It's MineI know how you feel about someone telling you that you have to get rid of your stuff on your own land. I live on a dirt road 4 miles from the nearest small town, what I call "living in the country," but my township passed an ordinance that says I can't work on my car in my yard or store, and I can only have two cars outside and they have to be running and legal, and also be moved every 15 days. My next-door neighbor had a state licensed auto salvage yard, but the township spent $175,000 in legal fees of our tax money to put him out of business (he fought them and lost in court). These people are making everyone get rid of all the old cars and trucks that are sitting in fields and behind barns that would have been future projects for us and our young ones. What are we going to do?Clint BlosserNiles, MI
Apparently my editorial about nosy neighbors and overzealous constables struck a cord with a number of Street Rodder readers, as I've heard plenty of horror stories. Unfortunately, the outcome in many instances was less than ideal. All we can do is stay observant and watch out for over-exuberant politicians. Of course, the other solution is to build more street rods and do so more quickly, or get yourself elected to office. As an aside, I brought out my yard art last weekend since I was doing some work on the side of the house and left it in the driveway for a weekend-no problems.
Bits & PiecesThis is my day to send Street Rodder compliments. I think the addition of "Bits & Pieces" is an excellent idea.
I want to thank you for not picturing my Model A in the Father's Day swap meet; I just ordered a new frame for my '40 Ford pickup from one of your advertisers-SAC Hot Rod Parts on Katella in Orange. Nice people who obviously build a great product.
I am sorry to hear your neighbor gave you a hard time about the parts you brought home; however, I really like your idea about yard art. You gave me a tremendous idea. I think you should follow up on that.
Street Rodder is a great magazine-keep it up.Billy CruceQuartz Hill, CA
Thanks for the kudos on the "Bits & Pieces," we have lots more helpful hints, and should you or any of you other readers out there have any, please send them in and share with all of us.
We Knew This Was ComingWell, that did it. I had to tear off the front cover of the November issue of your mag along with pages 46-50 and throw them in the trash before sitting down to read the new issue of Street Rodder.
A fake fiberglass poseur-"rust" holes drilled in, "rust" painted, a fake Flathead (have you no shame?), and not even one bolt, or anything else, probably over 5 years old-is no hot rod. It's a Hollywood prop. Does the owner also have fake temporary tattoos like the kids get at the county fair to go along with his "prop"?Doug HayesSierra Madre, CA
We aren't sure about the tattoos, but you are aware that Henry never made a Ford with bigs 'n' littles, 5-inch dropped axles, 9-inch rearends, tuck 'n' roll, stereos, and disc brakes, or Buick drums for that matter, right? So I guess all of us are phonies, or could each of us just be entitled to express ourselves in our own way?
Heaven On Earth, Well Sort OfThis spring I was working on my 1936 Chevrolet five-window coupe, and I was looking for some parts for the car at a local swap meet in Hamilton, Montana. It was there that I met a man who told me there was a large junkyard of old cars in Salmon, Idaho.
There was no address, but the man instructed me to drive to Salmon and virtually ask anybody I met for directions to the yard. So, I left with a friend to Salmon for the day to track down the yard. Upon arrival, we were told to drive out of town along the river for a few miles and keep our eyes open for the yard. After taking a few wrong turns, we saw a virtual "sea of old automobiles" lying in wait for the next person to discover. We met the owner, who said it was OK to look around and take pictures. He asked us to please not open the hoods or doors and to ask for help if we saw anything we wanted to purchase.
I was like a kid in a candy shop! Many of the cars and trucks were picked over, but we both have seen cars in much worse condition that have been restored. There was also a section of the owner's choice vehicles. Many still ran or were restored in part. It was the first time either of us had ever been to such a collection of old cars and parts. The owner gave us a tour of the yard and told us stories of people who have visited and stolen parts from the cars. These people would take parts off the cars and hide them in their clothes or lunch boxes, but most were caught when leaving the yard. You see, the old man who owned the yard was aware of the unique interest people have in the cars, and he understood the temptation of some to leave with items and their excuses for doing so.
So, if you happen to find your way to Salmon, Idaho, and you find this yard, you will enjoy the visit-just don't steal anything because he is watching you and loves each and every car in his yard. Each has a story of where it came from and where it has been.Steve HachenbergerHamilton, MT
Did you hear that? That was the door slamming shut behind the staff. Excuse me, I have to catch up!
Driven AwardI just want to thank you again for choosing my 1934 Ford pickup for the Driven Award (sponsored by Lokar Performance Products) at this year's Autorama. I also want to thank you for the great article on the history of the truck and the award. I have gotten a lot of congrats from family and friends; even people I have never met have come up to me after reading the article and congratulated me. They even put the article and picture up on a big screen at our last company town hall meeting. I have had a great summer and have done a lot of cruising to a lot of small shows and a couple of big ones. I was at the Blue Suede Cruise at the Norwalk Raceway and I saw Jerry there and he let me park the truck next to your Street Rodder tent. Well, the cruising here in Michigan is just about over for this year. I hope to see you at the 2007 Autorama and throughout the year at some events. Take care, and, again, thank you very much-you made my year.Michael A. ReedVia the Internet
Thank you for having such a great truck and being so appreciative of the award. The staff enjoyed speaking with you in Detroit and we all look forward to seeing you again.
Hooked UpLove the changes you have made to the magazine since you started. I have every issue except May '72. Over the years, there have been lots of letters on the trailer/no-trailer discussion, but I think I may have figured out a way to solve the debate. I believe some of the street rodders out there are confused and do not know how to attach a trailer to their street rod. The trailer should only be attached to the rear of the street rod (see attached pictures for clarification). Some street rodders are being mislead by the gold chain crowd, and attach their street rod to the top of their trailer and are missing out on all the fun.
The trailer attached to my Model A did a 1,000-mile trip to the salt, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Wendover, Utah, in August with my daughter's XR200 in it.
Keep smiling and keep up the great work. Just a bunch of Canucks having fun.Barry KlassenCalgary, Canada
Excellent we couldn't have done better around the office ourselves. So from now on, you will be our ex-officio interrupter of all things towed with a street rod.