It's that kind of attitude that makes the vast majority of rodders fun to be with. Keep having fun with your pickup; you are already way ahead of the curve.
More Credit Where Credit Is DueJust read the "For Starters" in the March '02 issue. Couldn't agree more. "Let's just have fun." I read in Rodders Mail about "too many of this or that car or too many of this or that motor."
Hey, "do what ever makes you happy." If you can't afford to have someone build you a car, build it yourself. If you are unable to build it, then buy one that's already built....there are many out there that are for sale in all price ranges and makes.
I couldn't afford to have someone build me a car, so I made my own. It's made on a frame that I welded together myself using simple suspension methods, split wishbones front and rear with a swap meet dropped axle, buggy sprung at both ends. The body is handmade out of a modified '29 Chevy firewall mated to a modified '30 Ford cowl, and the rest of the body is made out of a '72 Dodge Tradesman van.
I had someone tell me, "You can't make a body out of that pile of junk." I had to prove them wrong. It even has doors! I used the sides of the van for doorskins. Power comes from the old tried-and-true 350/350 combo back to an 8-inch Ford. I used the KISS method of building... keep it simple stupid! I'm sure that if it were included in your mag, someone would find something wrong with it. I find it just right! You need not have to include my e-mail in your column. My feelings will not be hurt.William "Fishfoot" MunzStoughton, WI
Well, we happen to agree with your opinion and we dare say many others rodders do as well. By the way, with a nickname like "Fishfoot" we just had to run your letter.
High Praise
Thanks for the editorial "For Starters" in the January '02 issue. I always like to read your page when I get my copy of STREET RODDER in the mail. My boys started a subscription for me on my birthday last year. I had only looked at your magazine once before that.
As you stated in the article, our lives have changed since September 11th. There have been some twists and turns since I saw those horrible scenes. It was also a hard week at work, and I was fortunate to be passed by as the company I work for laid off some of my co-workers. (We make airplane parts.)
The editorial you wrote brightened my day. I had heard the poem "Don't Quit" from my Mom a longtime ago and had forgotten about it until you included it in the editorial. I was encouraged as I was reminded again of those words, "Don't you quit!" Thanks for the good words.
I have a project in the garage, but it's hard to get the dollars to put it together. It is mostly just in the idea stages. That's why I started getting your magazine. There have been several articles that have given me more ideas for my project.
John S.
Clifton, CO
Again, thanks for the kind words. As for the project-we all start out dreaming and in time it will happen. Here's wishing you the best.
Heavy Haulers
Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much I like the Four Pack. I'd have to say it is the best one yet. Every magazine runs the 2x3-inch pictures of these heavy haulers, and I've even seen a tech article about installing door handles featuring one of them. But to step up a notch and run mini features is a step, I feel, in a great direction. Now we just have to get you to run full features on these mammoths.
Rest easy knowing I'm not the only one out there that loves these big trucks. As evident by the increasing numbers of them at shows and on the road, they are becoming a big part of the rod scene. I scour through every page of your magazine in search of the little morsels of COE's you throw out each month. I, myself, have one of these trucks. I bought it from the original owner (a farmer) and will someday rod it. I use these pictures for ideas and inspiration, as I live in the Midwest and rarely see any of them up close. My plans include a frame swap from a '79 Chevy 1-ton, small-block Chevy 700-R4 combo, and power everything. I'm going use a custom bed setup like a pickup bed instead of a car hauler, as this truck is planned to be my daily driver. I've already acquired all the major pieces, now I'm just waiting for the time to do it.Matt BurdittVia the Internet
Our pleasure. Technical Editor Ron Ceridono has a COE stashed away and someday, with a bit of luck, it will see the light of day and highway.
Wicked Pissah
Two thumbs up for the article on Peter Flaven's "wicked pissah" '30 Chevy coupe from Eastern Massachusetts written in the January '02 issue.
I've been a rodder since 1962, starting with a 303-inch Olds-powered '40 Pontiac coupe. I've also run through a bunch of Corvettes and musclecars and presently drive a '36 Ford five-window coupe. I've always loved the high-tech rides but low-buck, primer, and wide whites really spin my crank.
It's great to see a young guy with low four digits invested and loads of blood and sweat have a crack at being recognized by a leading national (make that international) magazine.
I know the billet group is already protesting..."why not me?" I'm not taking sides but Peter and the rest of the Alter Boys, Jim Gove and Tony Dower, really deserve their 15 minutes of fame. These boys are very knowledgeable and talented builders and deserve to be admired and watched in the future. These boys are what hot rodding will become in the next generation, with our encouragement and willingness to share some graybeard advice. They might even teach you and I something.
The hot rodding hobby is not about power parkers, lawn chairs, plastic or steel, trailers, or billet. Our hobby is about camaraderie, working on our skills, and sharing with other rodders.
Keep on involving and encouraging our younger hot rodders. The dividend returns are huge!
Jim Gustin
Dominators Hot Rod Club
Via the Internet
We like your outlook! And, we also believe Peter and the rest of the Alter Boys, Jim Gove and Tony Dower, will receive more than 15 minutes of fame given their rides and their talent.
Kudos For The Fe
Great job on the FE engine buildup. It's always good to see what's out there for an install into today's street rods. This engine may be one of those untapped sources of what has become quite an array of junkyard jewels. They are just sitting there waiting for a serious rebuild and an install into your street machine.
This is definitely not one of those me-too engines that you see under the hoods of so many rods. While this exercise shows it wasn't a good performer in stock trim, if taken to the next level, would make a fine street machine/rod engine. I was surprised at the weight of this engine. The article states that with aluminum heads and intake this behemoth would weigh less than an all iron small-block Chevy.
Richard G. Jones
Via the Internet
The wheels are turning as we have a list of unusual-but doable-engines for the future that will make equally interesting powerplants for any street rod. Just stay tuned.
Scolding From Abroad
I do not usually write to a magazine, but I was slightly incensed by your coverage of our UK Euronats. What upset me was that all the photos were in black and white, while the Australian Nats were in color-why was this?