NZ Hot Rod February 2023

Code Red INTERNET search engine giant Google issued a Code Red last month in response to the launch of ChatGPT. It’s one of a new wave of chatbots that use open-source artificial intelligence and could reinvent or even replace traditional internet search engines. Do you remember Blake’s Seven? It was a British science fiction television programme broadcast between 1978 and 1981. A feature of Blakes Seven was Servalan, a computer of infinite knowledge that spoke replies to any question posed. Well, 40 years later, that’s what ChatGPT is. So I can see why Google has flagged a Code Red because these new AI Chatbots could cause traditional web searches to become obsolete. ChatGPT is free; anyone can sign up to ask questions and discuss the answers and outcomes. It’s a bit…

Response to NZHRM’s January 2023 Editorial AN NZHRM New Year’s Honours List! Very good idea. I got my suit pressed, but nobody called………… What’s really great about the names you mentioned in the editorial is that they have each made and or influenced others to make a significant contribution to hot rodding and industry over decades. So those car builders, hot rodding promotors, racing and industry stalwarts should be acknowledged for setting the platforms for us to get on and enjoy what we’ve got today. The challenge ahead for all of us is to identify how we can maintain what we do on the back of the achievements and platforms set by these people and others like them. The landscape ahead is new for us, very different and is being defined…

Orange Headers CHECK out these orange headers on the original Yoshioka & Graf Stone Model T AA/Fuel Altered. That certainly takes you back to 1971 when it ran a best of 7.06 at 205mph’… although early photos don’t show orange headers. Someone is bound to copy this idea here in NZ in time for this year’s Nostalgia Drags. From Bruce Taylor. No Pressure! Oil pressure gauges seem to be always mounted on the top of a 392 Hemi block using a threaded copper tube. You would think that with the vibration and movement in a blown Chrysler Hemi, using something more flexible would be prudent. From Bruce Taylor. Lunar Travel STU Goldsworthy showed his new attempt at lunar travel at the Beach Hop. It has been a while since a jet car operated in this country. From Craig…

Brought to you by For all GM restoration supplies. → Sleeper HERE'S an interesting car that recently arrived via West Coast Classics. It's a 1970-1/2 Falcon; no, it’s not a Torino; it’s a rather obscure model that was only produced from April to 11 July, 1970. While the Torino was a stylish hardtop and convertible, the Falcon was a ‘grandma car’ and optioned as a ‘stripper’, but you could buy one optioned with a 429 CJ with 4-speed. Perhaps, the ultimate sleeper? imagine a 429 Falcon with factory drum brakes and factory 14“ crossplys!!!! This is an original, reasonably well-optioned car with a 302 V8, auto trans and power steering. Yes, drum brakes all around, vinyl flooring, basic upholstery, and dog dish hubcaps… but it does have a factory radio. A worthless car…

THE all-steel 1934 Ford 3-window coupe was imported into Victoria, Australia, by Robert Miller way back in 1978. He also imported a 1934 Ford Pickup to use as a promotional vehicle for his business. The coupe remained right-hand drive as it was for private use. In 1981 Robert decided to modify the coupe and wanted to keep it LHD as the big picture was to ship it back to America on their retirement, attend several events, and then sell it over there. In 2003 Robert went to SEMA in America and bought all the latest parts, including the newly released Super Bell forged alloy dropped axle. This car had stringent rules to follow to meet all Australian design federation requirements. The original certification of this car was done by a Federal…

ROCKET Speed Equipment has etched a name in the New Zealand hot rod and custom car industry for building quality vehicles across several genres. Led by Dan Tyler, the Rocket story was built from an interest in traditional hot rods, and that interest is still strong today. However, over the years, Rocket has also successfully built modernthemed hot rods, American & Australian classics and street machines and also dabbled with race cars and a few Japanese vehicles. Dan’s success across the board is due to his no-nonsense attitude backed by the talent of not only himself but also the team at Rocket. Each year leading up to Christmas, Rocket has opened the doors to showcase current projects, recently completed cars and past customers’ cars. The annual Rocket Open Day is always…