Folks Of Interest LeRoy Tex Smith

Me too! He was a guest speaker at one of our MSRA winter banquets a LONG time ago.. and man, the stories he told! He had a booth at BTT50's once too, when he was still publishing Hot Rod Mechanix. Had his Pontiac OHC-six powered roadster there, the hood was in primer and was full of signatures from famous racers and hotrodders. I was already a subscriber, but I don't remember him even doing any sales pitches to get me signed up. Just started talking about rodding like I was an old buddy. Really down-to-earth guy.
I do believe the biography that's been mentioned will be a must-have item for this kid's library!

 

Tex is one of those Guys I can always sit and talk to. I always consider what he has to say and being on the ball and a wealth of knowledge. He is the sort of guy you can ask his opinion on or about a product or firm and he will tell you what he thinks. It is that cold here at present I know Tricia (his wife) is keeping a good eye on him.

 

When I first saw the ***le of this thread I had the same thought, Glad to hear its not what I originally thought. We've been losing too many of the greats lately (I know everybody has their time but it's still not good to hear). I have a few of Tex's books and plan to get more, His biography should be a good read.

 

I too met Tex at a Weeny roast attended by a bunch of teenage Stroker Club members from St. Louis. An Austin Healey pulled in and Tex and a friend had come from Scott Air Base in Illinois. We didn't know that we had met a future Icon of the hot rod culture but after reading his articles later, we were glad to have met him in person.
deChrome

 

Which one of these guys is "TEX"? HRP

 

X2, Where?

 

That's X2,,

 

Read some of his articles back in the day.Well written,and fun reads.Wishing him all the best.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

Next time you see him, say hi from Don Thomas L.A.Roadsters

 

Tex is a great guy and writer. A lot of his articles were written to make you think, not necessarily to follow exactly. I questioned him about an early article that I followed to put an IFS in my 34 that he had not included the steering info. He just grinned and explained that it wasn't really a "how to" article but something to make guys think outside the box. I did learn one thing that evening though, if you are not a Big eater, don't try to keep up with Tex and Ron Ceridono.

 

Which one is Tex in the picture? My guess is Tex is the one holding the hotdog.

 

I'll try and remember that.

 

Sorry, Tex is not in the picture. At that time no one thought to include the stranger in the club member picture. He was just an airman and a buddy that showed up.
deChrome

 

Was talking to Tex yesterday and he's finished writing his biography and it is currently at the publishers (Graffiti Publications in Castlemaine) and they are doing the layout etc before it goes to the printers. A couple of years back Tex wrote a novel - hot rod based of course - but I can't recall the ***le. I've got a mate with a copy and I'll ask him and post back here.

 

Swifty, that would be ***led "1320- may not be what you think."

 

Just spoken with Tex a few minutes ago and he has read this and wanted me to post his thanks to every one for asking after him. His next book is well on the way and being looked after by Graffiti Publications here in Castlemaine. Tex also said he will sign issues when they are ready but you will have to be quick. I think he was feeling the cold today and I caught up with him it was time for morning Smoko so we had a chat about this topic as well as other things.

Message delivered Don.

 

Tex, what a balanced, clear, and to-the-point kind of automotive writer.
Always felt that if he described a project, you could do it too. And he was innovative, many of us
loved his work.

 

This would be it Swifty.

 

Tex sure is a decent stand-up guy. I do like his writing style, it's like he's talking to you. From reading him over the years, I never got the impression that he was "hawking" mfr goods. If he had good things to say about someone, or something, it was the truth. Something you could depend on. I found out later I was correct. When HRMx (the best vertical-nitch mags ever, inc R&C, even considering the late 60's-early 70's !) was having difficulty getting enough subscribers (new & re-ups) during the 1st Gulf war, I did what I could to help. Wasn't enough. I called him & offered investing, via an IRA. To my surprise, he absolutely refused, & when I asked why, he took the time to explain how the magazine business worked, compared to his books, & why it "wasn't suited for an IRA". Coulda knocked me over w/a feather. The mans' honesty & integrity was unbelievable. Tex, I doubt you know my name, or ever remember me. But I remember you. & thanks for signing some HRMx for me. One set is just about worn out. Need to find the 1st book you wrote back when, & the last two books.

Is the Graffitii Publications in the States, same-as/tied-up w/the one in Castlemaine AU ? I'd sure like an autographed one.

BTW; From some things you wrote lately, I get the impression that cancer has visited. ??? If so, please drop me a line. Here via PM/"conversation", or: nrgwizard@usfamily.net. I've come across a couple of things that may help, that I'd point you toward. I get nothing from them, in fact they don't even know I mention it to some folks, although imho, well worth the time & using.

Take care.

Marcus...

 

This link may help a few of you. http://www.graffitipub.com.au/ I am sure Tex's book when available will be well advertised.