Letters from the edge..

[Steve1968LS2]

First of all this is not a rant.. just observations.. :)

We get letters here.. tons of letters.. some good, some bad and some just weird.

We also do cover surveys.. Tons of people are sent a survey about our covers choices and less than 200 actually take the time to do it. With this they get to add a comment at the end. I thought I would share a few I thought were funny.. or just odd.

Our most recent covers:

April - Dodge Charger
May - Nova (kit)
June - Chevy Camaro
July - Plymouth Road Runner
August - Chevy Nova
September - Firebird Esprit
October - Ford Mustang

Cars featured:

April
Mustang
Camaro
Chevelle
Charger

May
Nova
Mustang
Camaro
Challenger

June
Camaro
Mustang
GTO
New Chargers

July
Maverick
Road Runner
GNX
Camaro

August
Nova
Mustang
Camaro
Road Runner

September
Esprit
GTO
New Mustang
Camaro

So out of the last 24 cars featured 9 have been Chevys.. 6 have been Fords.. 3 Pontiacs, 5 Mopars, 1 buick, etc

So we are Chevy heavy but hey, go to a show and you see more bowtie cars there than anything. Add in the huge popularity of Camaros (especially '69's) and that seems about right given what is out there.

The question on the survey is "Is there anything you would chage about it?" (it being the cover and I can't tell you what the choices are exept this month they are both chevies and one is a '69 Camaro)

----------------------------

answers: (typed verbatim.. errors and all)

How about something non-chevy

Camero's are nice, but over ton. It is time to see something different.

They are all Chevrolets. Remember when Car Craft was labeled "Chevy Craft"? Mix it up

Put the bar code on the back

I would put a different A-body car on the front cover like a 70's buick skylark, olds cutlass or GTO instead of chevys all the time.

yes, something other than a chevy

The neame of the magazine to popular Chevy

Make it so nothing covered up the magazine name, i hate that.

Don't have a '69 Camaro on the cover for at least two years. How about a Vega, Pinto or something else. Why can't you find another car?

All chevys how about us Mopar guys??

Put a ford on it

Show less Camaros

It needs nekkid wimmin! (yody??)

Put any other cars on the covers - Camaros and Chevelles are overdone

A Choice without a chevy

Put a Mopar on the cover

Lose the g-Machine fad!

Enough with the first gen Camaros alread.

More late model cars.

Lets see some primer and don't forget pro-street trucks!

Show more 6-10k low buck cars people can acutally afford

A bit less focus on the early classics how about the cars of the 80's?

I seen a ford mustang on one of your ads, dont care for seeing fords of any kind in there!

I love chevy, but funky whacked out units are not interestion = more cars that are correct even if stock, with unique motors

Please under no circumstances devote the entire magazine to pro-touring; every car looks the same. How about gassers, hot rods and pro-streets?

I bought our 67 Chevy and your mag for my wife. she is overwelmed by the techy stuff and would like to see more pictures of cool cars.

I would like to see more trucks..

-----------------------------

Those are just some of the more interesting ones.. thought you might like to see into the mind of a PHR reader.. or at least car mag reader.

I know we have a "camaro in every issue" but you would be shocked how many Camaros we have lines up.. dozens and dozens.. especially '69s.. I think we try pretty hard to find cars other than Camaros to toss in the mix but what people build (myself included) and geography conspire to make it difficult.. I saw a Duster the other day that was really nice.. I was all excited till I saw the drum brakes :(

I also think we do a fairly good job bouncing between high dollar, mid dollar and the hard to find low buck cars. Thoughts?

Of the top 5 cars for SMOTY 3 were chevies, 1 mopar and 1 ford.. of those TWO were '69 Camaros.. lol..

Anyways, I know we are biased towords pro-touring here but I thought it would be a good discussion and I thought some here might like hearing "behind the scenes type stuff"

If we run '69 Camaros we are hated by the "non-camaro crowd" -- If we don't run them then all those that build and love them (a large number) would be ticked.. catch 22 or just life in the big city?

Hey, it beats a discussion on caliper color ;)

[yody]

hey, that wasn't me!!.....althoug some nekkid wimin wouldn't hurt :)

[KacyZ28]

Put a small article in the mag that says if you dont wanna see 69 camaros in this mag get off your ass and build something so we can do a feature on it or deal with the cars that other people build

[Steve1968LS2]

Put a small article in the mag that says if you dont wanna see 69 camaros in this mag get off your ass and build something so we can do a feature on it or deal with the cars that other people build

Well, wait for the October issue :)

And Yody.. whenever we print any woman in the mag in anything less than a burka we start to get bibles and notes to repent in the mail..

[KrisHorton]

Well, wait for the October issue :)



MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HA HAHA HA.... :seizure:

I'll go now.

Kris

[Restomod]

Here is what I see,you have a ok mix of cars month to month BUT most of the people who return your survey dont like Chevy. And yes nekkid wimin would be cool but Autobuff aint around anymore is it.................

[gmachinz]

You know what, Steve? I really don't car what kind of car is in the mag. I love Camaros too but I prefer to build G-bodies. Having said that, I buy the mag. because I also see something different and something I can get ideas from. If people are pissed 'cause you haven't featured a slant six Dodge Mirada (I almost bought one...visions of a 440 dancing through my head...lol) then they need to get of their butts and submit an entry. And, if your subscription numbers are climbing with the pt theme-go for what sells (you have to get paid, too) and besides, these are some bitchin' cars people are churning out-and that is what's popular. -Jabin

[dalefanatic38]

i think you should do more gm g body. there are lots of nice monte carlo ss, 442, hurst, grand nationals out there. go to www.montecarloss.com (http://www.montecarloss.com) . lots of nice cars over there. russ was featured in reader rides in super chevy i think it was. mine is a peice of junk right now. but one day i hope it is as nice as some of the cars on this site.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I tink dat you shuld stop featrin' dem dere '69 cameros and g-machine fad, nd only put in perdy peekshures ov pro-street pickumups and primered cars. No wun wants to turn ne more, just go streit.

:lmao: Funny stuff, especially considering how many fords and mopars have been in the last couple of issues. Keep up with the g-machines, feature the camaros, and challenge people to build something different. I do however like the idea of featuring a few more late model rides....

[vanzuuk1]

I will be the only guy who asks for more cars he doesnt own.

More "alternative cars" mustang II's, javelins,vintage racecars,cool celebrity cars,Imports with domestic power,"forgotten"mopars,sleepers, movie cars,a prostreeter thats not dumb,open road racers,dodge magnums(?),fast beaters,east coast cars,etc.

Do an article on targa newfoundland, its the coolest race that no ones heard of.

Do an article on GMP, maybe on diecasts in general.I think modifying diecasts could take off big.

How about an article on buiding a car for the first time, not a tech piece but an article on how to plan and budget your first project.Its one of the first things people ask on this site.

A tips section, I know its been done but not everyone knows that ez off removes anodizing or that brake fluid helps leaky t-tops ,nail polish for touch up paint, etc.

I have more ideas then time but you get the idea.

[Streetking]

I got it, really piss them off, how about a story on a 900hp Lexus?? :rolleyes5

SW

[race-rodz-inc]

how bout a primered roadrace 34 ford truck with nearly nekkid wimmin sprawled all over it on the cover? i'll furnish the truck and strippers... you furnish the cover:seizure:

[alcino]

I always wanted to have my car in a magazine. What does it take, or what turns magazines away from a car?


Alcino

[vanzuuk1]

Ditto on the last three posts, streetking, racerod (ilove that thing) and alcino.

[Boyd]

[QUOTE=vanzuuk1.....Do an article on targa newfoundland, its the coolest race that no ones heard of.......[/QUOTE]

I caught the race for the first time this year, very cool race! Who's '67 Nova was that?

[vanzuuk1]

Boyd , I think they have that car on their website, take a look. I have a foolish thought of entering in a few years, they have several classesfor everything from full rally cars with pro drivers down to a touring class with set speed limits.I have my wife considering it, its out of our budget but you never know...

[Steve1968LS2]

I will be the only guy who asks for more cars he doesnt own.

More "alternative cars" mustang II's, javelins,vintage racecars,cool celebrity cars,Imports with domestic power,"forgotten"mopars,sleepers, movie cars,a prostreeter thats not dumb,open road racers,dodge magnums(?),fast beaters,east coast cars,etc.

Do an article on targa newfoundland, its the coolest race that no ones heard of.

Do an article on GMP, maybe on diecasts in general.I think modifying diecasts could take off big.

How about an article on buiding a car for the first time, not a tech piece but an article on how to plan and budget your first project.Its one of the first things people ask on this site.

A tips section, I know its been done but not everyone knows that ez off removes anodizing or that brake fluid helps leaky t-tops ,nail polish for touch up paint, etc.

I have more ideas then time but you get the idea.

Hey, find me pro-touring oddball cars worth shooting and we would be all over it.. if they are local they get in quick.. if far away when we can get there :)

Remember what happened when I saw that Maverick on here? Radrambler is another example of a cool car to shoot (when its done). Johnny would love to find a tricked our Laguna or Torino but how many are there out there nice enough to shoot (and to be honest it doesn't even have to be THAT nice.. just have the look)

I would like more late models also, remember the GNX?

I like the teck tips idea.. I might have to run with that one.. (p.s. I knew about the EZ Off deal ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

how bout a primered roadrace 34 ford truck with nearly nekkid wimmin sprawled all over it on the cover? i'll furnish the truck and strippers... you furnish the cover:seizure:

WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Steve1968LS2]

I got it, really piss them off, how about a story on a 900hp Lexus?? :rolleyes5

SW

We could shoot it with the '69 Camaro and make sure to piss off everyone.. :rofl:

Damn though, I do love that car.....

[Steve1968LS2]

I always wanted to have my car in a magazine. What does it take, or what turns magazines away from a car?


Alcino

email me pics and I will let you know, mostly the cars don't have to be "showy" the just have to look right and have the parts.. if you run the car that is a plus.. in-fact the more you run the car the worse it can be and the less you run it the nicer it has to be..

email me at [email protected] :) (and you are local so that is always a bonus)

[vanzuuk1]

Years ago there was an article on a guy who built a torino and a mustang, both were early 70s and very protouring. In the article the guy had all kinds of neat tricks, he made his own moon discs out of aluminum cabinet doors.

How cool would it be to see a torino gt built as sort of a high tech nascar replica.

I have the usual 69 camaro now but in the past I had a 4 speed dodge van with a 318 and plexi windows, a lowered nascar style dodge magnum and a few cop cars so Ive done a few offbeat cars.

[zbugger]

Steve, some of us here are witnesses to him running at Buttonwillow. You would have seen a couple really nice cars if you had only gone with us. And yeah, Alcino's car is worthy of a spot. Not often do you see a car like his set up for a road course.

Alcino, just make sure you wash that engine a little bit!!!

[Steve Chryssos]

That pretty much confirms my market research. In terms of enthusiast population, Pro-Touring is just a hair on a zit on the ass of hot rodding. My "guesstimates" arrive at about 18,000 true enthusiasts total --Maybe 20,000 people. That's 18,000-20,000 who are genuinely interested in achieving balanced performance from their classic vehicles. I'm excluding the throngs who just want to install 17" TTII's and a "power package" on their otherwise stock muscle.
Compare that with the 150,000 circulation of the magazine, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that you can piss off a lot of people. Not very popular, huh? Oops!

Dirk, SW, and Race-Rodz have the right idea. Bring balanced performance to a variety of different platforms--not just classic muscle. I'd love to read about a well rounded street rod or pro streeter. Open it up some. As long as it passes the litmus test for balance and functionality, anything goes.

Otherwise the mullets will win.
/Steevo

[Steve1968LS2]

That pretty much confirms my market research. In terms of enthusiast population, Pro-Touring is just a hair on a zit on the ass of hot rodding. My "guesstimates" arrive at about 18,000 true enthusiasts total --Maybe 20,000 people. That's 18,000-20,000 who are genuinely interested in achieving balanced performance from their classic vehicles. I'm excluding the throngs who just want to install 17" TTII's and a "power package" on their otherwise stock muscle.
Compare that with the 150,000 circulation of the magazine, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that you can piss off a lot of people. Not very popular, huh? Oops!

Dirk, SW, and Race-Rodz have the right idea. Bring balanced performance to a variety of different platforms--not just classic muscle. I'd love to read about a well rounded street rod or pro streeter. Open it up some. As long as it passes the litmus test for balance and functionality, anything goes.

Otherwise the mullets will win.
/Steevo

Well the Nova would be a good example or this.. or TwinSting to show how pro-street SHOULD be..

Keep in mind these were just the odd/funny ones.. most were positive or at least neutral..

<-- pissed I missed buttonwillow as well.. everyone has my email so send me pics of your offbeat cars..

[vanzuuk1]

Steevo The green machine project is off, I am building a torino gt with black nascar wheels and a 427 sohc motor and a full cage. Gotta go..

how about a 73 charger, petty blue with giant steelies, plexi windows and a nice 440 lump?

or an update on the cuda from phantasm,keep the cragars but tuck em in and make em huge.

I will save the formula one astro van idea for when we have had a few drinks.

[KrisHorton]

I think seeing a bit of modern "pro-touringesque" cars would be cool. Modified Z06's, Mustangs, and F-bodies would be cool. I know it's GMHTP territory, but for example, people are really building some nice 05 Mustangs and C5 Z06's that kind of fit the bill of "Popular" and "Hot Rodding" even though they are modern cars. Am I the only one that thinks that?

Kris

[vanzuuk1]

Kris As long as they were on the mean side, not too showy.

[Steve1968LS2]

Trust me on this.. for a new car to get ANY respect it has to have a TON of work done to it.. and done to it in the right way..

But the right newer car would get featured.. At least I would go for it (can't speak for others)..

Time to go work on my plans for the 3G Pinto.. zoom zoom..

[race-rodz-inc]

WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
crap.... guess this means im gonna have to start saving my $1's. i might also have to think about getting the truck finished up soon.... been kicking around the thought of trying to make it to silverstate in sept.

[MrQuick]

Throw em all off and have a Skyline sliding sideways with you and another guy in bikini briefs hosin each other off with garden hoses. that didn't sound G did it?

I think we should tone down the P-T & G-Machine down too...I liked it being rare.

[vanzuuk1]

Thanks for that visual.

[KrisHorton]

Kris As long as they were on the mean side, not too showy.

That's my thought. Something that looks sharp, has some show, but is mostly a brute that sees its fair share of track time.

[USAZR1]

Steve,I happen to think PHR is on the right track. Don't mind you tweaking the mix but please don't make wholesale changes. You guys are doing something right as I've never been a PHR subscriber before until I sprung for a 2yr subscription a couple of months ago.

If you want to feature something different and a very serious streetfighter,talk to Vince Asaro about his killer twin-turbo 69 El Camino.
That thing is probably the baddest Elky on the planet.

[KrisHorton]

Throw em all off and have a Skyline sliding sideways with you and another guy in bikini briefs hosin each other off with garden hoses. that didn't sound G did it?

I think we should tone down the P-T & G-Machine down too...I liked it being rare.

And all of a sudden Bay Area, CA subscriptions skyrocket. Wait a sec, I thought you, Yody and Allen seemed a little "friendly." :jawdrop: Crazy bayfolk.

[race-rodz-inc]

they throw up that for a feature... i might have to take my truck and strippers over to hot rod

[vanzuuk1]

Kris I am kind of sick of the super slick cars, I still enjoy them but I love cars like what racerodz is building. I know their will be some sick late model cars i just dont want anything with playstations built into the headrest.
Cant wait to see parsons car in print, and that el camino is awesome.

[race-rodz-inc]

i personally like the new cars..... i just couldnt afford to think about dropping 40k on a starting point. my truck started out as a simple ratrod idea... and kinda got way outa hand.

btw ... are you saying i should axe the idea for the 17" flip down monitor, poser wheels, and neon?

[vanzuuk1]

sacralige , even in jest!

[vanzuuk1]

Your car does need the big nitrous bottle ala road warrior.

[race-rodz-inc]

dont worry i allready slapped myself for thinkin that.

[race-rodz-inc]

no place to put it... sorry. the "bed" is full of 26 gallon fuel tank, battery, drysump tank, diff cooler, and rollcage

[MuscleRodz]

You will never please everyone when you get a huge crowd of people. Someone will always be alienated and pissed about it. The mag name says it all, "Popular". How about some real "G" machines like a series on old Trans Am cars. That will consume a few months.

Mike

[Steve1968LS2]

You will never please everyone when you get a huge crowd of people. Someone will always be alienated and pissed about it. The mag name says it all, "Popular". How about some real "G" machines like a series on old Trans Am cars. That will consume a few months.

Mike

Like Biddles 'Stang? we also have a bad ass Camaro that holds several land speed records coming up soon.. I like there to be a mix of show cars, real cars and track cars.. makes it more interesting.

Keep in mind I am just the FNG copy chimp.. I make suggestions but I don't steer the boat.. maybe someday but for now I swab decks...

[MuscleRodz]

Like Biddles 'Stang? .
Biddles Mustang was cool, but not much grit in the article if I remember right. I was thinking more along the lines of the known cars. Catch them at the track and get some today's real world numbers. Although I think Road America narrowed your search field some.

Mike

[Mean 69]

There's this really neat event coming up where you can see all of the "important" Trans Am racers, in action. Just happens to be this month, at a little place called Laguna Seca. It's called the Monterey Historics, and is probably the second most important historic gathering on earth, behind the Goodwood festival in England. Cool thing is, unlike car shows, they actually race the cars on track, like they were meant to be.

They have more than just Trans Am cars too, in fact if you don't walk around there with a constant woodie, you're probably not a very diversified car guy/gal.

See you all there?
M

[vanzuuk1]

great idea, would love to see a series on the t/a cars, you get one or two for every make.

[Steve Chryssos]

Keep in mind I am just the FNG copy chimp.. I make suggestions but I don't steer the boat.. maybe someday but for now I swab decks...

That's okay. I had this same conversation with Johnny at Columbus after you guys shot that blue car--undivided attention.

Best of all, he bought the beer. :cheers: That's the first time in the history of publishing that an editor bought the beer. Whatta guy!

As a result of Twist Machine, I've met some great people from around the globe that are all building balanced, functional hot rods--everything ranging from a Lexus powered 32 with real suspension to a 40 Ford with blown 4-6 mod motor and again: real suspension. The list goes on. How about a 94 RX7 with LS1 drivetrain? or a 71 Chevy short box pickup merged with a wrecked C4? Leonard Lopez builds some highly functional, but Riddler capable street rods over at Dominator in Brentwood, CA--pushrod suspension and all. Of course, we've already beat the "modern pro street" formula to death.

Point is: All of the above cars are balanced and functional, but none of them are traditional pro-touring muscle cars. So it's possible to preach the gospel of functionality while opening up the gamut of vehicles.
/Steevo

[Steve Chryssos]

Wow! That's what I'm talkin' about. Way to go Race-Rodz!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[andrewb70]

How about a 94 RX7 with LS1 drivetrain?

/Steevo

How about an 88 RX7 with an LS6 drivetrain. I know where you can find one of those!

I might even be persuaded to bring it out for a full on thrashing. X-cross, road race, drag race, braking? You got it! Just name the time and place.

Andrew

[bnickel]

Steve, we always have a big car show that is sponsored by the local mustang club so it get's a lot of cool stangs, but basically any car can enter and there have been some pretty cool non fords there as well. i think you need an editor for the west texas area we have a ton of cool cars and some have even gotten some press, i remember an orange and black 68 that got stories in a couple of mags even PHR IIRC. might be something to check out

[YoungGun]

Stope makin funn of the ltters I send the magzine...my entire inbred family is ofended that you mok my lettr in you'r post. Make me soo mad I kiked a nother hole in the trailr...one of me kids escaped out the holl last nite..I tink the coyotees got em.

[Steve1968LS2]

There's this really neat event coming up where you can see all of the "important" Trans Am racers, in action. Just happens to be this month, at a little place called Laguna Seca. It's called the Monterey Historics, and is probably the second most important historic gathering on earth, behind the Goodwood festival in England. Cool thing is, unlike car shows, they actually race the cars on track, like they were meant to be.

They have more than just Trans Am cars too, in fact if you don't walk around there with a constant woodie, you're probably not a very diversified car guy/gal.

See you all there?
M

I will have to see about covering that.. would be super cool and we could probley pick up a nice variety of feature cars. Thanks!

[Hartz]

How about an 88 RX7 with an LS6 drivetrain. I know where you can find one of those!

I might even be persuaded to bring it out for a full on thrashing. X-cross, road race, drag race, braking? You got it! Just name the time and place.

Andrew

I think you could have a lot of fun with an April 2006 dated edition. Include the RX-7, Supra510's wagon, I'll toss my 5.0L Miata into the mix, maybe get a 240Z conversion - I'm envisioning an all import cover, and when you open up the magazine there's a picture of all the V8 conversions with the words "April Fools" on it.

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks that would be funny? :)

[Mean 69]

I will have to see about covering that.. would be super cool and we could probley pick up a nice variety of feature cars. Thanks!

If you do go, I'd recommend going on the Friday Practice session. There are 14 different run groups, all of them practice on Friday, but only seven of the groups practice/race on Saturday and then again on Sunday. Highlights on Saturday are the Can Am cars, which is the group David P's Lola will be running in. If you like thundering, killer fast cars, this is the ticket. On Sunday, the T/A cars will run, along with the IMSA cars, which are sick too. Scattered about are several groups with early, important cars. You really won't believe what you are looking at, and the fact that these guys actually race cars that often cost $3M or more, well, it is not an ordinary event to say the least.

Highly recommended. There is another event on Coronado down here in San Diego in October which is also really good, but not as good as the grand-daddy.

M

[kennyd]

i dont care what type of car you feature, i just want to see clean photos of the car .also make sure we have plenty of good close up shots of the mechinal areas of the car ,example ,exhaust , rear axle set up , fuel system and wiring. having built and seen plenty of cars that have been featured in different magazines( and have had 7 cars shot for features and covers) that when you get to finally see the car in person i cant believe the photos didnot include some of the techinal areas of the car .some pepole dont get to go to many big shows and see some of the cars we get to see in person so show them what you see better .
you also said you show you some cars other than camaro , at columbus ( i know you were there ) did you shoot the 61 black falcon in the parking lot ? or the white 61 buick invicta ? the red 65 chevelle l79 300 2 dr sedan ? did you see them ? or did you have your head up the guys a** in the mustang and cook in the camaro to see some ofthe other cars ?
not trying to get you pissed off just asking a question .
a builder and magazine reader .

[trapin]

I agree that Camaros are overdone...but that's not Popular Hotrodding's fault, it's the part's manufacturer's fault. Where are the suspension upgrades for the Mopars, the Buicks, Olds, Pontiacs, Fords, and AMC's. A lot of these places focus on the Camaro. Detroit Speed is almost predominately a first gen suspension company. Enough parts have been developed for Camaro...it's time they started focusing their attention on other makes. When that happens, then you'll see the numbers of these cars at shows and in magazines (such as Popular Hotrodding) start to rise.

As for too much focus on Pro-Touring....I say to these idiots, go buy Street Rodder or Hot Rod if you have a problem with it. There are so many publications that already focus on that out-dated build style, why should PHR have to follow suit? You have options....GO USE THEM AND KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF OUR LITTLE NECK OF THE WOODS!!!!! :rtfm:

Yeah, that's right.....take your ball and go home now, cry baby. :crying: :nopity:

[ssdeuce]

I wanna see more Nova's! Just kidding my favorite magazine is PHR. I think it's right on target.

[Steve1968LS2]

i dont care what type of car you feature, i just want to see clean photos of the car .also make sure we have plenty of good close up shots of the mechinal areas of the car ,example ,exhaust , rear axle set up , fuel system and wiring. having built and seen plenty of cars that have been featured in different magazines( and have had 7 cars shot for features and covers) that when you get to finally see the car in person i cant believe the photos didnot include some of the techinal areas of the car .some pepole dont get to go to many big shows and see some of the cars we get to see in person so show them what you see better .
you also said you show you some cars other than camaro , at columbus ( i know you were there ) did you shoot the 61 black falcon in the parking lot ? or the white 61 buick invicta ? the red 65 chevelle l79 300 2 dr sedan ? did you see them ? or did you have your head up the guys a** in the mustang and cook in the camaro to see some ofthe other cars ?
not trying to get you pissed off just asking a question .
a builder and magazine reader .

Well asking me if I had "my head up the guys ass in the Mustang" is a funny way not to try and piss someone off..

We take over 5 hours to shoot a car.. we shot TWO cars at Good Guys and both were arranged ahead of time. Alloways Hemi Charger and a red Mustang Fastback with a 4.6 mod motor.. we also did some filler shots on a Camaro that I shot a while back at Hershey. We looked for cars for future shoots, found a NICE '63 Galaxie and a few others.

If you were there you would know that over 6000 cars were spread out all over creation and while I tried to see every car there were more than a few I missed.. But, I can guarantee you you that I saw more cars than most people did.

And also, all these great cars out there that you speak of. Are they too lazy to mail in some pictures or even email something or is it our responsibility to find them? I left my card on about 10 cars, you know how many have contacted me? Two.. The Galaxie and a injected LSx Camaro.. :dunno:

[Steve1968LS2]

I wanna see more Nova's! Just kidding my favorite magazine is PHR. I think it's right on target.

So do we :)

And more Falcons, Torinos, Lagunas, Cougars, Swingers, etc..

The other prob is geography. Sometimes you know where a cool car is but it is not possible to shoot it right away due to travel and costs.

[andrewb70]

I think you could have a lot of fun with an April 2006 dated edition. Include the RX-7, Supra510's wagon, I'll toss my 5.0L Miata into the mix, maybe get a 240Z conversion - I'm envisioning an all import cover, and when you open up the magazine there's a picture of all the V8 conversions with the words "April Fools" on it.

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks that would be funny? :)

It will never happen.

Andrew

[Steve1968LS2]

It will never happen.

Andrew

Probley not but it was a COOL idea.. the other problem is the the April edition doesn't come out in April.. lol..

I would love an RX7 with an LSanything in it.. talk about a fun car to drive..

BTW.. got your email Andrew and I am working on an answer :)

[WELTERRACER]

87 turbo transams were very cool cars... although rare..


Good post.. it made my day.. funny

[vanzuuk1]

"did you have your head up the guys a** in the mustang and cook in the camaro to see some ofthe other cars ?
not trying to get you pissed off just asking a question ."


Imagine if he were trying to piss you off.

[Steve1968LS2]

"did you have your head up the guys a** in the mustang and cook in the camaro to see some ofthe other cars ?
not trying to get you pissed off just asking a question ."


Imagine if he were trying to piss you off.

:rofl:

Yea, must of skipped out on charm school.. but it's cool, it's the interweb and nothing on here is worth getting ticked about.. ;)

[62wagon]

Steve, I don't envy you or anyone else that works for a magazine. You may have some fun perks, but the complaining that goes along with your job would be unbearable. It always seems that someone is unhappy. The worst to me is that nobody ever says thanks, they just find something to complain about.

Show cars may not be my thing, but they should always have a place in a magazine. That is the so called bar we all shoot for. The thing I like to see are real world cars. Cars that are driven. It shouldn't matter if it is a Camaro or a Pinto, if the craftsmanship is there and the build quality is high, I want to see it.

I'll kiss butt for a bit and say I think ya'lls rag is spot on. A good combo of everything!

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, I don't envy you or anyone else that works for a magazine. You may have some fun perks, but the complaining that goes along with your job would be unbearable. It always seems that someone is unhappy. The worst to me is that nobody ever says thanks, they just find something to complain about.

Show cars may not be my thing, but they should always have a place in a magazine. That is the so called bar we all shoot for. The thing I like to see are real world cars. Cars that are driven. It shouldn't matter if it is a Camaro or a Pinto, if the craftsmanship is there and the build quality is high, I want to see it.

I'll kiss butt for a bit and say I think ya'lls rag is spot on. A good combo of everything!

That's ok.. most critisisum is constructive and I get good ideas.. some is just funny. It is like being the Umpire at a baseball game, no matter what you do a lot of people will be unhappy.

All mags need a mix of cars from trailer queens to track whores.. sometimes it is hard to get that mix right.

[malihoochie]

What is a cook in the camaro? :dunno:

[vanzuuk1]

I think it means his...

[kennyd]

i have not ,and will not ask to have my car shot for a magizine! if it is nice enough to have it shot YOU will ask . and yes i was at columbus and did look at 90% of the cars .
i was a little brash on the head up a** comment BUT i know how magazines want the big builders cars for the sales of magazines .and i also know how builders are also a**holes on who gives them the most print !

[Travis B]

No steve no charm school for Kenny

You should have meet him before he went to anger management!
The head up your a** comment is almost a daily thing!


The camaro in question for those that don't know is the
Steve Cook Creations yellow 69 that was at Columbus

[Steve1968LS2]

i have not ,and will not ask to have my car shot for a magizine! if it is nice enough to have it shot YOU will ask . and yes i was at columbus and did look at 90% of the cars .
i was a little brash on the head up a** comment BUT i know how magazines want the big builders cars for the sales of magazines .and i also know how builders are also a**holes on who gives them the most print !

It is not a matter of asking it a matter of finding the cars.. its like a model not sending out portfolios and just sitting on a stool "waiting to be discovered"..

We can't be expected to find every car on our own..

To be honest I (we) could care less about who built a cool car.. so long as it is a cool car and we can get the time and $$ to shoot it (travel $).. I suppose it helps if it is a foose car or boyd but that is not a big part of how/why we pick a car.. far from it.

We shot Bobby Aloways Charger because it is a bad ass car and it is a Mopar which are really popular right now. On thursday we are shooting a 65 Chevelle built by a guy that works for Raytheon. And it should not be a newsflash that big time builders generally build very cool cars, Should we not shoot a car like Poison Dart just because it was by a known builder?

So all builders are a** holes? I thought you were a builder ;)

The bottom line is that we feature what we think people want to see.. and what is logisticly possible for us to shoot. I can think of a dozen cars that I want for the book but they are just too far and we only have so much freelance and travel money to spend.

Anyways, sending in a pic and bio on a car is not begging to be in the mag.. it is just throwing us some info.

But no hard feelings.. its is just the internet :)

[Steve1968LS2]

The camaro in question for those that don't know is the
Steve Cook Creations yellow 69 that was at Columbus

Which was a well done car but not my cup of tea.. and I didn't see how it was better than the other 8 '69 Camaros in the pros-pic area.

Obviously someone thought it was worthy since it was in the top 5.. Competition in Columbus was very stiff this year..

[Steve1968LS2]

What is a cook in the camaro? :dunno:

No AC? I didn't see a hotplate so I don't think he meant I was making a casserole or anything.. :doh:

[kennyd]

it dont make me a differance if it is internet or face to face ,i hold no hard feelings .
and yes i am a a**hole builder .just ask travisb . i also agree alloways car is super car well qualified for a feature. pro-touring ? i dont think so . BUT we wont go there . good luck with the magazine i do read it and like the format .
i will be away from the computer attending the NSRA nats in louisville ky. NO I AM NOT A STREETRODDER , I AM DELIVERING A COUSTOMERS CAR TO HIM ! LOL


i agree cook's camaro was nice but not a top 5 at that show .

[Streetking]

i have not ,and will not ask to have my car shot for a magizine! if it is nice enough to have it shot YOU will ask . and yes i was at columbus and did look at 90% of the cars .
i was a little brash on the head up a** comment BUT i know how magazines want the big builders cars for the sales of magazines .and i also know how builders are also a**holes on who gives them the most print !

Wow, I don't think your comment is all true, my '73 T/A was in Popular Hotrodding last Sept. and I did not send anything in and I don't consider myself a "builder", just a guy with a couple of kool cars. I can understand your comment about the TV build ups, but maybe not all magazine guys..

SW

[Steve1968LS2]

it dont make me a differance if it is internet or face to face ,i hold no hard feelings .
and yes i am a a**hole builder .just ask travisb . i also agree alloways car is super car well qualified for a feature. pro-touring ? i dont think so . BUT we wont go there . good luck with the magazine i do read it and like the format .
i will be away from the computer attending the NSRA nats in louisville ky. NO I AM NOT A STREETRODDER , I AM DELIVERING A COUSTOMERS CAR TO HIM ! LOL

Yea, your a closet streetrodder.. just admit it.. it is the first step toward recovery ;)

We will save the argument about the alloway car being pt for another time.. thanks the comments and I have to go wash my hair now.. seems to have a funny smell..

[kennyd]

streetking , dont take that i was talking about most of the car features shot for the magazine .

[harshman]

i have not ,and will not ask to have my car shot for a magizine! if it is nice enough to have it shot YOU will ask . and yes i was at columbus and did look at 90% of the cars .
i was a little brash on the head up a** comment BUT i know how magazines want the big builders cars for the sales of magazines .and i also know how builders are also a**holes on who gives them the most print !
My car was in the August ’04 (http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0408phr_harshman/) issue and I am officially a nobody. I’m not a hot shot builder and, in my opinion, most of your guys’ cars are much better in quality and performance. And to prove it, take a look at my numbers. I came in having no idea what the car would perform – I had never been to the track – period. However, Johnny and Andrew were in love with cars and it didn’t matter what car it was. For kicks while were there we tested another writer’s ’50-60’s era Suburban (a genuine POS i might add) and we all ran when he went for the 60-0’ times (about 300’).

That is what keeps me going about this magazine. It isn’t about the money; it’s about the love of cars and showing everybody that they actually can perform. Thanks to Johnny, I have developed a taste of the track and I plan on running my car to the edge. Without them, I’d be just another guy looking for a car show to go to.

[Steve Chryssos]

Kenny,
I don't give a **** who you are or where you are. You don't have the right to talk to ANYONE like that. Have fun at NSRA. I hope when you get back you are banned.
/Steevo

[vanzuuk1]

Race rods, please keep us happy with a lot of photos.Its such a cool car.

Are you getting anything from pepsi for product placement?

[race-rodz-inc]

i been playin with my new toy(RC51)... havent really been "on" the truck the last couple weeks... other than makin some of the interior tin & shoppin for engine parts. been slammed with harley paint work and have no time for my stuff. and no... no $$ for product placement... in fact i will prolly get sued for using the cups for mock-up in pics posted on the internet, without expressed written consent.

the only sponsor i have is "the poor white boy food fund".... meaning if i wanna spend money on the truck..i have to go hungry.

[race-rodz-inc]

Wow! That's what I'm talkin' about. Way to go Race-Rodz!!

i saw the lexus powered 32........ that car was super clean, this truck is gonna be more "road warrior" or "track whore" than show car street rod. its gettin done to abuse, and i might not wanna abuse it if its all shiny and pretty. i cant think of a single thing that this will have that it doesnt "need". no stereo, heater, no cup holders.... i really had to think long and hard about building a pass seat for it! \

as for this being mag worthy... i couldnt care less.... if making it pretty and shiny is the only way its mag worthy... then you will never see it in any of the big mags.

this has/will be built 99.9% by me, a worthless 28 y/o punk kid, in my shop at home.... only farming out the essentials(engine machining, cnc parts, etc), i am building something different with the "because i can" attitude, you wont ever see it in any car shows(maybe doin doughnuts in the parking lot)... but you will see it parked at the 7-11, McDonalds drive thrue.... and of coarse on any racetrack i can make it to.

im glad everybody likes it... i will get more pics as soon as i can.

[MuscleRodz]

just a guy with a couple of kool cars
SW
Have you looked at your list lately? I say more than a few. :worship:

Dang. I leave for a few hours and you guys run an entire page on me. I guess I will have to quit work to keep up with the gossip. :secret:

I saw Cook's Camaro before he took it to Columbus. Two things I really liked was the handmade grill and the twin Paxton Superchargers. I won't knock it because it is better than what I got right now.

Mike

[LS1Z28]

Hey Steve How about Shooting a Thrid gen, The most over looked Camaro.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve How about Shooting a Thrid gen, The most over looked Camaro.

Sure.. :)

Here is the deal.. PHR seems to MOSTLY shoot 60's and 70's era American musclecars..

If a car falls outside this "window" then it has to be extra cool in some respect.. the farther outside the window the more bitchen it has to be.

For a 2000 Camaro to get in it has to be way way cool.. same for a 50's era car. I'm not talking cool as in more of a "show car" but cool in some way like it is hardcore raced has some unique facet (drivetrain?) or, yes, even just way better to look at. I would like to think that my old 2000 SS would get in since it had looks and the performance stuff to back it up. Plus it hit the track.

I saw a NICE '70 Duster yesterday. A very cool car with nice motor, interior and paint.. perfect magazine car except it still had drum brakes. I gave the guy my car and told him "when you get some discs all around call me". The guy was happy as a clam and ran home to tell his wife he "had" to get new brakes.. lol..

If Race-Rodz truck turns out as cool as it seems I don't see why it wouldn't get featured.. sometimes the points you get for being "different" outweight the points you loose for not having a hot paint job. Driving your car at the track gives you more points on occasion than having a custom interior.

Did any of that make sense? And how happy is a damn clam?

[Hartz]

Sure.. :)

I saw a NICE '70 Duster yesterday. A very cool car with nice motor, interior and paint.. perfect magazine car except it still had drum brakes. I gave the guy my car and told him "when you get some discs all around call me". The guy was happy as a clam and ran home to tell his wife he "had" to get new brakes.. lol..


Ah ha! See, now you've hit my hot button. Who cares if he still had drums? Will it not photograph as well? Does that make the engine less cool? Does it make the paint look blotchy? No! If the car was a nice as you say, then why can't you have a feature with drum brakes? Why does the car have to meet some unstated level of completion prior to being covered?

This coming from the guy who's still got rear drums, but still! On one hand magazines talk about not doing only high dollar cars and wanting to show more "common" vehicles, and on the other hand this poor guy has to go out and spend $1000+ on a brake system to get a photo taken of his car. And yes, I know he can probably scavenge some system for far less, but you hopefully understand my point.

[Steve1968LS2]

Ah ha! See, now you've hit my hot button. Who cares if he still had drums? Will it not photograph as well? Does that make the engine less cool? Does it make the paint look blotchy? No! If the car was a nice as you say, then why can't you have a feature with drum brakes? Why does the car have to meet some unstated level of completion prior to being covered?

This coming from the guy who's still got rear drums, but still! On one hand magazines talk about not doing only high dollar cars and wanting to show more "common" vehicles, and on the other hand this poor guy has to go out and spend $1000+ on a brake system to get a photo taken of his car. And yes, I know he can probably scavenge some system for far less, but you hopefully understand my point.

No, but it made the guy happy because now he had a reason to get good brakes.. lol..

Having disc brakes is not "high dollar", but the whole point of pro-touring is updating older car to more modern standards. I see your point but we push performance and sorry but drum brakes on all fours just do not work.

Now if he took the car to the track with say, rear drums, and ran the car that way then fine.. obviously they work. But he had just not gotten around to it yet. This will motivate him.

Besides.. you generally on get ONE time to be in a magazine.. nothing is worse than having your car shot and featured before it is done and then finishing it later only to find out that nobody wants to shoot your car because it has been shot already. (been there, done that)..

I see your point, but trust me, he will be happier with decent brakes :)

[KrisHorton]

Having "Popular" in the name dictates things about the car should be popular. Like disc brakes. Or did I miss the part where we decided having technologically inferior parts on our cars was the beauty way to go? :seizure: Sorry, just being a douche.

Kris

[harshman]

Having "Popular" in the name dictates things about the car should be popular. Like disc brakes. Or did I miss the part where we decided having technologically inferior parts on our cars was the beauty way to go? :seizure: Sorry, just being a douche.

Kris
Hey Kris,

Technological brakes – are you referring to slotted, cross drilled, or slotted and cross drilled, or plain?

Does it smell like vinegar to you guys or is it just me?
:moon:

[Hartz]

No, that's a valid point. There are a lot of "popular" brake kits available right now. And I'm probably in the minority on this one, and I know that.

I think I just have my panties in a wad because you always hear people crying about high-dollar cars in magazines getting all the press, and wouldn't it be nice to have some low-buck, home built cars. So here is a, by all accounts, "nice" car - but it's not "perfect" because it doesn't have 4 wheel discs, so therefore it can't get a feature.

And BTW, my rear drums are B-E-A-YOOOTIFUL baby! :yum:

[LS1Z28]

What Steve is saying is you have to be a parts Whore before the Magazine will even consider you. All the Magazine is,is a big parts Catalog and if you want to be considered you had better buy some parts from the advertisers.

[Steve1968LS2]

What Steve is saying is you have to be a parts Whore before the Magazine will even consider you. All the Magazine is,is a big parts Catalog and if you want to be considered you had better buy some parts from the advertisers.

Wow.. you nailed that one exactly :bsjerk:

[harshman]

What Steve is saying is you have to be a parts Whore before the Magazine will even consider you. All the Magazine is,is a big parts Catalog and if you want to be considered you had better buy some parts from the advertisers.
Sour grapes perhaps? And yet you must read the magazine to obtain all that information – amazing. :hail:

[Steve1968LS2]

No, that's a valid point. There are a lot of "popular" brake kits available right now. And I'm probably in the minority on this one, and I know that.

I think I just have my panties in a wad because you always hear people crying about high-dollar cars in magazines getting all the press, and wouldn't it be nice to have some low-buck, home built cars. So here is a, by all accounts, "nice" car - but it's not "perfect" because it doesn't have 4 wheel discs, so therefore it can't get a feature.

And BTW, my rear drums are B-E-A-YOOOTIFUL baby! :yum:

It didn't even have two wheel disc.. savy? :)

that whole "high buck car" think is a cop out.. a magazine wont feature a piece of **** car but they care more about how the car looks (does it look cool?) and performs than how much was spent. Look at the Cover car for August. The low-buck Nova.. so how did that car get on the cover since it is not a "high dollar car"? What about the Maverick?

Here is hot tip.. a car does NOT have to be super nice.. hell, it doesn't even have to be nice. What it does have to be is interesting and have the right look. It is easy to spend a lot of money and have the right look but it takes more tallent/luck to get that look if you have a tiny budget. So, this being the case, the less you spend the more inventive and creative you have to be to have a car with the right "look". This is why you see more expensive cars in magazine, because it is easier to throw lots money at a car then to use a little bit of $$ creatively.

Also, the car needs to be interesting enough to write 7000 characters about it. A stock motor with drum brakes and a vinal interior is NOT going to be an interesting read unless it has a hell of a backstory to go along with it (Ex racecar that the owner won in a poker game and now runs at Bonneville, etc.)

Also, we don't really care if you are running Baer Alcons or four-wheel factory disc.. or rear wheel drum if you actually run the car on a track like that. Personally I think rear disc on most cars is almost more asthetic than functional.

Maybe we need to do a rat-rod pro-touring edition? ;)

[KrisHorton]

Hey Kris,

Technological brakes – are you referring to slotted, cross drilled, or slotted and cross drilled, or plain?

Does it smell like vinegar to you guys or is it just me?
:moon:

You looking to actually start a disc brake arguement within a magazine arguement. Good lord. :screwy: You're crazy man.

[vanzuuk1]

Steve You are in a no-win situation with some people, but most of us love the mag and can see you are a real enthusiast.

Dont be scared off.

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve You are in a no-win situation with some people, but most of us love the mag and can see you are a real enthusiast.

Dont be scared off.

No worries.. like I've said before, it's the internet, besides most of the time stuff on here reads more harsh than it was meant.

I'm enthusiasticlly enthused about being an enthusiast..

and anyone that doesn't like it can :kiss: my :moon: .

;)

[TonyHuntimer]

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

:)

I'm glad everyone is getting along,
Tony~

Too bad PHR can't feature a beat up old car like my Daily Driver (https://www.pro-touring.com/featured_cars/Camaro/1968_Camaro/tony_humtimer_68_camaro/68rfcar-s.jpg) .

[Steve1968LS2]

Too bad PHR can't feature a beat up old car like my Daily Driver (https://www.pro-touring.com/featured_cars/Camaro/1968_Camaro/tony_humtimer_68_camaro/68rfcar-s.jpg) .

Did it have drum brakes???

[TonyHuntimer]

Yeah. I wonted to impresss the wimmin so I installed some of those new fangled Alcon and PBR drummer breaks on my g-ride.

:enguard:

:)
Tony~

[race-rodz-inc]

Maybe we need to do a rat-rod pro-touring edition? ;)


im "on" it...jeeeeeeeze