New Trends...best guesses?

[67ChevyRedneck]

Newer engine/trans swaps are going to become more and more common (5.3 & 6.0L). Prices for wiring/computer stuff and parts to make it all work have already come down a good bit.

Big wheels aren't going anywhere. Most standard wheel sizes on new vehicles are 17-18's for cars and 18-20's for trucks. I think the stupid big wheels are going away. The donk craze seems to have died a bit (FINALLY) in my area. A few years ago it was huge still. But I think 17-20's will remain just as, if not more, common than 15" wheels. I think the 20+ sizes are going away.

"Rat rods" seem to be fading being replace with fauxtina or flat paint shop trucks. Paint keeps getting more and more crazy expensive, so I don't see the shop truck or patina truck craze dying anytime soon.

Suspensions will keep going down. As mentioned above, lowering suspensions has never really been a "fad" but more of a norm. I think the crazy drops with cutting out sections of the bed is fading a bit.

I've also noticed the number of crazy expensive custom show trucks (shaved everything, slammed, everything smoothed) seems to have dropped dramatically.

[grancuda]

Originally Posted by YBNORML

I think one of the most prominent trends is going to lean towards stock appearing bodies with modified running gear. Classic styles with today's drivability. It is fast becoming one of my favorite build styles.

They were doing this in 1960, its not a trend, look at the example before for slammed stuff being a trend, that hemi didn't come in a '32 Ford.

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

You guys will scoff, but this is coming, I guarantee it.....retro trucks. Old style mags, raked stance, M/T valve covers, STP decals, chrome exhaust tips, gun racks. Mark my words.

You watch your mouth, mister! Haha

Youll ruin it for the rest of us! This is my next build, already collecting the parts!

Old style mags-got a set of four 15x8 5x5 (not unilug)
raked stance- dropped sindles in front, stock rear coils
M/T valve covers- picked up a set at the pate swap meet for $40
STP decals (im going with some green valley raceway decals i bought when i was a kid and they were still open
chrome exhaust tips- considering sidepipes instead
gun racks- got a set as well as an inoperable AK47 replica
Dont forget the big foot gas pedal and under dash 8 track!

[WIDESIDE72]

Thinking about a set of 15x10 slot mags for the rear if i run across a pair cheap.

Right now the engine is all stock, original intake carb and exhaust manifolds. I have an wdelnrock performer 750 holley dp and hooker headers and a set of purple hornies glass pack collector mufflers.

I will be building a 71swb stepside with a 400 bbc and replacing the th400 with a 700r4. It will also be a "patina" truck.

The good thing about the retro look is most of the parts needed are cheap cast offs! Til you ruin it for us! Haha

Granted its an acquired taste but im not building it to sell and if i ever do all of it could be changed back.

[grancuda]

Reto-cool is back.... I didn't know it ever left...

Slots, mis-matched wheels, big-n-littles, speed part stickers all over the windows, old finned valve covers, bare foot gas pedal/dimmer, chrome steering wheel, it's all just part of the daily ride.

[Sillyoldman]

Metal flake!

[cool68]

New?? trends - maybe look in Motor Trend magazine

[WIDESIDE72]

Btw, "trend" is not a negtive term. It just is a reference to a Direction the general style is Moving,

"Fad" has a somewhat more negative feel in that it describes overblown enthusiasm for a short period. (For A Day)

[Tom Vogel]

Originally Posted by Sideways

I think you have a good point,why else would the big three be offering 20-22" rims as OE wheels?

You notice there are no rubber bands on big three vehicles.
I think there will always be trends because people want to be on whatever is perceived to be cutting edge. Something's are timeless however.

[Hawghauler]

I like the idea that the big trucks are becoming more popular, I think some beautiful body styles are going to waste, like the #4 TOTY. I also think newer drivetrains will grow, eventually even all electrics will show up. But I think the best stuff is the things nobody saw coming, like L.e.d. lights, plastidip coatings, body wraps, water based paints, etc... I can't wait to see what comes next! Touch screen mirrors/windows? Color changing paint? Different color tires? Transformer bodies? Infra red night vision windshields? Sweet!!!

[Grumpy old man]

How about seriously increased value with even the current costs to build and shop rates climbing daily along with a decreasing manual labor work force, To provide assistance to even the self build project trucks ,Sand blasting /mechanics/ interior shops /Chrome refinishing/ powder coating and the EPA regulations raising paint and body work costs almost daily ! And heaven forbid everyday another one is totaled or crushed to build one more non descript econo boxes !

[big_al_71]

Every style of customization comes and goes constantly. That's why I call it "flavor of the month" what's popular one day is not popular the next.

[Codez67Chevy]

Ha ha I'm gonna be the old guy cruising down the road holding up traffic and not caring how fast I get somewhere. Even though I'm 24 I still drive slow. I'm in no hurry. That's a trend that will never end.

[Coley]

....I tell you one trend that I think we NEED to see...and that is more young people getting interested and finding a way to get hold of these classic cars and trucks.
The last thing you want is a bunch of geezers holding all the cards, (myself included....although a young 50?) so with that comment....its good to see that a lot of these trucks can still be 'had' for reasonable bucks, lets try to keep it that way.
Hopefully values don't go (up) the way of a lot of other classic cars otherwise they are going to have emphasize wheelchair access, oxygen availability and seniors discounts at all the classic car events...LOL
Pricing a very important demographic (young people) out of any market is very bad news long term...very bad. In my opinion it sets the stage for the 'sunset' of something that is otherwise good.
Coley

[flashed]

I agree with needing the younger generation to keep the trucks rolling ,my great nephews and great neice will get mine when Im done and they are already trying to figure out how to get them sooner than Im ready .

[JointTech]

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

gun racks- got a set as well as an inoperable AK47 replica

an AK in the back of an american truck? boo hisss. Gun racks are for hunting rifles and shotguns. And anyway youll be arrested for being a terrorist the first time a libtard sees your gun in the window. At least you would out here in lala land.

and Ill just put in my 2cents on camper shells. no.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by JointTech

an AK in the back of an american truck? boo hisss. Gun racks are for hunting rifles and shotguns. And anyway youll be arrested for being a terrorist the first time a libtard sees your gun in the window. At least you would out here in lala land.

and Ill just put in my 2cents on camper shells. no.

Really ? We got a zillion guys down here with guns in their rear window.

[JointTech]

pffft. I was talking about america. not the republic of texas you guys still have half a brain down there.

[Tx Firefighter]

Easy with that talk. I've seen 49 of the 50 states and I live in Texas by choice for many reasons.

[darkhorse970]

I've seen all 50, AND I live close to Texas for a reason...so I can defect when they Secede!

[Z10]

Originally Posted by darkhorse970

I've seen all 50, ANSI live close to Texas for a reason...so I can defect when they Secede!

We can hope!

[grancuda]

Originally Posted by Coley

....I tell you one trend that I think we NEED to see...and that is more young people getting interested and finding a way to get hold of these classic cars and trucks.
The last thing you want is a bunch of geezers holding all the cards, (myself included....although a young 50?) so with that comment....its good to see that a lot of these trucks can still be 'had' for reasonable bucks, lets try to keep it that way.
Hopefully values don't go (up) the way of a lot of other classic cars otherwise they are going to have emphasize wheelchair access, oxygen availability and seniors discounts at all the classic car events...LOL
Pricing a very important demographic (young people) out of any market is very bad news long term...very bad. In my opinion it sets the stage for the 'sunset' of something that is otherwise good.
Coley

Price is why I daily drive a SNB. I like to drive old cars & old muscle cars are too high price to see daily abuse. Plus with all kinds of these trucks in fields & every auto parts store has about any part you need for the chassis or 350 small blck it makes perfect sense to use these old trucks as economical classic daily drivers.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by Coley

....I tell you one trend that I think we NEED to see...and that is more young people getting interested and finding a way to get hold of these classic cars and trucks.
The last thing you want is a bunch of geezers holding all the cards, (myself included....although a young 50?) so with that comment....its good to see that a lot of these trucks can still be 'had' for reasonable bucks, lets try to keep it that way.

You ain't kiddin'. I've said this before... is a 67 RS/SS Camaro still worth 35-50K in 20 years if no one wants to buy it?

[CG]

Hey I just thought of a new trend. My nephews 13 and 15 and I are real close to getting the Unibody back to a very reliable status and back on the road.

Our next project is my panel truck. They are chomping at the bit to get at it lol. So the new trend here will be two more converts to the 67-72 Chevy Truck Club.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I'm gonna need someone to buy my mustang in 35 years so I can get my beach condo in FL!