Hot Rod Conspiracy

At Hot Rod Conspiracy, we specialize in completely designed and built vehicles from start to finish.

We have an appreciation for, and experience with traditional hot rods, street rods, customs, and open road race and land speed racing vehicles.

We can start with your design, or your ideas and concepts and have our artist make concept drawings that will provide a vision of the car you wish to create.

We will then make recommendations to compliment the concept by suggesting any un-defined aspects which may include; styling and engineering of structure, drive-train, chassis components, stance, or any other aspect of the car. We also want to make sure the theme is consistent and the car will make the intended statement.

Drawings may be modified at this point to accommodate modifications as the concept evolves. We have found that taking the time up front to let ideas grow on paper saves time, frustration, and resources in the long run, and will lead to a better car and more satisfying experience.

Then we will complete any engineering required to integrate everything together. With this information we can specify what your vehicle will include, and give you a good estimate of the time and investment that will be required.

If you need a base car to start with, we know where to find just about anything, hidden in barns, sheds, and garages across the country.

We start by disassembling the vehicle down to the body shell, chassis and components, and stripping the parts that will be re-used to bare metal. The fabrication begins with any or all of the following; chassis modifications including roll cage, suspension systems, drive-train mounts, wheelhouse tubs, replacement body panels custom bodywork and any other modifications necessary. We machine and fabricate any unique items that are desired for the theme or needed for the best performance. As you study our past projects, it quickly becomes evident that there are many custom machined or fabricated pieces that really set our cars apart, in both form and function. For example, we wanted the best in Brembo racing brakes for the challenger, but since the factory supplied backing plates are limited to NASCAR and road race applications we designed and built them. We also wanted a 17” wheel, but to fit it around the 14.25” brake disc and caliper we started with a narrow wheel and narrow drop center and widened the wheel inboard of the drop center. The “Red Ram Special” needed a traditional Hairpin suspension, but in order to fit the theme, it was all fabricated with Aluminum. Look closely and you will notice the I-beam axle is split and pinned in the middle of the cross-member with a custom center take off steering rack, for a traditional look with modern ride and handling. Of course all of these things are engineered.

We almost always fabricate engine, drive-train, and suspension mounts as integral parts of the car, rather than use catalog purchased bolt on “universal mounts” that are usually a compromise for all cars.

Body modifications are taken care of next along with any required sheet metal repairs and final bodywork.

Then we complete the mockup assembly phase, which includes the engine, transmission, driveshaft, axles, brakes, wheels, tires, header and exhaust fabrication, cooling system, engine ancillary components, fuel tank and lines, wiring, and interior fit-out. This is a step that many other shops do not take, but we find it saves time and money in the long run, because even small modifications after the paintwork is complete can be a big headache.

Everything is then completely disassembled and sorted to be painted, coated, or plated. This is an important step, there are literally thousands of parts, all needing to be finished to the highest quality. By defining all the finishes one time, we get the best integrated theme, and avoid repeated trips to different sources and especially last minute rattle can finishes on small forgotten parts. We have partnerships with the best body and paint shops, platers, powdercoaters, and specialty finish shops on the west coast for these services.

After the parts are received back the white cotton gloves go on. The complete car is then assembled one last time for good. Since all the adjustments and modifications are made in the mock-up phase, everything fits correctly and assembly is a rather simple and straightforward process.

This may sound like a long and arduous process, but we have found that it is the most efficient way to build a top notch car.

The car is then ready for your enjoyment on the road, and/or at the show.

If you are interested in promoting your new car, we also can develop a publicity plan that could include show and press coverage.

We also have a few killer ideas of our own, just waiting for the right person who wants a unique, functional vehicle that is also a knockout show car.