Boyd's Vette

[ProdigyCustoms]

Love um or hate um, the Vette is Killer! Period!

[socalfandabodys]

The red really did llok killer with the interior. Reminded me of a ferrari. Only thing I didnt like was that they substituted carpet for leather.

[toddshotrods]

Definitely! My only complaint is not getting to see a burnout or something, and hear that 1500hp motor wind up! Isn't he supposed to be taking this thing on the Power Tour this year? Or, is that just wishful thinking on my part?

He's gonna make red the "in" color again...

[rocketrod]

I agree the Vette is killer and the interior is just unbelievable. Was anyone surprised to see Boyd paint the car? Looks like a pretty slick paint job. It was nice to see Boyd actually do something on one of the builds that one of guys didn't have to come in behind him and redo. Even with all the drama I actually gained some respect for Boyd and the crew. Hope to see more of the car and its 1500hp motor soon.

[Steve68]

I guess I fell asleep, It looked that good???, I saw to where the guys went to the drags, next time I'll sit up, damn!!

[Bill Howell]

That has to be my favorite Boyd car. They were right on with the entire thing. I loved the way the interior guys incorporated the rollbars into the interior install so they were not so noticable. You can not ever go wrong with red and what can you say about the wheels except WOW. The only thing I could think while watching it was I would hate to have that much in a car that did not have a factory VIN. I guess it would have to have a kit car VIN right? Getting insurance on a kit car with 1500hp might be a trick. Then again if you can afford that car, insurance is probably not an issue.
Like
As Frank said above, like them or not, they were dead on the money with this car. Looks like ole Boyd is warming up to the Pro-Touring concept just fine. I feel he gained some respect too by painting it himself. It is ok to talk the talk when you can back it up the ability to get it done. That was a great example of a boss stepping up during a crisis and showing the troups the show will go on regardless who leaves.

[Steve1968LS2]

love the car but dislike the shop.. too much artificial drama..

If you were paying $250k for a car would you want it rushed through in 3 weeks?? Plus they were always ragging on the owner and the car.. not very professional..

But the car? well it had me drooling all over it.. definetly my favorite Boyd car so far. and I loved the color.. That car just looked like it wanted to kick the **** out of you.. look/sounded mean..

[boodlefoof]

anybody got a link to some pics? I didn't see it.

[toddshotrods]

There a couple pics on the engine builder's site: http://nelsonracingengines.com/press.html


If you were paying $250k for a car would you want it rushed through in 3 weeks?? Plus they were always ragging on the owner and the car.. not very professional..
Check out the other thread. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4264 It seems as though the car was actually in Boyd's shop for a long time. Some of the guys remember seeing it in the background during some of the other builds, and one says it was started two years ago. The seven week build thing was apparently a lie just to make what they consider to be a good show. The more that came out here, and the more I thought about what I saw on TV, the more I think the owner was probably in on the whole thing (the TV drama). They probably all thought is was funny.

I decided to eat my words and change my tune. I give Boyd credit for being smart enough to know how to make a few dollars. Personally, I wouldn't do it the way he is, but it's a free country... The fact that he reached inside himself, instead of his wallet, for a painter definitely gives me new respect for him. I don't think he's perfect, but who is...

[Steve1968LS2]

There a couple pics on the engine builder's site: http://nelsonracingengines.com/press.html


Check out the other thread. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4264 It seems as though the car was actually in Boyd's shop for a long time. Some of the guys remember seeing it in the background during some of the other builds, and one says it was started two years ago. The seven week build thing was apparently a lie just to make what they consider to be a good show. The more that came out here, and the more I thought about what I saw on TV, the more I think the owner was probably in on the whole thing (the TV drama). They probably all thought is was funny.

I decided to eat my words and change my tune. I give Boyd credit for being smart enough to know how to make a few dollars. Personally, I wouldn't do it the way he is, but it's a free country... The fact that he reached inside himself, instead of his wallet, for a painter definitely gives me new respect for him. I don't think he's perfect, but who is...

Yea, i heard the same rumor and I know it injects drama but is it really the way you would want you shop portrayed? As a bunch of sniveling cry babies? I am sure he is making $$$ on the show but is it really doing much for his rep? Foose makes $$$ with overhauling and it seems to show his group in a MUCH more professional light.

I wish they would show more car build and less fictional soap opera stuff..

[novaman_68]

Yea, i heard the same rumor and I know it injects drama but is it really the way you would want you shop portrayed? As a bunch of sniveling cry babies? I am sure he is making $$$ on the show but is it really doing much for his rep? Foose makes $$$ with overhauling and it seems to show his group in a MUCH more professional light.

I wish they would show more car build and less fictional soap opera stuff..

Amen I agree 1000% :sad4:

[Bill Howell]

Yea, i heard the same rumor and I know it injects drama but is it really the way you would want you shop portrayed? As a bunch of sniveling cry babies?

I wish they would show more car build and less fictional soap opera stuff..

Steve,
Problem is that is true life. Ask anyone here who is a business owner, regardless of profession. You spend more time babysitting and spoon feeding help these days than you do actually working and being productive. While I agree, alot of the drama is to sell the show, it isn't as far from real life as you might think. The part about Mike and the other two that decided to go the the races instead of working is really how help is these days. For the most part, they could care less about your commitments and deadlines, just payday. I loved it, even if it was for show, when the guy tore up their checks. I bet those guys really did whine when they got back and wanted their checks. That might be why they were so interested in finishing the car. That may have been the swap for new checks. A wise man once told me that bad advertisement was better than no advertisement and I think this show proves it. Ole Boyd is smarter than we may think. He probably makes more money off the show and the business that brings in than he ever did on his own as a mostly unknown. Who knew of him 5years ago unless you knew about his wheels or was a street rodder. Now he is on the top of the pile as proven at Barrett Jackson.

[Andrew McBride]

Bill,
It's hard to imagine that guys would not be crazy about their job. I mean what an opportunity to get to build cars day in day out. I know many guys would say that it would get old...nah. I am just hoping that someone out there will give me an internship or an opportunity to learn more and better my skills. It's a shame how people take work for granted. Where is pride in that? Seems that all those guys should strive to do their best job no matter the project, I mean they are getting to build cars for a living. I figured that it was all just TV drama, but maybe not!

[ProdigyCustoms]

Andrew, it is possible to get burned out doing cars. I have been doing cars as long as I can remember. My dad had a shop and I went to work as a little kid as much as I could. By the time I was 16 I was painting after school, and by 17 I was graduated and doing cars full time. Over the years I did some unreal cars, mega high dollar stuff, and competed successfully heads up with the best of the best. I burned out about 8 years ago. I just simply was tired of it. I quit taking customer work, and just kept my shop as a race car shop, and started doing another business.
My son Michael's interest in the business, and his natural aptitude for doing these things, has thrust me into a different role of teacher.
If it was not for Michael's interest, I would be probably still be paying others to do my stuff as I did for a few years. Now I really enjoy it again, but for different reasons.
It is easy to get tired of doing anything, even if you love it. I met a DJ at a tittie bar a while back. Sounds like a dream job? He was over it! I have customers that are computer guys that can't wait to get home to play with their car. i can't wait to get home to play with my computer.

[camcojb]

Andrew, it is possible to get burned out doing cars. I have been doing cars as long as I can remember. My dad had a shop and I went to work as a little kid as much as I could. By the time I was 16 I was painting after school, and by 17 I was graduated and doing cars full time. Over the years I did some unreal cars, mega high dollar stuff, and competed successfully heads up with the best of the best. I burned out about 8 years ago. I just simply was tired of it. I quit taking customer work, and just kept my shop as a race car shop, and started doing another business.
My son Michael's interest in the business, and his natural aptitude for doing these things, has thrust me into a different role of teacher.
If it was not for Michael's interest, I would be probably still be paying others to do my stuff as I did for a few years. Now I really enjoy it again, but for different reasons.
It is easy to get tired of doing anything, even if you love it. I met a DJ at a tittie bar a while back. Sounds like a dream job? He was over it! I have customers that are computer guys that can't wait to get home to play with their car. i can't wait to get home to play with my computer.



Truer words were never spoken.

Jody

[Andrew McBride]

Prodigy,
I see your points. I personally couldn't make that judgement to know since I do not build cars for a living. I do know that I would rather be building cars or doing something car related vs. setting behind a desk. I am seeing this right now since I am in college, plus my job and all the paperwork that goes with that. Hey I am young guy so what do I know! Then again I see these guys as having great opportunity's to get to build cars day in and day out. For instance my goal is to build a car to compete for the Ridler one day. Outrageous goal maybe, but that is where I would like to be in the future. It's kinda hard to break the ice and get into cars at my age I believe. A lot of guys aren't willing to give anyone a chance to learn the trade-I think that is where I get discouraged. Good points made though. I think it is great to hear that you and your son enjoy this great hobby together now. and it is always nice to hear what a true car builder thinks.

Andrew

[OHCbird]

But still- you can get burned out in any industry or profession; that's what happens when:

1). You are good, and in high demand- OR good, and overworked covering the asses of those that are 'professionaly challenged'.

2). You don't find a balance between work and life- even if it is your life.

I will say this- for those of you in the industry right now, count your blessings. There are some of us that are lucky to get time to even sit down and chat with other car guys, or family (yes- these are choices we've made). I'd love to hang up my flying days to go work for (or start my own) a great shop that does professional work. In case some of you didn't know- I fly P-3Cs for the Navy, and am gone about 200-240 days a year. Minimum.

Sorry to rob your post...

[ProdigyCustoms]

Andrew, when we are standing in the shower at the end of a 12 hour day, hoping the steam from the shower will soften the bondo buggers stuffing our nose so we can blow them out, sometimes we wished we went to college.
Stay in school if you are doing well, get a killer job, make fat stacks, and build cars in the evening for fun. If you can't hack school, and book smarts is not you, come get some bondo buggers, some isosianites, and some carbon dioxide. This gig can pay well if you are serious about it!
Maybe you can come to Florida during summer break for a little apprenticeship.

[MrQuick]

Its very true this profession is very brutal, If the long hours and stress don't get you the chemicals will. A co worker from the past was just recently diagnosed with lung damage due to aspestos contact. He built custom clutches for the racing industry before coming to work at the shop where I met him. He has 2 years left max.At the age of 46 it tragic to me.
I just chringed when I saw the Boyd guys blowin fiber glass dust at each other.
Franks right make the money and hell, build cars cause you want to not because you have to. Go to school get a degree, make your money, then buy a shop hire a crew to do insurance work, open up a custom shop in the back and do all the custom builds to your hearts content. My father offen told me make the cars work for you, just don't work for the cars...I wish I had listened earlier

[rocketrod]

Andrew,
Listen to the advice you are getting from the guys in the business here. The college expreience and degree that comes with shouldn't be taken lightly. When I was in high school I had no intentions of going to college, but during my senior year I realized it was something I needed to do and it has been one of the single best decisions I have made in my life. Just remember it doesn't make you better or necessarily smarter than anyone, BUT it does open the door to a lot of job opportunities that would otherwise be closed, and you can make some serious $$$ depending on your field of study. If later in life you still have the passion to get into building cars for a living go for it, because being chained to a desk is not for everyone. It can be a very satisfying and rewarding field if you have the talent and passion for it. In the meantime continue with school, continue with your restoration and hey talk with Prodigy about a summer apprenticeship.

[toddshotrods]

Priceless words of wisdom here. When I got out of high school I was working on cars and motorcycles everyday as a hobby, playing in bands as a "career", and helping manage our family's restaurant/bar for money. We had to baby-sit our employees every hour of the day. There are a few rare ones who "take up your cause", but most employees are there for the paycheck. They will do almost anything, if left unattended for too long. Yes, we had a few good employees that we could actually trust with any task, but most were in it for themselves.

Sure having a dream job building hot rods SHOULD make them think and behave differently, but at the end of each day most will still just see it as a job. From their perspective, you dictate - they do. They get pennies on the dollar, while you rake in the big bucks. Those of us who have run businesses know that is not always the case, but try explaining that to someone who doesn't understand your real cost of doing business. Food service is a real eye-opener because it takes pushing a LOT of plates to just cover the bills. Employees usually think you make a fortune on each item you sell.

I have read a few times that when the real cost of building quarter to half million dollar hot rods is figured up, most shops would be lucky to break even. Where they make their money is in off-the-shelf products not the hot rod supercars. The vehicles themselves are marketing tools for the builders, and toys for the rich owners. A lot of people would buy an OCC "regular" kit bike from them now just because of that show and the theme bikes. Then there's the endorsements and video game... They also seem to be gearing up for production of some OCC parts. Jesse James has tanks and exhausts, Foose has wheels, Boyd has wheels and Boydster kit cars, etc.

I changed my tune about the shows because I thought they were really compromising the vehicles for the sake of the show. Now I think they're just lying about the time it really takes to complete them, for the sake of the show. That's all marketing. I wouldn't do it, but I am also taking forever to get rich. In the end, they sell more of the products that put the meaningful zeros in their bank accounts. Most television programs are entertaining for the sole purpose of making money. We complain because they don't show our side of it, but that was not their intent in the first place. The only way you're gonna solve that is start a dedicated TV station for it. Then you're going to have to figure out a way to pay the bills, because the big advertisers aren't going to see potential in it without some drama.

It is definitely possible to burn out on custom work too. I have been doing it as a hobby since I was a teenager, and professionally since 1989. I actually had to stop for a couple years and do something else because I was just tired of it. I have since returned to it, but it's a little different mentally and emotionally than those first years in business.

[TwinSting]

the car is still not finished but when it is look to see it driving down the streets and at many cruises and then take a look at the car yourself and deside what you think.

[Steve Chryssos]

There is a knee-jerk reaction to slam pro-street when instead, we should applaud the fact that the build style is becoming more functional.
Perfect Example?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
The rear tires on Mike Desmonds 65 SS are 305/50/R20 Nitto NT404 Extreme Force. They don't bounce and slide around like the old school Mickey-T's. At any time, the full tubs and 4 link allow Desmond to swap in a set of big ass slicks and go racing.
Also there's no big blower sticking out of the hood to kill visibility.

Here's another (This one actually has a WD clip and monster Wilwoods:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Done right, a modern pro street car can be pretty cool.

[toddshotrods]

I agree Steevo, but then I actually still like Pro street cars, as well as most other types. I just decided I didn't want one for myself.

That Malibu is right purdy! I wouldn't care what anyone thought if that was my car.

I am trying to talk my friend into going that route with his Vega. I'm going to be doing some custom fiberglass work for him soon, and he's painting it silver. A set of wheels like that would really add the finishing touch. I gotta show him this pic :naughty:

[Steve Chryssos]

Somebody's got to put those "DUB" sport truck tires to good use. It may as well be pro-streeters.

[socalfandabodys]

I am starting to think that twinsting is the owner of the vette. Maybe he will chime in and let us know

[Steve Chryssos]

Hmm... Sting: Stingray; Twin: Two turbos. Sounds good to me. Regardless, welcome TwinSting.

[TwinSting]

Yes I am the owner of the TwinSting Vette from AHR.

[DB Z28]

Hey Twinstang tell us about your new car going to be built at Foose

[TwinSting]

DBZ28- I was at Foose's a few eeks ago seeing him and Charlie and was told they are about 3 years out on starting any new projects so I guess Iwould have to wait awhile!:rolleyes5