To be a purist or not?

Tim Neville · Post by **Tim Neville** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:49 pm

I'm sure I'm not the only one to have seen the 'Javalin' (sic) hot rod for sale on e-bay. In fact I notice that David Morris mentioned it a few days ago.
Some will be 'up in arms' at the 'sacrilege', the departure from 'the correct form', and of course they are correct, it is not an original Javelin.
Many of us strive to rebuild our cars to their original form as far as possible, in tribute to the original intentions of the designer and manufacturer. Rightly so. But - and here it comes - what about a bit of fun? What about giving the younger folk a bit of free rein, a bit of freedom to vent some original thought, art and skill? And, whilst they are enjoying themselves coming up with some outlandish construction, they become familiar with Jowett, they learn something about them, they become interested. Jowett becomes 'cool', instead of the 'old mans car' it is largely viewed as at the moment.
I've said it before, we have to really interest the young.
A number of people have more than one Javelin, some have some old bodies doing nothing. I have heard of Javelins being 'passed up' and scrapped, and parts too.
Perhaps the Club could sponsor the 'Hot Rod' or 'Special' of the year? Assisting someone to come up with an eye catching 'something', pre or post war, demonstrating technical skill combined with originality and flair. This could then be promoted, displayed and marketted to the benefit of the Marque and the Club, widening it's appeal and interest.
I do so hope that a Member buys this car, flaunts it, faults and all. Shows it all over the place, has a laugh and injects some interest and enthusiasm into some new people.

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:20 pm

As many of you know, my background is in Hot Rods...not as 'rodding' a Javelin but full on as in the States.
Real Steel...
Real steel is historic, with many modern Rodders, real steel should be preserved, so any rodding should not destory such steel as not to be able to be returned to orginal
Matching Numbers: A matching numbers car shoud remain so, or if modified, change engine /diff, all orginal parts stored away (as with our camaro...
So to Rodding, not just an engine change but chopping, chanelling, air conditoning, electic windows, the full monty..
Most coomon cars that are rodded, full range of aftermarket panels are avalible, either in steel or 'Glass...failing that steel that is so far rusted out, that most restores would never consider ever rebuilding.

We have the extreme purist...shudder at the sight of a Rod, and would never even consider asking..."is that a fibergalss body" and have there head in the sand
Then the purist...which I consider myself to be....dont destory matching numbers, save parts, or destory historic steel.

I will add here, I have a dream...rod a Bradford...
I have a range of rusted out steel, doors, sculltles...
Widen about 6 to 10", maybe a chop,
The orginal intention was use a xj6 Jag, rear and front, door handles, gauges , small block chev, using a truck chassis...due to cost of fuel, now considering, maybe a mini front/ rear units, custom chassis (similar to a moke) with maybe mini or toyota , front wheel drive...

AND as far as the Javelin above being called a "hot rod" IT IS NOT..it just a simple repower

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:27 pm

Had a play with a pic
Appolgies to who ever owns the Bradford...a UK one
Widened , chopped, chanelled, lowered.

k. rogers · Post by **k. rogers** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:13 pm

How cool does that look - I want one!! Isn't that one of yours Roger?

Andrew Henshall · Post by **Andrew Henshall** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:40 am

But it still has bumpers, chromed trim pieces, gloss paint, running boards, crossplies, etc, and is missing the big exhaust note, lumpy idle, four wheel disc brakes, powersteering, auto trans, flames, etc, etc!

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:10 pm

and is missing the big exhaust note, lumpy idle, four wheel disc brakes, powersteering, auto trans, flames, etc, etc!

I couldnt find the filters and stuff in PhotoShop to change those...

Mind you, this is the 1st tie I have every playe with pics like that..so I will see what I can find on the next pic...

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:30 am

A rodded Bradford

If you stand up and look down into the rear windows you will see the BB 454 ci..rear mounted

Tim Neville · Post by **Tim Neville** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:32 pm

I like the pictures Keith! Yeah cool!
Oz, N.Z. and the (should be) independent state of Cornwall have got the right idea!
Did you see that the Jav went for Â£4500?

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:59 pm

I didnt see the Jav...
When u guys find stuff like that.... put the url (address) in the post

I have this

which is marked for a restore
I have this space in one cnr of the yard(There is a 2nd avaairy there now to move) for a 10m x9m workshop when the wife finishes her degree, to do it in
http://www.steptoe.sytes.net/album02/YardAvarya1

And this to to build another rod

So its a matter of getting ideas, sourcing parts, working out what chassis, running gear to use now...[/img]