Volksrod

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1968 VW Beetle volksrod.

Volksrods are modified Volkswagen beetles. They are used as an alternative to traditional hot rods and are quickly growing in popularity. Classic Ford Model T's and Model A's are becoming more scarce and more valuable. It has reached the point that only people with money can afford to build and hot rod these types of cars. Because of this, according to some, hot rods have lost that sense of rebellion and have become stale. As an alternative, the Volkswagen community has turned to the volksrod.

The volksrod starts out as a traditional Volkswagen beetle. They are cheap, easier to find, and easier to find parts for. The standard method of the conversion involves removing the front and rear fenders of the beetle, and then installing a classic Ford front axle to move the wheels forward and give the car a low, stretched look. After that it's finished off with a chopped top and a flat black paint job.

There are other methods to accomplish this look. Another popular method to accomplish this look is to move the stock Volkswagen axle beam forward or reverse the trailing/torsion arms and re-work the steering linkages.

The above description of "volksrods" while very good is also too brief to embrace the scope of what volksrodding is all about. As with "traditional" hot rodding the definition depends on who you ask. Some are real narrow in their understanding while others are true to the "spirit" of the activity. The two links below really give an idea of the breadth of what "volksrodding" is. With or without fenders, stock and straight axles, chopped, channeled, lowered, mild and wild custom; you can find them all in hot rodding which includes the humble "volksrod." Oh and flat black isn't the only paint you'll see!