Volksrods are a style of modified Volkswagen Beetles that emulate the look of American hot rods. They are used as an alternative to traditional Ford-based

hot rod Hot rods are typically American cars that might be old, classic, or modern and that have been rebuilt or modified with large engines optimized for speed and acceleration. One definition is: "a car that's been stripped down, souped up and ma ...

s, often by people who struggle to find affordable examples of classic

Ford Model T The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by the Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. It is generally regarded as the first mass-affordable automobile, which made car travel available to middle-class Americans. Th ...

s and Model As. Volksrods are typically inspired by American hot rods and rat rods, with one of the main characteristics separating them from other modified Beetles being the removal of the stock fenders in order achieve an open wheel look. Some Volksrods, however, don't do this and either retain the stock fenders or opt for aftermarket fenders. As with all types of car customization, various modifications are practiced in different combinations. One popular method of conversion involves removing all body molding, bumpers and fenders, then installing a classic Ford front

axle An axle or axletree is a central shaft for a rotation, rotating wheel and axle, wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to the vehicle, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In ...

to move the wheels forward and give the car a low, stretched look. Another popular customization is to move the stock Volkswagen axle beam forward or reverse the trailing/torsion arms and re-work the steering linkages. While most Volksrods retain the rear mounted Volkswagen engine, some builders opt to swap in a larger engine such as a V8, often changing the layout of the car to front engine in the process. While Volksrods may be very elaborate, like any hot rod, many are built with few or no expensive parts, but handmade by a "cut, weld and drive" owner, with simple mechanical tools, welding equipment and basic parts.

Gallery

File:VWRod.jpg, Volksrod painted matte black File:Volks Rod.JPG, Blue Volksrod in the

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu The National Motor Museum (originally the Montagu Motor Museum) is a museum in the village of Beaulieu, set in the heart of the New Forest, in the English county of Hampshire. History The museum was founded in 1952 by Edward Douglas-Scott ...

in England File:Volksrods-2.jpg, Volksrod with a chopped top modified to look like a

rat rod A rat rod, as usually known today, is a custom car with a deliberately worn-down, unfinished appearance, typically lacking paint, showing rust, and made from cheap or cast-off parts. These parts can include non-automotive items that have been rep ...

File:Wild Adventures Coasters & Cars Car Show 50.jpg, Red Volksrod with a front mounted V8 engine swap

References

"How to Build Volkswage Hot Rods"
''VW Trends'' article
"Volksrods"
JustCustomz.com article

External links

Volksrods.com.

Volksrods on Tumblr

Volksrod gallery pool on Flickr

Another Volksrods site with gallery

Das Rod
{{Formula Vee years Kustom Kulture Volkswagen Beetle modifications

Gallery

See also

References

External links