I just finished going through my latest batch of mail, and frankly, I'm amazed at the amount I've received regarding August's editorial. Actually, after originally writing and submitting it, I had second thoughts and almost changed the subject. However, I think there's point to be made by focusing on the, for the lack of a better term, "combative" side of the hobby. Hopefully by shedding a bit of light on this unfortunate undercurrent we might get a few folks to lighten up a bit. Now, I know that sounds a little odd coming from one who lost his temper in print and perhaps blew things a bit out of proportion, but it's a subject that's been festering inside my psyche for a while. I guess I just have a hard time with the fact that there's bad blood in a hobby that's supposed to be fun. We all agree that there isn't another pastime that is more fun, rewarding, or mechanically challenging than rodding-that's a given. What we don't agree on are the styles, preferences, designs, and methodologies of everyone else involved.
It's also apparent that I'm by no means the only one who's noticed. Dan Kahn's Young Guns column is a case in point. I had no idea that he'd be broaching a near identical subject until I read his draft (and vice versa), and he's received an equal amount of mail as I in reference to his view. The following is just an edited example of what I've been receiving (and there's more in Rappin'). So let's read on and get over this foolishness.
Riz, I've been going over the latest issue of R&C (August '03). I have to say that it worried me a little bit. I've been reading your magazine since I was a kid, although that wasn't all that long ago. In this last issue I noticed a number of articles that had a little tension woven into them. I first noticed it in the opening editorial. The idea that a car has to be perfect to be enjoyed by faithful car guys is crazy. Why is my car not magazine-worthy, just because I didn't call 1-800-Hotrod and get a shiny new part? This is where I started to wonder if we are all becoming a bunch of grumpy old men. I may be new to this, but when I look at a car, I look at the work that went into the car, not just the dollars.
The second article that hit a little close to home was the Young Guns editorial. Dan Kahn talked a little bit about a bitter man who was upset that a kid had his car featured in your magazine. I think that Dan gave a very good response to the letter, but I would like to weigh in on it a little. As the young man whose car was featured in that magazine, I would like to defend myself. I would like to go on the record to say that there is no way that I could have completed that car myself, but I haven't met anyone in this hobby who has done a car without a little help from his friends. I was blessed with two of the best mentors that anyone could ever hope to meet. My father and grandfather taught me things that I wouldn't trade for the world. In addition, a number of old-time hot rodders were more than happy to help out with both parts and advice. And just on a personal note: I invite anyone over to my garage to turn a couple of wrenches if they doubt me as a car guy.
On the lighter side I think that everyone should sit back and think to some of the earlier days, when money wasn't the driving factor behind rodding. You should put together a car because you think it looks cool. I may not have $100,000 in my car, but I can't imagine getting rid of it for $1,000,000. I have had more fun in the short time I've had the car together. I may not have the secret to life yet, but the closest I've gotten is when I'm out for a cruise.Dustin ScaploPueblo, CO
So, I propose that, from this day forward, we all try to focus on the fact that if everyone agreed on exactly the same way to build a rod or custom, we'd all be driving '32 roadsters and chopped '50 Mercs. Think that'll ever happen? Neither do I.