Ryan expertly explained what kind of person Steve is, a tenacious, humble genius at his craft, and heaven knows he isn't in it for the money. I reunited with him at last years GNRS, and hadn't spoken to him for 25 years, at the 50th show, and he was exactly the same. Very few people on this earth have the p***ion to produce a stellar product without a monetary reward as the end product. He has generously allowed Chris Kopp and I to display our new Top Banana Too dragster in his booth, in bare metal at GNRS this January.
I received issue #87 Wednesday. Been poring through it since. Print on paper is the best way to read. Thanks Steve ****an!
Still waiting here in Southern Maryland. Hoping my letter carrier isn't a closet hot rodder. Starting to get worried.
Got issue 87 last Wednesday, good as ever. Haven't ever bashed on TRJ, been with them since I saw their booth with the the first issue. Can't count how many hot rod/street rod/vintage auto magazines over the last 50 years that have folded while I've been a subscriber. It's gotta be one of the hardest jobs there is to be captain and crew of what is a niche magazine. My only negative comment would be that a better job could have been done with some general status postings. Viva Rodders Journal!
I just renewed my sub, wasn't sure where I stood so I just upped it so I don't miss any. RJ is the BEST print magazine period. I met Steve at the GNRS when it was at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. He handed me a copy of the current issue then. I've been a subscriber ever since. He shot a photo of my Delivery on the salt at Bonneville and put it in the coverage of that years event. Great guy and I wish him the best and will continue to support him.
My holidays are now complete. My letter carrier personally handed me my #87 today. I had seen a pre-print proof issue way back in March but, now I can take my time and read the new issue at my leisure. Can't wait to peruse the multi-page coverage of the long distance hot rods of my friend, Andy Volpini. This just confirms his "Legend" status........Don.
Lucky Dog, I have yet to recieve my issue here at the shop, but I got one more chance today it may be delivered at home, it's been so long I don't remember where they send it. HRP
I've know Steve ****an since his days at a small speed shop back in Maryland sooo many years ago. When we both had more hair. He's even been to my small shop here in Hoooville when I was working on one of the cool rides my neighbor Ken Gross has (sorry 4 the name drop). I spoke with him at 2 "Rodders Revivals". Even though he was super busy at these events, he wanted to say hi. Most likely because of the hamb (thnx boss) I'm a Life Time subscriber in the first addition of that offering. My latest just arrived and I buried myself in it right away. Ryan's "Deuce" article and history therein is one of the many things that makes me love this publication. Its great writers, great pictures, great research and so much more. My all time favorite Christmas move is American Graffiti. Why you ask ?? because I 1st saw it Christmas eve in 1973 and my mind has been blown ever since. I caught the 40 custom right away and have found a few picture on the inteweb but really wanted to know the history. Many thnx Curt and one of our fav photogs for this article. I've also been going to Bonneville for Speed Week since the 50th. I was there of the 75th as you can imagine. I was able to talk Larry Erickson it to shooting some team pictures for him. Unfortunately it was a super cloudy day . His roadster build is one of the best. I can't wait for the next edition and even ordered the second cover hoping it will help keep this publication going for years to come. .
I don not think anyone has said It's Not a Great Mag Quality and good literature to read, Worth the wait , Issue is Contact & communication .. I am not to much computer knowledgeable , I am sure there a way to send out 1,000's of emails @ one time a month Just to Let subscribers , Vendors that sell TRJ know there a issue on Printing , delay on shipping or new arrivals , & there is others That do not have / use electronic devices , So if they call a pre-recorded short message with a up date .
Hot Rod Primer. I feel your pain. 2 more deliveries before Christmas. Will Santa make it to cornfield country?
Finally read your blog. I've known Steve since the late 70's when he shot a feature of my chopped yellow deuce 5 window. I can't remember who he worked for because in 79 the car was on the cover of Street Rodder and in the center of Hot Rod? Nice guy, true to his cause with a good memory and as of our last meeting still remembers my name. I'll stay.
I'm Writing this on Christmas Eve. The Thought occurred to me that I am experiencing the same suspense I did as a kid waiting for Santa. Only that suspense is Every day and Instead of Santa It is the Mailman. Uncertainty, Uncertain 'T'
January 1st and no RJ issue to read on my throne or elsewhere. A start to the new year that will be a good one. We’ll see if it gets even better.
Larry and a friend of mine stopped by a few weeks ago, we had a fun visit and a great lunch. He is moving here and won't be far away, great, talented guy !
That was one of the most historically rich stories I've ever tried to tackle. The first draft was 5,000 words (about twice as long as a typical feature) just because there was so much ground to cover. Talking to Tom Hocker's sister-in-law was priceless, and I was stoked to be able to include some of her anecdotes from hanging out with Barris et al when the car was being built. Glad you enjoyed the story. And glad to see all the support for TRJ. Steve's dedication to this hobby of ours is second to none. I don't think I've ever met anyone with more heart, or more pure love for these cars and the history that surrounds them.
That’s all fine and dandy and it’s all true. I also love American Graffiti. I'd also like to see an issue of RJ in my mailbox occasionally since I did pay for a lifetime membership and extra shipping to Canada all in US dollars which as you might know come at a premium price for us Canadians.
The Jalopy Journal
