That Streetfighter thing:

[rellim51]

[180SX_Faktory]

PT is but a small niche within the whole spectrum of Hot-Rodding. Growing to be sure, but still small. Within this group we still have sub-groups.

There are those who want an original looking car with a few modern performance touches that make the car more pleasant to drive.

There are those who want to seriously modernize every aspect of the look and feel of a car. Originality be damned.

There are those for whom this is just the current style of Hot Rod. Not unlike Pro-Street was not so many years ago. "Show-Touring" or "Pro-Tweed" if you will. ("Not that there is anything wrong with that.")

There are those who intend to run their cars at auto-x and Open Track events.

At the risk of inflaming the ire of some (It's not as if that has ever stopped me before) I'd like to start a discussion of a specific build type within the PT niche. I know we all resist labeling cars as this or that, but I think this style lends itself to a label more than others. If for no other reason than to explain to some rube why the heck you built it the way you did.

Streetfighter.

What is it?
What makes a car a "Streetfighter"?
Is it a look, or is it a deed? (Nature vs. Nurture?)

I'll give my opinion (and it's just that....and yes, it stinks just like yours) then open the floor for ya'all to chime in.

IMO, a "Streetfighter" is to PT what a chopper is to Harleys. Minimalist first and foremost. Sure it still has carpet, but there's no room here for DVD monitors. Performance should be the primary concern. Occupant comfort and the eardrums of the neihbors kids are secondary concerns. Retro or Modern theme is fair game, though I have a personal preferance for something that stylistically leans toward the old T/A cars. There is certainly room for a more modern look with a set of CCR's and bunch of carbon fiber as well.

The word itself conjurs up an image. "Street" implies that it actually gets used to it's potential, not merely waxed on Saturdays and parked on a lawn with a crying baby doll on Sunday ("Not that there's anything wrong with that.") It also implies an "edginess" something that might be a bit offensive to "normal" people. Remember how your parents reacted to the cover of that Sex Pistols album....that's the vibe. "Fighter" alludes to a car that has seen it's share of nicks and scuffs. Rock chips are fine, encouraged even. A couple of marks on a rocker panel from orange cones at the last auto-x are badges of honor, not detriments.

These are cars that get driven, hard. As such they should have appropriate safety equipment. Quality seats, properly installed. Harnesses, again...properly installed. Bonus points for cages, fuel cells and fire systems.

A buddy of mine found this website the other day with a couple of fine examples of the vibe:
http://web.mac.com/streetfytr/iWeb/T...ETFIGHTER.html

I think you'll recognize a few.

So let's discuss.

Who's headed this way with their car?
Who's built some bitchin custom doo-dad to inch closer to the goal?
What's needed from the aftermarket to support this niche within the niche?

My other intent for this thread was to provide a centralized location for vendors (paid advertisers of course) to launch products specific to the genre. Also a place for us, and those like us to share ideas for the home-made stuff we've built.

Streetfighter is punk rock. It's good to smash it up! It gets things interesting and busts up the status quo until it becomes mainstream (pop punk) and then somebody introduces stripped down, raw in your face punk rock again. Nice! The car scene needs streetfighters from time to time.

[WS6]

rellim, I don't care if it fits the street fighter theme or not that's a badass car. Is this one yours or do you just have some great pics of it?

[rellim51]

Not mine. It was built it in 2005.

[shortrack]

not exactly street legal but could be done in street form with no more work than alot of guys go through on here

[shortrack]

more

[hectore3]

When racers still used cars that we could really buy! Look at NASCAR now they really need to get back to their roots. Maybe with a different class like Germany's DTM series?

[Ronald Winter]

For my money, this might just be the most bitchin' street rod I've ever laid eyes on.

if i'm not mistaken this car was top five street rod of the year maybe two years ago and top 25 shades of the past real neat car

[rellim51]

You are correct, those were the only two shows it went to and then it was sold at BJ. A collector in the north east bought it and I doubt it will ever be out in public unless it changes hands again.

[Damn True]

You are correct, those were the only two shows it went to and then it was sold at BJ. A collector in the north east bought it and I doubt it will ever be out in public unless it changes hands again.

I just don't get that.

Whatever float's one's boat I suppose but doing so sure ain't "That Streetfighter Thing."

[Ronald Winter]

You are correct, those were the only two shows it went to and then it was sold at BJ. A collector in the north east bought it and I doubt it will ever be out in public unless it changes hands again.

who was the builder on that car?

[rellim51]

Legens Hot Rod www.legenshotrod.com

[gonein67bird]

thats cool

[Damn True]

In the wake of SEMA I thought it might be appropriate to dredge this one back up to see if anyone has anything to report that might be of interest to those building or owning "Streetfighter" themed PT cars.

Did any attendees see any cars that represent the ethic?
Did any attendees see any new products that fit?
Do any of our sponsors have anything they'd like to give us a glimpse of?

[David Sloan]

In the wake of SEMA I thought it might be appropriate to dredge this one back up to see if anyone has anything to report that might be of interest to those building or owning "Streetfighter" themed PT cars.

Did any attendees see any cars that represent the ethic?
Did any attendees see any new products that fit?
Do any of our sponsors have anything they'd like to give us a glimpse of?

Thanks True!!!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Reboots car...

Larrys Car...

that is all...

[rlplive]

Awesome thread, my car will be going towards this theme. For a few reasons, one because I drive the hell out of my cars, and two I don't have very much money.

[72LeMans]

heres my streetfighter in progress.

[rlplive]

mine needs some floorpans so I don't fall through the floor when I am cruisin around.

[Bishop73]

Cool thread, great original post. I like to consider mine a PT streetfighter, so far if it hasn't made it louder, go faster, stop quicker or handle better, it hasn't had it. ;) Creature comforts be damned!!!