Hey guys and gals- I was just about to post a note about a get together at my shop this weekend- but yesterday the phone rang and I got the news about Boyd. I think that the get together should now in part be in memory of Boyd because it's the start of a new chapter in hot rodding. What's happening is the start of something I have been working on with Henry Astor (former Pres. of the AHRF). We are putting together a program aimed at young people (high school age) that will bring their awareness to hot rods and all of motorsports though a series of events and an eventual organization. Plans are to also be a big part of bringing Auto Shops back to high schools and getting every major automotive organization more involved with young people so we can watch motorsports thrive well into the future. We have a couple of the first events planned- but something I have been working on is a project to bring together the knowledge of the 60-80 plus veteran hot rodders together with the youth who need to hear first hand what it was all about. For this I have dedicated an area of my shop to a project that will closely replicate the Reg Schlemmer '27 T (first car on the cover of Hot Rod). All the major pieces are there so the veterans can walk a group of interested youngster though exactly what it was like to put together a competitive hot rod over 60 years ago. Members of the historic "Rod Riders" club will be attending and I want to invite ANYONE who would like to witness this moment first hand when we reach across multiple generations to keep the spark of hot rodding alive and well- and also to remember and honor the loss of one of our heroes Boyd Coddington. We will be getting together this Sunday starting at 2pm at my shop at 517 Figueroa, Wilmington, CA 90744 (110 Fwy to the "C Street" offramp). Plenty of room to park hot rods and I will save a few spots close to the building if you want to drive one. No formal ceremony- just know we will be thinking about a pioneer as we open a new chapter in the big hot rod book and taking some time to remember our friend. Thanks Jim
Need to make a point of the fact this is escpecially for the young guys that want to hear it from the originals what it was all about putting together hot rods in the early days. Let me know who thinks they can make it. All are welcome!
Wish I could make it, the young rodders will benefit greatly. Good cause for a get together and hopefully they'll learn about Boyd's accomplishments and what he gave to the hobby. Oggie
Way to go Jim. Got to give back to the youth. They will be changing our diapers way to soon! Its sad we have to deal with these things, but something positive always comes out of it. Tim @ www.irrationalmetalworks.com
Hey Jim that a great idea working with the younger crowd!! I wish I could be there but it's a long drive from Ohio...Good luck with the project!!
Jim, you should consider posting this on some of the forums around that are really into contemporary hot rods as well. Might help you get a bigger audience.
Sounds like a great program with the 'kids'. I know that any time a youngster asks about mine, I always ask if he/she wants to sit in it. They get a thrill and who knows maybe that's all it takes to get them interested. Enough of this "Hands Off" stuff.
Please feel free to consider anyone younger than my 41 years as a "kid" It's REALLY cool how excited the originators are to pass on this knowledge to the younger guys. I feel without us 40-somethings in the middle the two generations on both ends would never meet and that would be a crime for the young guys to have no real knowledge beyond the pastel 80's as the earliest hot rodding they know about. Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there on Sunday! We will be meeting on Sundays regularly as this grows- eventually taking in other events and then staging our own.
OK, if I didn't read this wrong?? PERFECT chance for me finally (and maybe others) to get to your place because, according to my calender it's the same day as Long Beach Swap Meet, and basically the same area. If I'm right, maybe you can mention that to others as well? If not, and I goofed, ignore this. haha
Wish I knew about it earlier. Already made a commitment to go to the Santa Paula Show at the airport. Hope you have guys have fun.
Good idea. But if you really want to hook 'em, you have to give them a ride. Talking and trying to get them to grasp it, is good and all, but you take someone impressionable for a rip in an open header fast hot rod and they'll be hooked right then.
That's what we plan on doing once we take the program to interested schools. See and feel the cars and let the rest take over.
Oops -- thought I read that your deal was Saturday. I am also committed to the Santa Paula thing; I'll try to stop by SoCal on the way home.
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