Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.
Sacramento, California -- Another recent victim of the COVID crisis was the 71st Sacramento Autorama, the annual Cal Expo gathering featuring some of the West’s top automotive detailers and customizers. The Autorama website shows the rescheduled dates set for April 22-24, 2022.
That's a big move from the usual February date, and it means a 26-month drought before the expected 400 custom cars, hot rods, classics, motorcycles and specialty vehicles will again be displayed by some of the most talented folks ever to lay a hand on sheet metal.
They will be missed, and I'm already counting the days until they return. I'm feeling especially nostalgic because customizing is becoming less understood in an era of look-alike motor vehicles. We live in an era where a given auto's profile might be one of a dozen models.
That wasn't true back in the day. And beyond that, there were scores of Golden State wizards who could convert stock models into exquisite, one-of-a-kind creations. And the Sacramento area was one of hot spots of California’s post-World War II car-customizing era, when Sacramento became known as the “Kustom Capital of the World.”
Autorama was started by the late Sacramento businessman Harold Bagdasarian in 1950. While serving as president of the local Capitol City Auto Club Thunderbolts, he talked club members into hosting a show to settle friendly arguments over the merits of their customized cars. The initial show, held at a downtown Sacramento auto dealership, had 22 entries. Bagdasarian promoted subsequent shows, which steadily grew in participation and attendance. Show ownership changed hands over the years. Rancho Cucamonga businessman John Buck took over in 2005 and produces it and other automotive gatherings under the business name Rod Shows.
So, while I look forward to 2022 with hope in my heart, here's a glossary of custom car/hot rod terms that should be mastered by any self-respecting gearhead. For young folks, these may be unfamiliar terms. But if you aim to continue the storied history of car customization in the Sacramento area -- or impress your wrench-wielding grandpa during a garage session -- commit them to memory:
Channeled: The body has been dropped over the chassis to lower the car.
Chopped: The top of the vehicle has been lowered from factory stock specifications for a sleeker look; this applies to all body styles.
Custom: A vehicle that has an altered physical appearance, with changes to the body, trim and height. The engine, however, may be stock issue.
Decked: The removal of all trunk trim.
Frenched: Headlights, taillamps or other exterior parts have been molded into the bodywork.
Hot rod: A modified car with mechanical improvements, including more horsepower and different wheels and tires.
Lengthened: The car body and/or wheelbase have been modified to be longer than factory stock specifications.
Nosed: Hood trim has been removed.
Pancaked: The hood has been modified with a lower profile.
Peaked: There is a molded accent seam on the hood.
Pinched: The forward chassis has been narrowed to match the grille shell.
Rolled: The bumper or gas tank have been removed and replaced with a custom panel.
Scooped: Scoop-like openings have been integrated with the bodywork; the customizer has the option to make scoops functional or not.
Sectioned: A horizontal strip has been cut out of the body to lower it without dropping it down over the frame.
Shaved: Door handles have been removed.
Shortened: The car body and/or wheelbase have been modified to be shorter than factory stock specifications.
Stretched: The wheelbase has been extended for a longer, leaner look.
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