Most of us older hot rodders are fully aware that in order for our hobby to survive, we need to get the young ones involved. Most of us have been saying this for a long time and it's even been written in many magazines. I would like to suggest that STREET RODDER do a complete story to include Tom, the auto shop students, and pictures of the car. I would hope that this would be of great interest to us older and younger hot rodders--I know it would to me.
I'm not concerned if the car isn't perfect (I hope your other readers feel the same). What's important is that the students build a car they are proud of (remember how you felt about your first car?). Imagine how proud these students will feel when they realize that half the country will see their car. Think of the motivation this will provide to these students, as well as other auto shop students.
Steve Kanter
Gulfport, MS
Steve: I and Tom have corresponded recently. The invitation is always open to any high school shop/auto class to contact the magazine, as there are several levels of stories we can do. I agree and here's hoping we can generate some interest. If you don't mind I will run your letter with an answer that may get some of the other high school and college shop classes thinking.
What's A Street Rod?
In the June 2009 Rodder Mail, there were two letters in regards to a topic I have always found bizarre: 1) Jim Horner wrote asking what year cars are considered street rods and,
2) Drew Strunk wrote describing his oval window VW and you responded that "not sure how the readers of STREET RODDER will take to your VW hot rod."
I find it bizarre that some one would need a definition of a street rod (how about nothing is a street rod except if it is a red `32 roadster). I find it bizarre that any reader would take exception to a VW street rod. In my mind the key word in Horner's question is car, not what year or what kind. After all, beauty, rather "rod" is in the eye of the beholder. Under your prior cut off of `49, my `50 F-1; homebuilt over many years with a ZZ4, six-speed auto and all the bells and whistles nor my `74 Toyota Land Cruiser V-8, overdrive (eight-speed) nor my `74 VW Thing would be considered a street rod. Yet, I love them-have spent hours working on them and drive them. They are rods and driven on the street. There should be no rules as to what is or is not a street rod.
By the way I am in my mid-sixties who does not abide by the old rule of "gray hair and a Buick," (many fine Buick street rods however).
Paul Harrison
Via the Internet
Paul, you are absolutely on target. Interestingly enough it was just today that the National Street Rod Association announced that beginning in 2010 they would honor a 30-year sliding cutoff for all of their events. I recently spoke with Drew Strunk and he has informed me that after the picture of his VW appeared in STREET RODDER he received a number of phone calls and all were positive. We would agree. Clearly times have changed, around the STREET RODDER offices we have always thought there are two kinds of cars--rods and customs. (Hmmm, that would make a hell of a title for a car magazine--Rod & Custom!)
Incredible Service
I recently found a noisy bushing (19 years of daily service) on my rear four bar and decided if one was bad the others were in question. I went to TCI Engineering in Ontario, California and got eight new urethane bushings and inner sleeves plus new bolts to freshen up the rear. To my surprise they gave me everything and thanked me for using TCI parts. Their generosity was unexpected and a wonderful surprise in this era of bad economics and unethical practices. There really are nice people out there, and usually are seldom heard.
Really made my day...
Mike Chiavetta
Via the Internet
Mike, we hear stories like this often about our industry and it makes all of us feel good that we have chosen to have a hobby where you really can trust the other rodder.