Y'all-- We've been working with Vern Tardel on Flathead Ranch--a 'fantasy camp' (for lack of a better term) for hotrodders--for quite some time now and it's ready to be announced. Thought you might be interested... www.verntardel.com/flatheadranch Take a look at the site and give us your feedback. The press releases went out to all the publications today. Our own AV8 will be working with us on this venture and Ryan has lent a helping hand, as well. We think this is a pretty special opportunity to build a traditional hot rod in the setting you've always had in your head. Kinda like Willy Wonka opening up the factory except you don't need a golden ticket. And there ain't a posse of midgets with green hair. Well, OK, Vern's midgets are sportin' highlights these days since they went all 'Hollywood.' And here's some candy...
Well, the costs are going to be about the same as they'd be if you bought a roadster from Vern. BUT, you'll be spending three weeks at the ranch over the course of the nine month build. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $40-$50K (+or). As for the Motor Camp, it'll be considerably cheaper and only one week. Same as above, it'll be roughly the cost of buying a built flattie from Vern. Somewhere around $8K (+or). If you're in the market for a polished, traditional Ford roadster hot rod (like in the pics), this is a great option. It ain't for everyone, but it's DEFINITELY a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for alot of folks.
No, you actually just show up and help with the entire build--start to finish. Vern has set it up so that you'll build a clean, neat, traditional, 150hp flathead-powered Ford hawt rawd. Just like you see in the pics. Same for the Motor Camp: you're buying the actual fully-dressed flathead, but you get to help build it, work with some of the oldtime greats and learn a little something as well. Hey, there's nothing like building it yourself, right?
How great would it be to have a hotrod built by Vern and yourself ? Sure would be great to have the money and time to be able to realize that dream. Of course money formulates alot of dreams. Great idea! now this would be cool. Now where was I... back to the garage and reality.
I was just out at Vern's last night for about 3 hours. I went there to pick up some pipes Vern did up for some zoomies we're building and wound up learning several neat tricks. Vern is solid gold in my book....with his knowledge and all, he could be a real jerk, but he's the opposite. One of the nicest funny guys you'll ever find around a shop and eager to teach those who are eager to learn. He treated me like an old pal, just blew me away. Man, if I had the 50k to throw down and do this camp, you can bet I would. His dog is even cool.
Let's see .... mortgage the house, (again) sell all my spare parts;... I might just have enough for airfare and a bed in Vern's driveway! NOW I know why Bishop has been so quiet the past while! He would only say, "Just wait, you'll see whats going on!"
Damn, it's hot rod summer camp with Vern. Can't float that kind of cash though. Back to 'ole rusted and busted for me. Can homie get a t-shirt?
Baseball fans would call that a fantasy camp. I guess the same could apply here. One thing for sure the car will be super traditional and correct when you are done.
I can hear it now....."yeah, me and Vern built her.....she does pretty good for an old crate from the sonoma hills.........I figure we need to pull the 4" crank next season after we run it on the salt this year......maybe Vern and I 'll build one of them Frenchies....." I got an idea for all them guys like me who can only dream of having that kind of money.....remember how you used to do fundraisers for the youth group in church to go to camp? well, there you go.......wouldn't that be nuts? raise enough money in a couple of years by doing car washes and **** to go to flathead ranch? haha....
who you callin' midgets, stoner? ok, so we have green hair... this will beat all...i have LIFEGUARD DUTIES... NO running by the pool! nic
nor cal nic, where you at Vern's Yesterday evening around 4-6:30 pm? I wonder if I ran into you there....i was the kid wandering around, shadowing Vern, and playing with that dog "Serena"?
What an incredible idea.... Can you imagine Boyd having a similar thought? It'd be $100k and you'd just get to watch whilst they all shout at each other. Best of luck with the venture, guys.
I think this will be great idea,and for a few folks who could afford it- a stay in paradise?. It seems kinda far fetched to me,being a midwesterner....guess ya never know what theres a market for in todays world of the elite.......never ceases to amaze me what we can sell if we just set our minds to it. might be the best thing since ****ered bread.
We're glad y'all like the idea. And you're absolutely right on all accounts. These are the reasons we thought it would be the perfect time to do this thing. It's hard to put a price on the experience of working at Vern's on your own car, but don't worry, we'll figure that one out! As far as bringing your own parts to build your car, it would probably be better to just come and learn, then take the knowledge back to your own shop. Although, if you have some more ideas or questions on that, drop me a line at dan@elephonicmedia.com and we can chat about that. Go to verntardel.com/flatheadranch and submit your email addy--we'll be sending out updates and newsletters as the process moves along. Thanks for the support, y'all--I know this can be a tough crowd. Even for midgets...
To be honest with you... I think you'd have people clamoring to Vern's door if you charged them Vern's hourly rate for them to bring their **** there to work on it. Kinda like the old labor rate sign that reads: Shop rate $75 per hour If you watch $90 per hour If you offer advice $110 per hour If you help $125 per hour. Sam.
Sam-- Well, you uncovered what sounds like a good idea, but when put to use doesn't work out very well. In the past, this has gone from an idea with the best of intentions to human nature taking over and, without getting into all the details, nothing getting done. Flathead Ranch is, in many ways, the result of many years of trying different things and coming up with an idea that resolves many of the problems that have arisen with similar ideas. Lots of ideas sound good in theory, but when trying to put them into practice, just fall apart. Having said all this, though, drop me a line about specific things any of you would like to accomplish with a camp like this and we'll chat.
Yea, you're prolly right... Vern was talking about a summer camp one time where you could come out for a week and work on stuff... each guy would bring something to the table to share... and people could learn. I think this is what evolved from that idea. Sounds like fun. Sam.
Are you out of your damn mind? $8000.00 or more for 150hp worth of flathead? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Vern must be a great guy and know his stuff but that's a waste.
Rand-- Well, take a look at the motor in the red car at the top of this post. It may be a little hard to see, but with all the head porting and polishing, cam grinds, rotating ***embly refreshing, external dress-ups, dyno test&tune and in some cases one of those fabled French blocks, fresh intake and rebuilt twin 97s, and the time you'd spend with Vern, Bishop, Bingelli and the like, as well as accomodations and food during a week's 'vacation,' it might sound like the perfect trip for someone interested in having the ultimate traditional flattie and this one-of-a-kind experience under their belt. But, like I said, it ain't for everyone. Know what I mean?
I really put my foot in my mouth on this one. I didn't think of it as an all expense paid vacation. I was lementing my lack of funds. I meant no disrespect to Mr. Tardel. I could learn so much from him. I should have kept my mind open and my mouth shut.
Good Lord, Rand! Don't be so hard on yourself! Hey, there are many people out there who build their own motors and take pride in turning every nut themselves. Like I said, this ain't for everyone--it's the perfect setup for the guy who is planning to acquire a car and/or motor like this anyway and sees the value in the experience. But, I figured the HAMB would appreciate being let in on it before the press released the news through the magazines. Keep your eyes peeled--we've received interest from R&C and Street Rodder already...
How about if you don't want to end up with a roadster, just the knowlege of it all? Is he going to let the guy building his own coupe sedan ect... come and learn (not build it there) just the learning part? Just an idea for the future. Not that I will be going, as I have my own school I attend here in my shop ( Hard Knocks U ). I could open a cl*** here and show everyone how to f*$& it up first and then fix it with out exposing your first screw up. Useless
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