View source for Volksrod

{{No footnotes|date=August 2009}}
'''Volksrods''' are a style of modified [[Volkswagen Beetle|Volkswagen Beetles]] that emulate the look of American [[Hot rod|hot rods]]. They are used as an alternative to traditional [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-based [[hot rod]]s, often by people who struggle to find affordable examples of classic [[Ford Model T]]s and [[Ford Model A (1927–1931)|Model A]]s.

Volksrods are typically inspired by American hot rods and [[Rat rod|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 [[Auto tuning|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]] 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 ==
<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:VWRod.jpg|Volksrod painted matte black
File:Volks Rod.JPG|Blue Volksrod in the [[National Motor Museum, Beaulieu]] in England
File:Volksrods-2.jpg|Volksrod with a chopped top modified to look like a [[rat rod]]
File:Wild Adventures Coasters & Cars Car Show 50.jpg|Red Volksrod with a front mounted V8 engine swap
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Baja bug]]
*[[Cal looker]]
*[[Cal-Style VW]]
*[[Formula Vee]]
*[[Meyers Manx]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070818180917/http://www.vwtrendsweb.com/features/0405vwt_how_to_build_volkswagen_hot_rods/ "How to Build Volkswage Hot Rods"], ''VW Trends'' article{{Clarify|date=November 2012|reason=<nowiki>This is not a proper reference citation. Use Template:Cite web or similar to provide source details. Use <ref...> inline in the article (see WP:CITE) to source the specific facts provided by this reference.</nowiki>}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100501200247/http://www.justcustomz.com/articles/volksrods/ "Volksrods"] JustCustomz.com article{{Clarify|date=November 2012|reason=<nowiki>This is not a proper reference citation. Use Template:Cite web or similar to provide source details. Use <ref...> inline in the article (see WP:CITE) to source the specific facts provided by this reference.</nowiki>}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Volksrods}}
* [http://www.volksrods.com Volksrods.com.]
* [http://www.volksrods.tumblr.com Volksrods on Tumblr]
* [https://www.flickr.com/groups/volksrod/ Volksrod gallery pool on Flickr]
* [http://www.runtrod.com Another Volksrods site with gallery]
* [http://www.facebook.com/DasRodpage Das Rod]
{{Kustom Kulture}}
{{Volkswagen}}
{{Volkswagen (Europe) timeline 1950-1979}}
{{Volkswagen (North America) timeline 1950-1979}}
{{Volkswagen (Europe) timeline 1980 to date}}
{{Volkswagen (South America) timeline 1980 to date}}
{{Formula Vee years}}



[[Category:Kustom Kulture]]
[[Category:Volkswagen Beetle modifications]]