We’re going to force you into a corner today with this question. Following yesterday’s gasser inquire, we’re making you choose between the two most polar opposite stances in the hot rod world. Do you like your hot rods laid out flat on the ground or with a nose bleeding, straight axle stance a la the school gassers? (which, let’s chat on that for a second – The NHRA allowed the crank centerline to be 24″ off the ground. If you are going any higher than that, we have entered cartoon-ville) We’re not going to jump into this other than to say Chad’s infamous “Rusty” ’56 is on air ride and there is plenty of video of that thing throwing sparks while grinding the bumpers off on the mean streets of Burbank, California. Also, I prefer my trucks to require a step ladder to enter. That’s called splitting the wickets, kids.
One of the coolest things about our recent weekend at the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion was that the car show area was filled with cars completely laid out. We’re talking ant crushers here. There were also a ton of straight axle cars that had leaf springs arched into tight U shapes as well. We kinda dug ’em all, but we’re like that.
Today’s question: If you had to pick one stance forever, would be be laying frame on the ground or the nose-high gasser look?
Laid down eating asphalt beats tiptoe and unstable every day.
How about NEITHER. A ride height that neither scrapes nor tips over all the time is the most enjoyable .
I can’t decide!!!!
In the weeds!
Gasser Style by far. I have a lowered Riviera, and it gripes me that I have to bounce the car to simply roll a floor jack under it (good thing it has loose/worn shocks).
Neither . I’m a Big n’ Littles .. nose down … rear end up with enough ground clearance to drive it on the street kind of a guy when it comes to Rod & Customs . But … if push comes to shove … I’d go laid out .
yeah! I’m with the nose down attitude!
There is no one right stance for everything. The right stance for a particular project is the stance that best allows the vehicle to complete its intended purpose, whether it’s lifted for ground clearance, set to the ride height that allows the best compromise between suspension geometry and CG height for best handling, or a bagged lowrider that can ride wherever you want it to go.
Straight axle gassers rule but not every car is proper gasser material.
If the tires don”t rub, it’s not low enough.
I like the muscle car rake. That rake height has dropped over the years from the ’70’s stinkbug look because I prefer drivability over looks anymore.
Cal Rake. I HATE the level/slightly tail down look seemingly becoming prevalent. 1-3 deg down at the nose, with corresponding rubber rake.
the correct answer is it depends on the car and use there of. I am a big fan of the nose down big and little look for most cars. Drivability is the big deal in todays world so the real answer for me is, “is it comfortable in the fast lane?” So no matter the stance if in don’t drive well… File it under NFG in my book.
Neither somewhere in the middle but definitely not low in the weeds.