the next "big thing"

[meangreen68]

Those of us who've been around this hobby/lifestyle have surely seen some changes. Technology has probably had the most radical impact I would think.
The development of aftermarket support has been huge since the early eighties. We've seen many things come and go as fads. Pro street in the 80's style with neon and the like. Then the 90's saw the onset of pro turing wich has probably reached it's zenith. I've seen builds latley that reminded me of the "Dobberton pontiac" with the amount of money spent to build the most insane muscle era body with handling to rival a ferrari. I think every small niche of the car/truck world has been touched by the "Rat Rod" thing. Very likely because it gives a true low budget option to those who want a cool ride. Ok ....What's next?

A revival of sixties style.
seventy-ish street freaks letting it all hang out. even if it's not functional.
even larger wheels that require a lift kit on everything moving.
I don't know, What do you think?

I'm gonna take 60's if I have to choose from the list above. But that's the cool part of all this. Beauty is in the eye......

[epashhans]

The "gasser" look is already on its way back. We are seeing more and more cars being turned into "gassers". Even all the magazines I get say we are going to see more and more of it. Gonna be scary with guys on the street with ridiculous power in light cars with no front brakes (if they go true gasser style)

[meangreen68]

I love the gasser look. But I agree front brakes on a street car/truck are kinda good. sixties era race cars are just cool gasser or not. I love that style of no frills, all business attitude. My fav car of all time is a 55 chev with a big block and manual trans. Alot like a "graffitti" car or "two lane Blacktop" .
Come to think of it your truck is like a utilitarian versian of that.very thing.

[OARNGESI]

I think people are going to go back to the old 70s style vans

[big_al_71]

Its funny how the NEW is the OLD again....

[rwolf9653]

I am thinking it will have to be an implementation of the new into the old. With the environmental concerns and reduction of fuel oil, I can see us having to run modern felx fuel or electric set ups in our old trucks to be able to drive them legally. Don't live there, but I hear California is dangreously close to this.
Sorry, I don't mean to be a downer.

[Dean]

My new "old" toy. Always was a drag car. Had a 409, 4 speed and Olds rearend in Indianapolis back in the day. 327, tunnel ram, 4 speed and 5.14 locker now..........lol

[nsuengineer06]

I've been getting this 50's era vibe here lately.. I wasn't there, but its kinda my interpretation of the era. More custom work done by smaller hot rod shops or guys in their garage, then taking their rides to town to gather up with like minded people to hang out and enjoy hearing/seeing each others rides.. Maybe its because of this rat rod thing with all the flat paints or something. Maybe its because we're fixing to have a "return to the 50's car show.. I don't know. Anyway, I don't foresee any poodle skirts coming back though.

[powell72]

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

I think people are going to go back to the old 70s style vans

I was thinking this same thing, it wouldn't surprise me.

[meangreen68]

Originally Posted by Dean

My new "old" toy. Always was a drag car. Had a 409, 4 speed and Olds rearend in Indianapolis back in the day. 327, tunnel ram, 4 speed and 5.14 locker now..........lol

............that car should have a fan club of it's own...

my uncle raced one set-up like that very successfully in the 60's. Mostly in NM. It was hanging around his shop as a kid that I picked up this hot rod bug. There's no cure as far as I know. Oh well.

[unclewatts]

If I'm hearing some of you guys right we're gonna have wide whites, spotlights on our doors, frenched headlights, maybe run with no hood and be blasting Buddy Holly and the Coasters as we cruise main st. I can hardly wait to relive the world I was raised in. "I like Ike!"

[mclairmo]

Seems to me that bone stock with stock trim, no window tint, lowered with classic rims is back in style now. Add modern conveniences and safety like a/c, overdrive, 3 point belts, good lights (HID or LED), cup holders, intermittent wipers, etc. I think more people now appreciate the classic looks and the good taste of the factory designers but also want modern safety, comfort and rolling stock.

[Tx Firefighter]

Fellas, take my word on this, the 70s era is the next big thing.

I watch stuff real close and there is a huge trend in things like M/T valve covers and slot mags selling like crazy.

[Lippyp]

Yep, I agree, over here 70's cars are selling like hot cakes. Try finding a decent MK1 or 2 Ford Escort that isn't for silly money, same with early Cortinas. I've even seen a few revivbed 70's customs at shows, over here it was slot mags, foot long rear shackles giving an absurd rake so you needed a ladder to get into the trunk, flake, red lights underneath and sidepipes.

[cdowns]

hopefully my disco stuff will b woth big money soon

[PanelDeland]

The big trend is."Slightly lowered(usually a static drop),stock trim and acessories,added horsepower with some updates like brakes and steering.Custom wheels in the 15-17 in range,good paint and interior,given attention to body lines and gaps".I can attest to this because it's been going on for 50 + years.It's just a nice classic daily driver that is reliable and has class.

"Think black sheath dress and pearls"

['72customdeluxe]

I like the mild drop, stock trim and interior, with 15-17's, cuz I have it

[Rack Man]

Stock/Original NEVER go out of style

[unclewatts]

[meangreen68]

I like to see a truck that looks like it's stock, but has those modern qualities spoken of. Almost like you just bought a new 67-72 and instead of adding the aftermarket goodies available back then...you add what's out there now. But strangely enough, I am really diggin the stuff that was available back then.
I just got a set of 10x15" and 7x15" slotted mags, and can't wait to get'em polished up and on the truck. And I'm looking for a vintage tach like I had in my 69 dart a few years ago. Maybe it's because these are the things I saw as a kid on what we considered the "cool" cars/trucks. That's how I remember most of the rides at the drag strip my dad took me to in Monroe LA.
In truth I like most any style that's well executed, and shows personallity, but I love the fact that I may have a second chance to experience things I was too young or too poor to have in the past. And the though that it might be considered the "in thing" well that'd just be gravy.

[Longhorn Man]

i'm amazed so many people are worried about fads.
Build what you want, how you want, with whatever parts you want.

[19gmc72]

Its not so much a worry, but its an interest. Plus aftermarket suppliers base the parts they make and sell off of fads and trends, sometimes try to start trends themselves... Therefore making parts for that certain fad easier to obtain. Thus helping more and more ppl get into the trend. And its alot easier for the uncreative to go with trends and fads lol

[70cst]

Our trucks were classics back in the late 60's-early 70's when they were designed, manufactured and sold. The good news are they are still classics now. Its nice to own a vehicle that isn't a fad but still turn heads because of the classic lines that they have. It includes our trucks, burbs, blazers, and panels. JMHO

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Fellas, take my word on this, the 70s era is the next big thing.

I watch stuff real close and there is a huge trend in things like M/T valve covers and slot mags selling like crazy.

[Shyguy]

To show you how old I am I remember cruising in Southern California listening to "Woofman Jack".

I also think a person should do to their vehicles what makes them happy.

I like the stock look on some trucks and the modified looks on other depending on if they are fleet-sides, step-sides, lwb or swb.

Danny