Jan 18 2009
High Performance, High Potential
I make it habitual to follow the slings and arrows of investors in our internationally-linked economy. Ever since I first chose a drop in the Canadian “Loony” to time a foray into Vancouver, I’ve realized my personal goals and planning absolutely depend on the big wave action of markets abroad. The falling Chinese manufacturing base has markedly changed conditions from a year ago, when it comes to metals.
While this is not clearly a mapped-out ‘bottom’ one can time, I am certain that market saturation is closer than we expect. Flagging construction of vehicles of all types has restarted searches for gently used parts. I think of crankshafts as a prime example. When a shaft with 40 passes left is attainable, the tendency is to burrow into the rest of the shop to complete a motor.
What this equates is a return, with a positive and joyous attitude, to the true arts of hot rodding. The great pasttime was abandoned by a majority of high-end (..and, thus highly publicized..) builders at the end of the last century. I feel warm knowing the market conditions which drive down the impetus to purchase one’s dream outright is driving us back to build it ourselves.
Coupled with unwanted rolling racers overflowing the ad sections, we are on the verge of renewing the face of a sport. I have not been this hopeful of a revival of grass roots hot rodding and racing since I picked up my first copy of Full Throttle News.
No better tribute to the life of Dick Kraft would be to strip down to the lightweight core some great ride and create a purpose-modified machine out of reused parts.
