlights that give that nice streamlined design.
All of this inspires the hot rod designers to the maximum, as we can see many really breathtaking creations.
When lowered with a chopped roof, it looks like it’s crawling on the road. The long rear fenders are covering the rear wheels adding to that long and low appearance.
Nothing fancy regarding the wheels here. The best way to go are chromed wheel covers. Nothing more.
And shave off the unnecessary door handles. Just clean lines, please!
You can forget about that V12 as it’s an expensive exercise. Any V8 will do the thing here.
5. 1946 Ford Coupe
Is this a bully’s car? Nah! We are just referring to the movie Back to the Future as the villain Biff Tannen drove one of these beauties as a convertible.
Initially powered by a V8 flathead, it was the dream car for the masses. It is probably the most affordable hot rod project car out there.
This Ford brought that horizontal front grille that gave a wide look to the front of the car.
Many hot rods are converted from a split to a one-piece windshield to give a more modern look to the car.
Those fluid lines and round front lights integrated into the front fenders make that hood bulge look even better.
Relatively small rear side windows, and that tiny rear window can get even smaller with chopping the roof. But, of course, that’s according to taste.
Maybe this is one of the rarest cars that actually looks great in just plain black.
As far as engines go, it would be nice to retain that original combo and install some later small block Ford 302 V8, but it’s not unusual to see a Chevy 350 V8 or even an Olds 327 cubic inch V8 stuffed in it!
Last Words
If you are a gearhead and have a bit of time and money, or maybe even have an unfinished hot rod project waiting in the barn or garage, get a checklist and start writing.
As the old saying goes—there is no better time to start, but now, not to mention that it could act like a real therapy in these difficult times. Go out and treat yourself!
